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ffirg's 02 DC Build

Discussion in '1st Gen. Builds (1995-2004)' started by ffirg, Jun 1, 2013.

  1. Jun 1, 2013 at 5:00 PM
    #1
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    mike
    Anchorage, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma SR5 TRD 4X4
    $$$
    Well I guess it's about time I start a build thread. I've been doing small things here and there since I bought it in 2011, but figured I might as well start my own build! I'm sure I'll forget some things, but oh well.

    So I bought it in June of 2011 with just over 47k on the odometer. The previous owner was a doctor working in the village of Nome, Alaska. It was there for the first seven years he owned it, then he had it shipped back to Anchorage where his wife drove it for a few years. It has a lot of scratches and a few dings in the paint, but nothing major. You can definitely tell he was using it away from civilization. The interior is in great shape though.

    The main purpose of this truck is for exploring. I don't do any extreme off-roading, but I enjoy camping in places that not everyone can get to. Eventually I will take a drive down to the "lower 48" and it has to be equipped for living out of for extended periods of time.

    Most up to date pictures.

    20150731_181225_zpsxgrf25rw_de6c5508467eaaa8f908ef768c60dbc7c7b95c6c.jpg


    20141227_131523_zpslaggkved_1bfbaa57206f980d47fe8a5dfadf1faea7eb982c.jpg

    null_zpsf2ac4897_38110b3e1ac8d2a80463cd9a1008d0467fd2e60e.jpg

    Here it is the day I bought it.

    P6160806_9b14c506d4584c5a69b0ea1a318811b94a55c035.jpg

    After it's first wash/wax. Took the shell off in preparation of getting the bed rhino lined. That was my first priority for this truck. I hate things sliding around in the bed.

    P6180811_5b447edd12f8632bb2ddf984ef184bfc03bc8222.jpg


    Fresh rhino lining. I love this stuff. My dad has had it on his F-350 since 1999 and it only has one chip in it. And that's from a really hard hit from shoveling gravel. It's held up great so far. I've not used line-x but I don't care for the texture of it compared to rhino lining.

    P6210825_zpsfca04514_9d2cc36bf339eee95b5cd94f58aeeec6ecd5ea89.jpg

    P6210826_zpse52925a9_18bffc38eb0f3dc39f60bb16908a1ee48aa9ebd6.jpg


    My second priority was a remote starter, but I didn't have the money for that just yet. So I put that off and installed an LED dome light in my caper shell. It has a high/low switch on it and works great.

    P7060025_6de192478a374ab04f3e85889ddc719053a8edb5.jpg

    Disconnect for the light if I ever have to take the shell off.

    P7060027_cc0c99a623445c37f489f3e93e84e067cdf8a013.jpg


    After those mods I really didn't do anything to it. I did end up getting a compustart 2-way remote starter w/ 1 mile range. I love it. But I pretty much called it quits for mods until the summer of 2012. And all I did then was plastidip my badges. I wanted to debadge the tailgate but I was worried it would look weird. My tailgate is really banged up from the previous owner, and I think the badges make the scratches less noticeable.

    Here's the truck next to our yard full of snow...badges blacked out.

    image3_981f5ae764e407b56162a8d098efcc662cc57954.jpg

    I did the grey wire mod at some point that summer to. If you guys haven't done it yet, I highly recommend it! Took be about 15 minutes total to do and it's come in really handy.


    This past winter (2012) was when the mods started more often. I did a retrofit with a mini H1 kit from TRS. 5000k xb35 bulbs. Then I added a 21'' blitzpro LED bar on my bumper and two 6'' Bliztpro LEDs on my camper shell facing backward. I have both wired to a separate switch. The ones on my shell I use as reverse lights and flood lights when camping. Probably the best mod I've done at that point.

