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First week in my first ever truck

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by 2013baja, Apr 18, 2013.

  1. Apr 18, 2013 at 9:49 PM
    #1
    2013baja

    2013baja [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2013
    Member:
    #98649
    Messages:
    84
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Markus
    SoCal
    [​IMG]

    First inspiration
    My best friend in college had a 1984 Toyota pickup that he still drives today 20 years later. Ever since then I've always wanted one, but for various reasons didn't buy one until just now. I've gotten heavily into mountain biking and white water kayaking the last couple of years so a truck finally made sense.

    Why Baja
    Since I’m not mechanically inclined I got the Baja version which, as you all know, comes with some upgraded suspension and wheels. I know all the Baja stuff isn’t nearly as good as what a lot of you have done on your own, but I’m not doing any serious off-roading beyond ruttyass dirt roads. I also know it’s a bit overpriced, but I’m old with a good career (+ it was a 2012 so I got a good deal) so that wasn’t a big concern + I just like the looks of the Baja (yes, the decals may come off soon). In any case, I LOVE it and couldn't be happier!

    Downsides
    The only nitpicky downsides I can think of are the throttle and brake responses. I've driven sports cars the past few years so I've definitely gotten used to the best in those regards. I feel like the brakes are too sensitive and the throttle is not; specifically, it takes a lot of throttle for the truck to downshift. Having said that, I AM impressed by the handling. I wasn’t as impressed by the interior, but then again it’s totally fine for the price and the fact that, hey, it’s a pickup truck!

    Upsides
    My favorite things about it are the utilitarian ones of not worrying about getting it dirty or even scratched or dented and of course being able to throw shit into the back. Before I even got the truck I ordered Wet Okoles, WeatherTech mats, and Avid bars all around (not yet installed). I also upgraded the interior a little (see pictures below) and put in some locking features for the boats and bikes.

    What I also love
    My second favorite part of the truck is how easy it is to personalize. I’m a big believer that you can develop a relationship with your car. I think both Jeremy Clarkson and Dr Phil talk about this in the excellent documentary Love The Beast, and part of that relationship building process is customizing her to make her yours.

    Thanks!
    So I just wanted to thank all of you guys on this forum for providing so many great ideas by sharing my enthusiasm for my new found love along with a few pictures.

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    Last edited: Apr 18, 2013
  2. Apr 18, 2013 at 10:02 PM
    #2
    XPOTRPR

    XPOTRPR CNC Programmer/Machinist

    Joined:
    May 29, 2011
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    #57449
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    First Name:
    Josh
    Chandler, AZ
    Vehicle:
    [2009 Supercharged Adventuretruck] & [1986 22r Minitruck]
    > BUILD LINKS >
    congrats on the truck.. you have many years to enjoy it and make it yours! wheres da pictars!! :D
     
  3. Apr 18, 2013 at 10:09 PM
    #3
    Sigi

    Sigi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Sigi
    Sfv ca
    Vehicle:
    06 tacoma 4x4 trd offroad
    Nice !
     
  4. Apr 18, 2013 at 10:16 PM
    #4
    Hairy Taco

    Hairy Taco Jungle of Love

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Chris
    North of Hell
    Vehicle:
    08 TRD
    awesome first truck bud! Enjoy!
     
  5. Apr 18, 2013 at 10:24 PM
    #5
    AWorthyOpponent

    AWorthyOpponent Member Caught Off Road

    Joined:
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    Dan
    Palm Beach County, Florida
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    2013 MGM DCLB TRD SPORT 4x4
    TRD Catback Exhaust
    Nice. The Baja is perfect for your needs. Anyone that says otherwise is just jelly...

    Loving the action shots of it actually in use.
     
  6. Apr 18, 2013 at 10:28 PM
    #6
    iliketurtles

    iliketurtles Well-Known Member

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    The pic with the kayaks and bike in the back is sweet! Almost looks like it's for an ad.
     
  7. Apr 18, 2013 at 11:02 PM
    #7
    SVLeonard85

    SVLeonard85 Member

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    Steve
    Bellevue, WA
    Vehicle:
    13 Tacoma Dbl Cab Sport
    Where did you get your carbon fiber dash kit from?
     
  8. Apr 19, 2013 at 1:00 AM
    #8
    jackrules

    jackrules Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Jack
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    10 PreRunner Double Cab SR5 TRD Sport LB
    Where did you get these 2 things? Specifically the gas can or water can or whatever that is. I want one!!! And I also want a trail hitch shakel and yours is cool!


     
  9. Apr 19, 2013 at 1:20 AM
    #9
    bullaculla

    bullaculla IKA fabrications

    Joined:
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    Da big big island!
    Vehicle:
    2013 MGM DCSB Tacoma 4X4 TRD Off Road
    All pro 3 link SAS kit, Diamond axle, kings on 37" MTR/K
    Good job on doing your homework first OP! The red looks awesome with those wheels. Don't ever get rid of them!
    I think your truck is an upgraded OR if I'm not mistaken. I have read somewhere that the OR has a bigger brake booster or something, and that's why our brakes are more sensitive. Not too sure, but I agree they are touchy sometimes.


