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Crimson & Clover - Over and over and over and over....

Discussion in '1st Gen. Builds (1995-2004)' started by willz503, Jul 23, 2019.

  1. Jul 23, 2019 at 4:57 PM
    #1
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2014
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    96
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    Male
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)
    Welcome to my 1st Gen. Build!

    "Crimson & Clover"

    This is my 2nd 1st gen. Tacoma, but my first build thread. Welcome!! ​

    I used to own a 1999 2.7L M/T 4x4, Purple Mystic Mica, 140,xxx when I sold it... But now, I've upgraded to an '01 V6, still M/T, still 4x4, now with E-Locker, but it's Impulse Red (oh well) - paint job in the future, really, really loved the Purple Mystic Mica!!

    Let's get started!!

    Dealer Photos:

    [​IMG] [​IMG][​IMG] [​IMG][​IMG]

    To start off, I decided on some basic visual updates, ease-of-installs, and easy maintenance. Then, slowly I would start checking off the list of maintenance items. The previous owner ran it, and NEVER serviced it. If you're on here seeing your old truck - you've been called out!! o_O

    ... ... but I digress, onto the build!!
    DIS-LAMER: I have not documented all mods from start to finish, usually just the Before/After. Feel free to ask questions, I'm slow to respond, but I'll get to it. :thumbsup:

    Purchased in Portland, Oregon - September 2018 (Not mentioning the dealership - they were a PITA and I've uncovered things with the truck that weren't shared. *awesome...)

    2001 Toyota Tacoma 3.4L V6 Xtracab 4x4 M/T
    123,XXX
    (Immediately put 1,000 driving home to Vegas!)
    • Stock with E-Locker
    • Stock with Tailgate "pop-lock" but not branded
    • Swapped over my '99 SR5 wheels at time of delivery
    Funny thing - performing a VIN inspection reveals this to be an automatic?! I'm wondering if the previous owner performed a tranny swap? Anyone know if a VIN is always registered to its original transmission type? I have to imagine 'yes' and that it can't be a clerical error...

    Mods/Maintenance/Updates so far:
    1. Dealership replaced Clutch Plate
      • McGreddy Stage 3
    2. Swapped to Black Shift-knob
      • Toyota JDM
    3. Replaced Passenger Side Door-lock mechanism
      • 3rd Party part supplied by dealership: self-replaced
        • On the to-do list to get an OEM, non OEM fails and doesn't respond smoothly
        • Currently have a Dorman brand replacement
    4. Replaced Door Panel Factory Weather-seal
      • Used Rug-moving plastic for cover from Home Depot
      • 3M Strip Calk (Black) #08758
    5. Swapped to Sony XAV- AX1000 Double-Din w/Apple Carplay
    6. Swapped to Gentex Comp./Temp. Mirror
      • Red LCD output
      • Notice about 2° +/- read-out error, but that's OK in my book
    7. Swapped to Driver & Pass 98-00 SR5 Door Handles
      • New OEM, and VERY hard to find
    8. Swapped to Black 1998-2002 4Runner 4WD Shift-knob
    9. Replaced Tailgate support straps
      • OEM junkyard pull
    10. Replaced Rack-and-Pinion Bushing
      • Energy Suspension 27"
    11. Swapped to BFG KO2
      • Lost a some chunks of tire on the purchase drive home
    12. Installed Billet Grill Insert
      • Top & Bottom
      • I think it's ACS? I left a so-so rating on Amazon
      • Not an easy-install for the top, had to learn how to plastic-weld, but it came out great
    13. Installed Hood-lift Gas-struts
    14. Replaced Front & Back Catalytic Converter and O2 Sensors
      • OEM
      • Only after getting the P420 code on the drive back to Portland a couple months later, AND having the bolt snap off the front cat. *awesome...
    15. Swapped to Crystal/Chrome Corner Lights
    16. Swapped to Dark Turn Signals
      • e-Bay buy: DEPO
    17. Replaced all 4 Bilstein Shocks + Front Springs
      • Stock OEM
      • No plans on lifting and I usually do "light" off-roading compared to most
    18. Swapped to all Pioneer TS-A680R 5x7|6x8 Speakers
      • Had to install .5" spacers on front doors for clearance
      • Used the 3M strip calk here as well
      • No trimming, but the door trim panel doesn't fully close around that area - no biggie
    19. Swapped to Black 1998-2002 4Runner Steering Column Trim
      • OEM junkyard pull
    20. Painted Shift-boot vinyl to Black
    21. Replaced Front/Back Brakes + Pads + Calipers
      • Duralast Front & Back
      • Pass. Caliper was shot - explains a lot noise issues I was hearing
      • Had Big O's replace front calipers and rear brakes
    22. Installed Back-Up Camera into Tailgate Lock Handle
      • Amazon purchase (IP67 waterproof)
    23. Replaced Passenger Weatherstrip
      • New OEM
    24. Shop replaced Driver CV Axle, Lower Ball-Joints, and Tie-Rod End-links
      • LBJ snapped in a parking lot. *awesome...
    25. Shop installed Tinted All Windows with Carbon X/P Heat Blocker
      • 55% Heat Rejection on all windows
        • 35% Light pass-thru for Driver & Pass. windows
        • Added 18% dark tint to 3/4 glass and rear glass
    26. Swapped to all Exterior LED Lights
      • Headlight *NOT* Experts Headlight H4 LEDs
        • Recently drove to PDX again and kept getting the "high-beam flash" reminder from on-coming drivers, even though I spent two nights prior to the trip adjusting the beam and checking it was lower than needed... *awesome...
      • Just bought some Philips X-Treme Ultinon 12953BWX2 H4 Hi/LO
        • Pricey, but like many have said - just Buck-up and you'll be happier
      • Sylvannia ZEVO on all others (Lifetime Warranty)
    27. Swapped to Black 1998-2002 4Runner Leather Steering Wheel and Airbag
    28. Swapped to Honda Odyssey Wiper Jet Nozzle
      • It has a 360° adjustable nozzle-end
      • Fits like OEM
    29. Replaced Door Tweeters
      • Used OEM
    *If you're keeping count:
    Mods/Updates/Maintenance = 29
    *awesome...(s) = 4 (fingers-crossed it stays at 4)


