2001 dc

[Sprockett]

Well, I got my toyota and I'm pretty happy with it.

2001 DC
228,000kms
Auto
AC
Power windows/locks
Remote start
32" Dueler Revo 2
Completely lined bed
Hitch/7 pin
Shiny Black Topper

Now to decide how to modify it. The goal is a capable enough truck to wheel where I want while keeping iits road manner for highway trips and able to take the family.

Full pics here: http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/Day%20one/

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/Day%20one/DSC05655.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/Day%20one/DSC05657.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/Day%20one/DSC05658.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/Day%20one/DSC05660.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/Day%20one/DSC05664.jpg

[874runnersr5]

haha do you live in hidden valley?

[Hounddog]

That sir, is a beauty of a truck. Nice find!

[Sprockett]

Yeah, hidden Valley. I think we've talked before on 4Wheeler.ca when I had my old 4Runner.

[874runnersr5]

Yeah you live like 2 mins away from me. He he might have to steal your truck lol

[S/C '03 taco]

Well, I got my toyota and I'm pretty happy with it.

2001 DC
228,000kms
Auto
AC
Power windows/locks
Remote start
32" Dueler Revo 2
Completely lined bed
Hitch/7 pin
Shiny Black Topper

Now to decide how to modify it. The goal is a capable enough truck to wheel where I want while keeping iits road manner for highway trips and able to take the family.

Just starting here this morning.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/DSC05635.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/DSC05636.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u24/ryansclarkcar/Tacoma/DSC05637.jpg

danm it....now i'm not the only one with a black double cab first gen taco.....
but i am still the only one with a SUPERCHARGED black d-cab :)
if you need any help ryan with what to do with your new ride give me a shout and i would love to help you out with it...ask nathan he'll tell you about me

[Winch]

Very noicce!

[Doc McCoy]

Excellent. Another first gen. Remember to start a build thread, and you can start by posting up the mods you are planning to do! First gens are the way to go!

[uriedog]

nice truck. I tried to find one of those (with no luck) before I bought the Surf.

[Chaos]

Excellent. Another first gen. Remember to start a build thread, and you can start by posting up the mods you are planning to do! First gens are the way to go!

Yup First Gen's are where it's at!! There's only one problem..........what do we do with all our stock parts? hahah

[Sprockett]

Thanks guys, I will start a build thread soon.

if you need any help ryan with what to do with your new ride give me a shout and i would love to help you out with it...ask nathan he'll tell you about me

I just may take you up on this :)

[freeze]

Pretty awesome looking Tacoma!! Congratulations!

Here are some options for your suspension for IFS.

Icon Vehicle Dynamics
Stage 2.
http://www.iconvehicledynamics.org/catalog/images/96-04TacoSTAGE2.jpg
- Rebuildable Extended Travel Coil-over
- Upper Control Arm
- Rear progressive IVD AAL
- Rear Resi- Shocks
- Appx. 10" of travel
$1,748 USD

Camburg/Sway away Racing
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/CamKitSystem2.jpg
- Rebuildable 2.5" Coil-over
- Camburg UCA
$1,403 USD

Toytec
Bilstein Shock lift
http://www.toyteclifts.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Ultimate_Tacoma__4ac27461be42e.jpg
- Not Rebuildable Bilstein 5100 threaded shock body with 500 or 600lbs coil
- Rear add a leaf
- Rear 5100 Shocks
$969.00 USD

If you're looking for Max. travel without going Long Travel, the Icon's provide an additional amount of travel with their extended travel shock. Anyone know of any other suspension companies that provide this for the Tacoma?

Camburg will need an additional rear set up with either a full rear leaf pack or just a plain AAL and shock.

The Toytec is the cheapest but isn't rebuildable, nor will it handle as well over the washboards over time as it will experience shock fade. But this shouldn't be a problem if you're not into driving spiritly over rough roads.

David W. (DocMcCoy) runs the Icon's on his Tacoma as he can provide some input on their system.

[S/C '03 taco]

i just may take you up on this :)

well anytime you need feel free to send me a pm or just ask nathan or david wakely for my number.... I have the same truck but mine is a 2003 black d-cab and i just happen to be a toyota tech at country hills toyota...so any questions you have ryan fell free i'm more then happy to help you stay away from those useless jeeps,lol

[S/C '03 taco]

if you're looking for max. Travel without going long travel, the icon's provide an additional amount of travel with their extended travel shock. Anyone know of any other suspension companies that provide this for the tacoma?

the all pro 3 inch lift bilstien coilover system adds suspension travel and have a nice pivot system on them at the top mount which alows a little more droop.....come on nathan i showed you these for my truck....

[Sprockett]

All-Pro Bilstein Coil-Over

http://www.allprooffroad.com/images/stories/Tacoma/suspension/coiloverkit01-600w.jpg

Coilover system - $699USD
UCA - $499USD
Diff Drop - $29USD
================
$1227USD


The top Icon system does not actually include any UCAs. Anyone know who makes their dampener?

