The Build
2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. Every part chosen for a reason — capability without compromise. Built to handle anything from Sedona rock trails to cross-country overlanding.
Portal Axles & 74Weld Components ★ Featured
The centerpiece of the build. 74Weld Gen2 portals with aerospace-grade manufacturing give the Tacoma true go-anywhere capability with 22% gear reduction at each wheel. Billet rear links and track bar with vulcanized rubber flex joints replace the factory steel components with near-zero maintenance upgrades.
Gen2 Portal Axles
Race-proven portal gearboxes with 22% gear reduction. AS9100 aerospace certified manufacturing.
My take
The single biggest transformation on the truck. Everything else is built around these.
Things to consider
Long lead time and premium price. Install requires a shop with portal experience.
Forged 74W207 Wheels (+45mm)
Custom forged beadlock wheels designed specifically for portal axle applications.
My take
Purpose-built for portals. The +45mm offset is dialed for the Gen2 geometry.
Things to consider
Portal-specific fitment means these only work with 74Weld axles.
Billet Rear Lower Links
Machined billet links with rock crawler flex joints and vulcanized rubber. Near-zero maintenance.
My take
Night and day vs factory stamped steel. Flex joints eliminate the bind you get with heim joints.
Things to consider
Premium cost over basic aftermarket links. Overkill if you never leave pavement.
Billet Rear Upper Links
Billet upper links with flex joints providing controlled deflection at the chassis side.
My take
Matched set with the lowers. Vulcanized rubber flex joints are the right call for a daily driver.
Things to consider
Same as the lowers — premium price point, best paired as a full set.
Billet Rear Track Bar
Billet track bar with vulcanized rubber flex joint. Bolt-on replacement for stock panhard bar.
My take
Bolt-on swap for the factory panhard bar. Keeps the rear axle centered under load.
Things to consider
Stock panhard bar works fine for mild builds. This shines with portals and bigger tires.
Suspension
Dialed suspension setup balancing on-road comfort with serious off-road articulation. King 2.5" remote reservoirs up front, Dobinsons coils in the rear, and 74Weld billet links with vulcanized rubber flex joints.
2.5" Resi w/ Adjusters Front & Rear
Remote reservoir shocks with compression adjusters for fine-tuned damping.
My take
The adjusters make these. One click stiffer for highway towing, softer for trail comfort.
Things to consider
Requires periodic reservoir service. Remote res lines need careful routing during install.
600# Front Springs
Heavy-duty coil springs rated for portal axle and armor weight.
My take
Matched to the portal and bumper weight. Rides level loaded, no sag.
Things to consider
Stiff for an unloaded truck. If you remove the bumper or portals, these will ride harsh.
Front/Rear Swaybar Links
Extended swaybar end links for increased suspension travel.
My take
Simple upgrade that lets the suspension use its full travel without binding the swaybar.
Things to consider
Cheap part, easy install. Not much to overthink here.
C59-819V Rear Springs
Australian-made coil springs tuned for load carrying capacity.
My take
Handles the GFC camper weight without squatting. Progressive rate keeps it comfortable unloaded.
Things to consider
Specific to the loaded weight of this build. Lighter setups should go with a softer rate.
Bump Stops
3D-printed variable compression damping bump stops with 2-year warranty.
My take
Progressive compression feels natural instead of the harsh slam of stock rubber bump stops.
Things to consider
3D-printed construction is unproven long-term, but the 2-year warranty covers it.
Wheels & Tires
37s on portals — the sweet spot for clearance without regearing. Toyo RT Pros handle everything from highway cruising to rock crawling.
37x12.5x17 Open Country RT Pro
Rugged terrain tire with aggressive sidewall and excellent off-road traction.
My take
The tire that replaced AT3s after a sidewall gash. Tougher sidewall, better mud clearing, still daily-drivable.
Things to consider
Road noise is louder than an AT. No 3-peak mountain snowflake rating. ~$475/tire.
Armor & Recovery
Built to take hits and get unstuck. CBI Covert bumper keeps it low-profile while hiding a Warn Zeon 10S. Westcott sliders protect the body on tight lines.
20deg Long Bed Rock Sliders w/ Top Plates
Laser cut, hand welded .120 wall sliders. Made in Phoenix, AZ.
My take
Took real hits on Sedona trails. The top plates double as a step which is surprisingly useful daily.
Things to consider
Heavy. Adds noticeable weight at the rocker panel. Long bed fitment only.
Covert Series Bumper
Low-profile bumper with integrated winch mount and recovery points.
My take
Looks nearly stock but hides a full-size winch. Best balance of protection and aesthetics.
Things to consider
Adds significant front-end weight. Approach angle is good but not as aggressive as a full plate bumper.
Zeon 10S Winch
10,000 lb capacity synthetic rope winch. Industry standard since 1948.
My take
Got me out of deep sand at King of Hammers. Synthetic rope is lighter and safer than steel cable.
Things to consider
Synthetic rope degrades in UV — needs a cover or the CBI Covert hides it. Expensive.
Shelter
Home on the trail. The GFC V2 Pro Camper keeps the rig lightweight while providing a comfortable sleep setup anywhere.
V2 Pro Camper
Lightweight wedge camper. Made in Montana.
My take
Drove to Montana in January to pick this up. Sleeps two comfortably and pops up in 30 seconds.
Things to consider
Expensive. Adds height that affects parking garages and car washes. Limited interior space vs a full camper shell.
Questions about the build?
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