2.7 Expedition Build

Figured it was about time I made a build page. Tacoma is a 2014 2.7 4x4 Access Cab. Goal is to build a 4 cylinder Overland/Expedition type rig. Will do my best to update and answer any questions as I continue to change and modify. Enjoy!

Current as of November 2014



Previous images














October 2013 - After waiting for a month, the day I picked her up from the dealership.



January 2014 - Weathertech floor mats, wish they were still that clean



February 2014 - Took advantage of the Group Buy and picked up a pair of Wet Okole Covers for the front seats. No more sitting on towels after surfing.


Also added OEM alloys and 265/70/16 Hankook Dynapro ATMs. Truck feels more planted and handles much better than factory Dunlops. Enjoying the above average snow in NC this past winter.



March 2014 - UWS Low profile Box.



April 2014 - Bigger tires in preparation for lift. BFG AT 265/75/16



July 2014 - After months of acquiring parts, dropped off my truck at XpeditionReady to get some work done. Ben does great work, and his pricing could not be beat.
ARB Bumper, OME 886 Lift w/ Dakar Leafs, LR UCAs, PIAA Fogs, Warn M8000 and Southeast Overland Synthetic Winch Line with Excel Hook.













August 2014 - Got fed up with items in the bed always sliding around. Installed an OEM Bed Mat with security mod.

 

Nice truck!

 

Hows the 2.7 like all the added weight?

 

Didn't notice much of a change after lift and added front end weight. Acceleration has definitely been affected after going up to a E rated tire though. 4 cylinder is definitely not a fan of hills during highway driving. Doesn't bother me though. Have been use to a 22RE motor prior to owning my current tacoma. So overall it feels more powerful, and it handles off-road without issue.

 

Rear breather mod completed today. Not sure why I didn't do this sooner. Only took about 20 minutes to do. Followed the write up on the forum. Used same part numbers as well, Union

$8 90404-51319 Toyota Union - 90404-51319

90404-51319 and Breather

$6 90930-03136 Toyota Breather Plug - 90930-03136

90930-03136. With two wraps of Teflon tape the union fit perfect, snug and flush. Overall an easy and very beneficial mod.





Link to mod.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/111954-my-differential-breather-mod-photos.html

 

Sick rig man. What kind of MPG were you seeing before mods, and now with what you're at currently?

 

Most noticeable change to mileage was after switching to E Rated BFG AT tires. Didn't notice any difference after adding the lift and additional front end weight. I'll probably swap to a lighter tire after the BFGs wear out though. Not sure exact MPG numbers, but I did reset my trip meter after my most current fuel up at the gas station. I'll post how many miles I managed to clock once they empty light appears.

 

Secks truck man.

 

Now that's what a Toyota truck is supposed to look like...

 

Nice looking build. For those who asked I have a 1st gen with 2.7, it came with E range 265/75/16 (got it used) and I was getting ~17 mpg. I recently went to the same size/tread in a load range C and am now getting 19mpg+

 

Pretty much right, ended up averaging about 18MPG on my last tank of gas. Mostly city, stop and go driving. In other news, ordered a RTT this week, Tepui Ayer. Will be using Armor Tech Offroad crossbars with an 8in rise to mount the RTT above the bed. Ready for some fall camping!

Played around in the sand today after surfing at Carolina Beach.

 

It seems we have similar ideas for the 4 cylinder truck!!! Looks great man keep up the good work !!!

 

Did some exploring in the mountains around Asheville this past weekend. Decided to take some backroads rather than the highway to get to some of the local sights. Overall nothing serious, mostly scenic. 2.7 handled the steep areas along the trail fine.

Some GoPro pictures.

 

September 2014 - Purchased a Brute Cooler. Spent hours researching high end coolers. At first I was leaning towards Yeti, but ended up purchasing a Brute cooler. The Brute cooler being made in the USA was a major factor in my decision.




Installed ATO crossbars. 8 inch rise. Primer then painted black with spray can bed liner. Wrapped the bars in carpet for use as padding.




Picked up a Tepui Ayer RTT from Southeast Overland. Other than having to use longer mounting bolts a smooth install overall.




Found a spot by the water and setup camp.

 

Nice tent! I would love to get something similar.

 

This is one of my favorite trucks on Tacoma World. In this photo are those the BFG AT 265/75/16's? They look absolutely perfect on your truck.

 

Appreciate the kind words. Yes tires are BFG AT 265/75/16's.

 

Great pics!

 

Great work! truck is looking good. What are your plans for bed storage/organization?

 

Not completely sure yet, still trying to figure that out. For short weekend trips I can fit most things I need within the cab and larger items (cooler, fuel etc.) tied down and locked in the bed. Still debating other options for longer trips. Open to ideas!