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Norsmanvike's Budget Build Escape to Freedom With Azure...

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Builds (2016-2023)' started by Norsemanvike, May 17, 2018.

Page 1 of 9
  1. May 17, 2018 at 3:52 PM
    #1
    Norsemanvike

    #1
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2018
    Member:
    #244562
    Messages:
    5,235
    Gender:
    Male
    Escondido, CA
    Vehicle:
    '18 Sport 4x4, DblCb, ShBd, BBP
    AZURE ! ! !

    Year:     2018
    Grade/Trim: TRD Sport
    Cab: Double Cab with 5-ft. Short Bed
    Powertrain: 3.5L V6 Engine with 4x4, 6-Speed Auto
    Ext Color: Blazing Blue Pearl
    Int Color: Graphite/Gun Metal
    Packages: Technology Package
    Factory Accessories: Hard tri-fold tonneau cover
    Tire Size: 17R265
    Plant of Manufacturer: Baja Calif, Mexico

    CURRENT SETUP



    COMPLETELY STOCK

    Azure.jpg

    Factory Installed Equipment:
    • FE 50 State Emissions
    • PY TRD Sport Package
    • TC Tonneau Cover
    • TP Technology Package
    Port Installed Equipment:
    • CJ Bed Mat
    • WI Spare Tire Lock
    • WL Wheel Locks (Alloy)
    • 2T All-Weather Flr Liner/Door Sill Protector
    Interior Modifications:
    Exterior Modifications:
    Lighting and Mounting Brackets:
    Suspension, Wheels, and Tires:
    Armor:

    BACK STORY:

    So, my wife and I have a rule in our house, only one car loan at a time. It was her turn to get a new car and after seeing how ugly the '04 Camry has become ( still runs great though at 190k and very reliable ), she wanted to go look at new Camry's and I hate car shopping with a passion. I mean I really detest car shopping. The Passat that we bought 20 years ago, she actually researched it, found it at the dealership, and test drove it to our house and called me in the house to go outside to take a look. That's how much I hate car shopping. This time around though, I was willing to go along and look for a short while, but while at the dealership, we were looking at the Camry on the showroom floor and I got really bored. So, I wondered off. My wife wondered where I'd gone to and called me on my cell phone and I told her where I was. So, she wandered over to the trucks with the salesman and found me among the Tacomas. I pointed at a few and told her when it was my turn, this was what I was getting. I took a real interest in it, found this forum and really researched it told her I was 100% sure and knew I had to wait my turn. As it turns out, she was so set aback by my interest in any vehicle purchase, she gave me her turn and we ended up with our Tacoma. We eventually sold our Nissan Juke since the air compressor seized (cost well over 1k to repair, the transmission was beginning to slip, and a piston was misfiring ( all common problems on the Juke ).

