Ethel, the Modest Taco (Build Thread)

Hey everyone! This is my second Tacoma. When I first stumbled upon this site, I got the idea of documenting every single thing I do to this truck, down to polishing the heads of bolts or replacing drain plug gaskets.

Suddenly, it hit me: Nobody really cares that much. I’m not doing anything that cool or anything that nobody else has done before. All of the interesting builds are elsewhere on this site.

That being said, I’m kinda on a budget because I’m saving up so I can quit my job and get certified in other fields, so I’m not doing anything crazy. If anything, this thread is so that I can watch my truck change and be helpful to anyone else along the way.

If you have any questions, PM me or post below! I’m on here pretty much every day.
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Specs: 05 Sport AC 4x4. Got it pretty dirty and scratched to sh*t. Plan on doing paint restoration at a later time, it’s a truck. Original everything. Little to no maintenance records. All original paperwork included. Very minor surface rust on suspension components. I am catching up on all maintenance by using the checklist they give you when you first purchase a new Toyota vehicle. It was purchased with a warranty, so if I keep up on it, I should be covered when it finally decides to blow a head gasket at 140k. Got it with 99k. Still breaking it in!

SUSPENSION
First “REAL” mod: Bilstein 5100’s all around. Fronts set at .85” which leveled me out pretty perfect. I don’t have TSB Leaf packs so I about lost my mind when I had it set at 1.75” and dropped her down to discover I gave myself Cali lean.

Only had to Sawzall one rear shock bolt. Surprising considering it’s an 05 in the PNW.

I’m fine with .85 because I’m only trying to fit 265/75/16 with 0 offset wheels. I might lift more later when I get some armor but this is fine for truckin’ around in snow and sand.

INTERIOR
Secret Hatchet Hidey Hole. Gransfors Bruk FTW.


LIGHTING
Mesojdm dome and map lights in red, the color of blood. Glad I jumped on these when I did, sold out quick.


EXTERIOR
I dip you dip we dip! (Plastidip badges)

 

Wheels and Tires!
Mickey Thompson Classic III
16x8, 4.5” BS, 0mm Offset

265/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs Load Range: C

No rub!

 

Went to the beach today!

 

Armor
Installed BAMF lca skids. Also painted OEM front skid. I plan on getting a real IFS skid later, but for now I think the white looks cool.


Scored a Domello Off-road bumper for 11-15 2nd Gens for $200. Repainted and bolted on anyways. Nobody has to to know.

 

I'm diggin that hatchet mount! What did you use?

 

Original Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 1" - 2-1/4" diameter (Pack of 2)

$10 END OF ROAD Original Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 1" - 2-1/4" diameter, 2 Count (Pack of 1) - 0010

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CQPANY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7dJFBbKGV12B2

Various sizes for different tools, double check before you buy.

 

A-pillar RAM amount installed. Pretty solid

 

ECGS bushing installed! Didn’t even mess anything up. Thanks @ECGS, no more vibes or slop in CV.

The Needle bearing seemed in near perfect shape. However IMMEDIATELY after changing front ride height (5100’s) I noticed wiggle and vibes in CV on drivers side. This bushing saved the day because I was getting really annoyed at the “hvvvv” sensation.

 

Love those wheels, thinking about getting a set for myself.

 

Do it! Only thing I dislike is the center cap.

 

CustomCarGrills mesh grill installed. Used 3M plastic repair epoxy. It’s $40 glue but it’s stout and sets quickly. Good luck finding the gun to use it though.

 

Spent some time in Leavenworth last weekend. Dirty white is my new favorite color. (If you look closely, you can see the latest and greatest tactical bottle opener bumper mod)

 

What lugnuts did you need for those wheels? Just ordered a set.

Trucks looking good! Leavenworth is a good time as well!

 

I ordered a set from McGard. Black, acorn seat. One locking lug per wheel. Pretty high quality.

 

Added a Bestop I got used. Pain to install in the cold but I really like the look. Also bolted a knaack job box to the bed. Hopefully the tweekers will stay out.

 

Slow and easy builds are the best, I cringe when I see $20,000 in mods all at once, because 9/10 times it was a credit card or personal loan buying those parts.

Keep up the good work, I like the fact that you are scoring good deals on used parts.

 

Thanks friend. Part of me wants a trophy truck with all the gizmos, but another part me thinks they all look too similar with the same exact mods/brands.

 

Nice steady build you got going on here. Like you truck subbed for its evolution.

 

Thank you! Slow and steady wins the race. She’s definitely slow.

 

#Snellworks Sliders welded on. I asked for some extra kick out. I really like how they turned out, still looks natural. Rattle cans FTW.