RoadSurf88's 2004 Tacoma Ext Cab Build

Thought I start my own build to keep track of my upgrades and get advice on any obstacles I run into. First of all, I from Hawaii and now live in Florida. My first tacoma was a black 1997 Ext Cab 4wd automatic. It had a shitty leveling kit (spacer and add-a-leaf) with some steel rims and 30in federal tires. All black everything and it was my beach truck. Beat the shit out of it, and loved every minute of it. Sad thing is I sold it because I needed money, plus I was moving away. I knew Id buy another one someday.

Bought this hidden gem September 2015 in Sarasota, Fl. 2004 Ext Cab 3.4L, 5speed, 4wd, TRD SR5. Has ONLY 62,XXX miles. Super clean inside and out!

What it looked like when I bought it September2015

Today 8/21/16

Suspension:
Front
Bilstein 5100s
OME 882s
1/4 top plate spacer (taco lean)
Differential Drop Kit

Rear
Bilstein 5100s
2" Add-a-leafs
3 degree axle shims
Longer U bolts

Rims and Tires:
15x8 American Racing Baja AR172
33x12.5x15 Goodyear Duratracs

Others:
Tint
Removed Nerf bars

Future Mods:
Extended Rear brake line (waiting to install)
Muffler and Exhaust system (not sure which one I want yet...)
Deck Plate mod (waiting to install)
Upper Control Arms
Rock Sliders
Wet Okole seat covers
Audio deck
Spray on bed liner

Maybe Supercharge...

Eventually SAS!!

 

Found a deal on some rims and tires...

15x8 American Racing Baja AR172 -19mm offset
w/ 33x12.5x15 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs




Cant wait to mount these bad boys on!

 

Then my lift kit finally came in from Wheelers...

Bilstein 5100's all around, Old Man Emu 882 coils, 1/4" top plate spacer, diff drop kit, 2" AAL, Extended rear brake line, Longer U bolts, 3 degree axle shims, brake relocate bracket.

Went to the shop the next day to start installing it.

 

Went to the shop the next day and installed my new kit. Didn't take any pictures because I was too excited and just wanted it done. Every thing went smooth except for a couple things. Had trouble getting the driver side leaf spring center pin to line up with the rear axle. Had to use a ratchet strap to pull the leaf springs together and eventually it popped in. Also, compressing the coils to install on the new 5100's was super sketchy. The spring compressor was old and looked like it was gonna fall apart. I took it slow and got it done safely. Went straight to the tire shop after and got my rims and tires mounted and aligned.


I like that the tires stick out just a little. I think this set up is perfect since its my daily driver. Not too over the top, but still looks mean.

 

Why throw all this money into the front end if youre planning a SAS anyway?

And can i have those parts when you do your SAS?

 

SAS is just blissful thinking at the moment haha. It won't happen for a long time. I'm a big time do it yourselfer and I can't get the courage to chop up a pristine Tacoma like this. Maybe when I hit 100,000+ miles. I already have a Toyota solid axle that I plan to rebuild in the future but for now I like how it is. And sure you can have my parts when I do lol