    B6A340E1-65D6-4D1B-A1D4-46326AD2AAFD-377_a7c0bc42b94f472d205e59642d84cf0a4df13592.jpg

    85D99062-5A9C-4489-B133-CE92CEBB9536-377_a151b4fae5837b1ec98f8e838fca0c39a6ae7f9c.jpg

    HopeDrive2_787d1d343b0266030a7897c30c73559e24428616.jpg

    7AE18FC0-7B1F-4CF5-8E40-00F30DD055AE-757_e1c6c1fc8a1ddb3343acceab4194ae7d6125e874.jpg

    005AB5FA-C68E-47CC-AFA6-FE04C9BF8448-259_d4accf87c3e64aa9ab6a9b815c822c4975006571.jpg

    FC0E84C0-C3C5-45E2-8646-BC695F0E6C7C-138_d351e23f3ae63d69b43497c49f5b1697be808591.jpg

    370DA4EF-E545-4F65-A8B2-281AC29D354B-138_14513720b3188363e5d045de1e6d4a5c01ceb1e5.jpg

    1F01C52B-828A-4487-9E2B-412D0A897E19-259_d3a216623fadea9d5fb243cac578fd5bcd9baa9c.jpg


    Switches


    5A6BB245-5F19-43C0-A67A-17AADAB43CD5-115_b3cc5a82d1cb3084d686b064c248b486e19ca707.jpg


    I also did my front brakes around the same time I did my headlights. I don't have pics, but I went with centric premium rotors and Hawk pads. Easy job and no more warped rotors!


    Only got out one time over the winter to do any exploring. I'm limited anyway with my stock suspension and tires that don't do great in snow.

    A1357C7A-EFFF-4FFB-BA5F-96B0B5252475-247_c3430114dc31a4eaf9028d374ffab43f98ca1999.jpg

    My current wheeling buddies. That subaru is an amazing vehicle. I get stuck before he does usually. Unless he gets high-centered.

    B25881D4-2F97-4FFA-9C20-D403AF8B85C9-247_06eef22e0b384706a0bed08bcca9b194e9a5cd4f.jpg

    Upgraded my deck to a Pioneer AVH-X4500BT. Absolutely love the thing so far. No complaints.

    1FFEE357-051B-42E1-9A6D-6252EC3EAF8F-243_c3b149efd8d7983e2d759457dfdd5c83f58d1d27.jpg





    My next biggest mod yet has to be suspension. I knew I needed new suspension about a week after buying the truck. The stock stuff worked OK and did the job for two years, but enough was enough. I had been reading about every thread on different types of suspension for those two years and finally settled on a full OME kit with 883s up front, Dakars with AAL in rear, and nitrocharger sport shocks all the way around. My main requirements for the new stuff was to have a larger load capacity. Next was extra ride height for fitting larger tires. After that, I wanted a coil up front that could handle an off-road bumper if I chose to add one later. Which I do...:spy:

    I could have chosen a less expensive route, but I wanted to do it "right" the first time. I don't wheel a TON, so I really just wanted a nice riding suspension that will last a very long time. And I just kept coming back to OME. Thanks to Box Rocket and a few others who steered me in that direction.

    Here's the stock leaves with just a camper shell on them. Clearly they need replacing...

    P8250132_9e287b1283975dd5f9f71e0cef1d3cf04f69e485.jpg


    In case you forgot what it looked like stock, here it is again:

    P6160806_9b14c506d4584c5a69b0ea1a318811b94a55c035.jpg


    After the OME install (Note: I don't have my spare under the truck yet. That leveled out the ride a bit.)

    09FB2F7E-7151-4D7E-9C63-034D790CEE35-264_93e2b7597fd1e1ba4b0540e115b1978d037d743c.jpg

    The rest are with the spare and my old suspension parts in the bed. So probably 300-400 pounds counting my camper shell.

    6585D41B-A7E2-4DCB-98AF-CC261201591A-304_cdbe55b7866154a8efe163808d342235550f94fc.jpg


    3C7BE1F7-B90F-4EA1-94DD-343D7BD0C3EC-288_a8ee0b43127018ed7b159032a40606b6e74f4ca7.jpg

    Testing out how these springs will flex with the AAL

    5792DB9A-8612-423D-AF0A-57A196B62AB4-304_f18276ceb8c6f63553c4ee61deb022c514a08227.jpg

    Rear tire at full stuff. I think the shocks are limiting droop a little, as the other tire is off the ground here. But the tire is pretty damn even in the wheel well, which I did not expect. So 33's may not be as much as a hassle as I originally thought.

