Let the Good Times Roll

Just thought I'd introduce myself to everyone and get a progress thread started for my new truck.

I just picked up a "new" 2012 DCLB TRD Sport a few days ago and I'm extremely pleased with my decision. I've been a car guy most of life, mostly VWs, Audis, and Porsches; but sometimes life changes and your interests change with it. The Tacoma is going to replace my Porsche 911 and my 2004 Ford F-250 Powerstroke, which has been a great truck, but it's way more truck than I really need and doesn't make a very good daily driver since it's 7 feet tall, 21 feet long, and has the turning radius of a train. The fuel mileage didn't help much, either. The 911 is a great car as well, but it's a pain to sit in traffic with, is high-maintenance, and only seats two. Also, I'm really into motorcycles as well, so I find myself wanting to ride the bikes whenever the weather is nice, while the car languishes in the driveway.

So, now that you know my life story, here's the truck:







As you can tell, it already has a few upgrades done to it, such as Bilstein 5100s set to 1.5" of lift in the front and the Method wheels. The tires that are on there are absolutely terrible, so they'll be going away soon for a set of 265/70 Hankook Dynapros.

Also, I'll be ordering a 3" lift in the coming weeks. I'm thinking I want to go with the Toytec Bilstein coilover kit (http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/3-lift-kit-with-Bilstein-5100-Height-Adj-Coilovers_p_364.html#) with a set of LR upper control arms. Still not sold on the AAL for the rear, but I'll give it a shot and see how I like it; if I don't I'll order Dakars or something.

Other short term plans include
- Bi-xenon projector retrofit (none of that drop-in HID bullshit for me)
- LED light bar
- Weathertech floormats
- Side steps (probably Nfab)
- More cupholders, as 13 isn't nearly enough...

Some pics of my old cars:







Current mods list:

Suspension/wheels:
- Icon Stage 1 extended travel coilovers with 1.5" AAL
- Light Racing UCAs
- Wheelers Superbumps up front
- Method Standard 17x8.5" (4.75" backspace) wheels
- 265/70 Hankook Dynapro ATM tires

Cosmetic:
- Leer 100XR Canopy with VanTech J1000 roof rack modded into a platform using unistrut
- AVS window vent shades
- 1st gen TOYOTA tailgate decal
- Debadged

Lighting:
- Morimoto Mini bi-xenon projector retrofit with DDM 35w ballasts and 4500k bulbs
- 32" 180w LED light bar with white and amber lights
- 24w LED flush mount lights in rear bumper
- LED puddle lights
- Foglights anytime mod
- Nokya 2500k fog light bulbs
- LED plate bulbs
- LED interior lights
- LED puddle lights

Performance:
- PlastiDerped front emblem

Misc:
- Energy Suspension steering rack and radiator support bushings
- Relocated diff breather
- Bobbed exhaust (exits over rear axle)
- EZ Down tailgate support
- TRAC in 4LO enabled
- 400w anytime mod to inverter
- 110v outlet added to center console
- 12v outlet and volt gauge added in bed
- Trailer plug relocated next to license plate
- Tekonsha P3 brake controller
- Toyota Vios HVAC knobs


11/2016:


5/2017:

 

Welcome to TW! Nice truck too, love the DCLB! Just an FYI, If you're gonna start a build thread, it shld be posted in here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-builds/

 

Oh, and I'm happy to report my engine doesn't tick, my driveline doesn't vibrate, and my frame isn't rusted through.

 

Not bad, just filled up with gas for the first time, and I got 19.5mpg on the first tank.

 

Nice truck!

 

Isn't your Tacoma DCLB also 18 feet long?

 

yep.... but i can report that the turning radius is much better than a train

 

Now that I double-check, turns out my F-250 is actually 20.5' long, and that 2.5' makes a BIG difference when parking in the city!

 

Got around to doing the bixenon retrofit this weekend. This is usually one of the first things I do to vehicles if they don't have HIDs from the factory.



The projectors are Morimoto Minis with 35w DDM ballasts and 4700k bulbs. WAY better than the stock light output.

 

Got the ol' girl off the pavement this weekend.

 

Nice, looks sweet!

 

Heck yeah man DCLB's are so sick! Good lookin truck man!

 

Had a nice little weekend with my truck.

- Diff breather relocated
- Moved the rear view mirror
- Enabled TRAC with 4LO
- Removed that stupid KARR Alarm that was installed at the dealer
- Installed my new 32" LED light bar (the amber and white can be controlled separately, which is pretty slick)

~20k lumens of combined light output should be sufficient.

 

Well, now things are getting interesting...

Just ordered Icon 2.5 extended travel coilovers, 2.0 rears, 1.5" AAL, and Light Racing UCAs.

 

Went and played on some Jeep trails while I was hunting last weekend.

 

Have You installed the ICON kit yet?

 

Lol. Never mind. Looks like you're part of the ICON GB with Chas. I'm still waiting on my stuff too. Post your Pics when you make the install.

 

Nice truck man! Whats your plans for the future on the truck?

 

Once the Icon stuff gets here, I'll probably chill out on modding the truck for a bit. I need to finish my project bike that has been languishing in the basement and not getting attention for far too long.



I do plan to get rock sliders soon because I plan to do a lot more offroading. I also want to upgrade the stereo as well since the factory radio isn't all that great. And finally, if i come across a good deal on a canopy, I'd like one of those as well.

 

Now I just need to find some time to install all this stuff...