How to build a T Rex

If you're talking about the rings the best way to get to them is to take the dash apart (when you get good at it it only takes about 3 minutes to have everything out but the steering wheel). There's two little pop screws on the underside of the TOP of the gauge cluster and you'll need those out then pull it down and towards you. You'll see how the rings are clipped in at that point. A few other pieces need to come off in order to get to that piece. I'll break it down in order of removal.

Key out
Floor mat
Dead pedal
Dead pedal retaining screw
Door step plate
Trim piece connected to door plate by your parking brake pedal (if auto)
10mm holding next panel up
Opposite side steering wheel there's another 10mm
Pull panel down
Pop screws on top of cluster
Should all fold down at that point

Seems like a lot but it comes apart fast (especially when you don't put bolts back in for next time

 

Thanks for the info, I'll have to give that a shot this weekend.

 

Pretty much this^^^^ Little different since i have a manual.

I like pictures though so here is the write up I followed when I took mine off:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/242184-dash-rings-mods.html

 

What part of Alabama? I grew up there and lived there from when I was 2-22. Lived in Prattville, 8 miles north of Montgomery. Oh and WDE!!! Even though they were one of the worse teams this past season, lol.

 

Oh nice! I lived in Huntsville. Was actually down in Orange beach in January for my brother's birthday... nice to get out of the cold and chill (warm up?) on a beach for a few days

thanks! I almost hate to share my secret source that I found completely by accident and saw and was like "I NEED ONE, ok TWO, of those NOW" buttt here it is!

http://sosign.ipage.com/store/page12.html

 

Annddd more blue!

Just the area around the cd head unit and the tweeter rings in the door left

 

A common and appropriate reaction.....

 

Sick looking truck Anna!

 

Good idea using the steamer on the window tint, never thought of that. Nice truck BTW.

 

Very nice and a big +1 for the being a fellow two wheel enthusiast. I like the rack (No, not that one you dirty minded pigs) and was thinking about fabbing one up as well. How has it held up?

 

Truck looks good!! Should call it a She-Rex!!!!

 

Thanks for the compliments everyone! Not that I care if no one else likes what I have done, but positive feedback is always nice

I looked around online for methods and found a write up on the steamer. Was super easy and I highly suggest it

Lol

It has held up great so far! Has not seen nearly enough abuse yet though My dirt bike spent most of the summer out of commission.... kept to the street bike mostly

 

Nice build

 

Awesome truck! Did you have to get new UCA's for those tires? I looked but didnt see anything about it...Thanks.

 

No... still stock. When I got the truck it was already lifted. It had about 60,000 miles on it since the lift and seemed to be doing fine. It drives awesome so I have left it alone for now.

When the shocks wear out, I will probably redo the suspension with an OME lift. But for now, I am putting my money into other things since I don't jump it or wheel it too awfully crazy

 

Cool, thanks. I have heard so many things about UCAs and some people getting them and some not getting them that I dont really know what to believe about them...sorry not trying to thread jack. Sweet ride though!!!

 

No worries! Glad to add my opinon to the sea of confusion of it all . Its hard to know who to listen to on these forums. most people have valid points to whatever opinion they have but it might not be best for you. I wouldnt say my set up is the best but it has not caused any catostrauphic premature failures, has been on the truck for a while, rides awesome, gives me more ground clearance, and as an added bonus looks sweet.

Spacer lifts arent the best way to go for a lot of applications. For me, it is not a bad way to go. No crazy hard core wheelin or jumping for me. I drive my truck on the pavement (however icy and shitty) 95% of the time. I will eventually have to replace the shocks and when i do i will probably try out another lift kit. Why not since i am spending money anyway!

Good luck in figuring out how to lift your truck

 

Trucks looking good!

and good tires. I love mine. i don’t think i would get any other A/T for a tire. only thing i wish is i got the load d rang instead of load E. but i did not want to wait a few weeks for discount tire to get them in. my rugged fails were pretty much bald, and i not make it up my drive way with out using 4wd.(good things it’s pretty straight since it’s asphalt)

 

Sweet looking truck

 

I have had a chance to test the tires out in most conditions in the year I have had the truck and I have been quite pleased. I will probably get the same ones when these wear out

i still have not gotten into any mud though That will come this summer though planning a sick Alaskan meet up!

I do notice that i have horrible traction on really bad ice days... like the kind that they actually cancel school and work for in AK.... I am not too upset over that though. Those are the days it is best to just stay off the roads anyway... Unless you are dying to cruise around and laugh (and maybe help?) all the idiots who think that their 4wd and fancy winter tires make them invincible....