Mods for Tacoma - what can I self install vs professional?

Hi, I have very little experience working with vehicles and would classify myself as a complete beginner. Having said that I am really keen to learn and want to find a way to save cash. With this in mind wondered what mods I could “potentially” do myself vs taking to a professional on my tacoma OR 3rd gen? Guessing YouTube would be my friend.

1. Installation of led lights (headlights, and fog lights)
2. SPod install with switch pro on dashboard.
3. Installation of skid plates and rock sliders
4. Installation of front and rear bumpers

thanks for your opinions!

 

1 and 2 are definitely doable. You’ll just need some patience and the ability to follow instructions. And some basic knowledge of electronics. Running wires and mounting switches doesn’t require a ton of technical expertise, but it can be a pain, and it’s easy to rush it and do a sloppy job....hence the patience.

3 is also probably a yes...if you get bolt on-sliders as opposed to weld-on. You’re probably two YouTube “how to” videos away from being able to DIY install some sliders and skid plates.

4...is maybe not “beginner” level. It kinda depends on what you get, there’s some YouTube videos out there that can guide you through it, but there’s a good chance you won’t just be bolting a few things on....you could very well be cutting stuff off your truck.

 

^^^
This, 3&4 would be much easier with a friend helping.

 

At one point in time we were all beginners. I used to be a beginner and have never taken my truck to a shop for any mod. Never even considered it. My point is if you want to do it and put forth the effort you can do any upgrade yourself. The resources today are incredible. The best feeling is to take on something outside your comfort zone and accomplish it.

 

All four can be done by yourself. It just takes a little bit of learning, patience, and know-how.

 

Every mod I have done has been done by myself, for my 2017 and 2020. I'll watch YouTube video installs, and for the more complicated installs I'll watch multiple videos. Reason being, you'll learn better/more tricks and tips from doing so. One person may have an issue they revolved one way, while another resolved it in a completely different way that is just easier to do. Or one person will just walk you through the basics while another will explain what issues they're running into as they assemble/install the mod.

I'm the kind of person who prefers to know what I'm up against before starting anything. Because if I don't, this 4 hour job ends up taking me 3 days because of my "luck." So far, haven't had any issues following that routine.

 

All those should be fairly easy and straight forward.

 

I'm going to echo @whatstcp here. I was you when I got my tacoma. My goal was to do all upgrades myself, I'd never even changed my own oil before but wanted to learn. I've since installed my own front and rear kings, cut my front and installed my slimline SSO bumper and a bunch of other smaller projects, but those are probably some of the largest mods a person will ever do.

My approach was to start with projects that were small and reversable (plug and play). Installing HID headlights was my first. Electrical is nice because you don't usually have to put the vehicle on jack stands or need any major equipment. A socket set, and a panel puller àre all you really need if it's a plug and play project. Some posi-taps and maybe a couple fuses and a $20 multimeter are pretty much all you need for anything beyond that.

Edit: I did get a pro to weld on my sliders though lol. I'm no welder.

 

You could for sure do those mods! I've done skid plates, bumpers (have a friend or 2 help you, they're heavy), and rally lights at home, mostly with the help of YouTube and this forum. I haven't done the SPod and switch pro, but I don't think those are too bad to install, either.

I would say that, if the rock sliders are weld-on, it would be better (and likely cheaper) to have it professionally done unless you are a proficient welder and have a good setup for it. Bolt-on sliders are 100% do-able at home, though.

Happy modding!

 

Tools will pay for themselves with the install $$$ (if you don't already have em)

Plus its all about the chase! Good luck man

 

All can be done at home. Hell, I did a frame swap at home. Just take stuff off, put new stuff on. Parts is parts, man!

 

You can easily handle all 4 of those things. There's no other way to gain experience but doing it. As I've gotten a little older, I've also gotten more patient. Having some patience when doing a job for the first time is the most important thing to do. So instead of forcing things when they don't go exactly as you expected, you take your time figuring it out. I broke my share of things because of a lack of patience, but learned from that too.

 

Just an opinion, I had my alarm and dash cam professionally installed because I didn’t want to mess with those wires. What I did install myself are running boards, ditch lights and switch, and tow hitches.