2001 Tacoma Xtended cab 4WD SR5 build

@ZUK

He's the best, and happens to be in AZ

 

Why not use the old carpet as a template for all the cutouts in the new piece…?

 

Yeah that is the most straightforward course, but in my hands I am not sure what the results will look like. My main concern is with matching the various screw holes. I purchased the thicker carpet (with mass backing) for better insulation, so cutting that is bit more challenging than the regular thickness carpet. I asked around some car upholsterers in the Phx area and will see if they can do better. Happy to pay someone with the right experience to do this task.

Another thing I thought would be to reuse (steam clean or otherwise clean and refresh) the thin factory carpet that has all the precise cutouts, and cut up the new carpet and place its various parts under the old one. I can thus avoid the seat belt attachment points and still get the insulation effect.

Still thinking about it.

 

Sharpie marker
Exacto knife
Good shears
The craft store has various cutting punches for holes. (block of wood underneath and whack it)

mark from the bottom of new
cut from the bottom of new
go slow

you can do it!

 

A) Better get an fleabay snorkel kit & route the tranny, transfer case, & differentials with longer lines above the high water mark.
B) Get good tyres w/lugs & puncture kit

Learn to off-road first to get a feel, start with a club or group. Don't forget a c.b. or 2 way radio for deep boonie trips.

Carry on, great job on rejuvenating the Taco!

 

Yes! A couple chunks of scrap plywood and a harbor freight chisel and maybe a lathe scoop type chisel for the corners and you can totally get it.

 

This is genius! Embarrassed that it did not occur to me; I tried to lay them on top and mark from top. Well, they say problem solving is a hallmark of intelligence -- so that was my IQ test

Anyways, this gives me a second wind, so will try again today. Otherwise was planning to take it to a car interior/upholstery place in town and let them sort it out.

 

Front bumper replacement

I am looking at an ARB front bumper replacement, that will accommodate a winch once I get to that stage. Does anyone know the ARB part number for the bumper (or bull bar)?

Amazon and the ARB vehicle guide suggest that both

$1,296 ARB Winchbar Textured Tacoma 95-04 8-9.5 (Fit Kit NOT Included)

ARB 3423040 Deluxe Bar Bumper Bumper Truck Front and

$1,296 ARB 3423020 Winch Compatible Bull Bar

ARB 3423020 Winch Compatible Bull Bar fit the 2001 and they both appear to be winch compatible.

Any suggestion on which one to choose or what are the trade-offs between them? It was mentioned here and here that #3423040 has an "integrit" finish, basically like a matte textured powdercoat versus the plain, glossier powder of #3423020. The 20 can be painted. Also read that on some Tacoma model years the front of the frame needs cutting and some fabrication; hopefully not on the 2001.

 

One is glossy, one is textured.

Same bumper.

No fabrication, factory parts unbolt and the ARB bolts right on, easily. You can find the owner's manual and installation instructions online.

 

Since you have the console out you could also put chalk or flour on the bottom and stamp it onto the carpet while it's in the cab. This gives you your tracing point to cut out. Can also do it with the bolts and corners etc.

 

Today was a busy and successful day. Encouraged by the advice above, and with the help of my wife, fitted the carpet into the car. Started with marking the transmission and center console contours, as well as the outer edges on the back, cut the center out with a chisel while my wife trimmed the edges, put the carpet in, finished the edges to size, and ended up punching the holes. I ordered a punch but did not want to wait for its arrival, and instead used a holesaw on a drill.

Then fitted the rear quarter panel trim and the rear wall trim back into the cabin. Very pleased with how it came out. THANK YOU all for the various bits of advice.

 

I reached out to @ZUK and he does not install ARB lockers (for reasons he may comment on, if he wishes). He recommended an eLocker instead.

That made me think, and being the noob that I am, read up on the stuff a bit. This video from Filthy Motorsports was an excellent introduction to various differentials. In the first phase, will only install a rear lock, and most likely I am going to go with a selectable, because my truck will be driven on pavement 90% of the time. Was wondering how would a Torsen (Eaton TrueTrac) feel for a daily driver?

 

Will you really hit difficult trails that warrant both front and rear lockers?

 

Not planning to. That's why I only intend to put ONE locker, on the rear.

 

Ok.

Earlier post mentions front and rear.

Lima Charlie now

 

Any thoughts about a TrueTrac?

 

I'd choose selectable, every time.

 

I would personally just try to find an e-locked rear axle out of another Tacoma. If you plan on keeping ABS I would look for one the same year with ABS. If not, grab any e-locked rear and throw it in there.

 

OK I finished the carpet, and have put back the rear and side trim, and the seats. Have only kept back the driver side threshold, so that I can lay wire under it when I route from the back to the dash. The thick carpet and Dynamat + foam underneath has made aligning the seat bolt holes a bit tricky but it did work out in the end. The cabin feels much more insulated from the outside now as a result, but am glad taht sub-project is over. Am having a bit of truck fatigue TBH.

Next will be the DR2P -- Dash Rattle Reduction Project. Basically have bought this

$11 Universal Door Seal Strip for Car & Truck, Rubber Weatherstrip for Windows Sunroof & Engine Cover, Soundproof Protection (33 Feet/2 Rolls, Black)

Car Door Seal Strip/Weatherstrip and will place bits of it (or tricot tape) between plastic contact points in the hope that it will reduce contact. Will not miraculously turn the Tacoma into a Lexus, but will hopefully help a bit.

While the dash is still open, will install the CB radio and route some wires to the engine compartment.

The rear view camera was a fail though. I have this Alpine camera (bought for an Alpine HU that sadly never got back in stock)) but it does not seem compatible with the Atoto S8 Gen 2 Ultra, so ordered an Atoto camera.

Does anyone know of a CAD model for the long bed on the 1st Gen Tacoma? Have googled but nothing came up.

 

I have an aftermarket air inlet. Is it worth putting the stock airbox back and am I missing any piece?