    Currently Doing:
    1. Currently getting Drive-line serviced
      • Slip-yoke
      • U-joints
      • Transfer-case (leak found on last half of round-trip)
      • Carrier Bearing

    On the To-Do List:

    1. Leaf Springs (Heavy-Duty for Canopy)
      • Looking at General Springs KC
    2. Hunting down a Leer Cap with extra head space
      • Will remove the Bak Industries Revolver
    3. REALLY want an 80's look - I'm super into neon colors and all 80's stylizing
      • Thinking about a custom 80/20 Aluminum chase bar but then no canopy...
      • Thinking about KC lights
    4. Installing a Toyota OEM On/Off switch for my Sony deck Video By-pass
      • Passengers will be able to watch movies by switching the "e-brake" trigger switch while driving
    5. Installing 2x 2001 Toyota Sienna Trunk Courtesy Lights (w/built-in switch) into my doors?
    6. Installing an under-seat Sub? Kinda don't need it...
     
    Suspender and tcBob like this.
  2. Jul 25, 2019 at 4:57 PM
    #2
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2014
    Member:
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    Messages:
    96
    Gender:
    Male
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)
    Couple of shots from my last road-trip, on the way back from Portland to Las Vegas. :tumbleweed:


     
  3. Jul 26, 2019 at 2:55 PM
    #3
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2014
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    96
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    Male
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)
    Just bought hood/window deflectors! I was noticing chips on the hood...


    Bought the Westin hood deflector - photo made it look fairly sleek - we'll see how it looks in-person.
    • Got it from Autozone.com for $50 w/free shipping. (Plus I'm a SW flyer and they have a free point program with retailers - free flights? OK....)
    • Westin Bug Deflector 72-97146

    Got these in-channel window deflectors on Amazon. They look REALLY good. I'm sure the photos on Amazon are from TW members. :D
     
  4. Jul 29, 2019 at 5:06 PM
    #4
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)
    Purchase / Swap Day
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Back-up Camera

    [​IMG]

    Billet Grill (Before / After)
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Clear Corner Light & Dark Turn Signals (Before / After)
    - Also added a mini Toyota badge to the Upper-Left corner of the grill

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Replaced Weatherstrip (Before / After)
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Tinted Windows with Heat Rejection
    [​IMG]

    LED Lights (OLD Cheap LED Versions)
    [​IMG]

    Wiper Fluid Jet Nozzle Swap
    [​IMG]
     
  5. Jul 30, 2019 at 4:07 AM
    #5
    nzbrock

    nzbrock Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    San Marcos, TX
    Vehicle:
    99 TRD Prerunner 3RZ
    SAW 2.0 Coilovers Wheeler's 5 Leaf + 3 AAL Bilstein 5100s LCE long tube header Flowmaster Delta 50 Muffler FJ Trail Team Wheels 255/85/16 Cooper ST Maxx 4Runner overhead sunglass console 4Runner leather seats All LED lights Red/Clear Tail Light Tundra Brakes HID Projector Retrofits 4Runner Auto Up/Down Windows Bullet Liner Cargo tie down system E-locker axle swap w/4.56 Gears ARE MX Cap Prinsu Toprac Custom heated turn signal/puddle light mirrors Volant Intake Tube
    Got a shot of what that camera can see? I'm curious if you can see the corners of the bumper.
     
