2018 DCSB TRD OR RWD build - Cement Mixer

UPDATE:

Here's the truck as of 1/19/21





4" Maxtrac Spindles with 1" OEM powdercoated springs on 5100s
Rear 2.5" blocks + 1.5" wheeler add a leafs
SPC UCAs
35x12.50R18 Kenda Klever RTs on KMC Billet 18x9.5 (-19mm/4.5" BS)
Custom beadlock hardware and flush center caps for KMCs
BORA .75" rear spacers to even track width with spindles
Custom painted side emblems
Aftermarket scoop hood with matte scoop and vinyl
Custom rear vinyl
2020 TRD grille with raptor lights added
Retrofit Morimoto MLED 2.0 Projectors
Diode Dynamics Amber DRLs
Demello Offroad Baja LB bumper
Rough Country Black Series 30" bar
Baja Designs SAE series driving lights

*******************************************

Here's all of the writeups I've done along the way:

Painting stock wheels black - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/step-by-step-trd-wheel-paint-project.553263/

Flush center caps for XD301 Wheels - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/project-flush-center-cap-aka-this-took-too-long.591839/

Black Headlight Mod + HIDs - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bhlm-ddm-ultra-hid.596428/

Adding skewp hood - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-much-would-you-pay-for-a-skewp-hood.605629/

How to properly do slip-on wheel spacers - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-properly-do-slip-on-wheel-spacers.616426/

Custom painted door emblems - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/custom-door-emblems-black-on-red.619760/

Fitting 35s - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fitting-35s-damn-craigslist.659940/

Installing Demello front bumper - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/demello-lb-lightbar-baja-bumper-install-review.663091/

Installing vintage (2003) Billet KMC wheels - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/i-did-a-thing-now-what-to-do-vintage-kmc-wheels.680370/

Retrofit Morimoto MLED 2.0 projectors and Diode Dynamics Amber DRLs- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bhlm-take-2-bi-led-retrofits-amber-drls-and-cleanup.678442/

Custom Spyder C-Tube taillights I really like- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/c-tube-red-led-tails-for-2016-2021-review.697741/

*******************************************

OP: I did a build thread for my last car over 6 years and it was a lot of fun. Please follow along on both my adventures and misadventures as I attempt a mild build on my new Tacoma.

I bought her brand new before she even got to the dealer. Cement is a tough color to get here and dealers won't go down but maybe $500 off MSRP if they even go off MSRP at all.



This is a TRD OR DCSB RWD base. I paid $34k for it. First new car/truck I ever bought for myself. Why the RWD? I have had 4x4 trucks for over 10 years and have probably used 4x4 maybe a couple hundred miles at most. I think the rear full locker will meet my needs.

 

First mod was front window tint. I asked the shop to match the back privacy glass, I think it was 35% tint (i.e. 65% light block). They were running a special, I think it was $70.

 

Next up was a TRD pro grille (knockoff) with the garnish in place for the sensor. Overall fitment was good, I had to hack the grille up around the garnish to fit it properly.

 

Next up this weekend/next week:

Bilstein 5100s at 0 with OME 885s, rear 1" blocks and 265/75R16 Falken Wildpeak ATs. I also got Spidertrax 1.25" spacers since I can't find any wheels I like yet; I think the stockers will look good with a more aggressive stance.

 

Oh and the TRD vinyl center cap update.

 

Nice truck man! post pics after the tires and spacers. Imo spacers and tires make the truck look way more aggressive.

 

Prior to any suspension work, I took fender measurements (center of wheel to bottom of fender). This is the truck with about 1800 miles on it, I'm not sure if there is settling but I've been driving it for about a month or so.

Left/Right Rear 21.75"
Left/Right Front 20.25"

I did notice the left to right measurements were the same (within my margin of error). Based on my measurements here, I'm expecting about 2" of lift up front with the 5100s/885s on a RWD and of course 1" out back with the 1" lift blocks. That should put front/rear measurements at 22.25 and 22.75 respectively, so pretty close to level with a little rake which is good.

 

I have never worked on a brand new vehicle before. I couldn't believe how actually enjoyable it was to pull the struts out in preparation for the new springs/struts. I usually abhor suspension work.

 

Struts out, I'm at the age where I want to save $$$ on labor but I'm willing to throw a few bucks at a shop to do the stuff I don't want to do. So, I'll take them to the tire shop tomorrow to get the strut mounts and coil isolators moved onto the 5100s/885s. I kind of wanted to keep the stock struts together, but we couldn't find the parts for the 5100s/885s to build up a full set.

 

As far as cost goes, here's what I spent so far:

Aesthetics

Window tint, front windows, $75
Pro grill and garnish, $190
TRD wheel stickers, $20

Aesthetic costs: $285​

Suspension/wheel/tires

2885 springs, $168
Bilstein 5100

$137 24-263108 Bilstein 24263108 Shock Absorber

24-263108, $200
Traxda 905016 1" rear block kit, $96
Spidertrax 1.25" wheel spacers, $200
Falken Wildpeak ATs 265/75R16 OTD, $620
Strut/spring swap, $40
Alignment, $75

Suspension/wheel/tire Total: $1,399
​

Ewwww, I really shouldn't do that again. lol...

 

New struts/ome 885s, rear blocks and 1.25" wheel spacers in.

 

New fender measurements to follow after settling. This is after driving about 5 miles only.

 

looking good

 

Ok, so before/after lifting the front and rear measurements; it's dead level:

BEFORE: Left/Right Rear 21.75" AFTER: 22.75"
Left/Right Front 20.25" AFTER: 22.75"

So, the rear went up and inch (of course) and the front ended up 2.5". No left to right lean to speak of. I really want the front to settle about 0.5" though. I do want a little rake still.



Next up: 32s and alignment (monday).

 

Tires on, on alignment rack meow.

 

Great looking truck, OP!

 

Alignment done. Caster was pretty far off after springs.

 

Ok, finished product. I love it!

 

Love your setup - can you comment on the ride and the noise from your new tires?

 

The overall ride I feel has improved, at least on the highway. There was a choppy highway section that has smoothed out noticably which is good. The OE highway ride in my Tacoma was bugging me.

Now, I can feel the tires big lugs vibrate a bit when starting from a stop or slowing down as with any aggressive big lug terrain tires.

Tire noise is negligible.

MPGs are down an expected, 1-2 mpg even when considering the 4% increase in tire diameter.