08 Prerunner Build LT + Faclift + Retrofit

Hey whats up Tacoma World community
I've been a member for a year now, compiling information, buying parts, hitting an occasional meetup and asking lots of questions. I must say that there is a great support community going on here!
I purchased my 08 DCSB 2wd TRD Sport a year ago November
Had the windows and windshield tinted and Plastidipped the badges with "smoke" to give that graphite look.
Changed oil out to Synthetic and did a double flush on her, for good measure.

 

Nice truck! I might do the same with the plastidip

 

Noice

 

After doing some searching I came across stevespens post of the '05-'11 Facelift conversion; thanks for the great write up and pics!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-build-formerly-2006-to-2013-front-end-conv.325768/
And started sourcing parts; Most of the structural OEM parts I purchased from
https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth...ota/tacoma/pre-runner-trim/4-0l-v6-gas-engine
Easy to navigate and prices comparable if not better than some discount parts houses. I referenced stevespens parts list and adjusted to my plans. It really is a relatively simple process.**By the way you do need to purchase the updated HOOD LATCH, although they are very close, and I tried using existing, not a match and not a good catch/lock on older part.
I would also opt for the radiator vertical support-I did not source this and had to weld/modify existing lower support to catch main structural piece beneath grille.

I sourced Headlights and grille through local Craiglist adds and came up fairly inexpensively-you just have to be patient and sort through the crap and scammers. $300 total
Scoop Hood was obtained through http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?N=0&Nr=AND(wpn_tl_name:Auto+Body+Parts+&+Mirrors,wpn_cat_name:Hoods+&+Components,wpn_scat_name:Hood)
The site has special deals all the time, I believe I got 25% OFF and free shipping-Best deal I found on Certified Factory Replacement hood, somewhere in the $200 range to my door. All additional hood scoop components I sourced through Boch-this is the expensive part of going this route comparative-like an additional $90ish in plastic and seals.



The Tacoma World community has been amazing, so I posted parts for sale and had everything going to new homes quickly.
I swapped Hoods with Tbasch
a local guy with a BADDASS mobber of a prerunner and a genuinely good guy that I met on TW.
The entire front end (minus the Spyder Projectors) went to Grable
Who had an accident and was bringing his Overlander back to life--another solid guy who drove all the way down from Frenso to pick up the front end. I'd say we all came out on the positive side of win-win.

 

Before and after shots
Obviously I went the route of Retrofit Projectors as well...Morimoto D2S with Panamera shroud all parts sourced from
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/
Another great company represented here on Tacoma World, who offers a member discount, and a fantastic support team behind their product! Lots of guys doing Retrofits on TW forums, all approachable and pretty helpful, but I got the most help and support from PK at
kustom54lighting
This guy is a freakin artist and a really helpful, down to earth guy! Thanks so much PK!!! If you are looking for lights, I'd definitely check him out! Lots of write ups here on doing lights and I'm no expert, lots of opportunities to ruin a perfectly good pair of lights, so if your not into taking your time and researching ALOT, I'd suggest going with a pro if you can swing a good deal. Id estimate close to $600 in materials go into a set of quality OME retro headlights(including cost of lights average $200 used) and perhaps 20+ of labor.

 

Very nice!

 

This purchase happened along the way as a big distraction to the Tacoma build, but also provided an opportunity for a alternate Daily Driver while the Taco' goes to BTF Fabrication for tear down and LT mock-up/fitment R & D.
This "Pig" gets it done...

 

Meanwhile The Tacoma goes into http://www.btf-fab.com/ with plans for Front Long travel Kit 4+

BTF LT KIT shift front end approximately 1" forward and extend roughly 4" out(each side) for travel, clearance and articulation.
This is a Bolt on Kit and utilizes stock spindles. Design R & D is in the works for a Race Kit to include a Spindle and 4wd option.
Check out the #weldporn! #girth!
3/16" Plate with 1" Uniball on LCA
1.5" X .120 DOM with 1.25" Uniball on UCA.
*Additional work done *0ptional *
Gusseted Spindle reinforcement
Double sheared Upper Mounts
9" Kartek Limit straps
Stainless steel braided extended brake lines
Cam tabs

King 2.5 x 8" shocks with 600# springs, external reservoirs and compression adjusters
King 2.0 X 2"Hydro bumps
Front Kit should produce 14+" of adjustable travel as set up.

 

Patience and persistence finally pay off...Thanks Vin @ https://www.stealthcustomseries.com/

Ray10 Brushed Copper
Cooper STT Pro 285X70x17 on the Discount Tire sale w/free shipping

 

Early stages of one-off bumper design fabrication as well as https://www.mcneilracinginc.com/ 4" fiberglass fenders fitment
Check out the sweet filler supports that http://www.btf-fab.com/
came up with to secure the lower headlight filler and give it that finished look. Brandon at BTF is really great at bringing the vision to life-what ever the vision may be-a true artist who enjoys putting out quality product!
McNeil glass came together nicely-great fitment.

Bringing it to life with that BTF quality #weldporn!

 

Getting close!

 

Deaver add a leafs installed and king Bolt in shocks out back.

 

Add a leaf rear??? Needs 4 link

 

Sick! subd

 

Yeah well, if money only grew on trees, right? Haha

 

Don't forget the supercharger

 

Before the hazing really gets going...The rear Deaver AAL is a temporary set up until I can continue the build, and will allow me some time to get familiar with the wider tracking and travel/performance of the front, while I get my funds in order and research the right set up. Current thoughts are going the route of SUA(likely DMZ) and possible axle swap. The vehicle is still my daily driver, so I'm taking my time until I can really dedicate/commit the rear end to its intended purpose; Heck I started this journey with the thought that I'd go with a nice mid travel overland approach, then the LX 470 came along and well... "scratched that itch", and ate up the funds for the rear of the Taco (For the time being).

I appreciate, and share your enthusiasm for a proper and more proportionate-true LT build to the rear end...one that will better compliment the front. I could not be happier with the work from BTF Fab thus far, this story will continue.

 

Almost ready for Roll Out...Alignment and Skids gets her back "UP". Brandon-Thanks for your attention to detail on this one!

 

Diggin' this www.btf-fab.com Skid designwork

 

Decided to powder coat the skids black
Truck feels great, holds the road really well and is cush' in the dirt. Thanks to Brandon at BTF for a quality build and attention to the details!