Bilstein makes some damn good shocks and struts for all types of applications. Knowing what I know of them from my auto racing hobby I would trust their dampener far more then a small shop making their own. Given that, I'm relatively new to offroad suspensions, maybe Icon (donohue) and Sway-a-away are bigger then I think? or maybe a big company still builds their shocks and they are rebadged?

Given that, I am leaning towards the Toytec coilovers or the All-Pro ones which seem to be about the same price and the same product. Of that, leaning to All-Pro because I'll probably get their UCA as well (at least).

[Sprockett]

Rear suspension:

I'm not looking really for load capacity, etc. OME and other stuff mostly seems stiffer due to the expedition nature.

Gary, how you get that kind of flex in the rear? Are those chev springs? what about your shackles? are they big part of the flexibility?

[freeze]

The top Icon system does not actually include any UCAs. Anyone know who makes their dampener?


The quote does provide the UCA as it was added to the order manually in their check out.

I'm not sure, Etienne and I were comparing dampeners and the components seem almost identical to Fox racing. But it's hard to say what the internals are. Icon used to make their own shocks when they were named...(Doc I need your help here.. :D)

Sorry Chris... I totally forgot and yes that's a pretty nice set up from All-Pro.

Longer shackles allow for more height and may offer some more droop, however, with longer shackles without a track bar, you will experience a looser rear end (swaying) due to the added leverage. If the shackles are boxed (centre section that connects the two outer pieces of the shackle) it provides a little more stability. Longer shackles generally equal less stability and more opportunity for the leaves to unload.

Gary runs a track bar so that pretty much keeps things under control in the back while allowing him to run the blocks safely.

How much gear would you be carrying on a trip to the Rubicon?

Ex:
- Hi-Lift 40LBS
- Spare Wheel/Tire 80 LBS
- Tools 50LBS
- Gas 40 LBS
- Water for 4 100LBS
- Camping Gear for 4 80 LBS
- Porto toilette :D 2 LBS
- Spare parts 40-60 LBS
- Kids 120 LBS?
- Wife 100 LBS? ;)
- Food for 4 for 3days 30LBS
- Cooking gear 15 LBS
- Topper? 200LBS
--------------------------
900LBS APRX.

This is just an example of course.

Any ideas for the rear set up guys/gals? I'm almost thinking custom Alcan or the OME HD pack. The OME allows for a middle leaf removal if it's too stiff but offers really good flex.

The All-Pro 3" pack offers the same load carrying as stock which is better than the Deaver's.

I run the 3" pack from All-Pro and I'm going to have to add an overload or a few more leaves because I'm sagging quite a bit with only 300LBS extra weight on the Tacoma. Just from what I've noticed with Will's OME HD pack on his Tacoma it handles weight much better and also is very flexy.

[Winch]

Gary, how you get that kind of flex in the rear? Are those chev springs? what about your shackles? are they big part of the flexibility?

Yep, they are aftermarket 63" leafs (same as chevvys) made by Standens (or whoever they contract out to). I am really happy with these because in the two years I've ran them I have not noticed any sagging yet and they flex pretty well. They will actually flex way better than they currently do because my shocks are too short. The longer shackles are more for lift and won't affect flexing by much.

[Sprockett]

The quote does provide the UCA as it was added to the order manually in their check out.


I don't see a UCA offered at all by ICON for my generation. Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Ryan

[freeze]

oops sorry you're right Ryan... It was the IDV coating that I thought was a UCA...haha

No UCA's by Icon it looks like.

[Winch]

Longer shackles allow for more height and may offer some more droop, however, with longer shackles without a track bar, you will experience a looser rear end (swaying) due to the added leverage. If the shackles are boxed (centre section that connects the two outer pieces of the shackle) it provides a little more stability. Longer shackles generally equal less stability and more opportunity for the leaves to unload.

Gary runs a track bar so that pretty much keeps things under control in the back while allowing him to run the blocks safely.


I agree that blocks add more leverage causing more axle wrap which can be eliminated with a trackbar, but not so sure that a longer shackle contributes anything to leverage, Nathan. :)

[Doc McCoy]

oops sorry you're right Ryan... It was the IDV coating that I thought was a UCA...haha

No UCA's by Icon it looks like.

It looks as though they have stopped the production of the Icon UCA for our trucks. It's too bad. It was made out of a solid piece of machined aluminum (no welds and extra beefy). If you can get a chance ... look at Richard King's UCAs vs anyone elses ... they are really impressive. It also has a dust cap to protect the uniball (not in the picture).

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/5-8550.jpg

They are a little more pricey than the other UCAs. At least a grand USD. If you are interested in them ... I would phone around. I'd be willing to bet that HRT in Okotoks or Wheeler's Offroad in Oregon still has a set.

