Rooster’s 2020 Tacoma TRD PRO Build

thanks.

 

Also received a few lights in this weekend (minus one set). Reason for the SPOD. Bumper should be in this week and the lights will go in. Probably be next week before it all actually happens.

 

**Update on my lift situation**

I'm running a Headstrong 1/4" spacer on both sides with the passenger side being 1/4" higher then the driver (not enough to notice or care). I could adjust preload or remove the spacer on the passenger side, but I don't see a need personally.

5mm preload with the 1/4" spacer netted me: 1.25" of lift (I have a pro that is already 1" higher then an OR for reference) up front

15mm preload with 1/4" spacer netted me: 3" of lift (too much). Looks good imo, but ride is too stiff.

My current plan to get everything to a "good" height:

• Remove one of the leafs from the HD dakar pack to have a medium duty pack and get a "softer" ride. (I'm currently sitting at 3.5" of lift in the rear, will report back after spring removed)
• Installing full front bumper and winch to add weight to the front.

Going to see where everything sits after this, take pics and measurements and post back here as well as the bp-51 thread.

 

Woke up t a beautiful Oklahoma sunrise this morning. Just got word that my front bumper and rock sliders have arrived at my nearest FedEx hub. Will be picking those up tomorrow, snapping some pics and work on getting them coated this weekend. Hopefully installed sometime next week along with the winch and lighting.

 

Bumper and rock rails picked up. Cutting the factory bumper is going to be fun.

 

Pulled the leafs today and removed the 3rd leaf to take it from an HD pack to a medium duty pack. Definitely a better ride since I don’t have any weight back there. I also replaced the spring spacers (yellow) with the newer ARB ones. To be honest, I’m not sure they helped much. But they were cheap. Greasing everything got rid of all the squeaking (yessssss!!!). Now I’ll just have to dial in the compression and rebound after driving on it for awhile.

 

Bumper and rock rails in from @victory4x4 . Looks like the bumper received some damage in shipping, but I was able to fix it fairly easy with a sander and file. Hoping to get it prepped and coated throughout the week.

 

Was just diagnosed with the flu. So I’ll be down for a few days not working on the truck.

 

Where you in Ok?

 

Ada, OK

 

Get well soon. Thanks for keeping us up with your progress! I'm planning on starting things with mine after the new year.

 

I own a PRO as well. This thread is very inspiring and super clean taco btw. Only wish I knew where to start with gutting my FOX suspension to achieve the desired look I want. OP..how did you arrive at the choice you made for the brand for your lift kit?

 

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to kits. I wanted more height while keeping a comfortable ride. And I wanted it to be adjustable so I could dial it in to my own specific needs. The kit is made by ARB, which has been in the business for a long time and their customer service is top notch (hopefully you don't need CS, but it's nice to know it's there when you do need it). The BP's come with a 3 year 36k mile warranty as well, which helped in my decision.

Ultimately, I look at what I actually do with my truck. I don't live on the west coast where it seems people will run full out in the desert. I don't have any areas that have whoops (had to look up what a whoop was to be honest) around here. In those areas, it seems like KINGS are the recommended shock. I live in rural Oklahoma off a dirt (washboard more often then not) road. My truck will be traveling down this washboard road every day to get home, through pasture land for cattle tending, deer/turkey/predator/upland bird hunting a good part of the year, and other undeveloped back roads that are washboard and have severe potholes at worst. Those are all guaranteed travels for the truck and the installed suspension. Other things on the grandiose side that might or might not happen, would be some off-road trails that honestly, the stock suspension would most likely handle just fine.

With all of that, price also was taken into consideration. I was able to get the BP-51 kit, rear leafs and SPC adjustable upper control arms for around $3,300 shipped. That was cheaper then what I could get Kings, ADS, Fox, Icon, etc for and met all of my needs. Basically, I wanted a taller truck while having the same ride quality (or better) as my stock Fox set. The OME kit has given me that (although I'm still dialing it in, should listen to what ARB engineers suggest for setup) and I'm happy with my overall purchase. I apologize for the lengthy response, but wanted to answer it the best I could.

 

Whole family is down with the flu. So, I can’t be out in the shop working on the armor. Was able to put these in real quick while they were sleeping.

Blue Ridge Gear:

• MOLLE Panels- really like these. Fit great and have a rigid panel to make them sturdy.
  
• Dump pouch- for trash, especially from the kids.
  
• Canister pouch- to hold my thermos of coffee.
• Attic storage- great for holding ball caps, jackets, etc.
• Visor Molle- not pictured, but will be handy for my sunglasses, insurance papers, multi tool, etc.

Storage is limited in the truck and I like these additions to better utilize space. I’m 5’8” and didn’t have any issues sitting in the back with these additions. Nothing was “in the way” and I was comfortable. Anyone 2+ inches or taller, might begin to have issues though. Luckily, it’s just my kids in the back and/or my dog. So no worries there.

 

Was able to get my new bumper cleaned, prepped and a few coats of primer on it. Tough when the whole family is sick.

 

Have a lot going on this week. Installing the following:

• Diamondback HD cover
• Victory front bumper
• Come up winch
• Baja designs light bar
• Baja designs light pods

Cut the factory bumper today. Hoping to install everything tomorrow.

 

Installed the DB bedcover at lunch today. Took me ~90 min. Probably the easiest thing to install besides my weathertech floor liners. Think I’m finished for awhile with mods on this 2020 Pro. Going to go drive the s#!t out of it.

 

Nice work. When those Dakars finally wear out you may try the Icon RXT's. I just did the switch today from my Dakars and the ride is lightyears better. Truck looks killer! See my post here: 421

 

Well, I forgot, I still have these to install. In the famous words of Arnold, I'll be back.....

 

Thanks! and thanks for the info. I had to remove them and throw a lot of grease at them to get them to stop squeaking. I like those greasable shackles.

**edit: I also had to remove the HD (3rd spring) to go medium duty. That along with dialing in the compression and rebound have made them ride super nice. I'll keep an eye on them though.