SPR TCO - Gilmorec61's Supercharged 2013 DCSB Build/Adventure Thread!

** Adventure Reports **

1. Tray Mountain - 1/12/19-1/13/19
   
2. Windrock - 1/25/19 - 1/27/19
   
3. Sarahs Creek Campground / Earls Ford - 2/1/19 - 2/2/19
   
4. Hawk Mountain GEORGIA TW Camping Trip - 3/1/19 - 3/3/19

Hi fellas, so I figured I would start a little 'build' thread on my new to me Tacoma. This will help me keep track of modifications/maintenance/repairs I've done and want to do, as well as hopefully give you all something to follow along with!

First, a little about myself and some background. My name is Chris, I'm 23 and pursuing a ME degree at KSU(previously SPSU for those that are familiar with the area) in Atlanta, GA while working full time as a Mechanical Designer at Georgia Tech. I get to use fancy shmancy CNC machines, 3D printers, waterjets, etc. all day, pretty neato stuff. Still have alot to learn!

I have wanted a Tacoma for the past 5 years, and have off and on been shopping for one this whole time. Recently, the want for a Tacoma has grown and the ability for me to afford one became more realistic. I was doing tons of research between the 2nd gen and 3rd gen and was really undecided on what to go for. Long story short, I finally made up my mind that I was going to get a used 2nd gen, as I didn't want to carry the financial burden of a brand new Tacoma. Initially, I was going to wait until I graduated this May to treat myself especially if buying new, however once I decided I was going to get a used one I started really shopping. Biggest criteria was that it had to be a TRD Offroad double cab short bed 4x4. I was also dead set on finding myself a 6spd manual but then I got to asking myself, why do I want a manual? Well, I wanted mainly for the fun factor, as well as the alleged claims that manuals are 'better' off-road. I realized that I didn't necessarily need the fun factor, as I own a mildly built 06 RSX Type-S with a 6spd, so I always have it and its mansmission. *Its currently on the TE37's!*




As far as the factor of a manual being better off road claim, I don't have any first hand experience with a manual offroad, all of my experience offroad has been in an automatic, and I never had any complaints. I'm not disagreeing that a manual is better offroad, but with my experience, i knew an auto would suffice.

Once I had figured out what I wanted, this Tacoma popped up. Newer 2nd gen TRD OR DCSB, decent mileage, all the modifications I was planning on doing (sliders, lift, wheels/tires) and then the cherry on top... SUPERCHARGED!

I contacted @SlapChop7 and inquired about the truck. Being that he was 6+ hours from me, I was a little skeptical about actually purchasing the truck. Not too long into inquiring about the truck and asking all the necessary questions, he offered to meet me halfway and I knew I had to check it out then. **As a side note, he was the absolute best person to work with in regards to the purchase and was extremely helpful and patient, even with my nit-pickyness. Thanks again man for being a great human being!** Ok, back to the truck. We met, I test drove it and it was everything I wanted. There were a few small issues that I wasn't initially aware of, but nothing at all that was a deal breaker. I purchased the truck on 12/29/18 and can officially say I am a Tacoma owner! As soon as I purchased the truck, I drove straight to Clayton, GA to give the new to me truck a good test. I put it through the ringer, doing a few quick pulls to 110mph(supercharger is faboo) on the way to Clayton, then a few creek crossings, fairly steep climbs, tested out the atrac, hac, dac, 4wd, rear locker... The truck performed FLAWLESSLY and didn't skip a beat.


So, now onto the 'build' part of this thread. I am going to get fairly detailed, just because.

Lets start with how I purchased it.
As of 12/29/18 and 94,988 miles:

• Installed at approx. 60,000 miles - Magnuson(TRD) Supercharger w/ boost and AFR guages as well as other related/supporting mods I am still learning/finding out about (2.85" pulley, AEM fuel pump w/ external filter, K&N air filter)
• Cobra CB Radio
• OME suspension and lift
• SPC UCA's
• Sway bar spacers
• Weld on rock sliders
• Method Double Standard 16" wheels w/ Falken Wildpeaks
• Tinted windows
• Rear view mirror relocation(not to sure what this is all about, haven't read into it yet)
• Interior LED's
• Fresh Mobile 1 synthetic oil change w/ Mobile 1 filter

Now onto things that I've done since I've owned it!

