2004 DC TRD build thread- The Good Enough Tacoma

Yeah exactly. Take the time and do it right. Not something hacked together on a single day. I figure I will be about a week with disassembly, sanding, cleaning and prep work. The spraying takes almost no time of course. Not even ready to start thinking about it honestly haha... so much work. Really looks nice when done right though.

Any thoughts on color yet?

 

White

 

Nice that will look really clean with the black accents.

 

I think I'm going to do mine in green or grey

 

Grey is hard to do and not look “dirty”
Green is sick
Check out my thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/would-i-regret-bed-lining-my-truck.665062/

 

So a bit off topic here but I figure you are in a good spot to answer.

Part of me kind of wishes I would have built a 4Runner instead of a Tacoma. What is your perspective after owning and starting to build both? I honestly thought I would use the bed more, but with it being so small it's just not that useful for me personally. I find myself trying to turn my truck more and more into an SUV (hard topper, building storage in bed area etc).

I think at the very least I am gonna build my GF one after the truck is mostly settled, to dampen the desire and possible regret.

 

That's epic man! One day perhaps...

 

Me personally, the truck bed fits what I need better. Wet, de-flated raft from trout fishing, hunting gear, bird-dog, overall a little more room.
Frequently, I had a wet, dirty, and smelly interior on an otherwise showroom condition vehicle
However, the 4runner is superior to me in almost every other way.
if you compare a 2002 double cab 3.4 4x4 sr5 with a 2002 4R SR5 3.4 4x4; both with say 150,000 miles, the 4Runner will cost 60% of the realistic sale price of the Tacoma.
the 3 link coil rear suspension is so much better. for $300 you can build a very nice riding and flexy setup compared to $800+ for a custom leaf pack alone.
I personally like the squared off look of the 4runner better.
Modifying the 4runner is generally cheaper. compare the cost of sliders, bumpers, etc. The 3G 4R is much more popular therefore armor that is non-compatible between the 2 will be cheaper for the 4R. (look at addicted off road bumper- $400 more for the 1st gen taco vs 3G 4R version)
I previously thought they were the same vehicle minus the rear suspension.
I was shocked to find all the differences. The 4Runner has a ton a creature comforts, the Tacoma lacks. (comparing my 2004 TRD Tacoma to my 2002 4Runner SR5)
illuminated ring surrounding the ignition key.
traction control
stability warning
12v power outlet in cargo area
overhead sunglass holder
optional sunroof (not available on the Tacoma)
multimode transfer case which allow for selectable all wheel drive for winter driving (this is a huge loss with the Tacoma)
DRLs
a clock in the CENTER of the dash that you could see while driving!!
different seats that didn't constantly break the side trim (I found them more supportive)
painted to match door handles, mirrors etc, even on the base SR5 vs the TRD Tacoma with base plastic trim.
a Much better ride.
easier access rear seating
a center e-brake lever that doesn't interfere with your knee.
a less problematic 1-piece rear driveshaft.
lower factory gearing (most 3G 4Rs came with 4.10s or 4.30s where 1GTs usually have 3.91s or 4:10s)

you get much more value for money with 4R and in my opinion, it looks a little better too IMO.

 

Oooooo in for that. My green paint is falling apart, I have a silver camper like you too actually. Thinking raptor line it all maybe tan or black and red. Your white looks cool too

what color did he do, how did it turn out? If you don’t mind me asking

 

Another maintenance day
Transmission pan drain and refill with Toyota T-IV
Mounted B&M transmission cooler behind the grill.
Awaiting the new radiator and then I’ll plumb it in.
Fixed the canopy hatch
Wire wheeled, scrubbed with mineral spirits, and applied POR-15 to the lower cab and body mounts as well as the underside of my new bed. I took before photos to prove I wasn’t covering rust if I ever sell it.
Next weekend I will hit it all with a second coat

 

Looks good..

 

Another update.
Plumbed trans cooler for summer and saw a 20-30 degree temp reduction throughout all driving condition.
Wired ARB compressor
Ordered a full new exhaust.
Denso A/F sensor and O2 sensor
Walker direct fit stainless upstream and downstream cats
MBRP XP (409ss vs aluminized steel) series cat back exhaust system with turn down.
A brand new gas tank and gasket kit should be going in next week as well.
My new spindles arrived...just kidding it was a Holset VGT turbo and seller has no idea how that happened...

