Power to turn the big, heavy tires comes from the stock 3.4L V-6 that is still running strong after 130,000 hard miles. From there, the torque is routed through the stock R150F five-speed transmission to dual transfer cases mated with a Marlin Crawler adapter. The front transfer case is a geardriven model from an earlier pickup that has been fitted with 4.7:1 Low range gears, while the rear case is the stock Tacoma chaindrive unit. Final crawl ratio is 226:1 for precise control when creeping through the rocks.
The narrowed rear of the pickup allows the Tacoma to fit through tight canyons without significant sheetmetal damage but still retain much of the cargo capacity that makes pickups so functional in the first place.
Much of the stock sheetmetal was retained in order to keep the truck comfortable and street-legal, although rocks in Farmington, Socorro, and Las Cruces have made some slight body modifications. In order to limit further sheetmetal damage, Mankins bobbed 13 inches from the rear of the bed and dovetailed it 14 inches narrower than stock. Further insurance comes in the form of custom tubular bumpers, All-Pro Off-Road rock sliders, and an Off Road Solutions internal rollcage. The front bumper houses a Ramsey REP 8000 winch, while the rear features an integral swingout tire carrier.
Although it's not a tubular creation, David Mankins' Tacoma is capable of traversing many of the same trails as buggies and can still drive down the pavement without donating to the policeman's ball. The low weight, flexible suspension, deep gearing, and large tires on this Toyota allow it to go wherever Mankins wants, and do it in comfort.
The rear axle is a 63-inch-wide Dana 60 with 35-spline axleshafts, 4.88 Precision Gear ring-and-pinion, disc brakes, and a full spool for foolproof traction. | 
The custom rear bumper was constructed from 1.75-inch, 0.120-wall, HREW tubing. It protects the taillights and also holds the spare tire and a 2-inch receiver shackle. | 
The AOR Bonz shackles connect 3-inch Alcan leaf springs to the frame and allow for full articulation. |