2004 DC TRD build thread- The Good Enough Tacoma

Installed my old D-ring shackle mounts from the 4Runner in place of the flimsy oem shipping hook points. Now I have a solid recovery point at the front.
Also changed the fuel filter with an oem unit.
This thing keeps on giving. The drivers CV inner boot decided to explode this weekend and I found the front sway bar bushings barely hanging in there as well.
After sitting for awhile, it acts like it’s isn’t getting fuel and stumbles when starting. Hopefully the filter takes care of that because there was much more resistance when I tried to blow through the old one


EDIT: The following day I did my first trans drain and refill with Toyota T-IV trans fluid. Fluid looked decent but smelled like it had gotten hot at one point. Much cleaner that the fluid that came out of my 4R however.
I noticed a small trans pan leak. Once I get 6,000-7,000 miles on it, I will do another drain and refill. then later a complete flush, drop the pain, change the filter (technically screen), etc etc.

I also another CEL come on this morning. P0032. hello new friend, please join the party with 440 442 and 446.

 

Ordered up a pair of bilstein 6112s for the front to replace the oem shocks with the 2.5” poly spacer. I decided not to cheap out because after spending $200 on 5100s and another $180-$200 on lift coils it would make sense to spend the extra $200 and take a big step up to the 2.5” body 6112s that I ran on my 4R.

 

I got a used silver Snug Top Super Sport with Thule tracks and tower/crossbar setup for very cheap.
I will look to "restore" it because it spent the least 17 years in the northeast. The rail clamps and latches are very rusted.
the carpeted interior could use a spray cleaner and hand brush scrubbing.
The bottom bulb seal is very compressed but no cracking or dry rot
The previous owner just spent $800 (insurance money) on a new back glass assembly.
The fitment is incredible. The seller was kind enough to help me install it. Once positioned, we each pulled down on one side and it literally snapped into place.
Now I realize how bad my tailgate is tweaked. The outward bow keeps the back glass from closing and now I have a ratchet strap holding the glass shut.

I need a black tailgate asap

 

I found an inspiration for what I have planned.

Trail gear front bumper, 33s white letters out, and a snug top

 

How'd you like these shocks? I want to stick with Bilstein, was also going to upgrade the rear with these (BILSTEIN 25248692 B8).

 

Looks like you are well on your way. Keep the posts coming.

 

I haven’t installed them yet as I am waiting on more front end rebuilt parts.
I had the 6112s in my 3G4R and loved them.

thanks!

 

Ordered a swap bar kit, steering rack bushing kit, stem crush washers, and Monroe top hats to finish us the front end

 

Order a set of 265/75/16 Dick Cepek trail country exp for the stock wheels
$572.11 to my door


The Firestone’s are dry rotted and hold air for about 5 days

 

After more mental trials and tribulations, I have the terrible idea to raptor line the entire truck. The truck has a lot of dings and deep paint nicks, and scratches.
I really like the white on black look and eventually want to patch the bed floor and bright white raptor line the entire truck. I like this method because the provide a rust inhibiting primer to spray first and unlike others, it can be sprayed finer and smoother than other. I would go a full route, removing doors, bed etc. keeping the inner grille, door handles, window trim, mirrors, fender flares, etc flat black.
This 60 series looks amazing and has held up great.

 

Personally I would ditch the sway bar with aftermarket springs. It rides much better on rough pavement, speed bumps and off road. Body roll is noticeable but benefits outweigh the . The only place it is notable for me is 1 particular interstate off ramp that’s a 360 high speed with a big bump in the middle

 

Installed new 265/75/16 Dick Cepek Trail Country EXPs, installed the 6112s at the 8 and 9 (of 11) positions, and installed oem LBJs

 

A little better but still a turd

 

well now I have to raptor-line it.
a tri-colored truck is just trashy..

 

What's wrong with the black bed?

 

No floor or channel supports left and several dings and dents

 

Dude, I bet you are loved, a hit with the neighbors. ... when they need help every spring getting their lawnmowers first started I bet they come to you 1st ...

 

Oh well that makes sense lol

 

Sub'd for the Raptor liner lol. Yeah tri colored trucks are... interesting

My son just did his second gen and I will do my some day, maybe this winter when it cools off in AZ.

Look forward to seeing your build

 

It really doesn't bother me what others think but the same cannot be said for my wife so I keep everything visible to others clean and clear of car parts, repairs, mods etc. That said, my Milwaukee impact driver is currently at 1 neighbors house and my circular saw is at another.

when I came home with the bed, my wife cried and said "our backyard looks like scrap yard.. I can't have anyone back here"

I despise bedlined trucks that have the wrong vibe to them- mainly laziness of removing trim, lights, etc. I better get this right.