  6. Jul 31, 2019 at 4:01 AM
    #6
    HomerTRD

    HomerTRD Well-Known Member

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    Indiana
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    2019 TRD OR
    All stock
    Nice looking truck!
     
  7. Jul 31, 2019 at 4:26 PM
    #7
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)
    Sure do - with more shots too: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-backup-camera.547051/page-2#post-21014371
    works for my needs, I can see one corner just fine... Problem is you can't really get high enough without a shell. I haven't seen any new Toyota OEM view-angles, but my wife has a crosstrek and the camera is mounted a little lower in height, but the cut-off is horrible.

    Thanks!! Trying to make it mine. Finally wrapping up on all the big fixes and working on the small touches.
     
  8. Jul 31, 2019 at 4:47 PM
    #8
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)

    Updated!
    Done:

    30. Dive-line Serviced (I know I probably could have done half of this on my own, but with the way things have been un-folding, I didn't want to risk something happening)
      • Slip-yoke
      • U-joints
      • Carrier Bearing
      • Transfer-case
    I have to admit - it drives better (and worse). Worse in that, now I can REALLY feel that my leaf-springs are worn out. Just a lot of bounce in the ass when I shift! :rofl:

    *If you're keeping count:
    Mods/Updates/Maintenance = 29

    *awesome...(s) = 5 (fingers-crossed it stays at 4 - nope!)


    Currently Doing/Focused On:
    1. AVS In-channel Window Deflectors
      • Just the front, cuz... well, stick-on for the back? Hahahaha! No offense, I know there's a lot of people out there that have them, but I'll save a couple bucks instead.
      • Oh - did I mention it was shipped to Portland, of course.... Guess I make a trip up to get 'em! *awesome...
    2. Westin Bug Deflector
      • Luckily this one is being sent to Vegas! Should have it soon!!
    3. Getting a Tundra/Sequoia Skid Plate PT212-34060 set
      • Cheapest I can find is $143 with the bracket-set and free shipping
      • I am convinced this can be retro-fitted
      • I'm thinking/hoping it should only take a new set of brackets.
      • I figured I'd by-pass the need for a weld-nut on the OG brackets and just use custom set with a hole then slide a couple bolts and lock-nuts; and ever thread-lock FTW!

    On the To-Do List:

    1. Leaf Springs (Heavy-Duty for Canopy)
      • Looking at General Springs KC
    2. Want to Swap Cluster with a 98-00 - does anyone know if they're plug-and-play?
    3. Hunting down a Leer Cap with extra head space (Want a House/Garage first since I don't want it on full-time)
      • Will remove the Bak Industries Revolver
    4. REALLY want an 80's look - I'm super into neon colors and all 80's stylizing
      • Thinking about a custom 80/20 Aluminum chase bar but then no canopy...
      • Thinking about KC lights
    5. Installing a Toyota OEM On/Off switch for my Sony deck Video By-pass
      • Passengers will be able to watch movies by switching the "e-brake" trigger switch while driving
    6. Installing 2x 2001 Toyota Sienna Trunk Courtesy Lights (w/built-in switch) into my doors?
    7. Installing an under-seat Sub? Kinda don't need it...
     
  9. Aug 1, 2019 at 5:57 PM
    #9
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2014
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
    Male
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2001 Xtra Cab V6 4x4 M/T (Impulse Red)
    SHOOOO Buddy!!! Lookie lookie!!! Ignition key-ring light! So stoked! This one came out of 2000 Tacoma



    Tips for anyone looking to perform the Key, Ignition, Ring, Bezel, Light, Trim, Mod (just trying to throw out all tags so it comes up!)

    From what I've found, there are a few compatibles years that may/can come with a light on the bezel:
    • LEXUS LS400: 95-00
    • TACOMA: 95-00
    • AVALON: 95-99
    • RAV4: 98-00 w/tilt steering (column mounted)
    • RAV4: 96-97
    • 4 RUNNER: 96-02

    Happy Hunting!!