[Sprockett]

Wow, yes these are nice. I'm sure they are strong but to be honest, I'm sure any of the competitors are simply strong enough for what most people realistically need and almost half the price.

For the Chev springs, are the appeal of these really the flex per dollar? I see them presented as a 'cheap' way to get more flex and a comfy ride...as in head to the junk yard and pull some springs for $80. It does, however, require welding and cutting things on and off the frame...things I can't do myself. Is it possible to get as good flex out of a custom, shorter spring that would bolt in? or is the length the key to load/flex/comfort equation?

[Tacorossa]

Do you have any pictures of your truck without snow on it? That thing looks mint. Congratulations! Great find.

[freeze]

but not so sure that a longer shackle contributes anything to leverage, Nathan. :)

Yeah it won't be axle wrap it's mostly lateral stability if the longer shackle isn't braced in the middle. I've run a longer shackle in the back but it wasn't braced in the middle like Marlin's and wasn't very fun on the highway and on off-camber stuff. Weird shifting. I believe the most you can go with a shackle without bracing is 4"

Yeah the chev conversion is the best bang for your buck, but will require new hangers in the front and hangers for the shackles in the rear due to the longer leafs.

Longer leafs = more flex and more ride comfort.

This is Marlin's Kit. I run the 4" in my 81. Great set up.

http://www.marlincrawler.com/sites/all/marlin/files/rearkit640.jpg
http://www.marlincrawler.com/suspension/full-kits/rear-lift-kit-hilux-1979-95

You can do a bolt in set up in the rear and still get pretty good droop and flex.
This is All-Pro's
http://www.allprooffroad.com/images/stories/Tacoma/suspension/9504rearkit/9504rearkit.jpg
http://www.allprooffroad.com/9504tacomarearsuspension/9504rearsuspensionkits

I run All-Pro's 3" in the rear of my Tacoma and it performs well. Handles well on the road and provides a decent amount of droop in the rear. Now your Gen. Tacoma will provide more droop due to your shackles being the right way and not inverted like the new Tacoma's.

The other thing to consider with added droop is your driveshaft splines. Too much droop and not enough spline travel and you're going to have your drive shaft come apart. I've had that happen with the front on my 81. Way too much flex for the drive shaft length.

[freeze]

Here's Expedition West's Tacoma on the Rubicon before Rubicon Springs.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/slideshow/BillSwails-img_00771020710033.jpg

So Donahoe Racing was Icon Vehicle Dynamics.... David?

Front Set Up:
IFS, Donahoe Racing Coil-over's with 650 lb coils

Rear Set Up:
Solid Axle, Custom Deaver 10 leaf packs designed for a 600-800 pound rear axle payload, Bilstein 5100 (Part Number F4-BE5-6256-H5), Downey Shackles

Unfortunately Downey Off-Road is no longer...

[Sprockett]

Interesting. If I'm going to accept that the IFS front won't have more then 10" travel, I want to do the rear right.

Does the club have any relationship with All Pro? There is a good chance I might end up ordering quite a bit from them...Their quality have been called into question online in discussions I've seen. Since quite a few inthe club are running there stuff first hand, what are your opinions?

Starting a proper build thread...

I'll get some pics soon Tacorossa :)

[Winch]

Yeah it won't be axle wrap it's mostly lateral stability if the longer shackle isn't braced in the middle.

Ah, OK, I agree. It's just that when you said "with longer shackles without a track bar, you will experience a looser rear end" you lost me. The track bar wouldn't do much for lateral stability.

Also, Ryan for what you are planning for the front end, I would not suggest chevvys for the rear end. It would be overkill. You'd be better off with going with a bolt-on set-up as suggested above. For now that is - until you do the SAS :D

[freeze]

Sarah and Jon from All-Pro have really backed us up huge with some really impressive support. We've run two "group buys" they're technically not a group buy because we're buying their parts a la carte. They've dropped their prices so much with us that they barely made money on the past two orders. This is one of the benefits of being a paid member is the ability to participate in aftermarket support with CT4WD. This is also a barrier we're trying to break with pricing in Canada.

They have great customer service, solid products and a passion for Toyota's. Marlin uses all their parts for Marlin's suspension kits.

CT4WD gets really amazing support from All-Pro.

[freeze]

Also, Ryan for what you are planning for the front end, I would not suggest chevvys for the rear end. It would be overkill. You'd be better off with going with a bolt-on set-up as suggested above. For now that is - until you do the SAS :D

haha... agreed... also if your rear flexes waaaay more than your front IFS it'll put you into strange situations and if the rear end unloads there won't be enough pressure on the front to compensate which sometimes leads to roll overs. Where if your rear comes off the ground because of limited droop in the rear you'll feel it right away and will warn you of a possible unloading of the rear.

[Sprockett]

added new pics