If you had it to build again what would you do differently?

If you were able to start your build again knowing what you now know- what would you do differently this time around?

-Would you go straight to 35s (tires) or stick with 33s?
-regular lift, +2 or LT? Or SAS? Body lift?
-Wheels, Armour...
-Batteries, LED lights, etc.

Here is a father son build I did with my Dad couple decades ago! 1988 Toyota 4x4 standard cab short box deluxe, 22RE, 5 spd manual. Head gasket blew while on the hwy and by the time I noticed the damage was done, there was piston slap. So instead of spending anymore time/ money on that under powered 4 cylinder- we instead decided to install a 1991 Ford 5.0L HO V8 (custom harness/ no emissions) with a C4 trans mated to the stock TC by Advanced Adapters.

*What would I have done differently here... V6 instead of the over powered V8 that made the truck dangerous if you weren't careful. Also would have oil guarded the truck to prevent the rust issues.





Here is my starting point- 2012 4.0L Auto;





Plan so far is;
-FJ Cruiser 17" wheels
-Extang toneau solid fold up
-Bed slide
-Bed support brakets (don't like how much light I see between the tailgate and box sides)
-put sliders on (more for door ding protection/ step)
-TRD Pro blackened headlights
-Trex LED light bar grill
-Rear plate bumper
-Lower Sting Ray style lower bumper with front receiver and foot steps (fabricate myself)
-Hoping to get the +2 Flares that are in the works!

-As for lift and tire size... still undecided. Has to provide a really nice ride and be suitable for towing as the truck will be used as a work truck- not just a mall cruiser- but it will see mainly pavement.

Nothing begins until the nicer weather- so lots of time to learn and change my mind!

 

I would've started with a Jeep

 

Let's see... no (thanks to this God forsaken place)

 

Seriously though. Do it right the first time. Pick an end goal and stick with it. Don't do things two or theee times like I did...

 

Same here. My tacoma was such a project. I wish I had just done everything right the first time instead of constantly swapping parts. Much happier with how my 4Runner is coming along.

 

Exactly! I have been planing my build for 2 years and only bought the truck 3 months ago... Every modification should be done with thought. Even little things... when installing switches for example, try to think of all the things you're going to want to control in the future, and even think of what else might get in the way of the switch panel its self. Can be tricky, but it is worth it.

 

I would've had my sliders made with 0 angle, so they made better steps.

 

I wouldve started out with a shell instead of waiting to get one for a few months. I absolutely love mine, found a good deal on craigslist. I also would have gotten a double cab, but that is all personal preference and how you plan on using your truck. I also have an access cab, just wish i had a bit more room. I would also have gone with a v6 even though my four banger is going strong at 211k. Either way, cant go wrong with a tacoma! Welcome btw!

 

Just 2 things for me.
Seat covers
Every o e on here is obsessed with Wet Okales neoprene seat covers. I bought into that and got a set (not wet okales) but caltrend. They fit great and tight! But I never could fall in love with the neoprene. Was quite warm in the summer, got dirty easy and I would just see wetsuit when looking at the seats.
I bought Clazzio's after a year and love them. I wish I had just spent the big $ up front.

Bed cover/rack
I grew up with a father who would always put the aluminum caps in his trucks. I feel these are quite ugly, so it made me hate caps all together.
After getting my truck I bought a Pace Edward's Switchblade retractable bed cover, and a Mobtown Offroad bed rack to carry my Thule box. I am very happy with the setup, and it's quite unique.

After spending time on here and seeing a lot of pics of bed drawer systems such as the Decked, or homemade, I realised I didn't hate fiberglass caps. Now that's what I had done instead. I would get year round use out of it instead of just winters.

 

This. I just finally put on my Softopper last Friday. Why the hell did I wait almost two years after buying my truck to put a topper (of any sort) on? I love this thing.

 

"Once you go cap you can't go back"

 

i would not do an AAL. id do the lift right.

 

What type of cap do you have? Its the kind that opens up on the door, as well as, open up too right? Ive always liked these, hardly ever see them though

 

ARE MX

 

Supercharge with all the bolt ons lol!

But then again, I've only had it about 5-6 months lol

 

Boo this man!!

 

Would have saved my money and gone straight to a SAS. Wasted too much on stuff I got rid of.

 

Would of never bought the Anzo Black U-Bar Projector LED Headlights. They were cheap, ugly, expensive and just all around crappy headlights. Should of put that money toward a true retro fit.