    Completed Trails:
    • 2018, JUL 29 - Pine Valley Road, Long Valley Road Loop, CA ( 11.2 miles - out/back )
    • 2018, AUG 18 - Palomar Divide Road, CA ( 23 miles - out/back )
    • 2018, AUG 26 - FR300, FR107, FR51, and Old Verde Road in Northern AZ ( 83.2 miles )
    • 2018, NOV 03 - SR2013 - Red Canyon Trail to Eagle Mountain Railroad Trestle ( 32.4 miles )
    • 2018, NOV 24 - Indian Flats, Puerta La Cruz ( 13.4 miles )
    • 2018, DEC 02 - Fish Creek Wash and Sandstone Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert ( 38.1 miles - out/back )
    • 2018, DEC 23 - Palomar Divide Road, CA ( 23 miles out/back )
    • 2019, JAN 16 - Pumpkin Patch Trail, Octitillo Wells ( 25 miles on dirt/sand/mud estimated )
    • 2019, MAR 23 - Otay Truck Trail with two mild off-shoots.
    • 2019, APR 20 - Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve ( estimated 5 miles ).
    • 2019, JUN 08 - Lusardi Truck Trail ( 12.8 miles - out/back )
    • 2019, JUL 20 - Palomar Divide Road and High Point Truck Trail ( 25 miles - out/back )
    • 2019, SEP 21 - Big Bear: 1n04, right on 2n06, and another right on 2n10 ( 14.2 miles )
    • 2019, NOV 09 - SR2013 - Red Canyon Trail to Eagle Mountain Railroad Trestle with a return North on Summit Rd and Red Cloud Mine Rd ( 42.4 miles )
    • 2020, FEB 29 - Indian Flats ( Puerta La Cruz Rd. ), Grapevine Canyon Rd., Fish Creek Wash, Sandstone Canyon ( up to the Gate Keeper ) ( 48.9 miles - out/back )
    • 2020, MAY 23 - Valley of the Moon ( up to the slab ) ( 6.4 miles - out/back )
    • 2020, JUN 05 - FR300 and FR51 in Northern, AZ ( 21.4 miles )
    • 2020, JUL 07 - Exploring USMC Camp Pendleton escorted by Federal Game Warden assigned to the base (23.3 miles )
    • 2020, JUL 14 - Again, exploring USMC Camp Pendleton escorted by Federal Game Warden assigned to the base (15.6 miles )
    • 2020, AUG 25/27 - Wheeler Pass Rd and Buck Spring Rd outside of Pahrump, NV ( 35.3 miles - out/back )
    • 2020, OCT 176 - 3rd Annual Red Canyon Trail. Added the Bradshaw trail on this ( 79.5 miles ).
    • 2021 JAN 30-31 - 11th Annual Superstition trip. Who knows how many miles on dirt and in the sand dunes. Quite frankly I didn't care. I'll pay attention next time. After some crude measurements, I'm guessing 16 miles on the dirt that weekend.
    • 2021 MAR 19-21 - Superstition v2 trip. Who knows how many miles on dirt and in the sand dunes. Quite frankly I didn't care, we did a night run, stirred up the dust, and had a great time and I've venture close to 50 miles in the dirt, sand, and rocks this time.
    • 2021 JUL01 - Alabama Hills ( 6.6 miles).
    • 2021 JUL02 - Reward Mine ( 46 miles in and back out ).
    • 2021 SEP25 - Schnebly Hill Road ( 12 miles ).
    • 2021 SEP25 - Broken Arrow ( 3.5 miles ).
    • 2021 SEP25 - Crackerjack Mine ( 15 miles ).
    • 2021 SEP25 - FR 300, night run, ( 29.5 miles ).
    • 2021 SEP26 - FR 300, finishing trail ( 14 miles ).
    Desired Trails:
    • CA: Palm Wash - Truckhaven
    • CA: Gettysburg / Tectonic Gorge ( combined loop ) - Ocotillo Wells SVRA
    • CA: Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures
    • CA: 6S13 - Thomas Mountain
    • CA: 5S15 - Rouse Hill
    • CA: 4S01 - Black Mountain
    • CA: 3S04 - Main Divide South - Santiago Peak (aka Saddleback Mountain)
    • 2N33 - Pilot Rock Truck Trail
    • 2N47 - Cleghorn Ridge
    • 3N16 - Holcomb Valley ( winter run as well )
    • Gold Fever Trail
    • Rattlesnake Canyon - RC3331
    • 1N09 - City Creek
    • 2n09 ( winter run as well )
    • AZ: Bulldog FR 12 Willow Canyon
    • AZ: Monument Valley SR42
    • UT: Valley of the Gods
    • UT: Goosenecks State Park
    TIMELINE...
    12MAY2018     - Deposit made on a factory ordered Tacoma Sport!
    21MAY2018 - Factory required interior change. Went from Black Pkg/Gun Metal to Graphite/Gun Metal and drop the Mini Tie-Downs with Hooks on the bed because they "conflicted" with the Tonneau Cover.
    24MAY2018 - Factory accepted order! Estimated birthday on production line is 21JUN2018.
    22JUN2018 - Birthday... Azure was born on the production line today! ETA at the dealership is NLT 26JUN. We're gonna have a BBP Sport in our garage by next weekend!
    26JUN2018 - Azure arrived at Escondido Toyota and began his Pre Delivery Inspection.
    28JUN2018 - Took the morning off from work and picked up Azure today! Retail price for him was $37,600. We opted to keep the dealer's alarm and activated for $495 and added Gap Insurance. We held off on the extended warranty for now until we could afford to pay for it in cash. He had 8 miles on him before our test drive home to make sure he'd fit in the garage, which he did. When we signed on the dotted line, he had 14 miles on him and he also crossed 100 miles on his first day.
    30JUN2018 - Drive to Coronado Island and photographed Azure for the first time. I wanted to document what he looked like in all stock form before making any mods.
    01JUL2018 - List of mods and accessories completed today: Center Console Organizer, Glove Box Organizer, 12V Adapter Expansion with 2 USB and 2 12v chargers in center console, Gasshole, vinyl letters on glove box, vinyl letters on door sills, chrome blackout kit for interior, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, plasti-dipped Vikings' and Cubs' license plate frames, blue vinyl on starter ring and gear shift indicator, enTune screen protector, 5" Lund bolt-on nerf bars, and the A/C Drain Mod. Whew, big day.
    03JUL2018 - First fill up at Costco.
    04JUL2018 - Pulled off the factory 1/4 panel stickers and applied my custom Valhalla Edition 1/4 panel vinyl. When those need to be replaced, I'll have the Norseman logo made bigger. I also de-badged the V6 emblem on the tailgate. First coat of Chemical Guy's Jet Seal sealant. Learned that I need to do the full wash at a DIY car wash so that I can take advantage of shade for a hand mitt wash and their high pressure rinse with a spot free rinse finish it off. I also need a second bucket for rinsing before dipping for more suds.
    06JUL2018 - Got all dirty from ash and soot from chasing a fire on Camp Pendleton, so off the the wash we went and refined the process: 1) basic rinse at home to get the big stuff off, 2) pre-soak at the car wash, 3) use my pre-filled water bucket with Chem Guys Mr. Pink for a wash, 4) high pressure rinse, 5) spot free rinse, 6) drive home and towel dry what water is left, 7) quick spray/wipe wax.
