Mavrick Tacoma Build

I bought my first truck back in 2006. I went with a Tacoma because I had owned a 4Runner for the previous 6 years and loved the brand. I bought a crew cab, long bed, TRD Sport with 2WD. I liked the TRD Sport because it was all color matched (and the hood scoop was sweet looking), and I went 2WD because I couldn’t afford the extra $3K for the 4WD. After 2 years of driving it almost completely stock (accept for a tonneau cover and billet grilles) I dropped some hard earned cash on Icon coilovers + rear shocks, Deaver springs, and wheels/tires. The truck was ALMOST capable…accept for that lack of 4WD issue.


My trusty 2006 Gen 2!

Ten years and 175K miles later, I decided it was time to buy a new Tacoma to enjoy for another decade. This time around I was going into it a little older with some slightly different needs. Thanks to countless hours spent online searching through the TW forums (much thanks to everyone who contributes to the threads and build pages), I decided on a mild overland style build. It’s definitely not as hardcore as, say, the dudes over at Expedition Overland. My overland build is designed to provide myself and my family (wife and 2 young boys) with a rig that can get us into/out of mild off-road locations and provide a comfortable camping experience. I also use this to get to a vast number of rock climbing areas.

I hope this build thread helps aid new or existing TW members by providing the info and/or inspiration you are looking for. Happy Taco building!


Fresh off the lot and stock as can be


Post lift installation


ARE shell installed


Font Runner rack installed

BUILD SPECS:

2017 Tacoma SR5 4WD
Double Cab/Long Bed
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Dealer Add-Ons: Tow package, tint, door edge guards, door handle protection, tailgate emblem (black)

MSRP = $35,598
Purchase Price = $500 over invoice via Right Toyota Scottsdale

*Note: I opted to go with an SR5 to cut costs. Back in 2006 I was able to pick up a 2WD TRD Sport for $27K. Prices have gone up quite a bit in 10 years and a TRD Sport/Offroad was pushing $40K in my area. Since the plan was to put a decent chunk of cash into mods I decided to go with a lower end trim. Why pay extra money for upgraded factory components if I am just going to take them out? That was my thought process at least. I also didn't need a ton of bells and whistles (i.e. cell phone charging pad, rear view mirror blinkers, heated seats, Crawl Control, locking differential, etc. etc.)

FRONT SUSPENSION

Icon extended travel coilover, 0-3.5" (Icon-58635)
Total Chaos UCA (TCF-96504)

REAR SUSPENSION

Icon VS 2.0 remote reservoir extended coilover (Icon-CB2027)
Deaver expo springs 2.75” lift, 200lbs over stock (DEA-U402)

WHEELS/TIRES

Toyo Open Country AT2 (TOYO-352790)
- P285/75R17
Method NV (MR30578560500)
- 17x8.5, 0mm offset, 6x5.5 bolt pattern, matte black
Black splined lug nut kit

INTERIOR

Clazzio leather seat covers
- Purchased direct through Clazzio using TACOMAWORLD promo code for 20% off
- Body/Insert/Stitch are all Dark Gray
- Self-installation (took about 3 hrs)
Weathertech floor liners (1st & 2nd row) in black
OCD (Organized Console Device)

OVERLAND GEAR

Front Runner Roof Rack
- Slimline II Tray – 1255MM(W) x 1560MM(L); SKU RRSTD08
- Foot Set/70MM; SKU FASS005
- Expedition Rail Kit – Full Perimeter – For 1255MM(W) rack; SKU KRXD002
- Easy Out Awning Brackets; SKU RRA029
- Stainless Steel tie down rings; SKU RRAC025
ARB Awning 2000 x 2500
- Mounts to roof rack using Easy Out awning brackets
ARE shell
- Z-Series (Z-SO)
- Passenger/driver windows = screen vent (standard)
- Front window = tilt slider (standard)
- Interior = shadow (standard)
- Paint code = 1G3 (standard vehicle color match)
- Yakima roof rails only (upgrade)

MISCELLANEOUS

Cab mount chop + wheel well trimming
De-badged
Toyota chrome exhaust tip
Husky rear mud guards

INSTALLATION

All suspension components, CMC, and wheel well trimming were performed by Super Duty HQ in Chandler, AZ. Top quality service, large assortment of brands/parts, great work. They got me in for a 500 mile re-torque, another couple of visits for trimming, and the staff is always readily available to answer questions. These guys will be getting more of my business in the future.

OTHER STUFF

1.) Engine/Gas Mileage

Biggest noticeable difference right out of the gates was the engine. First 5K miles took some getting used to over the old 4.0L. After about 15K miles I am getting 14-16 MPG depending on where I am driving. I feel like my '06 got better mileage but the setup was different. My 285/75 Toyo's are larger in size and about 10-12 lbs heavier (per tire) than the 285/70 Nitto Terra Grapplers I had on my '06. I also have a 200lb shell (vs 100lb tonneau cover) and 70lb rack.

