Scott B.'s 2015 AC Build - Expo Style

Your mods are at least as clean an elegant as mine!

I first tried your method of adjusting the headrests. Unfortunately, my 1/2" wrench started bending. The cheater-bar method you used would have been a little easier - nothing like a little leverage!

 

How do you like the trutrac? I've been looking at lunchbox locker setups and I'm on the fence

 

I really like it.

I've run a TruTrac in several trucks for the 15+ years. I don't rock crawl, so I don't think I really need a locker. Sometimes, you have to work the brake to help with the engagement, but it is really no big deal.

They are well mannered on the street, and extra traction in the rain is always a good thing.

I think they are stronger than a lunchbox locker, too - I have about 200,000 miles on one, and it still works great.

 

That's good to know. Is it obvious when it engages?

 

i worded it kinda bad I meant the 6112's PLUS the rear 5160s ... your setup is what I am going to go with I think... it seems stupid to me to go to icons or kings for double the price only to DD them and not go rock crawling

 

Sometimes - but not in a bad way. Every once in a while you can feel it engage, and the truck gets traction.

 

ABS OFF (Kill) Switch

I have done a lot reading on the forums about the Tacoma's something-to-be-desired ABS system. While never having had an issue with it (yet), I decided to install a kill switch anyway.

I procured a switch from Air On Board to fit in the center console (next to the USB/Aux stereo port). Since my truck does not have VSC and the electric locker, I was able to do this mod the easy way - all I had to do was break the green wire. However, the switch was not a simple open/closed switch. I decided to use a relay.

Simply put, +12V goes to the switch. When pushed, the switch sends +12V to the relay, activating it. The green wire of the ABS is wired across the relay, in the NC (normally closed) position. Switch off, relay closed, ABS functions. Switch on, relay open, ABS circuit open, ABS do not function. As an added bonus, I tapped into the light circuit to illuminate the logo on the switch when the lights are on.

First thing to do was find the green wire:



As you can see, for 2015, the IA4 connector is now white, instead of blue.

I cut the ABS wire, and put connectors on the ends. The connectors serve 2 purposes - first, they allow quick and easy connection to the wires going to the relay. Second, they allow me to reconnect the green wire, to back to stock.

Next, I built a wiring harness:



The green connector to the right goes to the switch. The black piece at the top is the relay, plugged into a yellow socket. The other wires are power, lights and ground. The ABS green wires attach to the short light blue connectors coming off the relay.

Hook up the wires and pop the switch in:



Simple and works great.

OK, simple yes - but it took a few hours to complete. Everything I have read about this did not include a 2015 truck - so I guessed about the wire. Once I cut it, I spent time verifying it was the correct wire. Building the wiring harness took some time, too - I wanted the wires to be the correct length, so that meant multiple trips between the workbench and under the dash. And then tie-wrapping everything in place.

One more project off the list!!!!!

 

Scott,

Any concerns with emissions since the rear cats are removed? Also, I am assuming you are using O2 sensor simulators for the two sensors that were removed with the stock exhaust? Any issues with those?

EDIT:Just read on their website the O2 sensors just plug into the replacement y pipe. No simulator needed. Just wondering now if most places checking for emissions will notice this.

 

No, no concerns. I am running cats and O2 sensors, so technically I am legal. They don't do a visual check here on OBD II vehicles. Even if they did, the attendant would have to know that Tacomas come with 2 cats per side - and care.

EDIT: I am curious as to whether it would pass in Cali, not that I am moving back there...

 

CA is screwed up and smog is not universally enforced. Depends on county and zoned portion of the county you live in. But for the bulk of urban population, it's mandatory for before registration every other year after 6 years since new, I think.

Pretty easy, they pass a mirror under your vehicle, hook up to the OBDII port, and run some tests about 15 minutes.

I doubt they would know the difference.

 

Yeah reading into a bit more most people with this setup have been able to get away with it since it doesn't seem to affect actual emissions poorly. I did find somewhere that in Cali they basically inspect for OEM part numbers though which could cause problems. I am sure here in Utah though I could get away with this just fine.

How is the noise? I am all about gaining the clearance and any performance gain is welcomed but I am not a fan of noisy exhaust.

 

Sounds similar to here. Of course, here my V8 Ranger passed no problem - never would it have in Cali!

 

It is a little louder than stock, and you can hear it in the cab. It's not bad, but louder when I am towing the trailer.

It is more free-flowing than stock, and with that you get more noise.

It is not as loud as a FlowMaster, though.

 

Thats what I figured. I will probably be pulling the trigger on this soon. My stock exhaust got all beat up this last weekend so my skids are being redesigned for more coverage and a new exhaust is going in.

 

Any noticeable performance improvements? When towing maybe? I hear it is hit and miss and mostly the gains are minimal with exhausts but the y pipe seems like it would open things up a little better.

 

Really hard to say - the "butt dyno" doesn't notice a real difference.

However, I know the engine is running more balanced, so it has to be better, right? LOL

 

Flags

Like most of you, I peruse build threads. I get a lot of ideas from them, and either use (steel?) them directly, or modify the idea for my use. I know - we all do that.

That being said, I've seen this mod on many other trucks, and really, really like it.

So, thanks to the folks at Far North by Design, I have a set of matte black die-cut American flag stickers on my doors - and they look great!

Before:



I used the infamous blue tape to position the flags. The tape made it fairly easy to place the flags in the same position on each door.



Here it is!



Close up:



And the passenger side:



They look great!

 

Great work! I really enjoy catching up in this thread.

 

Raising the Roof

I originally purchased a cab-hi shell thinking that it provide enough room inside and decent aerodynamics outside - the best of both worlds, if you will.

Unfortunately, with the sleeping platform in the bed, inside room was compromised. There was room for gear, and actually enough room to sleep (but not sit up). But, there was not a lot of excess room, and the low top of the door limited any large objects fitting back there.

A friend of ours bought a 2016 Tacoma and put a hi-rise shell on their truck. After seeing it, and contemplating a while, the ARE went up for sale and a SnugTop was put on order.

I am a big fan of ARE products, and initially looked at their hi-rise model. I also looked at Leer models. Each had minor details that I didn't care for. I looked at SnugTop, and decided that it was the way go.

Unfortunately, the closet dealer was 8 hours away, in Missouri. Decided to go with one anyway - if I am changing the shell, I may as well get exactly what I really want. Besides, what's an 8 hour drive? I travel west once or twice a year, so I am not exactly un-familiar with driving...

Before the trip to pick up the shell, I had to prep the truck. Remove the shell, and remove the sleeping platform. It is amazing how much desert dust accumulated under the platform. I need to seal the tailgate better...



Taking weight off the back end allowed the springs to relax more, raising the truck an inch or two.

Here it is, at Mid-America Truck Tops. The owner told me he has sold toppers to someone in every state east of the Mississippi. I guess I'm not the only crazy one!





These folks were great to work with. I ordered the shell over the phone, they stored it for a month-ish until I was able to get up there to pick it up, and the installation was a breeze.

Another view:



Overall, I am very happy with the new shell. It makes the truck look "bigger".

Now, to re-install the sleeping platform...

 

Good call on the increased real estate back there!