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07 tacoma

desertcpl - 8-2-2009 at 12:30 PM

I would like recommendations on tires and maybe shocks,
its a 2007 Tacoma ACC cab 4x4,, TRD off road package,,I have about 34k on the truck,, tires are still okay but I would not want to go to Gonzaga Bay with them now,, I have heard in the past on BN that I need at least 3ply side walls,, dont need any thing far out as most of my driving is here in yuma and on the road,, also when I have been on very rough washboard roads,, I dont think the Bilstein shcoks are really doing there job,,

truck07.jpg - 35kB

TacoFeliz - 8-2-2009 at 12:57 PM

Some folks will jump right up and say 'this has been hashed over on the board a bunch of times' and it has, but I (and many friends with me on trips) have had consistent good luck with BFG All Terrain T/A's. They have good sidewall strength, resist punctures well, are not too noisy on pavement and offer good traction in sand and on rocks. They can be aired way down for really soft sand. Like all tires, a sharp rock or stick can puncture or rip a sidewall, but it is rare.

BFG also makes a cheaper tire called a Rugged Trail. Avoid these at all costs. They have thinner sidewalls and treads and are an instrument of the devil. They came stock on my 2004 Tundra from the factory and just stunk. BFG also makes Mud Terrain radials which are great tires, very tough but VERY noisy on pavement. Like 'can't hear the radio or talk' noisy.

To get some apples-to-apples comparisons of sidewall specs and tread depth, go the BFG website. They have a grid of tire sizes, load ratings and sizes.

Yokohama and Michelin also build some very good tires which others may have more info on. Be sure to check the load rating. ABCDEF etc. I use "D" on my Tundra, which has a small pop top camper (1000 lbs) on it and they are very comfortable on the freeway in town, as well as on washboard and rocks. 35,000 miles so far on this set and they are a little over halfway down on tread wear. I'll replace them soon, since the sidewalls suffer over time. With an earlier vehicle I generally wore out the tire before the tread was to the wear bars. Anyway, on the load rating, if somebody tries to sell you an F rated tire because it is tough, just walk away. It will ride like a buckboard since the sidewalls are so stout. Tough though...

Several manufacturers make good shocks. Bilstein, Rancho... Others will have their favorites. I run Demello aftermarket coilover shocks in the front (2" lift) and Bilstein in the back. Works well for what I have. If you need non-stock springs or replacements in the back to level the load or lift it, I can recommend Deaver Spring in Santa Ana. They built mine, custom for my load and ride height for $320 in a morning, while I waited. They've been building springs for about 100 years, starting with wagons and buggies and really know their way around leaf springs.

Hope this helps.

Udo - 8-2-2009 at 01:02 PM

David K?

How 'bout this?

John M - 8-2-2009 at 01:18 PM

I agree with TacoFeliz on the points he made.

I now have BFG LT265/75R-16 All Terrain K/Os are on my 2006 Tacoma. The original tires gave 20,000 or so miles before I replaced them.

I replaced the shocks with Bilstein 5100s front and rear to give a little firmer ride and to accomodate the slight lift, the ride is certainly not harsh. I went more inexpensively that TacoFeliz and used a Daystar kit for front and rear to gain an additional 2 - 2 1/2 inches of lift. I will probably replace the upper control arms in the near future because of the lift.

The rear still will bottom out on a good bump but the air bag kit David K used would prevent that.

My parts (shocks & lift kits) came to $481 from Wheeler's Off Road, Grants Pass, Oregon.

Photo does not show the larger tires nor lift.

John M

[Edited on 8-2-2009 by John M]

Toy.jpg - 39kB

desertcpl - 8-2-2009 at 02:37 PM

thanks tacofeliz

I know this has been on here before,, but I was unable to find it,, any way,, my truck came stock with BF rugged trail , so I will be upgrading very soon,,

john m ,, thanks also for the input

DianaT - 8-2-2009 at 02:43 PM

I know some will disagree, but we are on our third set of BFG All Terrain tires ---trouble free. Tundra is slipping, but the tires aren't

We put between 40 and 50 thousand on them and only change them then because of where we drive.

David K - 8-2-2009 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by udowinkler
David K?

As stated... this is all been greatly discussed on Nomad and one only need to use the search feature at the top of the page. I think you will find all of my Tacoma modification and tire threads in the Nomad Off Road forum.

Here is the thread on improving the REAR suspension... which was too soft.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=26974

Otherwise, the only other changes have been tires and lighting.