    12JUL2018 - AVS Window Vent Visor/Rain Guards showed up and installed easy.
    15JUL2018 -DIY molle panel for photographers completed. Full write up here.
    21JUL2018 - Tinted his windows yesterday at Mr. Tint in Escondido.
    27JUL2018 - Removed the Tacoma front door badges.
    28JUL2018 - After all sanding, painting, and clear coat, the custom Faux Pro TRD Sport emblems are as done as they're going to get. Installed and they look great! Also installed Grit-It style sun visors.
    29JUL2018 - Took Azure off-roading for the first time on Pine Valley Road Truck Trail in the San Diego back country with MaryAnn. The trail was harsher than I expected, but not as bad as I had feared. We had 4 other very experienced drivers with us to give us a crash course education and we now know that we need a few things to do any trail correctly ( @Prayn4surf , @desertjunkie760 , @eccracer104 , @erice ).
    16AUG2018 - I took Azure to Toyota of Escondido to have TSB 0062-18 applied. The change felt was noticeable in that gears were being held longer, shifting is much smoother, and there's no surge/pause/high rpm rev when you throttle it from a stop which was felt with virtually any pressure on the peddle. Now from a stop, he takes off immediately without any hesitations. His AT is now responding how an AT should be responding. Although the Service Adviser at ToE had the work performed, he did give me the corporate line and seemed skeptical when I presented the TSB to him since he was curious as to where I got it as he tossed it on front passenger seat. I also requested that the momentary or courtesy turn signal be set to 7 flashes, but the technician said it wasn't possible. So, I'll get my ducks in a row for that when I have my 5k service done.
    18AUG2018 - Second trail run on Palomar Divide Road. Nice easy trail that gets inexperienced folks some exposure to climbing up hill on noth'n but larger loose rocks. I kicked one up from my front passenger wheel with 4WD engaged and it ricocheted off my passenger nerf bar ( left a gouge and exposed the metal ). Driving with an unfriendly edge that will send you rolling if you veer too far off the road, some approaches that you just can't see because of your hood and have to rely on the line the truck in front took, some water puddles if there was a recent rain, and some great views. Followed it up with a inside/outside detailing and a fresh seal.
    26AUG2018 - Using direction from photographer friends, I tried using their directions to find the Heber Wild Horses in Northern AZ using FR300 and FR51. However, I somehow managed to miss the turn off from FR300 for FR51 ( thanks for the distance miscalculation Google Maps ) by a whopping 20 miles. After 42 miles on FR300 as it was getting sketchier and sketchier with visions of Deliverance flashing through my head, I chose to turn around and retraced my route for 15 miles until I found a FR107 that said 8 miles North to the main road ( hwy 260 ). Then off to the Northern entrance of FR51 and Old Verde Road trying to find the wild horses, ultimately to no avail for a grand total of 83.2 miles on gravel, rocky, and muddy fire roads. I drove alone through a lot of sketchy and muddy terrain that probably wasn't very smart. Looking back on it though, I'm glad I did it and more thankful to God that I made it through.
    06SEP2018 - Milestone of 5,000 miles.
    15SEP2018 - 5K Service completed and had the dealer change the courtesy turn signal blinker from 3 to 7.
    23SEP2018 - Added blue bullet style air stem caps to all four tires. Also added clips to inside/outside of the center console to keep the cords in place that are coming out from it so they stop getting pinched every time the console closes.
    04OCT2018 - Radio Comms added via 4 Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band hand-held ham radios. Eventually, a in-cab mounted ham will be acquired and installed so that we always have full comms with compatible hardware with at least 5 trucks covered.
    13OCT2018 - Completed the install of a Rexing V1LP front/rear dash cam with fuse box tapping wire for parking mode. Bought and installed for two main reasons: 1) Insurance purposes so that I have an eye witness in "he said/she said" disputes because I've been a victim of accident fraud ( no thanks to 21st Century Insurance selling me down the river knowing they were paying out fraud ) and 2) To record off-road trips since I have no record of my adventure in the Arizona wilderness being semi-lost 30 miles off course.
    27OCT2018 - Installed custom Startup and Display Off images to the EnTune head unit. I went with the 2016 Cubs World Series Championship banner. :)
    02NOV2018 - Installed a tail hitch with a 3/4 shackle with a 7/8s pin for a rear recovery point. With two D-Rings, I pained one blue to match Azure and the other one Red for when I get a proper recovery point in the front. I also put on a locking hitch pin on the rear.
    03NOV2018 - Ran the Red Canyon Trail to the abandoned Eagle Mountain Railroad Trestle with 12 other trucks on a run that I organized. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gens along with with two gens of 4Runners. The trail was a first time for everyone and there was lots of talk and recommendations to turn this into an annual overnight event.
    23NOV2018 - Installed Bullet Proof Fabrication Heavy Duty Tow Hook as a front recovery point. I also installed repainted the other 3/4 shackle with a 7/8s pin to match the truck and installed it on the BPF hook.
    24NOV2018 - A group of six of us tried to run Palomar Divide, but the gate was locked, so we diverted to Indian Flats Truck Trail with the connection for Puerta la Cruz Truck Trail for a total of 20 miles, 13.4 of which was on easy dirt. The first 6.6 was on a paved road.
    02DEC2018 - Did an Anza Borrego trip today. First stopping at Fonts Point and then headed to Fish Creek Wash to Sandstone Canyon. In Sandstone is where I caught a rock and cut my driver's rear tire just above the rim with a 1 inch gash. First actual trail damage... No worse for where though, the full size spare went on and we finished the trail. 38.1 miles off-road in all with a lesson learned though about swinging wide of rocks that have black marks on them. Doh! I want to take a few other folks through this Canyon!
