Transforming a Second-Generation Tacoma from Overland Rig to Prerunner

November 6, 2024
Two people stand in front of a white truck with its hood open, surrounded by various car parts and accessories like tires, seats, and boxes labeled Dirt King and Powertrax. A large yellow banner above them reads

In the automotive world, there is a unique subculture dedicated to transforming everyday vehicles into formidable off-road machines. The team at Tacoma Beast Channel recently embarked on an ambitious project to convert a second-generation Tacoma from an Overland rig into a pre-runner. This transformation not only highlights the versatility of the Tacoma but also showcases the craftsmanship behind custom builds. By stripping down and rebuilding the Tacoma with specialized components, the team aims to improve its off-road performance dramatically.

Removing Overland Gear

The first step in this epic transformation was to remove all the Overland gear that had previously been outfitted on the Tacoma. This included accessories like awnings, a roof rack, and a bed slide. While these components were invaluable for Overlanding, providing storage and shelter, they contributed unnecessary weight for a pre-runner build. Pre-runners are designed to traverse deserts at high speed, requiring lightweight and streamlined builds.

Man wearing a black Tacoma Beast t-shirt and a cap, sitting in front of a red brick wall with a potted plant in the background.
A person wearing a glove uses a tool to apply a wrap to the fender of a blue vehicle, likely a prerunner, in a garage setting.
A group of people including a man, a woman holding a child, and another child are walking on a dirt path. In the background are stacks of tires and parked vehicles, including a camper trailer. The setting appears to be an industrial area.

Challenges of Customization

Customizing a vehicle to this extent is not without its challenges. Sentimental attachments to parts like the awning and bed slide posed emotional hurdles for Dustin, the truck’s owner. Every component removed reflected years of memories and adventures. Despite this, the promise of a more agile and high-performance vehicle kept the team motivated. The goal was clear: to build a pre-runner that could conquer any terrain with ease.

Crafting a Custom Bumper

The Tacoma’s initial build included a heavy bumper that was not suitable for high-speed desert runs. Therefore, the team collaborated with Khil Fab to craft a custom lightweight bumper. This process required intricate design and fabrication skills, with the goal of improving the truck’s approach angle and reducing weight. The custom bumper was designed to integrate seamlessly with the Tacoma’s frame, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional improvements.

Workshop with metalworking tools and equipment, shelves with metal rods, a large fan, and a white truck with the hood open resembling a prerunner. A person is working near the vehicle.
A person wearing a dark hoodie and cap stands in a garage or workshop. They are holding a metal component and wearing gloves. Behind them are black cabinets, a gas cylinder, and a welding machine. The space is organized with various tools and equipment.

The Art of Fabrication

Fabrication is often described as an art form, and the build team at Khil Fab certainly lived up to this characterization. They meticulously designed and tested the bumper, ensuring that it not only looked good but also enhanced the truck’s performance. This involved cutting and welding to fit the bumper precisely, demonstrating their expertise and passion for automotive artistry. The resulting bumper was a testament to what skilled craftsmanship can achieve.

A person uses a power tool to work on a black metal vehicle frame in a workshop. Shelving units, automotive equipment, and tools are visible in the background.

Upgrading the Braking System

With high-speed desert runs in mind, upgrading the Tacoma’s braking system was crucial. The team chose to install an x-line big brake kit from Power Brake, which featured significantly larger calipers and rotors. This upgrade was essential to ensure the truck could stop effectively in challenging terrain. Pre-runners require enhanced braking systems to manage the intense demands of off-road racing.

Importance of Reliable Brakes

A robust braking system is paramount for any off-road vehicle. In the desert, where conditions can be unpredictable, having reliable brakes can make the difference between a thrilling adventure and a dangerous situation. This upgrade not only improved safety but also added to the overall performance of the Tacoma, making it more capable of handling the stresses of off-road environments.

Fiberglass Bedside Installation

To achieve the desired pre-runner look and functionality, the team installed wide-body fiberglass bedsides. This modification allowed for greater wheel travel and provided the necessary clearance for oversized tires. Advanced Fiberglass Concepts handled the installation, demonstrating their expertise in custom body modifications. This step was crucial in preparing the Tacoma for its new life as a pre-runner.

Enhancing Aesthetic and Performance

Fiberglass bedsides not only contribute to the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also enhance its performance. By allowing for larger tires and increased wheel travel, these modifications improve off-road capabilities. The expertise of Advanced Fiberglass Concepts ensured that the installation was precise, maintaining the vehicle’s structural integrity while enhancing its visual presence on the trail.

A modified pickup truck with large off-road tires and a custom front bumper parked in an industrial area.

The Final Touches and Beyond

With the major modifications complete, the final step was to wrap the Tacoma in a striking blue color. This new look symbolized the transformation from a versatile Overland rig to a dedicated pre-runner. The team at Beyond Wraps executed the color change flawlessly, adding the finishing touch to the revamped Tacoma. Now equipped with customized suspension, robust brakes, and a lightweight body, the Tacoma was ready to tackle the desert with newfound agility.

Future Prospects and Considerations

As these modifications illustrate, transforming a vehicle into a pre-runner involves detailed planning and expertise. Such projects require careful consideration of performance upgrades, weight reduction, and aesthetic enhancements. For enthusiasts considering similar transformations, partnering with skilled professionals can ensure a successful and satisfying build. These experts not only bring technical skills but also a passion for crafting unique vehicles that can conquer any terrain.

A French Bulldog with a gray coat lies on a textured rubber mat indoors with a broom visible in the background.

Overall, the transformation of Dustin’s Tacoma into a pre-runner is a testament to the potential of customization. By leveraging expert craftsmanship and innovative design, the team at Tacoma Beast has created a vehicle that embodies the spirit of adventure and performance. As it takes on the challenges of the desert, this pre-runner will undoubtedly inspire other enthusiasts to pursue their own custom builds, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of off-road vehicles.

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