Here is the tire thread: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=16698

Here is from that thread:

>>>On this truck, I had the Cooper agressive mud tires Discoverer STT, they looked great (like what Ken likes) but were bad in sand (where I do most my four wheeling) and very noisey on the highway (where I do most my driving). They gave me the most mileage of any tire, 38,000. So, I look forward to seeing what kind of milage these new Cooper truck tires give me... they are quiet.

So, here is a quick history of tires on my '05 Tacoma:

BFG Rugged Trails 0-25,000 miles (ie. 25,000 miles)

Cooper Discoverer STTs 25,000-60,000 (57K & 63K) miles (ie. ~35,000 miles)

Toyo Open Country A/Ts 60,000 (57K & 63K)-85,000 miles (ie. ~25,000 miles)

Cooper Discoverer ATRs: 85,000 - ?(at 97,000 miles now)

=======================================

On my '01 Tacoma I used BFG Rugged Trails (stock, then replaced with same for the second set, and then switched to Futura Dakotas (made by Cooper and sold at Pep Boys). I got no more than 30,000 miles on any of them. <<<

The Tacoma is just soooo darn well built, it doesn't need much to make it 'Baja Proven'!

[Edited on 8-2-2009 by David K]

BajaNomad - 8-2-2009 at 03:05 PM

FWIW,

Multiple sidewall blowouts for me with BFG A/T's on my Toyotas (now on my third Toyota 4x). Off-road and on-road. So, I looked elsewhere.

I've now enjoyed many years of no drama, no problems with Bridgestone Dueler A/T's. (691/693/Revo)

I'm sure the BFG Baja T/A's are stout, but that's a different league - and I'd never go back to the All-Terrains unless there was a significant design change. The BFG evangelists will tout the specs of their 3-ply sidewall, but my experience says it doesn't matter - even when aired-down or aired-up appropriately.

Bilsteins have been satisfactory for me. Installed them aftermarket, and had to replace the fronts this year after the latest Baja trip where I ruined one (warranty replacement; thank you Bilstein!). Have not tried any other advanced suspension configuration outside what came stock on my Tacoma.

The Firestone Destination A/T's (made by the same company) have gotten good reports, but I'll be sticking with the Dueler A/T's for the foreseeable future.

-
Doug

[Edited on 8-2-2009 by BajaNomad]

desertcpl - 8-2-2009 at 03:20 PM

thanks all for all the input,, I will also look at the other treads that DK was speaking about.

I know I want a good tire for sure,, our last trip to Gonzaga,, it really had me worried with stock tires,,bfg rugged trail.
the dealer here in yuma,, put heaver springs in the rear,,, was a factory bullitin

[Edited on 8-2-2009 by desertcpl]

mtgoat666 - 8-2-2009 at 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
FWIW,

Multiple sidewall blowouts for me with BFG A/T's on my Toyotas (now on my third Toyota 4x). Off-road and on-road. So, I looked elsewhere.

I've now enjoyed many years of no drama, no problems with Bridgestone Dueler A/T's. (691/693/Revo)

i second the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo in p-metric (not the 693 or 695). They cost much less than BFG All-Terrains that only come in LT metric.

toyota toacomas and 4runners do well with p-metric all-terrain tires. p-metrics are good for occasional towing and heavy loads, do fine off road, and have better road manners than LT tires.

of course, p tires are less macho than LT tires, so I expect many people have had their manhood questioned and will soon post how their LT tires are better, blah, blah, blah.

my comments aply only to trucks/suvs using stock rims/sizes. if you have a lift and ovsersize tires, well, you need a roll cage and helmet :lol:

dk, you always list all those various tires, but never specify if LT or P (and LT load range), so not too usefull data

[Edited on 8-2-2009 by mtgoat666]

mtgoat666 - 8-2-2009 at 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
thanks all for all the input,, I will also look at the other treads that DK was speaking about.

I know I want a good tire for sure,, our last trip to Gonzaga,, it really had me worried with stock tires,,bfg rugged trail

those stock tires are fine for dirt roads. use 'em up before you buy new. you lose a lot of money throwing away good tires.
more importantly, carry 2 spares and you'll probably get by OK.

Hook - 8-2-2009 at 03:30 PM

This is the first time I've ever heard someone refer to BFG AT T/As as not being noisy on the highway. They are.

No comment on the correct tires for the Toy Tonka, er, Tacoma. :lol:

One thing is for sure; the Rugged Trails really suck. Incredibly short lifespan on the trucks I've seen them on. 30k on a truck as light as a Tacoma is ridiculous.

