Redlantern’s Procharged 2019 AOI-TRDPro - VDB

Was able to work on the truck this weekend. Because the truck is a pro and wanted to use the OEM Fox shocks it came with, I went with and Installed Westcott Designs lift in the front and Icon Progressive AAL in the rear. Also went this route because if I go any higher, I wouldn’t be able to park in the garage at work. Did the install over 2 days, 10 hours total

Here’s the front and rear lift I used



Started with the rear on Saturday.



Had to cut rear clip and grind off the rivet since it was in the way of the AAL. Sorry forgot to take a photo of the AAL installed, but I was able to complete it.





*Note - I ended up trimming the ubolts about 1/2” because my deep socket couldn’t reach to torque it down. Instructions called for 120Ft/lb to be torqued but i had such a hard time, even doing it progressively. Got as high as 105ft/lb and called it a night.



Installed the Front on Sunday...


No press or bench vise? No problem! Improvise with CMU blocks.


Spring compressed to put back top hat..



Cleaned up and strut back in the truck!


This was height before....


This is height After....Monday out for alignment!



Over all I am pleased with this set up. Truck seems more planted and I can even hang turns and the body roll has been minimized a lot with this lift. I gained exactly 1.5” all around front and rear. Had the caster set to 2.6-2.7 since ill be going with bigger tires.

 

Been awhile since I’ve updated this. Turbo wise, got news it’s being prepared to get get shipped. still waiting for confirmation.

Wheels finally came in that I ordered back in December, Advan RGD2 in Umber Bronze wrapped In Yokohama Geolandar g003 295/70r17. No rubbing with my setup. Turned out better than I envisioned. Truck sittin pretty!

next on my list will probably be a BBK. Any suggestions @Torspd?

 

Those wheels look so mean. With top notch quality behind them. I just wish they did more 6 lug sizes. Perfect contrast with the blue.

Cannot go wrong with Stop Tech or Wilwood.

 

Yea I love these wheels. Im so glad I went with these. Everyone on the island is running TE37x.

Thanks I appreciate the BBK recommendations. Would love to source some willwood. A local company recommend I look into Alcon BBK. Haven't heard of them but just started looking into it. May consider it an option.

https://alconkits.com/alcon-brake-k...-present-front-rear-complete-brake-kit-detail

 

Alcon is a pretty large company. Lots of products in a variety of fields.

 

Alcon is interesting. First off, the rotors are an inch larger diameter than the Wildwood (for 17 in wheels), and 1/2 in larger than Stoptech. Also nice that they are 2 piece rotors. Though the calipers are Iron, where the Wildwood and StopTech are Aluminum. Not sure how i feel about this? Iron may well hold up better/longer, other than finish failure, and would assume iron is more rigid translating to a firmer pedal, but AL will run cooler and reduces un-sprung weight quite alot. I really like the idea of aluminum, but I do wonder how they will hold up to harsh climate of the north-east, plus salt during the winter. I tend to keep vehicles for 10 years, and wonder how I am going to feel when time comes to replace rotors or calipers?

Does anyone have experience with aluminum calipers in winter road salt over years of service?

 

I’ve never thought about that. But then again with anything, there will always be maintenance wether aluminum or iron. I’m surrounded by salt because I’m in the middle of the pacific. I would think either way, brake dust would have an effect on the finish of both rather than the salt. I’m sure they will both last.

Im just trying to figure out how which one. Determining factor is if I choose to keep my pro wheels which are 16” and stoptech has a kit for that. But in my mind I’m also thinking that if I get a BBK, I would get one with most braking surface and power. I guess it defeats the purpose if get one for a 16” wheel, especially with my venture into boost. I haven’t crossed that path just yet but am leaning toward Alcon if i do.

 

I've been trying to decide on brake upgrade also, and Wilwood bent my ear. Their 6 piston calipers, in standard color (grey with white logo) are Billet Al and anodized, plus the pistons are SS, with statement that they will never rust. (factory paint colors available +$88)

I also discovered (thanks to a link from CrashnBurn80) 4 Runner brakes will bolt up on the Tacoma (17in wheels min.) and that Wilwood anodized billet 6piston calipers for a 4Runner can be bought for $1,248 a pair at rr-racing.com. Seems this is how I will go. This setup is mentioned on the first page of Crash's brakes string.

(WARNED CrashnBurn80 warns that 4Runner Calipers have larger piston area, and will create excessive pedal travel unless the master cylinder is also upgraded. I am looking into this, though is complicated by my 2020 having electronic master cylinder.)

rr-racing also makes statement that Lexus calipers are known for piston seizure, due to corrosion of the pistons and iron calipers. Is enough for me to try the Wilwoods. Besides I will end up at about $1600 with decent rotors and SS lines, instead of $2500 for most BB Kits. https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-Front-Big-Brake-Kit-for-Lexus-GX-4Runner-p/gx4fbk0002.htm

 

that’s an interesting find. I hope that’s not the case. Kinda defeats the purpose of a BBK if the pedal travel issue is true. I’m still trying to wrap my head around BBKs. I’m asking feedback locally that have them installed. One guy had stoptech front and read BBK and said he couldn’t notice a difference. But I don’t think he’s tried it to it’s potential by trying to stop on a dime.

I will probably end up going willwood as well just because of being able to choose color for the calipers. Im sure they all work well as it’s intended to.

 

Things just got real!! My TT kit showed up last week. Some photos here. I won’t install til I have base tune file since truck is my daily. Will have to plan accordingly.

It Came with catted and decatted downpipes.

 

Mmm goodness! I bet it is a little hard to maintain your excitement from installing it.

 

Congratulations! Looks like high quality parts. Hope all goes well and you enjoy some Boost real soon.

 

Haha I am pretty excited. But I’m also not. It’s kind of nice driving a reliable stockish vehicle lol.

Thank you! Really looking forward to boost. It’s been way too long going without it lol.

 

@RedLantern any progress with the Turbo Kit? Do you have your tune? Do you have new instructions?

 

He sent me the instructions last week but no tune. I requested for the base tune multiple times but haven’t gotten a response from him about it. I don’t want to start the install if I can’t drive the truck after everything is buttoned up. At this point it’s still the waiting game lol

 

@RedLantern I am a little surprised, since he posted that tunes were sent out. Obviously he is getting your messages, or you would still be waiting for the instructions. Matt has great talent, just wish we could get more of his focus on TT. Might help for you to respond to his recent post, since he says several tunes were sent out; let him know publicly that you did not get yours?

Wish you Luck!

 

Yea I agree with you. I’m giving benefit of the doubt to Matt. 1.4 release is behind so I understand that. But once it’s out I’ll ask again via email. If nothing then I’ll ask on forum. Do you need the link to read over install?

 

@RedLantern Very Kind. And yes, I am very interested in reading the install.

 

Awesome! Where did you order this kit? And what was the lead time?

 

It was from Ovtune/VFtuner. Initial Release was only 25 kits. I waited about a year and a half and It’s still being shipped out to some people. Next Est. Sale is sometime mid next year according to the developer of the kit.