Intro + Noob question

Hey,

I've been lurking for some time since getting my Gen2 ACSB, but just now thinking its time to jump into the wonderful, glorious world that is Tacoma World. Just bought this precious gem a couple of weeks ago and so far, I absolutely love it. Picture of the front as well. I'm really looking forward to making some changes. It's not a lot, but instead of buying a cheap steering wheel cover from Walmart, I slapped some paracord on.

Here's my question: I cruised through the sticky threads and didn't see anything but is there a thread that goes over brands or specific manufacturers to steer clear of? I'd like to use quality parts for whatever mods I do.

Thanks

 

Welcome to TW

 

I should have mentioned this but my main priority mods in the beginning will be:

1. Start swapping current bulbs out to LEDs
2. I'd like to have the chrome parts painted back and I think I know the way I'll do this.
3. Purchase canopy
4. K&N air intake
5. HID lights
6. Truck bed lights
7. Rear view camera
8. Hood scoop

Probably more but can't think of any off the top of my head.

Edit: I'd also like to find out what kind of lift the truck has, just haven't had the time to climb under the truck yet. Anything in particular to look at, for, I'm totally new to this.

 

Welcome, what mods do you have in mind? Your ride already looks like it's had a bit of work done on it.
A minute too late:

 

Ya I'm pretty sure it has too, but I'm not quite sure what all it has had done. The dealership didn't know squat

 

First off does it have a spacer lift or blocks in the rear. Second, bull bars aren't on many favorite lists here. K&N intake won't gain you any power just more noise. Most of the other mods you listed have plenty of threads you can search through. Click on the forums page and you'll find specific info much easier. GL, keep posting your updates.

 

Have no idea what the difference is between spacer lift or blocks, so I'll take a look and find out. Second, isn't a bull bar what I have on the front? Thanks for the info on the K&N, had a few buddies just rave about them. I guess I've read through some of the mods I want to go through but don't see a lot of info on brands. Do you think Amazon review ratings are enough to judge quality parts?

Thanks

 

Before doing HID or LED, read this for a better solution.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.398066/

For lifts steer clear of brands like procomp and rough country.

 

Just realized the truck already has an AFE cold air intake installed. K&N not even needed.

 

1) LED lights are not drop in. They usually require a little wiring modification.
2) Plastidip is a simple way to cover chrome. Using real paint will require lots of prep work (sanding).
3) Toppers aren't cheap!
4) Skip the K&N. I have one. It made the truck loud. No other real gain (unless you really want a washable filter).
5) HID lights - Again, to do this right they won't drop in. You'll need headlamp assemblies designed for HIDs.
6) Lots of threads on truck bed lights.
7) Probably a thread for this too!
8) There's a thread for hood swaps. Some hate the scoops and want to trade for a non-scooped hood.

So far as the lift goes if you can post photos of the suspension under the front and rear of the vehicle there are knowledgeable folks here who can tell you exactly what you have.

When it comes to lifts/suspension - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

 

If you want a suspension lift here's the ones I'd look at:

Budget Lifts (that aren't crap, $1,000+):
Bilstein
Old Man Emu
Toytec

High End Lifts ($2,000+):
Fox
King
Icon

 

You could do an inexpensive, quality Bilstein 5100 lift for under a grand. Got mine last week, installing this coming Monday.

5100's all around
OME 881 coils (or any of the 88x coils, they're all about the same price)
3 leaf Headstrong AAL's for the rear

Purchased through Headstrong as a complete kit with all the bushings, u-bolts and accessories needed for install...just under $900 total (free shipping)

 

As for what brands to stay away from, I think all the major players are legit...just have to shop around for the best deal. I'd stay away from knock-off brands, especially the cheap 'made in China' knock-offs. If unsure, just google a company you're looking at and make sure they're widely used and acclaimed.

 

Painted engine cover. It was a quick and easily attainable mod that was super fun to do.

 

Truck should be prewired for the backup cam. I spent $115 shipped to my door on an OEM backup camera and it was plug n' play. Took 15 minutes to install and wa-la!

 

Just stuck my head in between front and rear and looks like everything was painted or coated in black. I was able to get a few pics:

Appreciate any info on these:

Front Shock

Rear Shock

Not sure what this is so took a pic of it just to throw it out there in case anyone does:
http://imgur.com/l84oO9F

 

Welcome Dylan. All your LED needs should be met here from one of our members; https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jumpers-leds.176932/

 

I'm sure it's a long bed ... I may be wrong ... is there space between the front of the tire pans and the wall of the front of the bed?

Sorry ... welcome ... cut up your credit card.

 

Has to be a long bed. Short beds were only offered on the double cabs. Unless someone took the long bed off and put a short one on.

 

Don't put HID's in a non projector housing...you'll blind people.

You have a 6" Fabtech Drop Bracket lift. Theres different versions that have different shocks but heres a basic one.
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/T...005-14-Toyota-Tacoma-6-Lug-2WD-4WD-p1389.html
Those can't be removed easily on a 4 wheel drive since the installation requires cutting a cross member.

Lastly an 05' won't be prewired for a backup camera since they didn't exist then.