12/31/18 and 95,354 miles:

• Hose clamp added as theft deterrent to tailgate (YAY FIRST MOD, officially BuIlTtT )
• Kiddie fire extinguisher stashed in truck
• $100 NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel Engines, Gray
  Noco jump starter stashed in truck
• Tool kit stashed in truck
• Locking safe stashed in truck

1/3/19 and 95,568 miles:

• Charcoal screen/secondary air filter removed from stock airbox
• Restrictor jet mod
• K&N air filter cleaned and reoiled

1/4/19 and 95,615 miles:

• Passenger side slider cut off, flipped over and rewelded. *slider was installed upside down by shop that PO had them installed at. Ended up having to cut 3 of the 4 legs off of the slider and move them as well, see pics, forgot an after picture*

1/5/19 and 95,627 miles:

• 2 Toyota OEM keys cut/programmed along with 2 extra key fobs programmed. *PO only had 1 set of keys, and myself being paranoid about losing the one set and having to spend hundreds to get a replacement, I went ahead and had spares made. After ordering the keys/fobs and having them cut and programmed I only spent $110!
  REMOTE STORE Bundle of Genuine TOY44G-PT Toyota TRANSPONDER Keys 89785-08040 Master Key & 2032 Duracell Battery
  Keys and
  $24 Key Fob Keyless Entry Remote fits Toyota Tacoma Tundra Sienna Sequoia Highlander (GQ43VT20T), Set of 2
  fobs.
• $7 Ampper Blind Spot Mirror, 2" Round HD Glass Frameless Convex Rear View Mirror, Pack of 2
  Blind spot mirrors installed
• BlackVue DR490L 2CH 16GB Car Black Box/Car DVR Recorder Built-in LCD Screen Full HD, G Sensor, 16GB SD Card Included, Upto 128GB Support
  Blackvue DR490L 2CH dascham installed
• $13 FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, CF10374 for Dodge/Toyota Vehicles
  Cabin air filter replaced
• $95 Motormic Tow Strap Recovery Kit – 3" x 30ft (30000 lbs.) Rope + 2" Shackle Hitch Receiver + 5/8" Locking Pin + 3/4" D Ring Shackles with Safety Ring + Heavy Duty Bag - Off Road Pick Up Towing
  Motormic recovery kit stashed in the truck

1/6/19 and 95,681 miles:
*side note, these were the only real mechanical issues with the truck when i purchased it*

• Carrier bearing replaced w/ OEM unit. Spicer 5002007 *website doesnt show correct picture, however i can confirm you will get the correct part*
• Driveshaft slip joint replaced w/ OEM unit.
  $20 Spicer 211932X Boot Kit
  Spicer 211932X *boot cut open as result of bad carrier bearing*
• $5 LubriMatic 11-955 Standard Grease Fitting Assortment - 8 Piece
  Grease zerk added to slip joint. *Factory slip joint is un-servicable from factory. Will add picture later*
• Driverside inner tie rod replaced. *went with a unit from oreilly. Would have sourced oem replacement but initially thought rack and pinion bushings were bad, ordered
  $65 ENERGY SUSPN Energy Suspension 8.10106G Rack & Pinnion Bushing Set
  Energy Suspension replacements, but then got it on the rack and found play in inner tie rod*

1/7/19 and 95,742 miles:

• $30 Panavise Custom InDash Mount for Toyota Tacoma '05-07
  Panavise InDash mount installed *although Amazon states its only for 05-07, i found the correct PN on Panavise's website, and i can confirm it is the correct bracket for 05-15*
• $13 Scosche MAGDMB MagicMount Magnetic Car Phone Mount - Secure and Convenient Dashboard Phone Holder with 360° Adjustable Magnet Head - Universal and Compatible with IPhone, Samsung, and All Devices
  Scosche magnetic phone mount installed on Panavise bracket

