1998 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner

Initially, this Tacoma's no-nonsense, shine-free demeanor caught our eye, but on a closer inspection, it became clear that this rig was built to really shine in the rough stuff.

Mollencopf notes that almost all of the bodywork was done by "Arizona rocks and landscape." He can take credit for the fender radiusing, Krylon OD Camouflage Green paint, Glassworks fiberglass hood (covering the stock 2.7L four-cylinder engine and stock automatic transmission), dual Marlin Crawler transfer case setup, custom front tube bumper that mounts a Warn M8000 winch, and the 12 inches lopped off the rear of the rig. The Taco rolls on 40-inch Maxxis Creepy Crawler tires mounted to 17x9 Pro Comp wheels with custom Ballistic Fabrication weld-on rock rings.

Specifications
General
Owner/hometown: Eric Mollencopf/Chandler, Arizona
Vehicle/Model: 1998 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
Estimated Value: n/a

Engine
Type: Toyota 2.7L I-4
Aspiration: Fuel injection, LC Engineering header, home-built air intake
Output, hp/torque (estimated): 160/na

Drivetrain
Transmission: A4W30 automatic
Transfer case(s): Marlin Crawler

Suspension
Front: Garage-built three-link, 17-in. Bilstein coilovers, Beard limiting strap
Rear: Custom 63-in. leaf springs, monotube shocks, frenched front hangers, Johnny Joint swivel rear hangers

Axles/Differentials
Front: Ford high-pinion Dana 44, Crane forged knuckles, cryogenically-treated internals, Superior axleshafts, Warn outers, CTM axlejoints, custom 6- to 8-lug wheel adapters, Blue Torch Fab Works heavy-duty diff cover, PSC hydraulic-assist steering/Aussie Locker
Rear: GM 14-bolt, Ruffstuff Specialties disc brake conversion/Spool
Ring and pinion: Yukon 5.38:1

Wheels/Tires
Wheels: Steel 17x9 Pro Comp with custom weld-on Ballistic Fabrication rock rings
Tires: 40x13.50-17 Maxxis Creepy Crawlers