    05DEC2018 - Picked up a Napier Sportz 57 Series Truck Tent and Rightline Gear Truck Bed Air Mattress for bargain price of $100 ( retail $360+ ) off of a fellow TW member who just moved into the area. I had this exact tent bookmarked, and listed on my "mod list" as a low priority, but this was just too good to pass up. Both the tent and mattress were only used once, so they're in virtually new condition and I couldn't wait to test fit it, so I did it in the dark with a flashlight without instructions. It took a while... LOL
    23DEC2018 - Got with a group of other folks and we tried Palomar Divide again and it was open. No issues on the trail and either it was a lot simpler than I remember or I'm getting more confident with what I can handle. I'm defaulting to confidence.
    26DEC2018 - Received @mesojdm's Ultimate Dome Light-3rd Gen from @sdsurfer for Christmas and installed it today. Holy Moly is it bright! Even MaryAnn asked if he makes them for the Juke! Great product, great gift, great results.
    05JAN2019 - Received @mesojdm 's Extended Fuse Cover today. Quick and easy install and now I don't have to worry about my in-cab fuses being exposed.
    09FEB2019 - Purchased and picked up used, but very clean, a BPF powder coated gloss black 3/16 steel BPF stamped skidplate. I need to order the $13 3rd gen adapter hardware kit though.
    09FEB2019 - Met with @FreshMexicanTaco, whom I purchased a 3rd Gen Toyota Heritage grille from. He even installed it since I drove to him.
    16FEB2019 - Went to Ocotillo Wells and although we traveled on many of the main by ways, the main trail we took was Pumpkin Patch Trail to get to well known Pumpkin Patch ( roundish dirt stones on the ground sorta resembling a pumpkin patch ).
    21FEB2019 - Installed BPF skidplate with the adapting hardware from BPF.
    17MAR2019 - After seeing a few photos of the Heritage Pro grille on Azure, I noticed that the TSS garnish got a lot of glare from the sun making it a distracting and overly bright spot in photos . So, with today finally being in the 80 degree range, I took advantage and plastidiped the garnish a matte black to blend in with the rest of the grille. One tiny piece of dust got in and a little tiny corner came up when I pulled the tape and paper off ( can't notice either unless you're up close ). I must say, I like the result and hope that the TSS still works which I'll test it out tomorrow morning on the way to work.
    23MAR2019 - Did a Otay Truck Trail near Chula Vista with a couple of off-shoots with @hoarder23 . He definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and pushed my boundaries.
    20APR2019 - Drove to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve to meet with @bigbarlo and @Mach375 for some light off-roading and photography. It checked the box for one of my SoCal Bucket List items! We met at the Northern part of the reserve where we could drive in with our vehicles vs being corralled and herded like cattle with the hundred or so of other visitors. The North side needed some higher clearance vehicles and a few hills needed 4x4 or lockers to play it safe, so our Tacos were more than up to the task for an easy day. We did stop on one hill that was met with the full force of the wind which I would estimate to be 50+ mph.
    27APR2019 - I had my Baofeng in-cab mount ham radio installed professionally using a Caliraised LED tailgate mount and I'm glad that MaryAnn made us use a professional. He had to do way more than I though would have been needed to be done like grinding the hole in the mount from 3/8" to 3/4", using a splicer to extend the antenna cable to the radio, and using a different power cable from the battery to the radio. Getting through the menu system isn't easy, but I managed to fumble across a way to set one channel to match my radios and made sure it worked.
    07MAY2019 - As strange as it may sound, MaryAnn bought me the front header rail for Azure ( the truck bed thingy according to her ) for my birthday. LOL Now I can start my DIY bed molle mounting as I collect the parts.
    13MAY2019 - I bought a set of used Runnin4Taco raptor lights from another TW member for 50% off retail. Received and installed them today.
    29MAY2019 - Ham Radio install is now fully complete with the mic holder being held by a Hondo Garage Un-Holy mount, two 1" RAM ball mounts, and a 6" RAM Arm extension.
    01JUN2019 - Three mods done today. First and foremost was installing a tailgate locking kit created by another member. Second was installing Hondo Garage radio knobs that another member bought for me and installing Yellow Lumin-X film covers over the fog lights. Small things, but they make a difference.
    08JUN2019 - Did Lusardi Truck Trail near Ramona and got the truck all dusty, again. The custom made radio mic mount that I made worked like a charm exactly as I had envisioned it.
    10JUN2019 - So, funny story. The images I posted of the plasti dipped antenna mount was premature. As it turns out, I didn't realize that whole thing came off, so when the Larsen Rain Cap arrived today, I thought it didn't fit. Questioning myself, I removed the plastdip and bingo, light bulb moment. The NMO antenna unscrewed and the rain cover screwed right on. So, tomorrow while I have the day off, I'll need to re-dip the Caliraised mount to cover up the scratches again and then dip the the mount that would be exposed while in use. Oy vey! I felt like a dunce.
    06JUL2019 - Although received last week, I finally finished the install of the the anti-theft tailgate bracket, color coded to Azure of course, along with replacing the OEM bolt with something else easier for me and unexpected for a potential tweeker looking for a quick score for drug money.
    20JUL2019 - Ran Palomar Divide and High Point Truck Trail along with two other 2WD TW members that wanted to go. Drove up to High Point Lookout and ran into the ranger up there who gave us a quick tour, pointed out the terrain, and we received a demonstration of Morse Code via mirrors with another ranger from another lookout tower on Mt San Jacinto that was at least 30 miles away.
    21SEP2019 - First trip to San G and did the bunny run. Technically, it was 1n04, right on 2n06, and another right on 2n10 into town ( Front Line Road -> Radford Camp Rd. -> Skyline Dr. ) for 14.2 miles on easy dirt.