2.) DIY Bed Platform

a. Top platform = two pieces of ¾” plywood sheathing (69.5”L x 28.5”W)
b. Supports = two pieces of 2x douglas fir
- I started off using 2x8 material but it has to be notched out 3/8" on each side in order to fit
- Your best bet is to use 2x6 material, it works just as well
c. Additional Measurements
- 7 3/4" from 2x supports to bed
- 9 1/2" from platform to bed
*Note that I have a bed mat which is 1/4" thick
- 26 1/4" from platform to roof of camper shell
d. Weight
- Each platform = 30lbs
- Each 2x support = 8lbs
- Total bed platform setup weight = 76lbs
e. Finish
- Rust-Oleum 2x Ultra Cover in flat black
f. Misc
- Added handles to both pieces to aid in carrying them around when removed
- Added angle iron to the front as protection
- Had to cut small angles on the front left/right in order to fit in truck

The main reason I built this setup was as a temporary solution while waiting for the Decked system to be released for mid-size trucks. Now that it's available, I plan to wait for mtnhabitoverland and Overkill07 to review their systems over the next 6 months. We'll see how that goes.








3.) Getting Rid of the Chrome!
My SR5 came stock with chrome colored plastic for the rear bumper caps, grill bezel, and Toyota emblem. I dealt with it for the first year and then decided it was time to get rid of it.

I saw a video from Rob Daman on YouTube in which he used color-matched paint to match his bumper caps and front grill components to his truck color. Based on this I decided to do the same. However, as I was almost finished painting the bumper caps I screwed up and oversprayed in an area, causing a shiny spot. It looked like crap and I couldn't fix it, so I ended up ordering unfinished black bumper caps.

a. Front grill bezel & emblem
- Painted using Dupli-Color Perfect Match (BTY1619) to match my truck
- Protected using Dupli-Color Perfect Clear Coat (BCL0125)
- There are many videos available on YouTube to help you remove the grill. It is VERY easy and only requires unscrewing (2) bolts and a few plastic pins

b. Rear bumper caps
- Ordered Genuine Toyota left/right rear bumper caps w/out sensors, unfinished black

Removal/Re-Installation of Bumper Caps
- Removing the caps is fairly easy and can be done without removing the entire bumper...but I recommend removing the entire bumper.
- Basically the end caps are secured by (3) lower plastic pins, (2) plastic pins located on the interior of the cap, and an interior metal clip with 12 teeth. The metal clip (imo) does a decent amount of the work holding the caps to the bumper. If you remove the caps without disassembling the bumper, you will NOT be able to get the metal clip back on during re-assembly. It will also be a pain to re-install the (2) interior plastic pins. If you remove the entire bumper you will have a VERY EASY time putting your end caps back on... pins, metal clip, and all.

Video for removing end caps WITHOUT removing bumper - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ymEfZol0cI
Video for removing entire rear bumper (recommended) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKhcomDLQmE

*Note - Most of the rear bumper components are plastic, including the end caps and step pad. The step pad has plastic clips molded to the underside that serve the purpose of securing it to the interior center support. When I pried the step pad off it broke 1 of the clips. When I re-installed I am pretty sure that the (2) clips in the center were smashed and did not fully clip into their receiving holes. The process of removing/re-installing the step pad must be done carefully. It's crazy how pricey all these crappy plastic parts are.

OE Bumper Parts List - https://parts.olathetoyota.com/auto...gine/body-cat/bumper-and-components-rear-scat




4.) Front Runner roof rack
- My ARE Z-Series shell had Yakima tracks pre-installed
- One thing to note is that Front Runner will send you M8 stud plates/bolts which are meant for their tracks. The Yakima tracks will require purchase of replacement anchor plates from etrailer.com (https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y8810074.html). These replacement anchor plates will accept M6 bolts which must be purchased separately.

5.) Front Runner Rotopax mounting plate
- If you want to get your Rotopax cans up and out of the way, I highly recommend the mounting plate that Front Runner makes. https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c..._category/1/id/8553/s/rotopax-mounting-plate/





6.) ARB Awning
- 2000 x 2500
- Installs to Front Runner rack via Easy Out Awning Brackets; SKU RRA029
*Note: Definitely not an accessory you would want to be taking on and off regularly. It would be nice if Front Runner made quick-release brackets with locks. Keep the brackets installed on the rack, and install/remove the awning whenever needed.

 

Nice truck op

 

Man I like the thing a lot. The tire size and long bed together look really good. Good choices. Can't wait to see what else you do to it.

 

@McConnellHand - Thanks, really appreciate it! I'll keep updating the build thread as things change.

 

Man your build is perfect. It is exactly what I am looking to do and I too have 2 little boys that I would like to start camping with and taking out the family for some weekend overlanding experiences. I will be adding a RTT too as funds become available but first my dilemma....buy a used 2nd Gen or a new 3rd Gen. I have a 2007 DCLB 4x4 Sport and loved it but when the kids came along the car seats were massive so we upgraded to full size. Now that they are 4 & 6 booster seats are as big so want to get back into a Tacoma as it will fit all our needs. Just don't know which way to go. I've got until the summer to decide. Got more pics posted up?

 

@Jajaboi - Go 3rd gen! Yeah I hear ya on the car seats. They don't fit well at all in a Tacoma. We basically keep them in my wife's Santa Fe full time. Good luck in your search. I have been meaning to post up pics of my truck bed platform and drawer, but will also make a habit of getting some new truck pics posted up every month or so.

 

wow I have the same color... DCLB too... You sir are inspiring me

 

this has made me appreciate long beds again... great build and very well thought out!

 

Sweet truck!!! ​

 

@mavrick6382 sent you a PM with some questions about the deaver pack your running