Marty's Taco - Build and Adventure Thread

Hey guys I'm Martin. I'm from Southeastern Wisconsin and I freaking love older Toyotas. I am a long time creeper but recent member of Tacomaworld. I am open to all advice and suggestions on how to make my build thread better. I appreciate constructive criticism so don't hold back!

I decided I want to document all the work I've put into my truck, and what better place to do so than among other Tacoma enthusiasts. So here is my build thread:

2003 Doublecab 4x4 TRD with factory rear e-locker
Bought it in August 2016 with 108,000 miles
It had been in an accident previously (side-swiped a guard rail on the drivers side) but it has well-documented service, a clean factory undercoated frame, and low mileage. The price was well below market due to the accident so I decided to go for it.

Here it is the day I shook hands on it, still in the previous owner's driveway




And here it is as of 2/4/2018



Specs:

3" Toytec lift with Eibach coils with Toytec Boss shocks and add-a-leaf

285/75/16 BFG KO2 tires

16" Procomp alloys

4xInnovations IFS and trans skid plates with custom rattle can paint job



The truck stayed stock for a while, used it mainly as a toy hauler

Anyone else like motorcycles?




Tows our 20' Formula Falcon just fine



Being a college student with various hobbies and limited funds, I didn't do much to the truck other than fluid changes and tire rotations.

I got a job opportunity summer of 2017 which finally brought some funding my way. So the serious work began

I don't have a garage, so I rent a 10x20ft storage unit where I do all my work. With some cheap florescent lights and a generator, it makes for a decent work space.

Taco barely fits


Major maintenance:
Driver side spindle and lower control arm
-Things were a little tweaked because of the accident
Lower ball joints
Outer tie rods
Rear axle seals and wheel bearings
Brakes
A/C condenser
CV axles
Spark plugs

I wish I could remember to take more pictures when I work on the truck, but I tend to get too into it and I just don't think about it.

Ball joints


All new suspension. Anyone else feel like this while working on their truck?


A pile of old parts is oddly satisfying


New tires



I was running the lift with stock tires for about 2 weeks waiting for my wheels and tires to show up. I'll never forget the feeling I got when I bolted on the 33's for the first time and saw my truck completely transform.


Got a sweet Black Friday deal on engine+trans skid plates from 4xInnovations. 1/4" thick, these things are seriously beefy. Rustoleum paint job and it's looking pretty sweet.


It'll never be "finished" but for now, it's ready for some some fun

 

NICE!

 

Took a trip to Badlands Offroad park in Attica Indiana along with a 4runner and Landcruiser. That place is a blast and highly recommended

I was seriously impressed with all these trucks. Stock 4runner with a set of KO2's went almost everywhere I went, and I couldn't believe some of the spaces that full-sized Landcruiser went. That thing has 430,000 miles on it BTW....

Enjoy

 

Got some insurance in the mail today. Knock-off maxtrax that I hope I never need

 

Looks great!
Land Cruisers are amazingly capable, even after they lost the solid front axle. If you love old Toyotas, I'd suggest an 80 series for a future project. They are usually cheaper than Tacomas, even in decent condition.

 

Haven't posted in a while, college is kicking my ass

Recently took a trip from Northwest Indiana to Atlanta to visit a friend and ride some ATVMX.

Pulled a trailer with two quads and a bunch of gear and tools ~1800lbs total weight. This was the first big road trip I've taken in my Tacoma and I was really impressed with how it handled it. I spent most of the drive with overdrive off and the trans temps still got a little high going through Tennessee, especially the steep hills around Chattanooga. This has me considering an external trans cooler.

Average mpg was 14ish, which isn't horrible considering 33" tires, stock gearing, and weight of the trailer.

There aren't many 15 year old vehicles that you can load up and take on a 22hr road trip with ZERO issues. Love these trucks

 

Nice truck.