First Toyota: 2016 Tacoma - Thoughts & Comments

This weekend i purchased my first Toyota Tacoma; a lightly used 2016 4x4. Switched from a super crew f150. My first observations are that while it's not as large and roomy, it does many things better; gets great gas mileage, a more user-friendly and advanced in dash screen, and other small subtle features like the assisted tailgate, factory bedliner, etc.

So far i love the truck, and I wanted to share some thoughts with the experts here and see what you thought. So far, they are:

• Love my factory headlights, but wish the color would match the LEDs better (less yellow more white). Any plug n play bulbs that will do this? EDIT: Found sticky thread, ordered LEDs for low beams and fogs.
• The areas between my doors - i have read that it's black plastic vinyl. I'd love to remove this - anyone have any experience doing so?
• I believe i'm going to black linex or paint my grill, but leave the toyota symbol chrome.
• Looking for a tri fold, relatively rigid bed cover soon.
• Lift will be Bilstein 5100s set to 1.75" i believe, with a .75" block in the back. Anyone know what tires I could clear? Not trying to kill my gas mileage.
• I know that CAI's are not going to give me any noticeable HP or MPGs, but the last v6 i had sounded like a beast when i installed one. Anyone have any experience with one themselves?
• Also, forgot but i'd love to find some fender flares to match the truck.

Thanks for any help or comments, and i'm excited to join the forum. Pic below!

 

Welcome, and congratulations. A little judicious searching through the 3rd. gen threads should help you find the answers to most of your questions. I believe the removal of the vinyl between the doors is best done with a hairdryer to warm the surface, and then just careful peeling of the vinyl back, not up. Then some goo-gone to remove any residue from the paint.

 

I thought so as well. When i have time i would like to hunt this forum - it seems to be an excellant source of knowledge for the Tacoma. First stop is pictures of the vinyl removed (want to make sure I like it)

Thanks for your input!

 

You're welcome!

 

Not white but I removed mine mainly because the misalignment at the bottom looked like a cross-eyed hobo installed them.

 

I have a bakflip tonneau cover. I am happy with it.

 

I bought an oem cai. I'm not sure if there is any gain in hp or Litres per 100 km, but I do like
the growl, when I press on the gas.

 

Can't upgrade tires without killing mileage. If plus size is what ya looking for.

 

Right now i get around 20-21 hwy, city should be 16-18 i'm thinking. Would be ok losing 1-2 mpg, just don't want to plummet to something like 13/14 mpg.

 

For the grill I'd say just plastidip it.
Taking it off is pretty simple. Two screws, two plastic push pins. Pull straight out. About 17 small screws around it. Then use pliers to squeeze the clip edge in to pop it out.

I say plastidip because it'll cost you $6. And you'll most likely find an aftermarket one you like way better later on. As for the toyota emblem. Just pop it off with a knife or similar.

I bought a cheaper easily removable soft trifold tonneau. $250 from American tonneau company.

 

I saw a lost of 50-60 miles per tank between these tire size. 265/75/16 Goodyear MTR vs oem 265/70/16 like you have now.

 

Roughly 2-3 mpg it sounds like, not so bad. And from what I can tell that's about the heaviest tire for that size, so might be able to save some going with an A/T

 

Thinking of plasti-dipping my grill this weekend, as well as popping out the 'yota symbol and making it white. Any thoughts? Also, curious what color spray paint i should use to match best.

 

265/75/16 is where you'll need to stick without trimming or cutting

 

Really? From what i'd read with 1.75" i'd thought I could clear something like a 255/85/r16 no prob. the stock 265s on stock suspension have more than enough room

 

You ask three different people running other sizes and you'll get three different opinions and experiences. What we know works 100% based on vast majority of feedback has been the 265/75r16. If you go beyond that, you may risk needing wheel spacers, trimming, etc.

 

As for the vinyl on B Pillars: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/b-pillar-vinyl-removal.434669/

 

Lift wise i'm thinking:

Light Racing UCAs
Bilstein 5100s with OME Springs (885s)
Rear: AAL

Do I need to have any concerns about my CV angles with this setup? I think it'll be just right - give me 2.5"-3", good ride, clear 285s.

 

Call HeadStrong Off Road or Wheelers they can give you tech advice and a good deal.