Taco build

Starting a build thread since my notes are getting all over the place and I’d like to document the build in stages. Trying to balance out paying bills, building the truck and my other hobbies.

New to me 2020 TRD Off-road, bought in June of 2022 with about 38k miles. First weekend we had it, off to Rowher Flats OHV we went.


A year later at 56k miles, once again at Rowher Flats OHV



Mods in the order of install

• Miller Cat Shield
• Clazzio seat covers (should have gotten heaters too, but I’m not taking off those covers now, so I guess no heaters for me)
• Air80 window tint
• Cool desert themed decals
• Garmin mini 2 dashcam, hardwired
• Desert Does it seat jackers - driver side, front and rear
• A/C drain hose re-route
• Ceramic coat added
• Magnetic oil drain plug by Gold Plug
• Bed lights (off Amazon)
• Blue SumoSprings for the rear
• OEM Bed mat
• TRD Pro all weather floor mats
• Desert Does It Multi Mount Panel and fire extinguisher bracket
• Fire extinguisher
• Rago Fabrication bed stiffeners (but the bed mat sign flat anymore. Not a big deal since I don’t want to trim it to fit)
• CaliRaised LED dune flag/ antenna mount
• RokBlokz mud flaps
• OEM bed rail
• Rago Fabrication recovery board mounts (now I want to replace my X-Bull with Maxtraxx but can’t justify the expense just yet)
• Factor55 recovery rope
• Factor55 soft shackle
• Factor55 D-ring shackle
• Factor55 Hitchlink 2.0
• Custom dune flag, cause Mythosaur rules

Quick trip to Sand Hollow, Utah and Zion for Spring break. We loved it and will be back for more.

• TRD OEM aluminum engine skid plate (I taco’d mine in Sand Hollow)
• DRT Fabrication LCA skids (after skidding on the driver one in Sand Hollow)
• Seat jackers - front and rear for the passenger side
• WeatherTech Bug Deflector (too many bugs and rocks from semis)
• Meso Stealth Pro shift knob so I could relocate the ECT and put in the camera switch
• Aftermarket TRD Pro style grille and front camera mount
• Anytime Backup front camera (I had the camera for a year, why did I waited so long to install it?)
• Dobinsons Twin tube rear shocks
• Tail gate lock by @christian06
• Scangauge 2 installed (still need to re-route the wire behind the dash, but I’ve been lazy)

Bought but not installed

• Dobinsons twin tube front struts
• ECGS bushing
• Icon progressive AAL
• Cobra Anytime 75 CB radio
• FireStick Antenna cable
• Dobinsons c59-314 coils
• KYB top hats
• Headstrong Off-road top hat spacer
• Powertray mount panel for fuse block and BantamX
• Powertray custom fuse block and kit
• Rear diff breather relocation

Next up as budget allows

• Dobinsons UCAs
• Blue SumoSprings for the front
• U-bolt flip kit for rear SumoSprings
• Rear diff skid by DRT Fabrication
• Fuel tank skid - looking for stainless steel one if anyone has any pointers
• Hammer shackles by Archive Garage
• Hitch skid
• Garmin 57 dashcam
• 255/85r16 Wildpeaks MTs

 

Looks great! If you ever have any questions about products we offer just shoot a message or email!

 

Put in ECGS bushing. Had to grind about 0.25mm of the extractor tool to fit it behind the bearing.

Got in Dobinsons coil over on the front driver side as well. SumoSprings front bump stop, rear AAL and front passenger side will be tomorrow’s fun.

 

Did the front passenger side. Also ended up getting SumoSprings for the front.

Before
After


Added ICON progressive AAL and left overload in. Might have to trim it a bit if it’s gonna be hitting the rivet on the AAL when flexing/ under load but I wanted to maintain my factory rake.


Quick toe check before a test drive.


It seems alright, and drives very nice. Collected and smooth. I’m looking forward to seeing how it drives off-road and specifically over washboard roads.

Next order of business is to measure curb height and get it on the alignment rack.

Still need to re-route Scangauge2 cable and start looking at running the CB cable through the bed and into the cab.

 

Took it on Rowher trail, then down Sierra Pelona to Bouquet. Was more spicy than when we took the Jeep up it for the first time. Added a ton of pinstripes and some light scratches from all the overgrown bushes. Came across a rock slide that we had to clear up a bit to make it through.

I’m very happy with the suspension - today was one hell of a test for sure. Next up is the spa day for the Tacoma, with lots of polishing.

 

Impulse buy today


Now to find a good deal on tires…

 

New wheels and tires are on. Method 305 NV 17x8.5 0 offset with Milestar Patagonia X/T 285/70r17


Before alignment


After


There is a bit of rub on the front when the wheels are turned, so some trimming will be required.

I also need to re-calibrate the speedometer, TPMS sensor, reroute the ScanGauge wire and take it out to the OHV park to test it out.

 

Clearanced out the tires




Took it to Rowher Flats OHV, no rub so far. I think I’ll still get fend x liners for my peace of mind though.

 

Installed the CB radio. Tried passenger side first, but there was no good ground. Driver side had ground, so I got a bracket and installed the antenna there.
Ran the coax along the frame and pop it into the cab under the driver seat. Velcro the control box under the seat and ran wiring to the battery.

Final SWR is 1.4 on channel 1 and 40 and 1.1 on channel 20.

 

That CB antenna mount looks rather sturdy, where did you pick it up? tia

 

Made by Firestick. It’s a stud mount plus a quick disconnect on top. Since the picture was taken I’ve replaced stud mount with a spring mount and kept the quick disconnect.

 

Oooof that looks amazing! How do you like the X/T’s so far? I decided to try something new from Wildpeaks and have a set on order. More pics appreciated!

 

I really like them. I have about 1600 miles on them so far. Ton of grip off road and no issues on the freeway. They didn’t take a ton of weight when balancing either. Here are some more pictures

 

Here is a side view. Keep in mind, the driveway is a steep downhill

 

It’s been awhile, life got busy. Took the truck to Utah in January for Winter 4x4 Jamboree. I only did 2 out of 3 trails I wanted, so I think we’ll be back for that one at some point in the future.

I thought I screwed up my CB driving in the dunes, and finally got around to checking it out last weekend. Turns out I somehow switched from AM to FM.

Finally replaced the brake fluid and lines. Not that it needed it, but I wanted it. 3 old lines came out fine, the rear driver decided to be a pain, and the connector got rounded off a bit. Not a big deal and the new lines are tight and not leaking, but I ordered a new steel line to have on hand for when we would need to replace it.



Next on the agenda is an oil change and analysis and an oil pressure gauge installation. And figuring out a way to secure the CB mic so it no longer flops around the cupholder.

 

Got RCI fuel tank skid and DRT Fabrication diff skid installed

 

Rock sliders project, 2 weekends in and counting. Rock sliders from 4xInnovations

Mocking up on the truck


Mocking up on the bench




Welded and painted



Marking up where frame plates would go


Frame plates tacked in






Frame plates welded in place


To be continued…