• Transfer case fluid replacement w/ Mobile 1 75w-90 synthetic gear lube ** this combined with diff services made a TON of difference in the ease of shifting into and out of 4HI and 4LO and rear locker engagement**
• Front differential fluid replacement with Mobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear lube
  
• Rear differential fluid replacement with Mobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear lube
  
• $15 GENUINE TOYOTA GASKET KIT FOR TRANSFER AND DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE
  Washer kit for drain/fill bolts for transfer case and diffs
• Power steering fluid reservoir extraction and fill x4 w/ Mobile 1 synthetic ATF

1/8/19 and 95,767 miles:

• Alignment at Firestone. Toe was obviously out due to tie rod replacement.

1/9/19 and 95,798 miles:

• $77 VIAIR 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable Onroad/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V On/Off Road Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 120 PSI, Alligator Clips, Twist Chuck
  Viair 88P portable air compressor stashed in truck

1/10/19 and 95,820 miles:

• Tire rebalance at firestone. *apparently balance was way out of whack, this combined with the new inner tie rod seems to have completely eliminated my steering wheel shake/vibe issue!*
• Bright white LED's installed in map lights with
  LASFIT 194 168 T10 2825 W5W LED Bulb Canbus Error Free, Non-Polarity 400LM 6000K Extremely Bright for Dome Map License Plate Trunk Cargo Lights, Xenon White - 2pcs
  these!
• Rear extended diff breather installed
• MAF sensor cleaned

1/12/19 and 95,875 miles:

• Rear driveshaft u-joints cleaned

1/13/19 and 96,098 miles:

• Reverse light upgrade from here with
  $10 Osram Northstar AV 69378 Bare Lamp Replacement
  these bulbs!

1/15/19 and 96,142 miles:

• Secondary air pump stock filter removal and replace with
  $20 Uni Filter UP-107 1" Clamp-On Breather
  clamp on breather filter

1/16/19 and 96,163 miles:

• $17 Tooluxe 50002L -35 Piece Tire Repair Universal Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit with Plugs, Fix A Flat Tire Repair Kit, Ideal for Tires on Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, ATV Roadside Emergency, Tire Plug Kit
  Tire repair kit stashed in truck
• $30 Boulder Tools Tire Deflator - 80 PSI Air Pressure Gauge - Adjustable, Automatic for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Ideal Offroading Accessories
  Tire deflators stashed in truck

1/20/19 and 96,267 miles:

• $105 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)
  Pop & Lock power tailgate lock installed. Install report here
  
• Sound Ordnance B-8PTD sub with
  $36 Add An Amp Amplifier Adapter Interface to Factory OEM Car Stereo Radio System for Select Vehicles - Add Subwoofer Bass Amp etc.- No Factory Premium Amp- Compatible Vehicles listed below
  this plug and play harness
  
• Weathertech floormats
• LASFIT LED fog light bulbs installed

1/23/19 and 96,345 miles:

• $206 Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma | Fleetside 5' Bed (60") | TG-BC1T9036 , Black
  Tyger Auto Tonneau Cover installed

2/1/19 and 97,128 miles:

• $20 Lamin-x Custom Fit Yellow Fog Light Covers for Toyota Tacoma (12-15)
  Lamin-x fog light film installed. Cant say i would highly recommend this product. Film started to peel on edges after a couple weeks. I found the same was happening with another person that had the same kit, except his was starting to turn brown in the center from the heat!