    09NOV2019 - Ran the Red Canyon Trail again with new group of folks with the only repeat driver of SilverLogic who agreed to coordinate this run with me in the future so both of us would be co-organizing. SilverLogig blazed the trail as lead truck on both runs using his GPS laptop and recorded the trails as GPX files. The exit route we took extended out time on dirt by another 10 miles and we left the trestle just in time because the sun hit the horizon just as we got back to pavement.
    02DEC2019 - Installed TDYVinyl's Heritage Grille Decals for a little nod towards the old schoolers.
    15DEC2019 - Worked with HeadStrong Off-Road to have an Add-A-Leaf installed for one of their custom prototypes developed for the 3rd Gen Tacoma. It provided a 1.5" rear lift for a rake ( forward lean ) which I am loving. It also provides a bit of a stiffer ride in the rear which I also like since the back doesn't feel so squirrely when bouncing on turn.
    11JAN2020 - While trying to scramble to figure out where to drop off my Christmas Tree for recylcing since Escondido pulled thier two sites a day early, I recieved a text from a friend to install my sliders that he still had in his garage. I gave up watching my Vikings get soundly beaten by the 49ers in a Divisional Round playoff game to get this done. Hat's off to @eccracer104 , @Titus94 , @IDKS , @Bcole and Mya to help me get them installed and installing my CaliRaisedLED ditch lights and brackets. Oh, and to @AY_ARONTRD for asking the question of when they were going to get installed while he was at eccracer104's place for some other work. BCole also surprised me with a blue Meso Mininalist Key Fob! The fob conversion was easy, the sliders, not so much, but we got it done so I can stop dinging the nerf bars in "oops" moments. Thanks to everyone! Later that day, I installed a passenger side tailgate mount from CaliRaised to match the one on the driver side!
    29FEB2020 - @Samus had an excellent trail planned for High Point and Palomar Mountain, but the Forest Service had them closed due to recent rains and controlled burns. So, alternative trails were setup a few days ahead of time for Indian Flats ( Puerta La Cruz Rd ) and Grapevine Canyon Rd. into Anza Borrego. Both trials were 2WD friendly so there were plenty of those along and Grapevine provided a few challenging surprises for some folks. After visiting the Metal Sculptures, @AY_ARONTRD suggested to @TacoPharm that we hit another location. With two others in tow, we headed off to Sandstone Canyon to conquer two obstacles that really had me nervous about doing and fixing a regret that I have had ever since 02DEC2018 which is where I gashed a tire by not paying attention to a rock in plain site. I called it day after that and regretted it ever since. Today though, we got past "Randy's Rock" ( thanks @2000man ) and made it past my nervous points and reached the Gate Keeper. It was a really busy day that with several groups going in and out including a Trails Off Road Mapping Crew Member Josh Noesser cruise by in his Jeep inside Sandstone Canyon. All in all, 48.9 miles in the dirt. Video and photos in about a week.
    22MAR2020 - I removed my gear shifter and painted the plastic portion to color match Azure. Turned pretty well for an inexpensive color highlight for the interior.
    28MAR2020 - Through @HeadStrong Off-Road , I ordered Bilstein 5100 shocks for all 4 corners and I also got their custom designed 3rd Gen specific 3 Leaf AALs installed by a local shop. This gave me an overall 1.5" overall lift while keeping the factory rake intact. The ride is a bit stiffer, but like it better since it the marshmellowy feel is gone. MaryAnn even noticed the improved ride right off the bat and also noticed the lift while sitting inside. While the wheels were off, I used plastidip to get rid of the silver machine face and MaryAnn likes those too which is a huge saver, i.e. $25 in plastidip vs $800+ for new wheels.
    30MAR2020 - I received my order from Matt at Goat Armor. I waited a few days before putting it on and when I finally did, WOW. It really catches people's hattention. The magnetic panels are designed to protect against trail stripes and MaryAnn even likes it.
    16APR2020 - I received my CaliRaised full length Bed Molle Panels for Azure today which I ordered through Headstrong Off-Road. Install was fairly easy as long as you have the right tools, but since our two sets have multiple missing pieces, it was scavenger hunt to find what worked. Now I can start attaching all of the misc. things on them that I either don't want in the cab or don't want to forget at home. Woot!
    25APR2020 - I finally made some progress with my light bars but getting the 32" mounted up with the @CaliRaisedLed behind the bumper brackets and the 17" light bar mounted in the hood scoop with the assistance of @Bcole , @erice , and @eccracer104 . I have to admit thought, Bre had the grill off before I knew what was happening. LOL Wiring isn't done yet since I'm still deciding on which strobe lights I want and how to mount them.
    03MAY2020 - Back over to a friend's house and I assisted with vinyl install their 4Runner and with a little bit left over, I was able to peel off the plastdip on the hood scoop and actually wrapped the scoop. I didn't like the texture the plastidip left on the scoop, so it had to go. I'm getting close to deciding on the strobes, so hopefully they'll be mounted by the end of the month. Then my wiring can happen.
    05MAY2020 - After 5 months, I finally sold the 5" Lund Nerf Bars.
    16MAY2020 - Installed front seat molle panel on the driver's side along with the included seat jackers to raise the front of the seat to a more comfortable position.
    23MAY2020 - On a week notice with good friends, @eccracer104 , @Titus94 , @erice , @Bcole along with Maya, and my wife MaryAnn, we drove to Valley of the Moon. I chose to stop just before the slab which is where the trail really started crank up the difficulty level. I wanted to see the rest of the trail in person before considering tackling it later on with the same experienced group. Besides, if doggos Moose, Scarlet, Abby, and Bandit can do it, why can't I? After all, the truck is far more capable than I am.
    28MAY2020 - MaryAnn bought me new tires for the truck for my birthday. This is the second time she's done this with the first being a new set for our old Honda Civic. The Falken Wildpeak A/T 3W 255/80/17 added another 1.5" of lift because of the larger tires. This gives Azure an overall 3" lift from stock and it's very noticeable and more comfortable.
