The Build Thread of "Vic" the Truck

Although mostly for me to start keeping track of things, I guess it's time I started one of these...

My build has come a long way. I have now moved away from a "what would look the coolest on my truck?" mentality to one of function over form. Everything I add to the truck now has to have a practical purpose for me and what I do with the vehicle. That being said, I generally go for mods that are lightweight, simple, clean and the best bang for the buck. I also try and support companies in the US, that I trust and that I can receive local support from.

Ok let's begin


"Vic" the Truck: Purchased Feb 11th, 2018.

2017 Black TRD Off-Road 4x4 DCLB
"Low Tech" Package
Toyota rubber floor mats
Door sill protectors
Chrome tip exhaust

Stock:

As she currently sits:





Suspension:

Front: FOX FACTORY RACE SERIES 2.5 COIL-OVER RESERVOIR SHOCK (PAIR) - ADJUSTABLE - 880-06-376
Camburg balljoint upper control arms

Rear: FOX FACTORY RACE SERIES 2.5 RESERVOIR SHOCK (PAIR) - ADJUSTABLE - 883-26-007

Wheels/Tires:

Method Trail Series, 704 Matte Titanium, 16x8 | 0/4.5"
265/75/r16 Toyo Open Country ATII, Load C

Lighting:

Baja Designs S2 Pro Spots (clear) with amber rock guards - mounted to CaliRaised low pro ditch brackets
Rigid D-Series SAE Fog Pod Kit - Selective Yellow
Rigid SRQ Pro FM High/Low Amber rear bumber lights
KC Cyclone in truck bed for camp light
H9 Headlight Upgrade
Hidden cheapy light bar with homemade mounts behind bottom grill - REMOVED


Armor:
TRD Pro IFS Skid Plate
RCI Transmission Skid (Raw Aluminum)
RCI Transfer Case Skid (Raw Aluminum)
CaliRaised 0 degree Step Rock Sliders (DOM, filler plates, powder-coated black)
RCI Rear Steel Plate Bumper (Hidden Hitch) - Rhino shackles and isolator kit


Interior / Accessories:

Hondo Garage phone mounting system
Cb radio (hardwired) - Cobra c75wxst, Firefly Firestik 4ft antenna
Toyota trucks sun shade

$17 Cocoon CPG5BK GRID-IT!® Accessory Organizer - Small 10.25" x 5.125" (Black)

Grid-It center console organizer
Meso Customs minimalist key fob - Army Green
Passenger floor mat locks


Exterior / Accessories:

Softopper - Tan (added third brake light and magnets to backflap)
Custom 3" foam mattress in bed
OEM tailgate lock (PK3B6-35JL0)
Tailgate Seal
Carpeted bed shelf with maxsa and rotopax mounted to it
TRD Pro faux grill
Toyota Bed Mat
Mountain Hatch - Black

$35 TacoNets Toyota Tacoma Long Bed Cargo Net - Patent Pending Design - Fits 2005-2023 - Heavy Duty 8mm Premium Bungee 3'x5' Cargo Netting - Designed in USA

Taco Net
Trasharoo - Olive Green
Yakima Gatekeeper
Maxsa recovery boards
Rotopax 2GAL Water and locking mount
Front license plate bracket

Apex Fabworks Custom DOM Steel Bed Bars - SOLD
KB Voodoo Tall Bed Rack - SOLD


Other Gear I Carry:

$90 Coyote Automatic Tire Deflators, 4 to 56 PSI, 4 Pack

Coyote Automatic Tire Deflators

The Perfect Bungee by BihlerFlex, FW18-8NG 8-Arm Flex-Web Bungee Cords, 18"-36", Safety Orange

Perfect Bungees
Fire Extinguisher ABC
Front Runner - Wolf Pack
SOG Survival Hawk
SOG foldable shovel
Rhino USA recovery strap
Smittybilt Tire repair kit
VIAIR 300p Portable Air compressor
Mechanics tool kit


Misc Mods:

Exhaust Reroute
Tinted front windows - ceramic: matched to factory privacy glass (medium)
De-badged truck
Added front bumper stick on go pro mount (used for my front facing camera)

Other Photos of good times:

 

Looking sweet!!!

 

how did you run the cable for your antenna in the truck bed?

 

I used an 18' coax from the bed rail and then down behind the driver's side taillight. I pulled the taillight and ran it down underneath the bed along the frame with zip ties. Then up through a rubber plug near the driver's side door and popped out right under the driver's seat where the radio's brain is mounted.

 

awesome. thanks for the info. i've been searching on the forums to see if anyone had done what you did so far. I just got my ham license so i'm trying to prep myself for when I install everything.

 

Nice! Yeah I've been meaning to do a whole writeup on my radio install. @BoogeySquish did his first and helped me do mine the same way. Cleanest CB install I've seen so far. Super out of the way and cleanly hardwired into the truck's power.

 

dude! you should do that write up!

 

I will soon! As soon as I can find a minute.

 

also, i see you're in southern california. we should hit the trails sometime. i read your post and had the same mentality of "what looks coolest on my truck" to being practical about everything. from safety first, to convenience last. would love to pick your brain on your build.

 

Absolutely! I've learned a lot along the way. Haha. I'm no expert but I've learned some hard lessons and am always down to share. And yeah I have few buddies that go out and hit the trails semi-often. I'll let you know next time we go! I also usually go the rigged for dirt OC meetup every first Saturday. I think there's one this weekend. Check them out on the IG if you don't follow them already.

 

Great looking build!

 

Thanks guys! Still loving my sliders!

 

Joined the Softopper crew. Really liking it so far! I had to relocate my radio mount to the RCI rear bumper. Luckily there was a backup sensor hole that worked perfectly for my existing bedrail mount.

I added the third brake light (tapped into the driver's side tail light). I built in a quick disconnect for when the topper is folded down.
Also added magnets to the rear flap (instead of the velcro) and built a shelf for mounting my recovery boards and rotopax to. The shelf also serves as camping storage and I can sleep with my feet underneath it.

 

Got a Mountain Hatch recently and damn it’s an easy install. No more busting my knees when I climb into the bed! And bonus cutting board too.

 

DCLB FTW!

 

Trail Limo with No Regrets!

 

I just wish you could get a DCLB in stick shift! That’s been my one complaint about the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen DCLBs!

 

Agreed! That would be a great option. Come on Toyota!

 

Unfortunately, I think three pedals will soon be a thing of the past

 

I hope not! It's definitely the way to feel most in control of a vehicle. I come from riding motos so I love me a good friction zone. haha