    Updated!


    Currently Doing/Focused On:
    1. AVS In-channel Window Deflectors
      • Just the front, cuz... well, stick-on for the back? Hahahaha! No offense, I know there's a lot of people out there that have them, but I'll save a couple bucks instead.
      • Oh - did I mention it was shipped to Portland, of course.... Guess I make a trip up to get 'em! *awesome...
    2. Westin Bug Deflector
      • Luckily this one is being sent to Vegas! Should have it soon!!
    3. Getting a Tundra/Sequoia Skid Plate PT212-34060 set
      • Cheapest I can find is $143 with the bracket-set and free shipping
      • I am convinced this can be retro-fitted
      • I'm thinking/hoping it should only take a new set of brackets.
      • I figured I'd by-pass the need for a weld-nut on the OG brackets and just use custom set with a hole then slide a couple bolts and lock-nuts; and ever thread-lock FTW!
    4. Ignition Ring, Bezel Trim Light Mod
      • Found it on e-Bay! Keep on the lookout, you'll find one...
      • Only took me about 1 year to find one at a decent price! :rofl:
     
  10. Aug 1, 2019 at 5:59 PM
    #10
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Of course it just rained, in the middle of summer, in the middle of the desert. So, now the photo I want to get with my truck all cleaned, I have to wait for, again... hahahaha
     
  11. Aug 4, 2019 at 11:44 AM
    #11
    lmhp1985

    lmhp1985 Well-Known Member

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    Where you bought the carrier bearing? Oem? How much you paid for it? Part number?
     
  12. Aug 4, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #12
    Blue92

    Blue92 Well-Known Member

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    4Runner and Taco key lights are the only ones that dont require modifications. And for the 4Runners its only a few made after 2000 that have the ones that fit our trucks. After that they started using a stupid security key thing and the whole ignition cylinder changed.

    Also dont know why it took you so long to find one. I frequently post them for sale on here as I find them in junkyards. Probably sold 5 in the last 4 months. $28 shipped.

    And I hope you got the little black trim ring that snaps into the dash plastic around the ignition cylinder. Your stock taco one will not fit.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2021
  13. Aug 4, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #13
    Blue92

    Blue92 Well-Known Member

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  14. Aug 4, 2019 at 7:05 PM
    #14
    lmhp1985

    lmhp1985 Well-Known Member

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  15. Aug 7, 2019 at 10:11 AM
    #15
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Damn man! hahahaha! I've only scratched the surface of TW's forums... I try to search them, but have a hard time getting the same tags to show the threads I want. Oh well! I figured I could just sell off the ignition - usually what I do with the spare parts/left-overs. One man's trash and all..

    I'm 99% sure the black trim ring in my truck now is from a 4runner, I had to buy it after I got my truck, when I got my truck it had one of those glow-in-dark aftermarket rings... Thanks for the tip on the black trim though; I'll double-check that.
     
  16. Aug 7, 2019 at 10:13 AM
    #16
    JimboAnz

    JimboAnz #OldNorm

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    willz503[OP] likes this.
  17. Aug 7, 2019 at 10:14 AM
    #17
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    what @Blue92 said. :D

    I had my Carrier Bearing replaced at the driveline shop while they were servicing other parts. I only paid $40 for mine, but then there's shop-labor. Didn't want to F#*! with this one since my luck hasn't been the best on servicing the mechanics of this vehicle.
     
  18. Aug 7, 2019 at 10:14 AM
    #18
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hell yeah!! That's where I got the name from! I listened to the oldies all the time growing up.
     
    JimboAnz[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Aug 7, 2019 at 11:20 AM
    #19
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone ever swapped out a 98.5-00 Locking Gas Cover with a 01-04 Flip Gas Cover?

    I have a locking gas cap, but I like the locking metal cover. I can't find what I'm looking for in TW...
     
  20. Aug 13, 2019 at 1:58 PM
    #20
    willz503

    willz503 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Got my answers: SOLVED - Can you can Install a '98-00 LOCKING Gas Door on an 01-04

    1. Ordered a used gas door (no lock), color-matched, other colors were cheaper, but Primer/Paint Code/Clear was going to be $55 extra so the cheaper ones would be more...
    2. Ordered a new OEM lock cylinder (comes with a clip!). After I bought it, I found out you can get JDM ones for even cheaper. *awesome...
    3. Next - still need to get the plastic surround for the fuel neck opening (latches the lock)
     

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