    05JUN2020 - Take #2 for the Heber Wild Horses in the Sitgraves National Forest In Northern Arizona. This time, I didn't miss the turn from FR300 > FR51 and I can now say, definitively, that when I gave up looking for FR300 on FR51 South, I literally stopped 1/2 mile before the intersection. Oy Vey! But, the bucket list item is done as I found and photographed the Heber Wild Horses!
    07JUL2020 - Explored USMC Camp Pendleton, escorted by Federal Game Warden assigned to the base, looking for the Bison herd. We first looked up by Case Springs where they normally are and she used her binoculars on several of her preferred vantage points and only found a group of four ( 2 adults and 2 juveniles ). Then we headed down to the beach and drove on forbidden pristine beach. All in all, a good day.
    14JUL2020 - Explored USMC Camp Pendleton again with the same Game Warden, but a different part of the base getting to the same mountain range. No Bison this time, but I suspect that it wasn't about the Bison this trip, but instead more about getting to different parts of the base that nobody really drives to.
    28AUG2020 - With the help of @eccracer104 , I installed the KB Voodoo Low Rise Bed Rails that are compatible for an OEM tonneau cover. He also supervised the installation of my rear diff breather modification kit. While installing the rear breather, we discovered that my Wildpeak AT3/W spare wasn't mounting correctly. So, he had me hammer up and out of the way two bracket tongs and we made plans to lop off part of my muffler behind the rear axle later in the weekend. We also finished mounting my strobe lights, but we're waiting on another group member to free up some time to properly connect the lighting since he's an electrician by trade.
    21AUG2020 - After @eccracer104 made me realize I didn't have enough room to properly store my spare tire, we lopped off about the last 18 inches or so of the tail pipe and removed the bracket that helped hold the last piece in place. @erice lopped off the pipe since he was already there showing me where to cut, but I lopped off the bracket and ground it down so that it didn't cause issues when someone was under the truck.
    25AUG2020 - After the Annual San G trip was cancelled due a fire ( one of dozens all up and down CA ), our group diverted to the Mount Sterling Winderness Area Northeast of Pahrump, NV ( West of Las Vegas ). Mostly a dirt/gravel road, the last 3-4 miles were definitely miles that pushed my envelop. The new tires proved to be worth the investment as well as the lift from Headstrong. We returned on the 27th. I didn't wheel Azure on the 26th because I was too lazy to take the bed tent down just to put it back up again after a few hours.
    12OCT2020 - Installed Caliraised bed stiffeners ( Channel Supports ) in preparation of needing to keep my RTT on the bed for a while and fir continued off-roading.
    17OCT2020 - Ran the 3rd Annual Red Canyon Trail to the abandoned railroad trestle with 24 rigs. From there, the group split up into several groups with some going home, some staying for the night to camp, and I went with the group that ventured North to explore the Bradshaw Trail for another 60 miles and took that one off of my To Do list.
    8DEC2020 - Dad bought me several things from Amazon that arrived to include X-Bull recovery traction boards, an upgraded ice cooler, camping toilet stool and privacy tent for MaryAnn, and a garage ceiling rack lift to hold the RTT when not on the truck.
    19DEC2020 - Received a few things for Christmas from friends which were Meso Customs v1 Map Lights ( white ), flush mount license plate holder, a Toyoda sticker for the rear window, a patch stating "My level of sarcasm is in direct relation to your level of stupidity. Map lights and license plate holder were installed right away. Needed the RTT off the truck though.
    30-31JAN2021 - Finally joined in on the Annual Superstition camping trip and arrived early on Saturday. 40+ rigs of all kinds in our TW group, including a few trophy trucks that were trailer-ed in. Sunday was nuts watching friends jump their rigs over a burm with some barely getting all 4 wheels in the air while some held nothing back. It was MaryAnn's first time camping, ever, and she like it enough to be willing to go again and she approved the RTT as is.
    6FEB2021 - Cab Mount Chop ( CMC ) done by @Speed Freek . Nothing but compliments and his finished work looks factory.
    19-21MAR2021 - Superstition v2. With a smaller group of friends, we headed back to Superstition to do some of the off-roading we missed out on the trip in January. Approximately a total of 50 miles on the dirt and pushing limits.
    3APR2021 - Got the AnytimeBackupCamera with front camera install done by a friend today.
    01-03JUL2021 - Traveled the 395 CA corridor to camp in the Alabama Hills with a photo shoot in the morning, visited Reward Mine, natural hot springs near Bridgeport, CA, camped at Big Springs campground, visited Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake and headed home.
    18SEP2021 - Drove up to a friend's home in Murrieta, CA and he assisted with installing the electrical for my Dometic 35 fridge. The slide didn't arrive in time for the install, but is scheduled for deliver on 28SEP.
    25SEP2021 - With San G being cancelled for the second year in a row, a small group of us, namely Dirty Paws Off-Road members, decided to head to Arizona for the weekend. The big day was Saturday, 25SEP where we hit completed Schnebly Hill Road, Broken Arrow, and Crackerjack Mine Trails all in one long day ( 74 total miles on dirt ).
    02OCT2021 - With the arrival of the fridge slide on Tuesday, 28SEP, two days after our long trip, and the arrival of the Dometic protective cover, I installed the slide into the bed, drilling 4 holes in the bed of the truck and through the bed mat to anchor the slide when it's installed.
    12FEB2022 - Installed the Prinsu Rack with low profile mounts and test fit the new Ironman4x4 awning with extra windshield and quick release mounts
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2022
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    Norsemanvike, May 17, 2018
    #1
    Cruser711, tortoise_taco, Trd420 and 4 others like this.
  2. Jun 22, 2018 at 6:28 PM
    #2
    Norsemanvike

