Build & BS Page: '16 Tacoma 3.5L OR/DC/MT

My little Tacoma is not anything all that special, but (other than the fact you can't find a Manual Transmission (MT) in many vehicles today) two of the things that I love most about owning a Tacoma are the easy mod-ability of the truck and the great community around it. I love the little things that you can do to make the truck yours. Sure... some of the mods are to address short-comings in the vehicle design and probably should have come from the factory, but others just personalize the vehicle.

I started this "Build Page" more just to keep track of what I've done than anything else. Please don't take this as any sort of boasting, its just a list of things done to a daily driver to make it mine. I'll try to continue to expand on the information here as I get a little time.

Before I get into any modifications that I've made to the truck, I'd like to give a shout-out to
@renau001's who has a post here regarding routine maintenance for the 3rd Generation Tacoma. The post is real a Godsend. I use this post all the time as a maintenance reference. Make sure you bookmark it!

Mod List:

• Tuning by Orange Virus Tuning
  You can visit the Orange Virus Tuning page here, but there are several threads on TacomaWorld regarding the tune as well. The read is long for the two primary threads, but the first post of each is pretty good at summarizing.
  • 2016+ Toyota Tacoma OVTUNE 1.05 - Tune Development thread - (TW Link)
  • 2016 OVTune Tacoma 3.5L Manual Transmission / Engine ECU Reflash - (TW Link)

• Lighting
  • Headlights
    Morimoto Elite HID Bulb Replacement Kit
    
  • LEDs
    • DRLs: Stay Bright
      The stock Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) have 2 voltage inputs, one for running with the headlights on and one for running with the headlights off. The one with the headlights on is dimmer that the one with the headlights off. When I upgraded to the Morimoto HID Bulbs, the dimmed DRL color didn't match the new color of the headlights, so I rewired the DRLs to provide the same voltage in either situation.
    • Taillights
    • Turn Indicators: LED Replacement
    • Side Marker: LED Replacement
    • License Plate: LED Replacement
  • Taillights
    MESO Stage-1.5 - (TW Link)
    
  • Fog Lights
    Morimoto XB LED Fog Light
    
  • Blinker: Change number of blinks w/ TechStream
    You can find a good link to TechStream in @tonered's signature. There is also a list of customizable options in TechStream here.

• Interior
  • Sea-Deck Seat Backs - (TW Link)
  • CoverKing Seat Covers - (TW Link)
  • Shift Knob: 5-Ball - (TW Link)
  • Glove Compartment Decal
  • Door Sill Protector Decal
  • Glove Box Organizer
  • CupHolderHero Cup Liners
  • Center Console Organizer Tray
  • MESO Coin Tray - (TW Link)
  • Storage Cubby Tray
    A buddy of mine 3D-Printed a tray to fit in the cubby next to the steering wheel. I posted something on it here.
  • Aluminum Seat Spacers - (TW Link)
  • Radio Knobs: Knurled Black Anodized Aluminum - (TW Link)
  • All-Weather Floor Mats
    • 2nd Gen Passenger Floor Mat
    • VW Floor Mat Carpet Clips
      Found here on eBay.
  • Sound System
    • Sound Deadened the Doors
    • Subaru Tweeters & Kicker Door Speakers
      Thanks to @SomethingNew71 & @drew.denton - (TW Link)
    • Sound Deadened the Rear - (TW Link)
  • Camera
    • RFCC TTG2 Car Camera Control Switch
    • Front View Camera
  • Driver's Door Knee Pad - (TW Link)
  • Door Weather Strip Enhancement - (TW Link)
  • Rear Seat Latch Finishing - (TW Link)

• Exterior
  • Grille: Plasti-Dipped Surrounds - (TW Link)
  • AVS Hood Deflector - (TW Link)
  • Bed Decals - (TW Link)
    
  • Tailgate Raised Letters
  • Chrome Shadow Letters & Tacoma Logo Mountains Background - (TW Link)
  • RCI Bed Rack
  • Toyota Nerf Bars - (TW Link)
  • Cupeez Magnetic Door Handle Paint Protectors - (TW Link)
  • Door Latch Bolt Caps - (TW Link)
  • Square One Frame End Caps - (TW Link)
  • Hitch Tightener - (TW Link)

