Sarah Caler is the general manager of All Pro Off-Road. Because All Pro is famous for its quality Toyota parts and vehicles, it stands to reason that Sarah’s very own personal Tacoma would be one of the best. It is. All Pro built her 2008 Toyota Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport pickup to be a competent daily driver that shines off-road.
All Pro’s famous long-travel Tacoma suspension was the first addition. Featuring beefy, longer A-arms and Walker Evans Racing coilovers up front, multi leaf-spring packs and Walker Evans Racing monotube shocks in back, and myriad small quality parts — the All Pro suspension is a standout. While the suspension supplies three to four inches of lift, All Pro’s new Tacoma fiberglass fenders were installed up front to better cover and clear the 315/70R17LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA tires mounted on Walker Evans racing beadlock wheels.
Toyota’s 4.0L DOHC 24-valve...
Toyota’s 4.0L DOHC 24-valve VVT V-6 coupled to a five-speed automatic with overdrive supplies plenty of power on- or off-road. This is no garage queen’s engine compartment. You can tell that the Pearl spends time in the dirt.
Premium-quality 4.56 gears were installed front and rear. An ARB Air Locker is in the front pumpkin, while the Toyota 8.4 rearend has an Eaton Detroit Locker. Why an 8.4 when the TRD truck came with an 8.0 rearend with Toyota E-Locker? The 8.0 has proven it doesn’t stand up well to the extra weight of new FJ Cruisers and Tacomas and Toyota is reticent to fix failures under warranty. (Editorial: Toyota should remedy this issue and quit fighting with owners who experience problems. Tacoma Sport models come with the larger 8.4 rearend, which is much stronger and accepts most aftermarket differentials).
All Pro has developed an innovative line of Tacoma armor and the Pearl is completely outfitted. The front and rear bumpers, rocker guards, and skidplates protect the truck when it’s off-road in the rocks. It’s also protected from texting jackals on the street. All Pro’s Bed Bar carries a full size spare. A PT-10 Power Tank is ready for action in the bed.
ARB’s small compressor fits...
ARB’s small compressor fits well under the hood and allows the solenoid (or, solenoids) to be mounted directly to the compressor.
We were able to put Sarah’s Tacoma through its paces off-road and can report it’s a very competent vehicle. Wikipedia states this in its entry on pearls: “…the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.” It’s rare to find a truck that is as balanced and works as well as Sarah’s Tacoma. It’s fine when we do find one. It’s admirable that All Pro can build this truck. Check to see what Tacomas such as this are selling for. Yes, it’s valuable. Sarah’s Tacoma is…a pearl.
All Pro’s Long Travel Suspension...
All Pro’s Long Travel Suspension includes beefy A-arms...
...and Walker Evans Racing...
...and Walker Evans Racing coilovers. Check out the tie rod.
The Toyota Sport 8.4-inch...
The Toyota Sport 8.4-inch rear houses 4.56 gears and an Eaton Detroit Locker.
The front diff has 4.56 gears...
The front diff has 4.56 gears and an ARB Air Locker.
The Pearl’s vulnerable parts...
The Pearl’s vulnerable parts have skidplate protection.
Uniballs allows more travel...
Uniballs allows more travel than OE.
Why a Toyota 8.4-inch rear...
Why a Toyota 8.4-inch rear axle when the TRD truck came with an 8.0-inch rear with Toyota E-Locker? The 8.0 has proven it doesn’t stand up well to the extra weight of new FJ Cruisers and Tacomas and Toyota is reticent to fix failures under warranty. Tacoma Sport models come with the larger 8.4-inch rearend, which is much stronger and accepts most aftermarket differentials.
All Pro’s leaf packs have...
All Pro’s leaf packs have 11 thin leaves, rather than a few thick ones, for a supple ride. The leaf packs allow the axle to articulate well. Walker Evans Racing monotube shocks are valved especially for this application.
The rear bumper is sleek,...
The rear bumper is sleek, strong and good looking. It bolts on with no modifications required.
The Bed Bar holds a full-size...
The Bed Bar holds a full-size spare. Power Tank’s PT-10 handles on-board air needs.
LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain...
LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA tires are mounted on 17x8 Walker Evans Racing beadlock wheels.
All Pro designed their Tacoma...
All Pro designed their Tacoma bumper to be strong and afford protection while looking great. The Pearl’s bumper holds a Warn 9.5xp winch and Sol Tek HID lights from Baja Designs.
| Specifications |
| Vehicle: |
2008 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Sport |
| Owner/Hometown: |
Sarah Caler/Hemet, California |
| Engine: |
4.0L DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V-6 |
| Induction: MPFI |
MPI |
| Transmission: |
Toyota five-speed automatic |
| Transfer case/low range ratio: |
Toyota/2.57:1 |
| Front end: |
Toyota IFS 8-inch reverse |
| Rear end: |
Toyota 8.4-inch Sport Model (non-TRD) |
| Ring and Pinion: |
4.56 |
| Front Differential: |
ARB Air Locker |
| Rear Differential: |
Eaton Detroit Locker |
| Suspension: |
All Pro Long Travel |
| Tires: |
315/70R17LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA |
| Wheels/Backspacing: |
Walker Evans Racing Beadlocks/4.5 inches |