Checking in from Ottawa Ontario

Hey everyone, this looks like a great site and I'm looking forward to learning from everyone's experiences.

I am new to Ottawa, first time living here. I'm military (Navy) and was just posted to the city. On the first day of my drive from the west coast to Ottawa my land rover crapped out. I had been working on the wife to buy a truck. So between trips to the mechanic and the dealership, I got a black 2016 Tacoma access cab TRD off road with canopy. She's pretty cool.

This is my second Toyota truck, back in high-school (mid 90s), my first vehicle was a $1000, 83 SR5 (22e, bad ass model with lift, large tires and rolled bar) and I have missed it ever since it was wrecked in an accident.

My first goal for joining this site is to meet local drivers and get out into the mud. The second is to get advice on truck upgrades. I think my truck improvement plan will take about 2-3 years and I'd like to do it in a logical process. I have prioritized it based on my needs, equipment function, and ability to hide/minimize the cost from my wife;
1) Window, hood deflectors and block heater (quick and easy)
2) Roof rack on the canopy (for transporting canoes and stuff)
3) Rock slider (I would like to get something to step up on to get in)
4) Lift, wheels and tires (I like the look of the bumpers, but I think this is more functional)
5) Armour (bumpers, winch and lighting)

Any advice would be appreciated, whether it is a good in area store or dealer. What equipment works well or if I am missing something. Or if there is a group that heads out regularly, the East Ontario Trail Blazers is one that I have found and I intent to get in touch with.

Also, I have very little knowledge about lift kits. I am looking at metaltech sliders and bumpers, but shipping and duty considerations may change that.

Great to meet you all and see you in the threads.

Jay

 

Welcome from Cali...

 

Hey Jay,
Ottawa eh? Well, welcome to the capital! Go SENS Go!!! I am actually about 25 minutes east of Ottawa, lived here all my life, I'm 44 btw. Think I'm going through a mid life crisis as I want to turn my Taco into a beast...lol...at least that's the little white lie I'm telling the wife I also have the itch to go 4x4'ing, looks like it would be a riot! Have to sink some dough into the Taco before I do that though, there's just so many options out there, can be confusing, that's why I joined up on the forums to educate myself.
Anyways, welcome to Ottawa, there's 2 seasons here, winter and construction, and not much rain like the west. Take care!