 

When you plumbed your trans cooler, did you bypass the stock radiator?

 

Crazy that they sent a turbo... not even close lol.

Where did you put the compressor?

 

I ran it in series, first to radiator and then cooler. this allows the trans fluid to get to operating temper quicker (especially during cold winter mornings). Once operating under normal load and temps stabilize, this provides additional cooling in comparison to just a stand-alone cooler.

I mounted the compressor in the engine bay, next to the ABS module. For me its the best place that will be clean for the compressor inlet and quiet for me.

I ordered the spindles from a pretty well known Toyota forum member/FB group member who parts out a ton of 3rd gen 4runners.
The box dimensions are half the size of the label he created and the weight confirmation doesn't match either. He didn't even have a turbo.
The box came ripped and re-taped. My guess it there was a large-scale package collision and several boxes were ripped through and damaged. Since both of these packages had heavy (50lb +) items in them, they ripped through and an employee hastily repacked the spindles and turbo in the wrong boxes.
Unfortunately it looks like a used stock turbo from a 6.7 cummins, which has almost zero value.

 

Wow what a story man. I fee you and I had quite a few issues with weird shipping problems, especially since Covid. Got a box from Amazon that was suppose to have a fan clutch but instead had pouches of dog food... Multiple items missing by the USPS but they finally all got found and delivered.

The other benefit for keeping the stock cooler in the loop is, it has the engine fan to pull air over it when out 4-wheeling at idle. If you bypass it and don't put one with a fan, I've heard some bad stories about not enough airflow causing extreme heat issues.

 

I agree. 4runner’s are better, that being said I actually enjoy my Tacoma more than my old 4runner I used to have, other than the 4r was supercharged and my Tacoma is not. Personally I use the bed for bikes and work so it definitely is fit more for my use but I also just enjoy driving my Tacoma more. I don’t know why but I just kinda like the feel more lol, maybe because it’s a little more simple on the interior and working under the truck is a little easier because of the little extra space from things being spread out. I also like having a double cab and not having it impede on the bed or being mixed with storage. I have a topper to keep stuff dry in the bed but I still like keeping the cab separated from anything I have to put in the back.
I also don’t really mind the ride quality, even with my leafs being shit at the moment, it’s kinda rough but 33s seems to smooth out stuff a little, compared to my other taco with 31s and dakar leafs, not much but small bumps I notice a difference. But still without a doubt the 4runner is a better option for off-roading with coils in the rear and the comforts. When I first got my Tacoma I thought the previous owner just broke the plastic on the seat and never fixed it but learned that it’s normal. It was nice having leather power sears in the old 4runner but still enjoy manual seats because if they get moved it’s easier to find your spot again lol

 

The gift that keeps on giving..
Had an odd knock from the front end that upon inspections revealed the steering rack bolts were loosening. And the lower passenger one was gone.
I got a new bolt and used some oil and tried to chase the threads. Upon backing its way out, it tore up the threads as well. Seems like it tweeted the rack as well as it has now developed a slight weep.
ordered a brand new Toyota steering rack complete with inner and outer tie rods from mcgeorge Toyota online.
Next week the entire steering will be getting changed along with the gas tank. this weekend I’ll slap the radiator and thermostat in as well.
I installed a new denso O2 sensor and MBRP catback. Exhaust leak is gone and the CEL for the catalyst code is gone as well.
The axle dump MBRP is way too loud. I gotta change something there whether it’s adding a tailpipe or a resonator or something

 

Man that is rough. Glad you have the means to get it sorted properly though. Will be better than new Build is coming on nicely!

 

Well that was an expensive couple weeks

denso radiator is installed.

brand new Toyota steering rack, bushing kits, oem inner and outer tie rod ends installed. Alignment done- right on the borderline of needing UCAs.

New gas tank and gasket kit installed.

new power steering lines and sensor

complete new exhaust from cross over pipe to tip. All 409 SS with new denso sensors.

Hopefully it will finally pass inspection.