Barry A. - 8-2-2009 at 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
This is the first time I've ever heard someone refer to BFG AT T/As as not being noisy on the highway. They are.

No comment on the correct tires for the Toy Tonka, er, Tacoma. :lol:

One thing is for sure; the Rugged Trails really suck. Incredibly short lifespan on the trucks I've seen them on. 30k on a truck as light as a Tacoma is ridiculous.

OK, Hook, here is the "second time"-----------I have run BFG AT T/A's "C-rating" for years, on 3 different vehicles (1 SUV, and 2 F-250's), and they are completely quiet, almost imperceptably so, and no, I am not yet deaf. :lol:

It would appear that we ALL are simply reflecting our personal and observed experiences, and there is quite a difference. I love my BFG AT's because they have been very good to me, and I have owned 6 or 7 sets over the years, and have used them extensively in the dirt, both in Baja and here in the States.

I agree that the Rugged Trail's leave something to be desired, and I will replace them when they wear out with AT's. (I am trying to wear a set out on my '07 Nissan X-Terra right now----17K miles and counting) I must admit that I have put a lot of miles on the BFG Rugged Trails with only one fatal puncture when the tires were new--------a 1/2 " think stick went clean thru the tread face----not a good sign. I wish the buggers would wear out so I can replace them with a tougher MACHOOOOOOO tire (AT's, of course----no P-metric woooosy tires for me).

Barry

Hook - 8-2-2009 at 04:03 PM

Try and make the Rugged Trails last another year. By then, the worst of the Gonzaga route will be paved. Pick up some Michelins with the THREE plys of steel in the tread. :lol:

Yes, Barry, we are all reporting what we have seen and read and, I might add, HEARD. What else is there?

I have seen sidewall damage on BFG TA ATs 4 or 5 times. In two of those cases, the tires had seen almost no off road use.

I'm with Doug, if those are supposed to be superior because of their 3 ply sidewalls, then the plys must be the thickness of nori.

Barry A. - 8-2-2009 at 04:30 PM

Hook---------Michilins are great, as are Bridgestone Duelers--------had good luck with both--------also had good luck with Coopers---------in fact I have had consistant bad-luck only with Firestone and General, and that was years ago. I dealt with a lot of 4x4 trucks in the dirt as the Chief Ranger for the El Centro BLM (13 years) and we went thru a lot of tires-------truth is that most tires these days are pretty darn good as long as you buy the "right" tire for the vehicle and use you intend to use them for, and carry the "right" air pressure in them. Over-inflate in the dirt and you will have problems with any tire-------under inflate and you will have problems on the highway--------you have to run air pressure that is appropriate for the "use" and load you are carrying-------that is the secret that is not so secret to long-life tires. For our trucks that were not heavily loaded, we ran 26 lbs. consistantly in our slightly oversize "C" rated tires on special 8" rims, and that worked well in the dirt, but still kept them from overheating on the highway. We spent a lot of time in the dirt, less on the highway. Most tire problems are from weight, which requires higher pressures------higher pressures in the dirt is not good, but you have no choice when you have heavy weight to carry. There are so many trade-offs-----there is no one "rule" that works, in my experience, and make a mistake and you are going to destroy tires, no-matter what the brand.

Barry

desertcpl - 8-2-2009 at 05:02 PM

thanks again

I am getting a good education here,, keep it up,, love it

redhilltown - 8-3-2009 at 12:17 AM

I think the main point here is that if you have the proper tires, the proper suspension, and the proper psi, will a cooler of cold Pacifico bottles survive a serious off road experience?

If you have to switch to cans, is it worth it?

:?:

bonanza bucko - 8-3-2009 at 06:20 AM

All the guys on here have good advice. The only thing I would add is the need for an overload spring on the back.

Then a question: I have a 2004 Tundra 4X4 Limited that I love. It has 145000 miles on it and it's gonna make it another 100000 I hope. It goes down "That Road" to Gonzaga Bay all the time with TAs and I have never had one problem except the one below that was my fault. But it's getting old and one day it's gonna be replaced.

I HATE the new Tundras...the only thing missing on them is a Dodge logo and a bull's horns on the hood and his balls on the hitch....too big, too cheezy and buddies of mine have them that have failed on That Road due to thin sheet metal etc.....one had the plastic radiator brackets break on the washboard. Another tells me that the dashboard glare shield rattles....that NEVER happened with my old Tundra.

So.....Is the new, bigger Tacoma as stout and good as am old model Tundra? I wonder and I would love to hear what you think about that.

