Trooper SEMA Build

This entire process began back in January. I was requested to be at the unveiling of the new Tacoma at this years Detroit Auto Show. So I went to cover the event for TCT Magazine. I have to admit, as with every new generation, you either love it or hate it! This model was, and is, no different. The front looks more like the 4Runner. The bed looks like the Tundra. The Cab looks about the same...

Being in the position that I was in, I knew bits and pieces of what was coming. This being said, I actually loved the new styling right out of the gate. After the show I got a special treat. I got to tour the Engineering Facility outside of Ann Arbor Michigan where our trucks are dreamed up. Sorry, no cameras were allowed. I am in the middle of writing a multi part series of "Concept trough SEMA" for TCT Mag.

more to come over the next few days...

 

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Agreed! Booked my seat here for this one. If you move it to the build thread lets us know!

 

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Yup

 

oooh this will be good

 

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Thanks for posting for us Taco lovers!

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When you are given the chance to build a truck for SEMA and only given about 10 days to do it, your first should be to run away quickly! Nope, not me!

Yes, this is one excited young lady(she says that this will be her's in a few years!) and now she wants lessons on driving a manual!!!

Back on track, here's the story...

Let's start with the fact that I had a build plan already laid out (when I had 2 months to build). Because we only had 10 days, that list went out the window. A large number of those vendors unfortunately still don't have prototypes made, much less production started.

The 1st product installed was my Baja Rack. (Sorry, rainy day pics)


I chose the Prerunner Sport Basket with the cut out for the satellite antenna.


I have had their Utility Flat Rack before and love them both. I do like the sides on this rack for strapping gear to the edges for easier access.

The rack mounts directly to the factory mounting points in the rain gutter and was very straight forward and simple to install myself (with some help from a friend or two).

The next project was more of a mount and wire it later... While I was still waiting on parts to arrive, I mounted my SwitchPros SP-8100 Switch Panel Power System.


I tucked it in next to the battery and behind the drivers head light.

This was the easy part! It takes 2 sheet metal screws that are provided and a couple of drilled holes. The hardest part was taking out the battery (yeah, not too hard The wiring will come in a few days.

Monday started to look more like Christmas with reality setting in. Parts are arriving along with the "Oh crap, all of this goes on and in the Taco"...

Tuesday, (one week before SEMA) started off with a visit to the Larry H Miller Toyota of Colorado Springs Service Department for some ride quality modifications!

When they say everything for the '15 will fit the '16, don't believe everything. There were a few things that weren't the same! The first thing to be cut off was the upper control arm bolt. If the bolt were installed the other direction you might have a chance in it sliding out... However

There was just no way for that to happen. With the new leaf pack in the rear, same thing. this took a grinder and an air chisel to get the add a leaf installed. All in all, it did bolt right back in.

We went with the Stage 6 for a few reasons:
Living in Colorado and having Moab so close we are already planning quite a few off road adventures for the next year. With that said, I am needing the best ride possible both on and off road. The Stage 6 is an adjustable system. Both the coil overs and the remote reservoirs are adjustable. I chose the Billet Aluminum UCAs option along with the add on option of the Rear Hydraulic Air Bumpstop System. Both of these options should help with the durability and long life of the entire suspension system.

More to come...

 

So awesome man! Thanks for taking the time to do a build thread for us. I will recommend editing your first post and adding everything to that so so the whole build can be seen in its entirety all in one place. but it's your thread do it as you wish. Thanks again! Its an awesome build and I greatly enjoyed checking it out closely at SEMA.

 

Who makes the bed rack?

 

http://www.shop.labrak.com/Toyota-Tacoma-Bed-Rack-2016-LR-01-2016-Tacoma-bed-rack.htm

 

Awesome! What does that Icon set up run a guy?

 

http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/435-complete-suspension-systems

 

When I look at that BajaRack the model you installed on their website it says it requires the factory roof rack to be able to mount up. It doesnt look like it comes with the mounts like yours did that go straight into the factory mounting points. any help here would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

In the rain gutter of the d-cab under the rubber strip there are factory mounting points and the rack comes wih mounting brackets. As long as the factory mounting points are in their proper location, it is a simple install of a great rack!

 

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