• Truck Bed
  • Storage Rails
    • Head Bed Rail
    • T Slot Nuts for Toyota Bed Rail
    • Krazy Beaver Tool Mount & Mud Shovel - (TW Link)
    • PFCC Mini Tie-Downs with Hooks
    • Stainless Mounting Bolts
    • Head Rail Bike Mounts - (TW Link)
    • Bike Front Wheel Mounts - (TW Link)
  • Mountain Hatch Tailgate Panel - (TW Link)
  • Mountain Hatch Tailgate Panel Replacement - (TW Link TBD)
  • BAK Revolver X4S Tonneau & VooDoo Bike/Ski Crossbars - (TW Link)
  • Mini Stiffy Bed Stiffeners - (TW Link)
  • Axe & Fire Extinguisher Mount - (TW Link)
  • KTJO 4x4 Bolt-N-Open - (TW Link)
  • Rock Block Tailgate Gap Seal - (TW Link)

• Drivetrain
  • MT Accumulator Delete Mod (ADM) - (TW Link)
    You can also periodically get a kit from @Trident904 here.
  • ZDDP Maxx Oil Additive - (TW Link)
    • Rear Diff
    • Transfer Case
    • Manual Transmission
  • Rear Diff Breather Extension
    Thanks to @Blais03 - (TW Link)
  • Rear Diff
    Lucas 75/140 Synthetic Gear Oil
    
  • Transfer Case
    Lucas 75/90 Synthetic Gear Oil
  • Front Diff
    Lucas 75/90 Synthetic Gear Oil
    
  • Manual Transmission
    Lucas 75/90 Synthetic Gear Oil
    
  • Brakes
    • Front: R1 Concepts GEOMET Drilled & Slotted Rotor
    • Front: R1 Concepts Optimum OEp Brake Pads
    • ECS Brake Bleed Procedures - (TW Link)

• Mechanical
  • A/C Drip Extension
    Thanks to @Uptown2k - (TW Link)
  • Redline Tuning Hood QuickLIFT PLUS System
    I installed these and they work great, but if I had found the SokieTech option (@TnTHicks has a nice couple posts here) I think I would have gone this way. One reason being the "no-drill" installation. Another reason being the minimal amount of interference with engine bay access. For example, the RedLines were in the way when I was trying to do the A/C Drain Mod. You can always disconnect the RedLines and use the HoodProp, but that's kinda against the point of the product.
  • Jowette Performance Oil Cap Filter & Drain Valve - (TW Link)
  • JLT Oil Catch Can - (TW Link)

• Suspension
  • Tires: 265/75R-16 COOPER DISCOVERER AT3 4S SL
  • Hellwig 3/4" Model 7744 Rear Anti-Sway Bars
  • Firestone "Ride-Rite" Air Bag Helper Springs
  • 1.25" Wheel Spacers - (TW Link)

• Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) - (TW Link)
  • 04B13 - MT ECU Update
  • Rear End Noise: T-SB-0013-18
  • Howling or Whistle Noise from Front Lower Control Arms
    There is a TSB for this (T-SB-0053-16 R1) but I ended up taking @hookembevo's solution here.
    
  • Wind (Reed/Buzz) Noise From Front Doors - CrossWind Conditions: T-SB-0170-16 R1
    
  • Chirping Noise From High-Pressure Fuel Pump: T-SB-0016-18
    I haven't had this done yet, but am keeping an eye on things. This drives me crazy at a drive-thru window.

• QuickJack
  I love this thing for performing maintenance on the truck! I posted a couple vids and pics here if you are interested. The video quality isn't all that great, but you can see how helpful it can be.

 

How are the Brake pads and Rotors? Compared to OEM?

 

I actually really like them I've had R1 Concept Pads and Rotors on my cars for many years now.

• 1996 Toyota Tacoma
• 2001 BMW 750
• 2003 Land Rover LR3
• 2006 Toyota Tacoma
• 2006 BMW 650
• 2009 Mercedes GL450
• 2012 BMW X5
• 2013 BMW 128
• 2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x
• 2016 Toyotal Tacoma
• 2017 BMW 440 Coupe
• 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser

I can't really objectively say they are better than other options as I've been so happy that I've not tried any other options That and I've had a pretty good relationship with one of their sales rep named Peace. R1 Concepts has sales all the time, but if I contact Peace directly via phone or email; then he usually gets me an even better price. His price is usually on par with their biggest sales during the year.

The price is right, they are much lower dust, and I've never had any performance complaints or additional performance needs. The only issue that I've ever had is that I will get a little brake squeak in colder temperatures. The squeak goes away as the brakes warm up though. I really have only heard the squeak pulling out to the garage on colder mornings.

 

That's good to hear! Please hook me up with Peace lol, im in need of new pads and rotors soon lol

 

I can't say that he would really know me by name but the last contact info. I had for him is from one of his email messages. I've included it below. Let him know that I referred you and... who knows, maybe it will help.

Peace Phan • Sale Representative
R1 Concepts Inc. - Performance Brake Parts
T 888-712-6623 | E peace@r1concepts.com​

 

Thanks alot!