We have a Toyota truck and the darn thing just keeps on running, but a running stock truck can still leave a bit to be desired. After 200,000 miles the stock suspension is shot, the body is beat, and the interior smells funny, so the list of desired parts is about a mile long. We've been checking out who has cool stuff for Toyotas and would like to pass on these contacts to you. So if you also own a mad squirrel wheeler (aka Toyota mini-truck) or a Cruiser, or if you are thinking about getting one, then here are some suppliers of everything for your Toy.
Big Air 'Yota
Donahoe Racing's suspension gurus have a new 21/2-inch Tacoma and Tundra Performance shock. This coilover system has six months of real world testing by the guys who brought home 17 off-road racing championships. This is a real-performance suspension that improves on- and off-road handling. It's not just a lift kit. The system lifts Tacomas 3 inches and Tundras 21/2 inches for extra ground clearance. The kit is available for two- and four-wheel-drive trucks. Information: Donahoe Racing, 714/632-3033, www.donahoeracing.com
Vroom Vroom 'Yota
LC Engineering specializes in Toyota 20R, 22R, 22RE, 2RZ, and 3RZ engine performance parts. Whether you run a rockcrawling 4x4, a slammed street truck, or a tired trail rig, the company can help wedge some more ponies under your mini-truck's hood. LC Engineering can supply everything from manifolds to crankshafts to complete crate engines, and it has been able to pull more than 200 horses from these little engines in full-race buildups. If your 'Yota is getting high on miles and it's time for a rebuild with a bit more power, contact these guys for the full deal. Information: LC Engineering, 928/505-2501, www.lcengineering.com
Rockcrawling 'Yota
All Pro Off Road is known as the rockcrawling Toyota mini-truck specialist. They have been wrenching on Toyotas since before rockcrawling was cool and can supply everything from body protection to solid-axle swap kits. The crew is knowledgeable and tells great jokes, plus they can supply you with parts to make your lame old stock rig into a rock-hopping machine. If you have heard the call of the great granite trails, and you want to tackle them in your 4Runner or mini-truck, contact All Pro to check out their various suspension, steering, body armor and gearing options. Information: All Pro Off Road, 909/658-7077, www.allprooffroad.com
Man-A-'Yota
Man-A-Fre is the one of oldest operating Toyota Land Cruiser parts and accessories businesses in the world. Founded in 1967, Man-A-Fre deals in all things Land Cruiser: suspensions, tow bumpers, engines, transmissions/transfer cases, Bull Bars, grilleguards, fuel-injection conversions, performance equipment, axles, brake upgrades, and much more. Drop them a line when you are ready to upgrade your rig to a more trail-ready status. Information: Man-A-Fre, 877/626-2373, www.man-a-fre.com
Independent 'Yota Suspensions
When it comes to going fast, independent front suspension has the upper hand, and Total Chaos Fabrication has been investigating ways to take your IFS Toyota to the dirt for some serious romping. The company offers suspension kits for '86-'95 pickups, plus four-wheel-drive Tacomas, PreRunners, and two- or four-wheel-drive Tundras that allow 12 to 13 inches of travel, so nearly any Toyota truck owner could be readied for some dune abusing. The kits include 4130 chromoly upper and lower A-arms and provide clearance for up to 33-inch tires. Information: Total Chaos Fabrication, 909/737-9682, www.chaosfab.com
Canadian 'Yota Bits
O.T.T. Industries from British Columbia, Canada, has a variety of trick adapters for putting GM truck four-speeds up to Toyota truck engines and transfer cases. O.T.T. also has some burly high-steer arms for Toyota front axles including FJ80 Land Cruiser axles. One of the most unusual yet ingenious products we have found is the O.T.T. Toyota-to-Dana 300 adapter that mates the Toyota transfer case to a Dana 300 transfer case. This kit allows for true twin-stick capability (front only, rear only in High, Low, and Double Low!) and offers a wide selection of aftermarket gear choices. Information: O.T.T. Industries, 604/764-7871, www.ottindustries.com
'Yota Cruisers Restored
TLC is a virtual Land Cruiser paradise. With a variety of options available to Land Cruiser owners or owners-to-be, TLC has the bases covered. It can do everything from restorations to modifications and is stocked with various OEM Toyota and GM parts as well as a plethora of aftermarket parts. In addition to its Land Cruiser wrecking yard for hard-to-find used parts, the company also sells top-notch, fully restored vehicles. So whether you want a turn-key rig, parts for your own, or something in between, TLC has options. Information: TLC, 818/785-2200, www.tlc4x4.com