What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

I did most of my CBI T3 HC bumper install today with one of my buddies. I'm the fat dude in shorts. We got the bumper dry fitted with the help of my tractor. I am using two separate PDFs and 3 posts from here to get this done. I have zero skills at doing this shit, and just making it up as I go along. To quote Max Powell from YouTube "Do your own work!". I still think I messed up on it where you cut the body panel back by the tail light. After the CBI measurements on the bed it cuts off right above where this really thin metal piece connects to the bed stock bed stiffener is at. Using the angle grinder on the truck was scary as shit. Here are some pics of the progress.

Rear bumper removed! This was hard and not hard. Muddled through getting this done.



First cut about 2" under the line we are supposed to cut. This was pretty scary.



My doggo supervising the after cut discussion on how bad we probably messed it up.



Tractor time getting the bumper lifted up. I got the steel one and it weighs a like 150+lbs.



Dry fit photos. Finishing up tomorrow to get everything bolted down and torqued. By the anyway know the torque spec for this? CBI has nothing listed. I didn't see anything here in a search either. I plan to go with 100 ft lbs and check it after a trip.




That is what I did to my Taco today!

 

Looks like you guys did a pretty good job! You’ll have to post some pics once you get everything bolted in! Awesome work for a do-it-yourself job! The best part is you can take pride in knowing you did it yourself (with a buddy; gotta give him kudos too)! Not to mention the money you saved on the installation equals more mod money!

 

Looks good. I really dislike all of the interior chrome!

 

2LO PnP mod... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...w-range-for-the-3rd-gen-tacoma.614743/page-24

Mopar D-Rings for the bed...


Knurled radio knobs...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/replacement-radio-knobs-knurled-black-anodized-aluminum.556567/

 

I wrapped mine but I am curious what type of paint you used and what you did to prep the surface.

 

Got my Wheelwell order in on the discounted Spyder Sequential Headlights and EGR In Channel window visors.

 

That’s exactly what I have always done with the same fear that eventually it’s going to break. It does seem strange that Toyota gives no instruction on what to do.

 

That tail pipe...Did you do the blackout? If so, what did you use?

 

Sick looking!! Love it!

 

Yea thats what my VW GTI has I dont think Ive seen them in the Tacoma. I guess lack of attention to details...Ill look again!

 

I put top-of-the-line ceramic pads and new rotors on one of my cars several years ago. First thing I noticed was terrible brake dust on my wheels. Next thing I noticed was that the pads did not wear much but those pads started eating away at the rotors. Put old style pads back on it. No more brake dust issues.

 

What benefits do you get trading in a 2017 for a 2019? Are they not the same truck?

 

I was thinking of the same thing when I saw his post! LOL!

 

Ok 3rd gen owners, need some advise, make me smarter. I want a better ride with a small amount of lift while keeping expenses down. Don't do any heavy off roading. Looking at putting 5100's on the front (possibly at 1.75 setting) but not sure what to put on the rear. Looking at an aal or progressive 3 leaf pack to get 1.5 in lift in the rear. From what I've read I believe the progressive 3 leaf would give me a better ride. Any advise or suggestions? Also if I decide to do this what is the best way to eliminate the Taco lean while I'm working on it? I've never done suspension work myself and hope I can tackle this myself. Appreciate any input. Thanks in advance guys and gals.

 

I would include a leaf pack, at least that is my current plan. Not 100% necessary but from what I’ve read, it’s makes for a much better ride.

 

I added the RMAS(RoadMaster Active Suspension) kit to the rear. This greatly improves heavy towing capacity without making the ride rougher when empty.
Also, installed the Bilstein 5100s in the rear. Will swap out OEM shocks eventually with Bilstein 5100s in the front eventually as well.

 

Put in the Taco garage DSM with Mob Armor phone mount. I'm not sold on it yet.

 

what don't you like about it?