2013 4x4 SR5 Build

Started out with installing an LED daytime running light kit I bought on Amazon. Had to fab up a mount bracket for the light control box and find an ACC wire to power them when the key is turned on. But overall a fairly straight forward install. With a little color match spray paint and clear coat from Dupli-Color, it turned out pretty well. Can't tell the difference from the stock paint job.

 

Next for a simple LED light upgrade for the Reverse, license plate, and dome lights. Also an Amazon purchase.

 

Next for a new grill. Figured it's a fairly quick and easy way to change the look of the truck and set it apart from a stock Taco. Picked the grill up from AutoAnything.com. Required a little bit of work, but not a hard install. Just had to cut out the original grill vents and emblem. Then drill some holes for the mount bolts in the upper and lower flanges. Pretty much did the entire mod with a Dremel.

 

Picked up some Small LED light bars and installed them through the T-Rex grill "fasteners" (basically chrome plastic plugs). Still deciding whether I like the look or not. Might end up moutning them behind the grill, but they seem to fit pretty well where they are. Also added some window rain guards and a hood deflector. Any input?

 

Just received these Pro Comp 5035 wheels (17"x8.5") today and currently have a Toytec Bilstein adjustable 3" lift kit with Eibach coils on order. Next to find some tires. Right now I am thinking Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 285/70/R17's with black lug nuts and black valve stems.

 

Probably been posted on TW a million times, but still pretty hilarious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uLJitPWAXM

 

Yeah, I'd change the location of the light bars. Go behind the grille or in the lower bumper cut out. I just installed the rigid industry grille and LED bars top and bottom. Love them, probably one of my favorite mods.

 

Any pics?

 

Think I might go ahead and mount them in the lower cutout now that you mention it. It will clean up the look a lot.

 

Received my Toytec Bilstein 5100 3" lift kit today. Everything looks awesome and high quality. I had the Pro Comp 3" kit, but it just didn't seem very nice, so I returned it. I opted for the 1" rear lift blocks instead of an add a leaf so that the ride wasn't too rigid. If it looks a little low in the rear, I'll go with the 1.5" or 2" block depending. Or if I get a camper shell or rear steel bumper I'll go with the AAL to compensate for the added weight.

Shifted the snap ring easily on the front shocks with a small pair of needle nose pliers.

Now, what tires to choose...

 

Just placed an order for a set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac's. I was debating between them and Cooper Discoverer STT's. But I think the Duratrac's are all around a better fit since I will be doing mostly ON road driving. But they are also a fairly aggressive A/T which will work great off road. I liked that the sidewall had a pretty badass tread pattern and the lugs almost look like a M/T. A third option was the Toyo A/T II's, but they weren't quite aggressive looking enough.

I ended up ordering the tires through TreadDepot.com and having them shipped to a local Kaufman Tire. They had the best prices out of anyone as well as free shipping. The Toyo's are $201, Cooper STT's are $215, and the Duratracs are $261 for 285/70R17.

 

Had my new Wrangler Duratracs mounted today. Now just need to install the Toytec lift kit to get them to fit.

 

looks good man! i'll be curious to know how much trimming you need to do for proper fitment.

 

Nice set up post some pics after

 

Picked up an N-Fab tire carrier on Amazon.com. Wish it had a black strap, but they didn't offer any color options. Still need to get the other 4 tires on the truck.

 

I finally got my lift installed today. Took a little longer than I thought it would, but was a good day project. Only ran into a few snags. One was not having clear instructions from Toytec on how to install the lift, but most of it was pretty self explanatory. As well as some good info on TacomaWorld.















The kit came with some 1/2" spacers so I didn't need to trim the skid plate at all which was good. Just bolted it on and had it sit over the existing tabs.

Make sure when installing the rear lift blocks, DO NOT install the shocks first, they will not let you drop the rear axle down low enough to install the blocks.

No trimming for the tires was required, just removed the forward mudflaps on the front wheel wells. They were catching when turning in reverse.

The front end seems to be fairly rigid over speed bumps and recoils very quickly making a bit of a clunk, even when going slow. Not sure if there's a fix, maybe lowering the snap ring on the front 5100's?. I'll have to drive it for awhile and really see how it rides.

 

Looks like you have the billies set on the top snap ring 2.5 inch of lift with (stock) springs the eibach coils shouldn't be run any higher than .85 or the second lowest snap ring position.

 

Thanks for the info. Lowered to the lowest setting and it rides really smooth. I might notch it up to the second setting to get just a little more lift in the front. The UCA was so close to the coil and the ball joints were nearing max angle even after lowering it, but took it to Firestone for alignment ($179 for lifetime alignments) and everything looks great now.

 

blocks in the rear and a diff drop..... oy.

 

Yeah, diff drop and 1" blocks.

What do you recommend?