    #2
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Birthday... Azure was born on the production line today! ETA at the dealership is NLT 26JUN. We're gonna have a BBP Sport 4x4 in our garage by next weekend! The excitement rages!
     
    Norsemanvike, Jun 22, 2018
    #2
    JS760 likes this.
  3. Jun 22, 2018 at 7:26 PM
    #3
    sdsurfer

    #3
    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    5100s/OME 888s. Dakar leaf pack. Total Chaos UCAs. DeMello Sliders. BAMF Recessed Grille. Prinsu Cabrack and Toprack.
    Congrats! You’ll love it. Your wife may regret giving you her turn once you get the modding bug! It’s an obsession that is hard to control :annoyed: :bananadead:
     
    sdsurfer, Jun 22, 2018
    #3
    Prayn4surf and Norsemanvike[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  4. Jun 22, 2018 at 7:49 PM
    #4
    Norsemanvike

    #4
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ha ha - I already have stuff waiting at the house!
     
    Norsemanvike, Jun 22, 2018
    #4
    sdsurfer[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Jun 22, 2018 at 8:05 PM
    #5
    sdsurfer

    #5
    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    5100s/OME 888s. Dakar leaf pack. Total Chaos UCAs. DeMello Sliders. BAMF Recessed Grille. Prinsu Cabrack and Toprack.
    And the cycle has begun! Just wait until you actually have your truck. It will get worse, my friend. But in a good way! :devil:
     
    sdsurfer, Jun 22, 2018
    #5
    Norsemanvike[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Jun 26, 2018 at 8:17 PM
    #6
    Norsemanvike

    #6
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My truck, Azure, arrived at Escondido Toyota today and started his PDI!!
     
