MowTaco's Mini Build

It sure isn't much of a "build" yet per se, but it's getting started. I figured I had enough little stuff done that someone might be interested. Hopefully it will really be taking shape by the end of winter.

This is my truck the week i brought it home



It's a 2004 5 lug 4X2 with the 2.4 L engine and a 5-speed transmission

I started out by putting in a new JVC head unit. I mostly wanted something to plug my ipod into, and I got it with the dash kit for like $70 from a friend that works at Best Buy.



Next, I got a black plastic Craftsman toolbox from Sears. It's nothing special, but I like the gull wing doors and IMO it looks ok.



Also pictured are my sticker mods. I have since replaced the peeling Dakine sticker (the white skinny rectangle) with a K&N sticker I found for an added 400 HP

After that, I accidently added a wrinkled bumper mod when I jackknifed the mowing trailer trying to get out of a tight cul-de-sac. To make sure it wouldn't happen again, I added a DrawTite class III hitch and trailer wiring (No pics, but it's really nothing special).

After the trailer wiring was put in, another accidental mod happened. I magically achieved the side marker turn signal conversion. As an added bonus, the headlights came on whenever I hit the brakes. It has since been returned to stock configuration.

Next came the 1st gen specialty, the deck plate mod. It was pretty easy and I've noticed a good growl when it's under a heavy load and I gas it. It has also improved the MPGs ( but that could also be due to the fill up the tires mod). It also makes an annoying whistle right around 40 mph, which I am assuming is just the air moving around the hole.

Closed



Open



This is another thing I thought was cool when I had it ripped apart.



I guess the air filter works...

This is my latest mod. I bought a Carriage Works grille off Craigslist and put it in. I think it looks kind of weird, like I did the wrong mod first. I want to either add black lenses to the headlights and corner lights, or get clear corner lenses. I am questioning the legality and the dimming effects of the black lenses. (They're the ones that are on "THE LIST".)

This it what it looked like before. That's just snow and ice on the bumper, for some reason I decided to do this on the coldest day of the year so far. I think it was like -5 with -20 wind chill



All torn apart



Cut the old one out (definitely tape your surround off if you are cutting out the old grille. Mine was wet and the tape kinda fell off while i was grinding it down with the dremel and I nicked it. It's not bad, but it really pissed me off.)



And I got the upper and lower installed back onto the truck. I broke 1 of those stupid clips and 2 wouldn't go back in, so it's held in by 5 now. It is still solid and doesn't feel like it'll fall off.





That's pretty much it so far. Here's what I got planned for the future:

Lift (Probably Fabtech spindles and a rear AAl)

New wheels and Tires (I'm waiting to wear out the current Brigestones)

Black out taillights and 3rd brake light

The headlights mentioned above

Line-X bedliner

Maybe some Sockmonkey decals??

Muffler and headers

AFE air filter (when this one is dirty)

Locker- this has been a PITA so far, let me know if you have any suggestions my axle code is AO2A (3.58, 7.5" ring gear)

As of today, this is my next project that I picked up at the "Liquidation Sale"

 

I love your mods. LMFAO I did the wrinkled bumper mod too!!

 

You don't live around Overland Park do you?

 

how much did you get all your audio stuff for at the liquidation sale??

 

You're obviously proud of your new Truck, and you did a nice job on it. It looks great, kid. Keep it up!

 

Nice truck. Check your personal messages.

 

Sorry havent looked at this in forever. Yes NumNutz I do live in Overland Park... And I picked the audio stuff up for $270 with tax. I'll give it to you for that plus shipping if you're interested. It just won't fit anywhere in mine without taking up a seat.

 

Jay Barnard ring a bell? Went to Shawnee Mission East High School and graduated like 3-4 years ago

 

Thats where I go... I think i might have been in boy scouts with a bernard...

 

Hahaha that's my cousin. Small world.

 

Figured it out... It was Charlie Bernard. Hes neighbors with some friends of ours. Any relation? He also attended/ attends (not sure) Shawnee Mission East

 

there is nothing like the wrinkled bumper mod....

 

Looking Good man...Keep up the good work!

 

i say drop it

 

Alright time for an update... I've really fell behind here.

My next mod was to tint the taillights. I used VHT Niteshades and masked off the reverse light to keep them bright.



Then came some LEDs in the lower grille. This is the only pic I have, they have since stopped working.



Next, another accidental mod. The puke on my door panel then bleach it out using spot shot to clean it up mod (thanks to my wonderful brother )



Then I added a "dixie horn" from Wolo. I don't have any pictures of it and it has also stopped working. I took it off and am sending it back to them for replacement.

I then did the defrost without A/C mod



Next I painted my grille surround black with plasti-dip



And finally... the lift!

Beefed rear shackles



And my BPV relocation bracket



Fabtech spindles



Almost there...



Complete You can also see my new wheels (Cragar D-Windows) and tires (Goodyear Wrangler Radials 235/75/R15)



Doing the lift myself was pretty enjoyable. I learned a lot and having the use of a shop definitely helped. The only ill effect was that my ABS sensors were very rusted into the old spindles and I completely destroyed them with an air chisel (last resort, I definitely tried other less destructive methods first) so that's about a $400 incidental, thanks Toyota!

I still need to align it and work on the tire balance, didn't quite get it right the first time (I also mounted and *attempted* balancing them myself). I also am considering bushwacker flares or something to cover the increased amount the tires stick out now.



That's it for now... but like every other truck, it's never done.

 

Looks good!

 

damn man i feel like you should update your signature picture.

for the longest time i thought that was the current look of your truck.

now that iv seen your build, i know whats goin on!!!

 

oh yea,

bad ass 5-lugger!

 

looks good!

 

Thanks guys. I realize my signature is now out dated and I should have a new one made soon thanks to Native Earth and the caption contest.

I forgot one picture that i thought was kinda funny...



It came with the spindles. I can only imagine the dipshit who rolled his truck then sued Fabtech, causing there to be a need for this sticker.