    Rotopax:
    http://rotopax.com/

    Ebay:
    http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=hitch+shackle&_sacat=0&_from=R40
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #9
  10. Apr 19, 2013 at 1:31 AM
    #10
    13Tacoma

    13Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    128
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    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Off-Road Silver Streak DC
    Fog Light Mod, Debadged Tailgate, Blacked out Front Grill, Removed Front Mud Flaps, 3" Lift, 4" Quantum LED's mounted behind Lower Valence-Courtesy of Kmd Garage Group Buy.
    Nice Truck, Enjoy!
     
  11. Apr 19, 2013 at 3:07 AM
    #11
    johneman

    johneman Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

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    Ken
    Warwick,Bucks PA
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    2021 TRD OR Magnetic Gray
    Go Rhino Dominator D1 step, Extang Encore Tonneau.
    Nice truck...congrats on purchasing it and happy trails.
     
  12. Apr 19, 2013 at 3:45 AM
    #12
    Valsmere

    Valsmere Well-Known Member

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    Brian
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    EXPENSIVE
    tail gate lock, rear view mirror bracket, hood hinge brackets, and the list grows.
    Congrats Very nice truck. I had thought about.going that route but I fell in love with the magnetic gray. Best of luck Buddy!:thumbup:
     
  13. Apr 19, 2013 at 4:03 AM
    #13
    Got2ryde

    Got2ryde Well-Known Member

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    Ryder
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    AC OR 6spd silverstreak
    Off Road tow pac. GTCovers wetskinz seat covers, Direct wired Escort 9500xi, Leer 180 w/ARB awning, bed mat, extra d-rings, rear dif breather relocated, Weathertec mats, Elite front with Warn M8000-s and Rigid D2's, BAMF sliders, ABS killswitch, Kicker Hideaway sub, UltraGauge, ATO rear with flush mount duallys, FJ Trail Team black rims w/Duratracs.
    Sweet Truck! Love the look of an Access cab. What bike mounts did you get?
     
  14. Apr 19, 2013 at 4:07 AM
    #14
    Millertime187

    Millertime187 I'll be your huckleberry!

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    David
    Clay City, KY
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    Just a few little things. It's my DD
    I love your truck!!!!!
     
  15. Apr 19, 2013 at 4:30 AM
    #15
    Hollywood Ball

    Hollywood Ball Well-Known Member

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    Steve
    Baltimore
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    2013 Access Cab V6 SR5
    You can read it on the can, took me a couple guesses because its not entirely clear. That can is pretty cool though.

    http://rotopax.com/
     
  16. Apr 19, 2013 at 4:47 AM
    #16
    113tac

    113tac Well-Known Member

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    Stephen
    Northern Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2017 Magnetic Gray Tacoma
    Mostly Stock for now, 265 75 16 Falken AT3W, Tinted fronts...
    very cool, that first pic looks like it could be a toyota ad! haha
     
  17. Apr 19, 2013 at 4:49 AM
    #17
    88nitro305

    88nitro305 Well-Known Member

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    Vermont
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    2012 white DCSB TRD OR
    Beautiful truck!
     
  18. Apr 19, 2013 at 5:02 AM
    #18
    Burns

    Burns Excellent Member

    Joined:
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    17 DCSB Off-Road
    Bilstein 5100's @ 2.0", Wheelers 1.5" AAL, 265/75/16 Firestone Destination AT2's
    Nice rig lots of luck with it.
     
  19. Apr 19, 2013 at 5:11 AM
    #19
    ARB1977

    ARB1977 It’s a beaut Clark

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    15 DCSB Prerunner 4.0L Blue Ribbon Metallic
    Black TRD Fj Cruiser wheels, TRD catback exhaust.
    Awesome. Once you own a truck it's hard to go back to owning a car. I still love my 2002. The room sucks is my only complaint.
     
  20. Apr 19, 2013 at 5:51 AM
    #20
    On An Island

    On An Island Assimilated

    Joined:
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    Houston-ish
    Vehicle:
    '12 Black 4x4 DC LB TRD Sport
    Bilstein 5160 reservoir rear shocks, Bilstein 5100 height-adjustable front shocks, SuperSpring SSA19 leafs, Westin bull bar, KC Apollo Pro 6" spotlights, Leer 100XQ cap, K&N air filter, AntennaX 13" Euro antenna, tailgate washers, spare tire tool guide, Console Vault, FJ silver wheel caps
    Enjoy your Baja Markus! It's a sweet ride.

    Where's the location shown in the first photo?
     
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