    756DFB3B-96A1-4924-AD81-6B3CB8BDCF0D-304_60130842ecaf63a149f8cfcd5f4d3ea4c935edc2.jpg


    14BEE909-6D82-4828-9CAB-766626A64BB9-304_e1cd0621839766539c795d7789caf88682e33d55.jpg


    00FB4B73-D0E9-4083-9C80-47F10FCD6C15-304_10503996937642ac610b9a4f6972d447678bb4ab.jpg


    My first impression of the suspension has been great. Way better riding than I thought it would be. The front is stiff, but I expected that with 883 coils. It's making me want to get in on the elite bumper GB going on right now...The rear is super nice. Way better than the stock rear suspension. Stiffer but rides better. The stock stuff would bottom out on speed bumps. Not anymore :cool:

    Here's a list of things I want to do in the future. In no particular order:

    - Offroad bumper - Bruteforce Fab plate bumper - Ordered October 2013 - installed June(???) 2014
    - Lightforce or Rigid Q2 Spots up front
    - 33'' tires - 285/75/16 Duratracs installed December 2014
    - 15'' wheels - Went with 16" instead. July 2014
    - CB radio + antenna - Completed August 2013
    - CVT Mt. Shasta RTT. - Ordered March 2014/Installed August 2014
    - Maybe another LED bar up front as well. Or a couple LED fogs. I'm all for all the light possible up here. It's DARK in the winter. - Added Dually D2s October 2013
    - Toytec adjustable lift shackles. - March of 2014
    - Winch, probably the Smitybilt X2O 10k



    Sorry if this is a bit unorganized, but at least I have pics, right? ...Right?!
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2015
  2. Jun 1, 2013 at 8:10 PM
    #2
    TacoSkeet

    TacoSkeet 'MERICA

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    Steven
    Memphis, TN
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    I've been wondering where your build thread is.. finally found it haha

    I like your truck! now I can see everything you've done to it!
     
  3. Jun 1, 2013 at 8:27 PM
    #3
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

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    mike
    Anchorage, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma SR5 TRD 4X4
    $$$
    Just plastidipped my grille and mark lights. I like the look so far. I messed up a little on a couple places, but I should be able to spray them when it's on the truck. If I like it I might go back and do it with real paint or maybe bed liner.

    A1D9A07F-B7B9-481B-9C78-96B62096DA9E-310_3b13d25d334ba0870e278fae61ecb3195b04e07b.jpg

    AE8C6912-E278-472A-A47A-47C8DE8A22C6-310_0d516217fd0868e2b1bfcfb5472455019566468c.jpg
     
    Flare side Taco Lover likes this.
  4. Jun 1, 2013 at 8:28 PM
    #4
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    mike
    Anchorage, Alaska
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    2002 Tacoma SR5 TRD 4X4
    $$$
    Haha thanks! Yeah you would have been lookin' for a while as it wasn't there!
     
  5. Jun 1, 2013 at 9:14 PM
    #5
    somethinboutayota

    somethinboutayota Dorthy left Kansas for a reason

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    Parker
    Dodge City, Kansas
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    Go to get alignment- replace whole front end
    Debadged and painted, plasti-dip bumper , Sock monkey decals, tool box, K&N cold air intake, flag holder/fishing pole holder, Satoshi, magnaflow 40 series, spidertrax wheel spacers, map lights, led reverse lights, led dash assembly lights, roof top LED bar
    Nice to see you finally have a build thread :) I like the plasti dip'd grill looks a lot better than chrome :thumbsup:
     
  6. Jun 1, 2013 at 9:19 PM
    #6
    DirtyDTaco

    DirtyDTaco Talk slow, shoot fast.

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    Mississippi
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    '00 XtraCab 4x4 3.4L V6 5-Speed, 240K miles
    Polk 6.5" Coaxial Door Speakers, Pioneer DEH-X6500BT Head Unit, Black Bed-Lined Badges, 15% Tint, JL Audio 10" BassWedge, Alpine 500w Mono Amp
    Bout time! :D looks awesome! Love the derped grille surround and corners! Way better than the chrome!
     