If I had a new big Tacoma it would have D range TAs, an overload spring in the rear and FabTech coil overs in front and about a two inch lift.

I also don't think you can get a Tacoma with a Limited package including leather seats. Too bad...maybe they'll fix that.

Re Bilstiens: I overloaded my Tundra last summer with 1100 pounds of solar system batteries, thee people and food and booze for two weeks and went down "that road" with the four inch washboard on a day when it was 112F outside. The Bilstiens only had about a quarter inch of travel and at 25 MPH they melted! Luckily I had a pair of Ranchos down there which we put on to get home. But Bilstien stood behind the shocks. I took the truck to ORW to replace the Ranchos, which were for stand by only, and I was surprised that the warranty was good. I told them that the melt was my fault....too heavy, too fast, too hot and etc. But they replaced them anyhow. Nice.
Thanks.

Glass Pacificos on "That Road"

bonanza bucko - 8-3-2009 at 06:24 AM

For Redhilltown:
No need to go to cans....we ALWAYS have at least two cases of Pacifico bottles, bought in San Felipe at the Corona store, in the back and we have never had any trouble getting them to Gonzaga Bay....except for failing to keep some passengers, who will remain un named, from drinking all of them on the way.

But the cans ain't too bad...Pacifico tastes good no matter what it's outa....especially on the beach on a hot day and with good friends.

David K - 8-3-2009 at 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bonanza bucko

But the cans ain't too bad...Pacifico tastes good no matter what it's outa....especially on the beach on a hot day and with good friends.

Amen!

Hook - 8-3-2009 at 07:48 AM

I've been a bottle snob for a while; kinda become legendary among my friends about this. You know, showing up at parties with my own liters of beer and such.

Anyway, I have given up on bottles in serious transportation situations like long cabover camper trips and.................on the boat. Even one el explodo every couple months is a disaster with the cleanup and all the glass shards. Plus, people accidently throw out my deposit bottles or I accidently leave them on someone elses boat.

So, we're packing cans................and pouring into insulated coffee mugs or beer cups. Beer should not be drunk out of cans, IMO. I can always taste it, especially near the bottom.

desertcpl - 8-3-2009 at 08:50 AM

I travel with Tecate in cans,, works for me

El Camote - 8-3-2009 at 08:55 AM

As an alternative to the BFG AT, I had BFG Long trails on my VW bus some years ago and ran it all over Baja, in many places I shouldn't, including many trips between San Felipe and Gonzaga. No problems. Also ran KYB shocks w/o problems. It may be apples and oranges regarding the weights of the two vehicles though.

Neal Johns - 8-3-2009 at 01:05 PM

As the tire guy for the120 family 4wd group, Desert Explorers.org, I see that (and recommend) about 80% have BFG All Terrain tires on their vehicles. However, there are several brands that have three ply sidewall LT tires that should work. "P" (passenger) tires do not stand up well under Baja use.

If you get on really bad roads often, a 2" lift helps. The cheep way (John M is cheep :lol:

:lol

is to use a "leveling kit", a spacer on the front coil springs. Of course, if, like me, you married well, (looks aren't everything) you can put in King coilovers. I'm sure no one on the forum I have ever tweaked will tell Marian I said that, huh?

If you carry much of a load, you will need an add-a-leaf or air bag in the rear to level it.

woody with a view - 8-3-2009 at 01:13 PM

why does robbie gordon run toyo's? gotta be more than sponsor $, right?

Neal Johns - 8-3-2009 at 01:25 PM

$$$
Racing tires only have the brand name in common with street tires.

Barry A. - 8-3-2009 at 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neal Johns
As the tire guy for the120 family 4wd group, Desert Explorers.org, I see that (and recommend) about 80% have BFG All Terrain tires on their vehicles. However, there are several brands that have three ply sidewall LT tires that should work. "P" (passenger) tires do not stand up well under Baja use.

If you get on really bad roads often, a 2" lift helps. The cheep way (John M is cheep :lol:

:lol

If you carry much of a load, you will need an add-a-leaf or air bag in
the rear to level it.

Amazing---------Neal got it ALL right. :lol:

------some of the best advice I have heard on the subject (he must have a ghost researcher, or something)

Well done, Tire Guy!!!

Barry

Neal Johns - 8-3-2009 at 09:24 PM

Barry, I'm just OLD and have been there. Armstrong Tru-Tracks anyone? :lol:

Barry A. - 8-3-2009 at 09:41 PM

Personally, I use aircraft tires myself!!! (and the occasional Norseman)

Barry