Matt's 2012 Tacoma "Daily Driver" Build

I placed a few orders for some new parts for Carmen today.

From Chas @Tap Auto Parts
-EBC Stage 4 brake kit rotors/pads

From All Pro Offroad
-IFS skid plate (powdercoated)
-Stainless steel brake lines (+4" longer than stock front/rear)

My truck's braking distance has definitely increased after I put on the 285s and Im hoping that new stainless lines all around and new rotors will help me slow down at a better rate.

I smashed up my skid plate pretty good on my last dirt trip so a real skid plate will finally replace the flimsy TRD version.

 

Truck is looking good! Any heat for not having a plate up front or the 30" not covered? I have been wanting to put a bar in the same spot. I will have to keep an eye out for you as I am in n county as well.

 

I love it. Perfect balance IMO.

 

Thanks man. Heat isn't an issue . I ran a pre runner bumper on my old truck with a full skid plate and never had an issue in 100+ degree heat. However both trucks had towing package which has larger coolers.

 

Thanks man

 

Just ordered Total Chaos race series stock length lowers, secondary shock hoop, and King triple bypasses.

I think that some King bumps in the rear will complete my DD build.

Once I can park it during the week I will go full kill LT but until then I think I've found a happy medium between performance and DD quality.

 

I copied you, My truck is over at DMZ right now, so I had Tim swap out my coils for 700lbs 14" coils while he has the front suspension off.

You shouldn't really have any issues with not having a front plate since they stopped using the intersection cams for citations in SoCal, however not having a front plate does give an Officer probable cause to stop you at any time. I never cited for front plates, because it gave me reason to stop and search/ question gang members and known drug trafficer's/dealers, not to mention any possible suspicious activity. I would recommend you at least get an amber cover for the lightbar to save you some potential trouble.

 

I'm calling first dibbs on the TC lower arms when you go LT!!!!!

 

LOL

Yep, this is exactly what I was thinking (and talking about)

 

Got it. I just responded to a PM about my light bar causing overheating due to the placement.

I only run one plate because my state allows me to. I'm not a Cali resident(military).

I would put a cover on the light bar but there is zero room to put one on. The light bar is really tight as it is. I never turn it on while on the street and I've been right behind cops with no issues. I always get nervous though.

If a cop does pull me over I won't have any weapons or drugs etc because I don't roll like that. Worst case is I get a lecture.

 

Haha . It will be quite the wait.

I often think about buying a 1st Gen or Toyota pickup to build instead of these heavy expensive second Gens. Buying a built truck is probably the way to go.

 

Smart man.

I am really happy with my truck now too. It took everything that the Mojave Trail could throw at it and it ran perfectly. The secondary shock I have on the way will make it even smoother.

 

I couldnt wait to throw on the EBC stage 4 kit. I have been slowly "bedding" them in and its been great so far. I was really impressed by the fit and finish of the whole kit.

Chas @Tap Auto Parts gave me a great deal and I highly recommend doing business with him.

 

I took off my tonneau cover and bought this used soft topper from another member on here in Las Vegas. Its a tight fit but I will be glad to have this for all my camping trips this year.

 

I picked up some Total Chaos shock tower gussets and alignment cam gussets. Im going to drop off the truck at Solo Motorsports at the end of April to have them burn them all in. They are also going to weld in my Total Chaos shock hoop for the secondary shock I will run with my TC stock length lowers.




I picked up these used spindles from another member on here. They were for a 2wd but one hammer whack and the dust shields were out and voila they are now 4x4 spindles.

Solo makes a kit that boxes 4x4 spindles since I cant run fully fabbed (Maxtrac, TC, Camburg) spindles since Im 4x4. I know Solo sells a fully fabbed 4x4 version but its way out of my price range.

 

Im excited about checking out the shop. Paul was the one who told me about their gusset kit. I had never heard of it before that.

I do like the Total Chaos version you are running that has the second gusset instead of just the single upright gusset.

Keep your topper. I wish that I had had this prior to my last camping trip. The wind and dust sucks out in the desert at night. Ive spent too many nights on the ground under the stars in various foreign countries.

Now I plan to camp in comfort

 

It took me awhile to find a fairly priced set. I think that between $80 and $100 is fair for a used set. Anything more than that and I just

Im going to keep my second set that are on my truck right now for spares and probably not even gusset them.