2/2/19 and 97,398 miles:

• Lost my passenger side bumper filler in a creek crossing

2/10/19 and 97,506 miles:

• $17 TGL 3", 8 Foot Tree Saver, Winch Strap, Tow Strap 30000 Pound Capacity Yellow
  Tree savers and
  $9 Keeper - 2” x 36” Premium Axle Tie Down Strap with D Rings - 3333 lbs. Working Load Limit
  axle straps stashed in truck

2/11/19 and 97,529 miles:

• Cocoon CPG5RD GRID-IT!® Accessory Organizer - Small 10.25" x 5.125" (Racing Red)
  Cocoon organizer installed in center console
• First patch!! Pics here

2/15/19 and 97,720 miles:

• EZ down tailgate assist installed! Install report and pics HERE. Accidentally stumbled upon the kit on Rockauto for cheap($13!!!) when i was purchasing my replacement rack and pinion. Didn't hear great things about it, but it was so cheap i figured id try it. I had to do a little grinding to one of the brackets to make it fit right, but i am overall very pleased with it! It did push my whole tailgate slightly to the right, but its not noticeable unless youre looking for it.

2/23/19 and 98,156 miles:

• Replaced the highly dreaded rack and pinion with a new Cardone Select unit from Rockauto. Was not as difficult of a replacement as i initially assumed! See my comments about it here. Quality seemed solid, no issues with it so far. I have noticed that the steering wheel is intermittently straight if that makes sense. Im not sure if its an alignment issue, or something internal the rack. Will continue to monitor and report back
• Outer tie rods replaced with OEM units (rockauto had these too, what?!?)
• Steering rack bushings replaced with Energy Suspension bushings. Instructions here.

2/24/19 and 98,210 miles:

• Got a STEAL on an allpro aluminum front bumper locally. Picked it up for $400 Temporarily installed it, while i wait on other goodies to arrive before it gets PC'd Pics here
• Installed Baja Designs fog lights in the new bumper
• Finally replaced the bumper filler i lost a few weeks prior.
  $30 Perfect Fit Group REPT103703 - Tacoma Head Lamp Filler RH, Primed
  Part ordered through amazon, purchased paint from Rockauto (half the price for the same paint in the local autoparts stores!)
• Installed new
  $20 Motormic Unique D Ring Shackles 2 Pack Black - 3/4" Clevis with 7/8" Pin Safety Max 57000 lbs Break Point - 2 Red Isolators, 8 Washers - Heavy Duty use Tow Strap, Winch, Off Road, Towing…
  Motormic shackles on the bumper

2/26/19 and 98,283 miles:

• Fresh alignment from Firestone
• $7 Highland 1933300 Sunglass Visor Organizer, Black
  Visor organizer installed
• $41 Cali Raised LED Bed Accessory Mount Fits 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma (Passenger Side)
  Cali raised antenna mount installed

2/28/19 and 98,303 miles:

• $199 Piaa 26-06120 QUAD SERIES Black 20" Dual Row LED Light Bar Kit in Combo Beam
  PIAA 20" lightbar installed on bumper
• Custom 3D printed hubcaps installed. Pics and info here

3/3/19 and 98,426 miles:

• "Taco Sauce Only" sticker applied to gas tank door. Pics here
• Tacomaworld and ACC sticker applied to back sliding window

Pending!

• Transmission service w/
  Transmaxx RatioTek Valve Body Kit High Performance Provides Quick Clean Shifts
  Ratiotek valve body kit. Installation here (probably going to have local trans shop do this, anyone have any toyota trans specialist recommendations in the Atlanta area?) Purchase Valvoline Maxlife and
  $22 ATP B-331 Automatic Transmission Filter Kit
  this filter kit.
• SOS conceps full skids and HC rear bumper on the way Took full advantage of the tax sale. Front and rear bumper will be paint(powdercoat) matched to the truck
• $18 Vehicle OCD - Center Console Organizer for Toyota Tacoma (2005-2015) - Made in USA
  center console organizer

Future modifications/maintenance/repair!

