What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

The skid came with a heavy-duty bracket strap. I verified with Budbilt that I did not need another forward strap. They said it’s plenty strong as is. We shall see…

Here’s the new bracket with the OEM rubber on it.

 

I installed a spare tire carrier in the bed of my truck.

It’s from 589 Fabrication & is actually for Canyons/Colorados.
https://589fab.com/collections/shop-colorado-canyon/products/bed-mounted-spare-tire-carrier

I was thinking of building something exactly like this; but then found it in a google search. It wasn’t a direct bolt on - I didn’t expect it to be.

Here’s some pics

 

Front end Tuesday.

Finally got around to it and installed alpharex headlights, trd pro grill & diode dynamics amber fog lights.

Loving the new look!

 

Installed these redline tuning gas springs. Have a hairline fracture on my right rib after running an obstacle course last week for physical training and its made working under the hood much easier

 

#1

 

I like those fogs! Nice work on the grill

 

I put together my steering linkage from the wheel to the steering box and welded the driver’s side shock tower in place. I’m working on the panhard

 

Decided to throw all that hard work I did washing and waxing the truck out the window to get dirty again in the Eastern Sierras.

 

I finally got around to installing the dash cam I bought months ago. It’s a Rexing V1 and fits nicely to where I can’t see it behind the rear view mirror.

 

Finally decided to install a new radio in my 2013. It was quite a bit easier than I was anticipating, but holy shit do not use the Metra dash kit that Crutchfield sells. It's a giant piece of shit, and I wasted way too much time trying to get it to work. I bought the Scosche TA2111BPB, and it fits perfectly. It really maintains the factory looks as well. I love having Android Auto and Apple Car play in my truck now. Such a big upgrade.

 

Did you go for the wireless carplay? I really enjoy not even taking my phone out of my pocket. One of those this is amazing/why doesn't everything work this well things.

 

This one is not wireless unfortunately. I am kind of regretting that decision, but with the chip shortages and supply chain issues none were in stock. I hooked it up to the usb port that comes with the truck so it's not too bad just plugging it in when I get in the truck. Wireless would be really nice though.

 

Yeah I just upgraded my sons stereo in his 2000 mercedes, and the only unit I could get that would work was a display model. It is crazy how out of stock everything is with audio. My new unit I put in my truck was a last years model, local store gave me a discount on it. Which was nice, kenwood excelon XR so it had the full boat wireless. And HD camera ports, I think 3? What the hell would I need with those. Although I like the dash cam idea posted above/a page back. Kenwood sells a model that integrates with the head unit but I'm not sure why I would need that to be a thing.

 

Not what I have done but what I would like to do...

My son is looking at purchasing a 2012 TRD OR. Would appreciate some input on what to look for in a good used 2nd Gen.

 

Good thing it's easier to clean a freshly waxed truck!

 

Long needed wash last night and going to start de-badging the tailgate tonight to wrap it and the hood in matte black. Also broke the window molding off while washing so that's going to get replaced sooner then I was planning.

 

Check the visors, they split around the chrome rod. Minor to be sure.

 

Got a link for that battery box?

 

That's awesome that you were able to snag some stereos with wireless Car Play. The dash cam idea is a great one. The 2013's have their backup camera integrated in to the rear view mirror (I think this was the only year Toyota did this), so I didn't have to mess with the camera wiring at all. Overall, I'd say it was one of the best "upgrades" I've done to my truck. Already eyeing some new units for the wife's 4Runner, but going to hold out for a unit with wireless Apple Car Play/Android Auto for her. Hopefully the supply issues are resolved in the next 6 months, but at this point who knows.

 

I have the backup cam in my mirror on my 09