2nd Gen Tacoma owner new to TW looking for fun mods

Hey everyone, nice to be here. I own a 2008 2WD Tacoma with the Double Cab and 6ft bed and 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 Engine. AKA what I affectionately call a "Grandpa Truck" lol.

I'm just getting into customization, and just wondered what kind of stuff you guys might recommend? I'm thinking about a cat back exhaust system and a CAI JUST for looks and sound, don't really care about performance gains (she's a pavement princess).

Thanks for any and all suggestions and keep in mind it's 2WD so any crazy offroad stuff is pretty pointless lol.

 

Welcome!

Just off the top of my head, you can:
Replace/customize the grill
Replace headlights/taillights
Add/remove roof rack
Add/remove shell or tonneau cover
LED all the things
New wheels/tires
Upgrade shocks
Upgrade the audio components
Add/remove running boards
Add/remove mud flaps
All weather floor mats
Supercharger
Brake upgrade
Lift/lower it
Debadge/desticker
Change climate control knobs/key fob @AJT DESIGN
@MESO has some items for a 2nd gen too

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome! I’d say a new stereo head unit, something with Apple CarPlay or android, whatever you use.

 

Fumoto valve should be your first mod. It’ll save you $100 a year, then you turn around and use that saved money for other mods

 

Assuming its 100% up to snuff maintenance wise, start wherever it doesn't meet your expectations functionally.

 

That's the thing: the truck has ALWAYS run smoothly for me, I have zero complaints with performance.

 

That's the thing. Running smoothly and performance that satisfies you does not equal being fully maintained. It's an indicator of some things, but not all things.

It's why I mentioned maintenance. Most folks don't do as well as they think they do. Some folks do more than is really needed. I have no idea where you fall, and of course that's your business.

So my point was if all that is good, first mods are to improve how the truck works for how you use it. Haul stuff? Bed mats and extra tie downs are helpful. Haul stuff at night? Bed lights are helpful. etc etc.

There's even a thread around here called something like 'cheap free mods'. You might enjoy that.

 

I enjoy the stock look, on mine. I added running boards, 4x4 rear flaps, and oem Toyota skid plate in front. That’s enough customization for me.

 

Welcome to TW!

A cap will help with snow and other crappy road conditions.
Paint matching bumpers, grills, emblems, etc is a pretty easy DIY mod
Does your Taco have any packages, like the Sport or OR?

 

It's the SR5 PreRunner

 

2 questions: is there somewhere besides Amazon (that hopefully has a bit better quality) for things like head lights, tail lights, grilles, etc etc?

And also is there some type of marketplace or website for TRD accessories? CAIs, oil caps, etc etc

 

5th gen 3runner wheels make the truck look nice (at least to me)

After having my stock 2008 TRD Sport Rims i got a good deal for 4 80% used tires and the 4Runner wheels and swapped out the old for the used 4Runners


Good luck

Let me know if you might need the old 17s

 

Welcome to TW.

Forget that Facebook crap. This site is worth every minute spent.

A/C drain mod
Speaker/tweeter upgrade
Map lights on with Dome light mod
Cut down front mud flaps - leave the rest unless you are a serious off-roader

 

Gut the cab and add sound deadening. Do the doors and top of the cab too. I went with the two part system from B Quiet.
Add hood quick lifts and a hood liner. I put on Redline Tunning lifts and the B Quiet hood liner.
Put a cap on it. I have a Leer Cap on mine - have had caps on all my trucks - since my 1976 Chevy LUV
Bed Stiffeners if you get a cap - I went went Cali Raised
Tail Gate anti-theft device - I got mine from @christian06 - he's on this forum
Do the A-Pillar Mod for your cell phone, or in my case a Garmin Nuvi GPS
Do the big mug or Yeti like tumbler mod. Here's what I did https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-your-frugal-diy-mods.304174/page-122#post-19492733
Cabin Air Filter mod - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cabin-air-filter-was-a-little-dirty.615985/page-2#post-20924221
Seat Covers - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/recommendations-front-seat-covers.613231/#post-20794294
Drives side seat mod -https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lower-back-pain-from-lumbar-mechanism.627113/#post-21453123

Then you could always add a front LED light bar in the grill or on a bull bar. Actual fog lights (amber) if you live in an area that gets foggy Rear led spots for backing up either wired to your backup lights or on a seperate switch. Different front splash guards (mud flaps) that don't flop around when your driving down the highway. Interior light mods so you can SEE that cup of coffee before the sun comes up.

And the list goes on and on...

 

Locking Tailgate
Tonneau cover
Wheels and rubber make a huge difference on look.

 

Mods so far:

Interior LED light package including license plate and reverse lights
Aftermarket black headlight and taillight housings
Debadged whole truck

Now deciding on a bull bar or a front/rear bumper combo