From Rocks to Sand: A Tacoma Built for Family Fun

The Family-Friendly Queen of the Trails

Building a truck capable of overcoming extreme terrain isn’t for the weak of heart. It also isn’t an activity for those who are impatient either. When built right, these machines can create plenty of positive, memorable experiences. When they’re rushed and not properly debugged, the good times can quickly come to a screeching halt while out on the trail. Richie Pilozo, a US Coast Guard member from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, knew there were certain pitfalls he had to avoid while creating a truck for his whole family to enjoy. The routes around these speed bumps aren’t usually known for being time- or money-saving, but they are valuable learning experiences that result in owning a reliable, battle-ready rig.

The first thing Richie addressed before building his 2001 Tacoma was his expectation management. Instead of buying a newer truck that he couldn’t bear to sideline for too long, he selected an older pickup to work on— something Richie would recommend to anyone looking to build a truck as intensive as his. “Take your time and enjoy doing things right the first time,” he suggests. “Make steps towards your build goal at a comfortable pace. These rigs don’t come together overnight, and the last thing you want to do is miss something important.”

Being mindful of his own advice, Richie recognized that he didn’t have the time to fully devote to building his Toyota’s suspension setup, so he hired Hambone Fab Works in Las Vegas to get it done. While there, the front portion of the Tacoma’s stock frame was cut and reconfigured to articulate enough to take on rocks, sand, and whatever else stands in Richie’s way. The wheelbase was stretched 10 inches from stock, and the chassis was outfitted with Eibach springs, along with Fox 2.5×14 Race Series coilovers with triple tube bypass shocks up front. Out back, Deaver F67 long travel leaf springs with Fox 3.0×16 triple bypass shocks were assembled and put into position. Hambone Fab then TIG welded on Trail-Gear frame stiffeners for additional structural support. Ultra X103 beadlock wheels and 40-inch BFG KR3 tires were combined and bolted onto the Tacoma to provide plenty of grip no matter the terrain.

The truck’s factory engine was good to go, so it was left in place, but it was upgraded with an aluminum Griffin radiator. An AW4 transmission, commonly found in 1987-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJs, was utilized for the build. “A Northwest Fabrication Titan crawl box doubler was also incorporated for the triple stick NP205 T-case I chose,” Richie added. The Tacoma also features specialized driveshafts—a front unit from Driveline Tech Inc. and a rear shaft made by American Drivelines. Going with whatever worked best for the type of driving Richie was planning for his Toyota, a 2005+ Ford Super Duty Dana 60 front axle and a GM 14-bolt rearend were specifically chosen. Other transplanted components include Ford OE disc brake systems and a T-100 one-tone master cylinder.

To provide plenty of on-trail comfort and style, PRP Comp Elite seats covered in USMC camo upholstery were bolted in. A PCI Race Radios intercom allows Richie and his family to keep in close contact with other friends out on the trails. Most importantly, the Tacoma’s still-sealed cab provides refuge from hot or cold outdoor temps, as the fully functional A/C and heat systems remain in place and ready for action. This was big for Richie since providing a comfortable, yet exciting, escape for his family was at the top of his list when setting out to prep his Tacoma for exploring harsh natural environments.

“All I wanted out of this build was for my family to have a capable off-road truck while still hanging onto the creature comforts to keep everyone happy all day,” Richie says. “So far, we have taken our Tacoma to all the KOH trails, Moab, Sand Hollow, Trail Hero, Rubicon, Big Bear, etc. We eventually got the truck we wanted, but it took hard work and lots of time and effort to build the perfect family-friendly rig. It works great in all conditions—rocks, whoops, and desert locations are no problem. The investment never stops, so take it slow and always keep your goals in mind.”

2001 Toyota Tacoma

OWNER:

Richie Pilozo

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: 2001 stock Toyota 3.4L V-6; Custom Griffin radiator; 2001 AW4 transmission; Northwest Fabrication Titan crawl box; Chevy NP205 transfer case; Custom front driveshaft by Driveline Tech Inc; Custom front driveshaft by American Drivelines Inc.; 2005+ Ford Super Duty Dana 60 with custom truss; GM 14-bolt rear axle; Yukon Grizzly locker

Chassis & Suspension: Shop: Hambone Fab Works, Las Vegas, NV; Front of frame modified to accommodate big up-travel numbers; 133-inch wheelbase (stretched 10 inches from stock); Eibach springs; Front Fox 2.5×14 Race Series coilovers and triple tube bypasses; Rear Fox 3.0×16 triple bypasses; Deaver F67 Toyota race leaf pack; Toyota steering box with PSC hydro assist stabilizer; Trail-Gear TIG-welded frame stiffeners

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: 17-inch Ultra X103 beadlock wheels; 40×12.5R17 BFG KR3 tires; OEM Ford brakes and rear disc conversion; T-100 1-ton master cylinder

Body & Paint: OEM Toyota red paint; Baja Designs XL 80 headlights and accessory lights; Custom bumpers; Wheelwells cut to fit 40s; Removable front fenders

Interior: PRP Comp Elite seats; USMC Marines pattern (Marpat) upholstery; Sloan Motorsports 1.75 chromoly TIG-welded roll cage; PRP steering wheel; Bluetooth JBL speaker on dash; PCI Race Radios intercom system with headsets