Backmarker's 09 AC 4cyl 4X4 Build

After many hours of lurking, learning, and asking questions... I begin my modest build.

I began in 2010 by trading in my 2005 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 for a silver 2009 Tacoma AC 4cyl, 4x4. The Tacoma had 19000 miles on it and the A.R.E. shell came with it. At first I was going to sell the camper shell but after taking it camping, I will never get rid of it.

The truck is a 5 speed, 4 cylinder, which I was looking for. After my Chevy, I really wanted a smaller gas bill.


I definately needed/wanted another 4x4 though. This is my front yard last Christmas..



And this is my neighborhood from the air..

And the wife and I really enjoy camping and taking the dogs everywhere..




My first upgrade was getting rid of the stock tires. They lasted about 20000 miles and were junk in my opinion. I went from the 245/65/16's to a 265/70/16 BigO Bigfoot X/T. I bought 5 so my spare would be the same. These tires are excellent. They were a little pricey but after my first ice/snow/rain trip to our cabin in Lake Tahoe, the were worth every penny. (Not my rims).


So I love the truck, no complaints at all, everything works as advertised.

The wife bought me a few Christmas presents, (not Holiday presents...) and they are as follows:



A Toytec Bilstein lift, Light Racing upper control arms, and 16" VTec Raptor's. God bless her heart

So, that is the first chapter of this modest build. The above parts are on their way, a buddy and I are going to do the work when they get here, (he doesnt know it yet..), and I will be taking pictures as we trundle along. As for now, I have my binoculars out waiting for the parts

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I will update the post when it all begins.

 

UPDATE: On 12-30, my Light Racing UCA's arrived via UPS. (Thank you FatBobs Garage).

Today, 12-31, im scheduled to get my lift kit from Toytec. (Thank you Toytec).

Unfortunately, the kit will not have the Eibach/Toytec coils yet. They are on back order.

Also unfortunately, the wheels I ordered, the VTec Raptors, are also on backorder, and are not due until the last week in January. (Thank you DirectTire)

When I receive the Toytec kit today, I will take and post pictures of it and the UCAs. Im not going to begin install until after I receive the wheels, so please be patient. I will update as soon as I get all the goodies.

 

Here are some close-up pictures of the upper control arms. SPC, (Specialty Products Company), also has a website that shows good install videos for the UCA's. WWW.SPC-TV.COM

The upper control arm itself

The adjustment portion of the arm

The adjustment assembly

Adjustable nut assembly

Other end of adjustment assembly

Will post more photos when the lift gets here. I just wanted to show closeups for people that havent seen them up close, like I hadnt.

 

One question I do have, for anyone out there, do I need the axle shims that Toytec sells?

 

Seems like each Taco lift is unique in regards to vibes.
Some need the shims to suppress vibes others do not.

 

Thank you for your response. I think I will hold off until I get everything here and installed and see how it feels before I order them.

 

I just received some more to my kit the other day.

The Eibach/Toytec Coils:


Deaver/Toytec AAL:

Front Bilstein 5100 Strut:

Rear Bilstein 5100 Shock:

And appropriate hardware to install the above:


I have just been waiting on the wheels from DiscountTireDirect.com, which have been on a 45 day back order. I placed the order on 12-23-11, and was just informed today that they will be at my door in 8-10 days, so I am stoked about that. Once I receive the wheels, its install time and I will post some comprehensive pics of that... Please stay tuned!

 

So my new wheels came the other day and to make a long story short, I love them. My only issue was with the TPMS sensors. I had to buy new ones. Toyota has 2 different sensors for the Tacoma, one for the steel wheels, and another for the alloy. Because I had steelies on the truck and was going to an alloy wheel, I had to get new ones. Through Toyota, they are... $116 EACH. F' that. I called Americas Tire and got them for $60 each, but they do the same thing. So heres how it looks now with the new wheels.

Before:


During:


After:





Also, while I was at the local Walmart, I saw that they had Fram cabin air filters for $14.00. I thought, "Wow, I havent changed mine in 20000 miles", so I picked one up. Thank god I did, here is how the old one looked when I pulled it out:




There were feathers, leaves, a cigarette butt, (I dont smoke), and various animal fur. I have to park outside because my motorcycles and my wife's car take up all of the room in my garage, but jesus I had alot of crap on that filter.

Thats it for now. A buddy and I are installing the lift on March 1st or 2nd, so I will update again with lots of install photos.

Thanks!

 

Nice truck man! Hows that lift? I'm in the market for a truck exactly like yours, you still enjoying it?

Thanks!

 

I love my truck. The only thing I dislike is not having the cash to do more right now! Gets great gas mileage, plenty of room, handles great, dogs love it, takes me hunting, fishing, camping, etc, and its never let up on me yet!

 

I'm frustrated this thread died so long ago.