laxtoy
Adventurer
the frames on the 95.5-04 tacomas are weakest after the front spring hanger on the rear leaf springs, as this is where they switch from fully boxed to a c channel. fab shops such as demello and cbi make frame reinforcement kits, essentially a plate you weld to the outside of the frame rail - case in point the link - http://www.demello-offroad.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_60 it is said to be a must for those who have a swing out tire carrier on a heavy after market rear bumper, or you will likely bend the frame at its weak point. i have had my truck loaded with almost 3/4 ton in the bed, not a real safe and secure feeling riding on the bump stops, and i have 1/2 ton springs in back and tundra brakes. the weak point i also feel is the bed sheet metal, pretty tinny, mine is pretty wavy as is the tale gate. i think the drive train on these trucks are pretty strong, but once you go with taller tires and a taller stance, you are putting stress on places such as steering components, ball joints, brakes and the transmission, so adding weight can't help too much. all said, i use my truck for work, and often have the bed filled with all of my tools, likely in the neighborhood of a half a ton, and it does pretty well (do need to regear, the clutch seems to be taking a pretty good beating on all the hills we have here). hope my info is helpful and i believe to the best of my knowledge accurate