  7. Jun 1, 2013 at 9:30 PM
    #7
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

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    mike
    Anchorage, Alaska
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    2002 Tacoma SR5 TRD 4X4
    $$$
    Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I think I'll end up bed lining it for sure after seeing it. Although I've had really good luck with plastidip lasting so I may just leave it on for a while.
     
  8. Jun 1, 2013 at 9:34 PM
    #8
    DirtyDTaco

    DirtyDTaco Talk slow, shoot fast.

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    Polk 6.5" Coaxial Door Speakers, Pioneer DEH-X6500BT Head Unit, Black Bed-Lined Badges, 15% Tint, JL Audio 10" BassWedge, Alpine 500w Mono Amp
    Yeah tacoskeet did his and it looks great. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/258539-tacoskeets-03-dc-7.html
    That's what i plan on doing with mine this summer.

    Edit: Hey where's the little red piece from under your drivers side headlight haha?
     
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2013
  9. Jun 2, 2013 at 2:20 AM
    #9
    423 TACO

    423 TACO Well-Known Member

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    Whoop Alaskan taco's! And for other people missing that headlight trim haha
     
  10. Jun 2, 2013 at 2:28 AM
    #10
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

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    $$$
    .... :anonymous:

    It wasn't there when I bought it lol. When I went to take the grille off today I noticed the other one trying to make an escape as well. It's only a matter of time until it goes too haha. I really should just buy a replacement from rockauto. But I'm too lazy to paint it and do the work when it'll most likely fall off anyway. Same reason I haven't replaced the bug/rock deflector on my hood. I've already come close to snapping the other side off on branches, so I won't bother with it.
     
  11. Jun 2, 2013 at 4:53 AM
    #11
    ponethousand

    ponethousand Well-Known Member

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    regeared, locked, armor, and stuff
    Nice start!
     
  12. Jun 2, 2013 at 6:31 AM
    #12
    PcBuilder14

    PcBuilder14 Well-Known Member

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  13. Jun 2, 2013 at 7:20 AM
    #13
    02goldie

    02goldie Well-Known Member

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    OME lift, spidertrax, 285 duratracs
    good looking truck man. love the retro fit headlights
     
  14. Jun 2, 2013 at 4:32 PM
    #14
    chipnoreo

    chipnoreo Ready for snow!

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    sweet! about time :D
     
  15. Jun 2, 2013 at 6:12 PM
    #15
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

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    $$$
    Haha thanks everyone. I hope to continue adding things here and there, but I'm trying to stash money away for a house at the same time so it's tough. I'm thinking of adding extended shackles already...not sure yet though. I'm not liking the bro lean I have going on with minimal weight in the bed.
     
  16. Jun 2, 2013 at 6:20 PM
    #16
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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  17. Jun 2, 2013 at 7:43 PM
    #17
    somethinboutayota

    somethinboutayota Dorthy left Kansas for a reason

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    Dodge City, Kansas
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    Go to get alignment- replace whole front end
    Debadged and painted, plasti-dip bumper , Sock monkey decals, tool box, K&N cold air intake, flag holder/fishing pole holder, Satoshi, magnaflow 40 series, spidertrax wheel spacers, map lights, led reverse lights, led dash assembly lights, roof top LED bar
    Damn this GIF is getting thrown around like a fat kid in a bouncy house!
     
  18. Jun 2, 2013 at 8:37 PM
    #18
    ffirg

    ffirg [OP] Well-Known Member

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    mike
    Anchorage, Alaska
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    2002 Tacoma SR5 TRD 4X4
    $$$
    Haha I love that gif. One of my favorites.
     
  19. Jun 2, 2013 at 8:49 PM
    #19
    saundern

    saundern Swerve for nothing

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    Simpsonville, SC
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    looking good sir! your choice of suspension has peaked my interest :spy:
     
  20. Jun 2, 2013 at 8:57 PM
    #20
    benbacher

    benbacher Purveyor of Fun Vendor

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    Anchorage, AK
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    Too many to list now.
    Payin my respects. I wore my west marine shirt proudly yesterday in your honor my good man.
     
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