New Tacoma. To-do List.

2014 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, TRD Sport (V6). I went with the everything package, but didn't spring on the JBL because I know it's nearly impossible to upgrade the speakers and keep the stock deck. I'm in love with the truck, and plan on leaving it relatively stock with the following exceptions (sorted by planned chronology of modification). I'll be leaning on you guys for advice, so any input is greatly appreciated! Also, I promise to post updates as the work gets done.

1. Sound system: So far, the system is the only thing that I'm truly unhappy with. I like the deck and all of its features, but it sounds like crap. The intent is to install a completely new system. With that, I'll be insisting that the entire build is stealth. I know there's not a ton of room for this, but any advice on what kind of a setup would be best? I'm not trying to shatter windows, but I do want a clean, crisp sound.

2. Exhaust: With the internal sound fix, I'll move on to the way it sounds on the outside. I want my taco to purr. I don't know much about this area of a vehicle, and am hoping to get some advice. Is it worth it to replace the whole exhaust system, or should I just spring on a muffler and call it a day? The TRD exhaust is comparable in price to some of the higher-end Magnaflows out there... anyone have any idea if it's any good?

3. Intake: I know that throwing a new intake in is only going to give me a handful of extra horses, but it's worth it, in my opinion. Which intakes are the best for this truck? Any known issues once an aftermarket intake is installed?

4. Lift: I want bigger tires, and clearance on Toyotas is sadly lacking. To accommodate, I'll be lifting her. I believe in doing things the right way, so spacers/body lifts are not an option here. I'll be adding 3-4". What do you guys recommend?

5. Tires/Wheels: I'm an assistant manager for a tire store, so I've got the hookup here. I'm debating on tire size, but I'll probably stick with a 33" tire (285/70r17), perhaps bump to a 35" if I get the itch. I'm thinking about the standard BFG A/T, but also toying with the Goodyear MTR Kevlar or perhaps their Duratrac. Yokohama claims that their A/T tire is comparable in ride quality to Michelin's M/S2 (grain of salt), but particularly for the price, it's worth a look. As far as rims, I'll be sticking with 17"s, still browsing to find what I like.

Thanks in advance for any and all input. Anything I'm missing here that I shouldn't be?

 

I too would like to know this minus #1. 2005 Tacoma DC

 

Exhaust: Catback with whatever muffler that you think sounds the best. No performance gain just noise so get which ever one sounds the best to you.

Intake: No performance/mileage gain (unless you have a S/C). Your truck essentially has a CAI on it already so you will just be wasting your money unless you want to hear the sound of the truck sucking air.

As far as lift... Someone with more experience will surely jump in and help you with that. Wheels and tires are personal preference.

 

I'll take as stab at #1. Who says the sound system is crap? The speakers are for sure crap, there is no doubt about that. But, the head unit is built by Harmon. Harmon, as in Harmon/Kardon, or Infinity, or JBL, or Mark Levinson. I'm pretty sure we're not getting a Mark Levinson quality head unit, but it isn't exactly a Magnavox either. The point is, that to get a substantially better head unit, it will probably cost somewhere north of $1k plus the goodies to get it installed so that it plays well with rest of the vehicle's niceties. If it were me, and I must say that it has been, I'd drop in a nice little amp and some nice component speakers up front and see where that gets me. IMHO, you build a system from the ears out. If you're still unhappy, then you can attack the head unit.

My solution was an Alpine Power Pak and some Morel Tempo component speakers. The amp is 45 watts RMS on 4 channels and we bridged it to get 90 watts for 2. This amp will take speaker level input so there's no need for a line level converter. Massive improvement in sound, has the stock appearance, I kept all of the functionality, and I didn't have to get a second loan to do it. While it doesn't sound as good as my living room, I don't hate listening to music in my truck any more. The stock speakers are truly pieces of shit and there's no way to know if the stock head unit will do until you get rid of them.

 

Sound system: Try replacing your speakers in the doors and add an amp and sub behind the rear seat. I did this and is night and day difference from the factory speakers.


Exhaust: Depends on how you want your truck to sound. Trd and Borla make a nice catback system or if you want something louder you can add a magnaflow or flowmaster. I went with the borla and no drone at all.


Intake: IMO you don't really need to change it out. I just changed the drop in filter and called it a day.


Lift: Depends on your tire size you wanna run and look you are going after.
Plenty of nice 3" kits and 4 or 6" db lifts. Since you are a prerunner you can also look at 4" spindles.

 

Update: I kind of switched up the order a bit after feedback as well as stalking the forums a bit more.

First, rims. I found the Fuel Trophies and immediately fell in love. I'll be just fine running the stock tires on them for a bit until I throw the lift in. Also, I'll be shaving the Emblems (side and rear). DuraTracs will be my tire of choice when the time comes. Rims are on order, will be installed by end of week. Pics to follow.

Next is the system. To clarify, I love the head unit. It's the sound that's produced that I'm upset with. I plan on a JL audio stealthbox for the sub, Alpine Amp, and a setup of Infinity's speakers and tweeters. Should be installed by end of month. Can't wait to get high fidelity audio in my truck.

It seems that the consensus is that an intake is largely a waste of money, so I'll skip that for the time being. I'm starting to plan for the exhaust now... any thoughts? I'm tempted to spring on the Borla catback, but I'm concerned that I won't think it's deep enough.

 

Can we get a price range on each number you can fork out pls?

 

I'm much less concerned about price. I'm not balling out of control, or anything, but for all of this work, I'll have free labor and significant discounts through the folks that I know. Granted, I don't want to waste a ton of money for no reason, but I don't want to cut corners for the sake of saving a couple hundred bucks.

Here's kind of what I'm thinking each might run:

Audio - $1500
Exhaust - $600-$1000
Lift - $1000ish (?)