New Battery & Brakes

[shreadhead]

I need a new battery for my '99 Tacoma 2.7. Currently I run a stereo system that includes two amps and in the near future I will have two ham radio's, and a ham license. I would like to have the two stock auxilliary power supplies to have power when the truck is off. I'll also be getting new tires soon on the stock alloys, so it's time for new brakes. I need heavy duty brakes because I haul heavy loads occasionally. The truck only has about 75000 miles on it, but how long should the clutch last? BTW, the wife is fully on board for this make-over as long as all things remain on a needed basis, but I want high quality all the way around.
Brent

[pray4surf]

IMO the best brake upgrade you could do is to swap in the Tundra rotors and calipers. Should be a direct bolt-on operation. Search Yotatech.com forums or TTORA.com forums for details... I did this swap on my 98 tacoma and love my brakes now... You do have to have at least 16" rims...

Otherwise, many fine things are said regarding the Brembo rotors and Hawk pads....

[shreadhead]

Looks like 16" rims & new BFG AT's will be ordered tomorrow from Discount tire. Is there a steel wheel that can be recommended? This is so I can fit Tundra brakes. So, is there a kit I need to order & where can I get parts that will hopefully last another ten years? This is only the beginning of alot of work. The only thing stopping me from a loan & full rebuild is the '06 Highlander payment. Slow & steady...
Brent

[dustboy]

I have the same truck and 150k on my clutch. ...you're only halfway there!

[RusM]

If you can hold off on wheels you might want to just try and get some stockers off craigslist. Also you may want to check out the Hankook ATM tire I got mine from Discount in Lacey for $560 or so for a set of 4 in 265/75, and so far I am loving them! Let me know if you want to go wheeling sometime.

[J-man]

your going to get a lot of opinions on this.
Battery - keep it simple - costco's kirkland has worked for me for several years with 3 amps, 500 watts of lights on the front, and several beatings in baja. Or you could always get an optima or oddyssey series.
For the power outlets - go over to yotatech and search for full time power outlet mod.
Tires - decide what terrain your going to be driving on. No sense in buying a mud tire if you drive freeways 100 miles a day.
Brakes - Stock tacoma brakes hold up very well if your rears properly adjusted. Dont blow $$ on a new bigger brake system - instead use it to replace parts worn out & keep the maintanance up to date.
Clutch - all 4 of my 4runners had 150k miles before i changed the clutch and thats with driving them like they're stolen too. But depending on your driving style - you can upgrade that to a heavy duty so it'll grab harder if you want that. Go check out paradiseracing.com - these guyes are kings on tacomas and the 4bangers- youll end up wanting to turbo it too.

[laxtoy]

i'll add to the mix a bit, for starters, i just replaced my sister's clutch in her 97 3.4 tacoma at 260,000 miles, not bad, eh? i say keep the factory clutch, the argument has gone on and on about whether centerforce or act or marlin is the best, but in the long run, oem is an excellent clutch. now, if you decide to go for bigger power, say a supercharger, and bigger tires, you may feel you need a bigger clutch, and like pray for surf said, you may definately feel the need for bigger brakes. the tundra swap is an easy swap that is entirely bolt on with toyota factory parts, has had several write ups making the install fairly painless, and has been time tested to be a better braking system for these trucks, and as soon as i get my 16's on with new tires, i will be making the swap. i feel the braking is already questionable in my truck, and i burn through pads quicker than i like now with 31's. i agree with j-man on the tire aspect for sure, but my issue is, i can get maxis bighorns, more of a mud terrain and come in 255 85 r16, for cheaper than bfg all terrains which i have now and have lasted me over 60,00 miles, so i am a bit torn.

[shreadhead]

I guess this is a re-cap on this week. Ordered 5 BFG AT 265 75 16's and a set of 5 Unique rims. Hit a great sale and $70.00 rebate too. Did lots of reserach on batteries. After several reads from people who have similar hobbies I felt the Optima D35 Yellow top would leave me with nothing to wish for. Once this settles in I'll get serious about brakes. The miles on my truck have been few but fun. Many road trips & bumpy trails. I find it fun to improve on that which brings all of my hobbies together and returns me back home safely. Yeah, it would be cool to explore local trails with you. Can't promise anything until my truck is done, but let's stay in touch.