    Norsemanvike, Jun 26, 2018
    #6
    sdsurfer likes this.
  7. Jun 26, 2018 at 9:02 PM
    #7
    sdsurfer

    #7
    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    5100s/OME 888s. Dakar leaf pack. Total Chaos UCAs. DeMello Sliders. BAMF Recessed Grille. Prinsu Cabrack and Toprack.
    Wohoo! When do you get to pick her up?
    :woot:
     
    sdsurfer, Jun 26, 2018
    #7
  8. Jun 26, 2018 at 9:18 PM
    #8
    Norsemanvike

    #8
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hopefully tomorrow or Thursday!
     
    Norsemanvike, Jun 26, 2018
    #8
  9. Jun 29, 2018 at 11:45 AM
    #9
    JS760

    #9
    JS760 Well-Known Member

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    Pro tip for Toyota Escondido

    Watch out for the girl in finance with the big....smile
    She’s very persuasive with the attempts to up sell you
     
    JS760, Jun 29, 2018
    #9
    sdsurfer likes this.
  10. Jun 29, 2018 at 12:22 PM
    #10
    sdsurfer

    #10
    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    Big... UU... smile, huh? :devil:
     
    sdsurfer, Jun 29, 2018
    #10
    JS760[QUOTED] and Norsemanvike[OP] like this.
  11. Jun 29, 2018 at 12:38 PM
    #11
    Norsemanvike

    #11
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    We worked with Patty ( dark hair, medium complexion, and yes, a persuasive smile ). She didn’t push too hard on us.
     
    Norsemanvike, Jun 29, 2018
    #11
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  12. Jul 1, 2018 at 10:27 PM
    #12
    Norsemanvike

    #12
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Lots of mods done today and Azure's first photo session was completed last night, but I'm still processing images from the photo session which will be coming soon.
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 1, 2018
    #12
  13. Jul 2, 2018 at 9:36 PM
    #13
    Norsemanvike

    #13
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Azure's first official photo is on post 1...

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...eedom-with-azure-and-bs.549684/#post-17857063
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 2, 2018
    #13
  14. Jul 2, 2018 at 9:40 PM
    #14
    El Duderino

    #14
    El Duderino Obviously, you're not a golfer.

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    HI->PNW
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    Stuff, things, this, an ADS
    Congrats bro
     
    El Duderino, Jul 2, 2018
    #14
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  15. Jul 2, 2018 at 9:54 PM
    #15
    sdsurfer

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    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    sdsurfer, Jul 2, 2018
    #15
    Norsemanvike[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  16. Jul 5, 2018 at 11:11 PM
    #16
    Norsemanvike

    #16
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Posting for my TW signature line.

    CA_SD_Azure_Skyline TW Signature2.jpg
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 5, 2018
    #16
  17. Jul 7, 2018 at 11:41 PM
    #17
    Norsemanvike

    #17
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Removed the factory stickers and put on my custom Valhalla Edition vinyl to support my Minnesota Vikings!

    Valhalla Edition Qtr Panel.jpg

    Then added the color coded Door Sill inserts. First photo also shows WeatherTech floor liners ( rears not pictured ). The door sill inserts are difficult in the shadows, but when sunlight provides enough light, wowza.

    Weathertech-Door Sill Letters.jpg

    Door Sill Logo.jpg

    Also had to add the gear shift indicator vinyl overlay. I can understand why some folks would find this distracting, but I don't I have discovered that at night, the OEM lines under the vinyl do show through. Also on the center console, you can see an example of the blackout kit.

    Gear Shift Indictor.jpg

    This is the most difficult vinyl addition to see since the glove box rarely gets enough light to make this stand out, but it is a really nice touch.

    Glovebox Letters.jpg
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 7, 2018
    #17
    Landpirate, Prayn4surf, sdsurfer and 1 other person like this.
  18. Jul 7, 2018 at 11:44 PM
    #18
    Norsemanvike

    #18
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Two absolute must... A center console organizer ( with dual 12v and USB splitter adapter shown ) and the glove box organizer. Both have already proven to be invaluable organizational tools. If you only buy two things for your interiors, get these two items.

    Center Console Organizer.jpg

    Glovebox Organizer.jpg
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 7, 2018
    #18
  19. Jul 7, 2018 at 11:48 PM
    #19
    Norsemanvike

    #19
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Cheesy little things as Lic Plate holders provide nice touches. Azure's color of Blazing Blue Pearl matches the Chicago Cubs blue and I'm happy about that, so it goes on the rear so everyone sees it. The Vikings one on the front. Both are chrome, but I used matte black plastidip to cover the chrome so that they blend in better with the black bumper trim. You can also tell the Vikings' frame is older because it has the matching screw covers while the newer versions don't get those anymore.

    Lic Plate Cover Cubs.jpg Lic Plate Cover Vikings.jpg
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 7, 2018
    #19
  20. Jul 7, 2018 at 11:49 PM
    #20
    Norsemanvike

    #20
    Norsemanvike [OP] Well-Known Member

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    5" Lund Nerf Bars were an easy install and a good passive aggressive defense against parking lot idiots. It'll limit damage to Azure while putting the dents on idiots door instead.

    Lund Nerf Bars.jpg
     
    Norsemanvike, Jul 7, 2018
    #20
Page 1 of 9

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