My build/maintenance/mod/bs thread

Just a place to document my build and other aspects of this truck. Post number 2 will have the most current picture of the truck.

2012 Toyota Tacoma
super white
2.7L (2TR-FE)
4-speed auto (A340F)
4WD, base model (only options are: sliding rear window, DRL's, carpet floor mats and door sill protectors)
bought used, 10/20/2018, 124,000 miles, $12,000



Interior:
- black WeatherTech floor mats
- sliding rear window security bar
- Salex center console tray
- Vehicle OCD glove compartment organizer
- Cellet phone holder
- int. wiper switch mod
- navigation head unit from a 2014 Tacoma (AM/FM, Entune, XM, Bluetooth, backup camera)
- replaced worn shift knob with factory part
- installed new carpet
- installed new carpet floor mats

Exterior:
- removed factory mudguards
- replaced damaged tail gate with one from craigslist (de-badged)
- "TOYOTA" tailgate decal from CBoy808
- Total Chaos bed stiffeners
- Toyota cargo divider
- Toyota bed mat
- SaBellCo tailgate anti-theft device
- Me-So Customs Gasshole
- TRD Pro grille with super white surround

Armor:

Suspension:
- OME 885 front coils
- Bilstein 5100 front shocks
- ARB Dakar leaf pack
- Bilstein 5100 rear shocks
- 24" extended rear brake lines
- Total Chaos upper control arms
- Wheeler's Super Bumps (front and rear)
- Wheeler's u-bolt flip kit

Wheels/Tires:
- Stock Tacoma steelies
- BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 LT265/75R16 (31.6")

Engine/Drivetrain:
- Uni-Filter mod
- ECGS bushing install

Lighting/Electrical:

Misc:
- splash guards from Gear Tech Customs

 

Current:

 

Looks clean!

 

Parts came today for the lift

 

Small update. Still fixing little things before the serious mods can begin.

I fixed the power steering leak (parts from rockauto.com). I'm think I may just order the complete line assembly (pressure and return) from the dealership.
Put on my tacomaworld.com decal today (crooked and not centered so I'll be doing it again). Good thing I ordered two.
Cleaned my engine bay. Bought All Clean + from chemicalguys.com and wanted to see how it works. I hosed the area with water, sprayed the cleaner (diluted 10:1), let it sit for a couple of minutes and hosed it off. It took off 90% of the dirt. I need to buy some brushes so I can scrub tighter spots and leave the cleaner on for longer for better results. I bought a gallon of the stuff and it's money well spent.

 

Off to a good start.

 

Good looking ride! I wish Toyota still made single cabs. I have always thought they were the best looking trucks.

 

My TRD Pro grill insert from cali-raised-led came in.

 

Clean truck subbed

 

Christmas came early this year.
My replacement Gear Tech Customs splash shield (I trimmed one too short) got delivered along with my Total Chaos bed stiffeners and TOYOTA decals from CBoy808.

 

So I'm thinking about the front end and Bushwacker flares.
I may do a super white grille surround and front bumper with matte black Bushwackers (keeping with the "base" look).
Can't find any pictures with this combination. The instructions show it but the flares look to be gloss black and too close to get an overall feel about how it will look.

 

I actually find this truck cooler than most. Its basic, reliable AF, rare, and 4x4. Looking forward to this one.

 

I also want to remove the valence (or what ever you call it) in the front bumper and install 4 off-road lights there. Not sure if the crash bar will be in the way. I will not be using LED light bars, don't like them.

The wheels are turning...

 

Not like that. Like this:
(excuse my crappy Paint skills)

 

Phone holder

 

New Genuine Toyota TRD Pro grille and super white surround.
Fit is better than the knock-off. The letters are molded into the grille unlike the separate part of the knock-off.