Canada man explains why he installed a $30,000 suspension on his Toyota Tacoma and shares how it works
Published on Feb 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Feb 20, 2026 at 2:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
Ferris built this Toyota Tacoma with a $30,000 custom suspension to survive the most punishing off-road trails hidden within the Alberta wilderness.
This transformation began after a standard car failed him in the backcountry, sparking a seven-year mission to engineer a pickup that could handle the Canadian Rockies.
He focused on creating a vehicle capable of navigating deep river crossings and vertical rock faces that typically stop a factory 4×4 in its tracks.
While the exterior looks rugged, the mechanical secrets hidden beneath the bodywork explain how this truck handles obstacles that seem physically impossible – and TJ Lamb from Magnacars got to take a closer look at it all.
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
Building a $30,000 Toyota Tacoma suspension
The primary investment in this Toyota Tacoma involved a custom suspension package designed for high-speed stability and massive impact absorption.
Ferris installed a Camburg long-travel kit in the front, which pushed the wheels out by 3.5 inches on each side to create a wider, more planted stance.
This system utilized King 2.5 shocks with external reservoirs to manage the extreme heat generated during long sessions on corrugated off-road trails.
A heavy-duty C4 hybrid bumper and high-output KC Flex Era 4 lights protected the front end from debris in the Alberta wilderness.
These components provide the necessary wheel travel to keep the tires in constant contact with uneven ground.
The rear of the Toyota Tacoma features an even more radical custom suspension layout that required significant structural changes.
Ferris integrated a set of King 3.0 triple bypass shocks that mount to a specialized steel bed cage and protrude through the floor of the truck bed.
He also converted the rear to a spring-under-axle configuration using Deaver leaf springs to help the truck track straight through deep ruts.
This rear setup alone costs approximately $22,000 and offered a level of damping usually reserved for professional desert racing.
Despite these extreme modifications, the Toyota Tacoma remained a reliable tool for exploring the most isolated parts of the province.
Heavy use on technical off-road trails requires a disciplined approach to maintenance and a deep inventory of spare parts.
Ferris carries replacement CV axles and wheel bearings in the back of the Toyota Tacoma to address potential failures in remote locations.
He reinforced the drivetrain with custom drive shafts and rebuilt gears to handle the stress of oversized off-road tires and high-torque climbs.
The truck often travels to the Alberta wilderness on a trailer to ensure the owner has a way home if a major mechanical component snaps.
This level of preparation allows Ferris to spend his time assisting other motorists who lack the gear to survive a mountain breakdown.
Taming the wild Alberta wilderness
Mastering the Alberta wilderness requires technical knowledge of tire pressures and traction management beyond simple hardware.
Ferris lowered his tires to 8.5 PSI to maximize the grip of the rubber on frozen off-road trails and slippery rock ledges.
An on-board air compressor tucked under the passenger seat allowed him to return the Toyota Tacoma to street pressures before the long drive back to town.
These adjustments enabled the truck to scale 45-degree inclines and traverse icy riverbeds with predictable handling.
The vehicle functioned as a mobile base for exploring remote areas that remain inaccessible to the average SUV.
The off-road community in the Alberta wilderness operated on a system of mutual aid and shared responsibility.
Ferris frequently encountered other enthusiasts on the off-road trails and uses the recovery points on his Toyota Tacoma to pull stranded vehicles from deep ditches.
He treated the $30,000 custom suspension as a functional necessity for the safety and capability it provided in the backcountry.
The truck is currently being outfitted for family expeditions, including a car seat for his young daughter to experience the mountains.
This Toyota Tacoma stands as a clear example of the engineering required to reliably conquer the most rugged environments in North America.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Callum has vast and varied experience, presenting a radio show and founding his own magazine to name just a couple of his accolades. In addition to his role as PR & Partnerships Coordinator, liaising with the most prestigious car brands in the world, Callum also heads up the website’s daily news. When he's not at his desk he can be found testing out the ASMR and driving UX of the latest supercar and EV launches.