• Oil catch can
• TE37S wheelsiez (this probably wont happen, windrock likes to dish out wheel rash)
• maybe bolt on sliders w/kickout?
• aFe cold air intake
• Exhaust. Recomendations on something that will flow more than stock but not be annoyingly loud? The rsx is my loud, scare everybody car, dont want that with the tacoma. Just more flow to compliment the SC.
• Headers
• Front and rear bumpers, should the ebay allpro knockoff be a contestant?
• Winch
• Full skids, LCA skids
• Baja designs fog lights
• $41 Blue Sea Systems 5026 ST Blade Fuse Block 12 Circuit with Ground and Cover
  Fuse block for accessories
• A-pillar gauge pod *i love the look of the current one that sits on top of the steering column, however i dont like how it blocks out any potential important warning lights*
• Projector headlights
• Different grill at some point
• front diff actuator solder mod
• new splash guards (maybe these), ANYONE have a template for the 2nd gen splash guards??
• supercharger oil service
• glovebox organizer
• maybe rock lights?
• Powdercoated color matched rear bumper with this powder?
• Color match chrome part of grill
• Color match mirrors
• Sliding rear window
• Bed lights
• Underhood lights
• Powdercoat wheels bronze/gold
• remote start - option 1
• wiring & connections front and rear to accommodate front/rear winch link
• $41 Cali Raised LED Bed Accessory Mount Fits 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma (Passenger Side)
  Cali Raised LED Pod light mount on drivers side, antenna on passenger side
• Extending transfer case, rear diff e-lock, transmission, and front diff/actuator breathers
• u bolt flip kit
• Ditch lights
• Rock lights
• Smittybuilt x20 winch
• Fabricate custom fairlead for winch
• fabricate mount for bluesea winch switch
• fabricate mount for electronic accessories panel
• fabricate relay mount

This about covers it! Apologies for the in-depth post, however I prefer to be too thorough rather than not enough. If anyone has questions about anything please let me know. I will do my best to link everything I purchase/use! I will also continuously update the original post as I do more things as well as post my adventures

Here's a few more pics to get yalls willys wet:

 

Great looking truck! Reminds me of my last one. Almost twins.

If you want to color match the rear bumper have it powdercoated Cadillac gray from prismatic powders. You know, until you get your aftermarket bumper.

The TRD exhaust is pretty mellow. Not sure if it flows any better or if it’s just acoustics. Flowmaster 50 series delta flow is a good option if you just want to muffler swap, not loud but you get a grumble.

I like your plans, look forward to seeing the build.

 

I was considering the TRD exhaust, but for the price point, I think i can get something that will perform better. Like i said, im not really looking for more sound, more so improved flow. Thanks man! Thanks to you Im going to add PC'd rear bumper to the future modifications list now

 

Alright guys, so I received my Viair portable air compressor yesterday. I ordered it Tuesday at 11:30 PM and it came in Wednesday around 1PM?? Amazon prime ftw!!

Anyways, unpackaged the unit, and first impressions are fantastic. Really seems like a solid unit. Was a little worried about the power cables/air lines not being long enough to reach the furthest tire, but it did it with room to spare. And it came with a nice tote! I think this little guy will be around for years to come.



Today I got my wheels and tires rebalanced. When i purchased the truck, there was an intermittent steering wheel vibration. I replaced the inner tie rod, and it fixed the intermittent part, however there was then a consistent, not as noticeable vibration around 50-60mph. The rebalance seems to have completely eliminated all the steering wheel vibes! Extremely happy, the truck drives as smooth as can be now.

Also, had to pick up the rsx today to get an adjuster to look at some rear end damage and snapped a pic of the two ladies while they were together (temporarily storing the rsx at a friends place, as i dont have room in the driveway where I'm currently living)

 

Congrats on picking up your Tacoma!

 

Thanks! The eggsitement is real!!!

 

Alright guys, its been a few days, but I got the LED interior lights installed and man WHAT a difference! Virtually put the sun in my truck! Also got the rear extended diff breather installed, i extended it to one of the tool cubbies in the bed; just in time for my little trip this past weekend. Ill post more about that later. Did the reverse light upgrade last night and what a difference. I don't currently have any pics, but will see if i can get some when i get a chance.

 

Sick truck!

Man I miss my RSX!

 

Thanks a ton man!

NICE!! RSX was sick man! What a beaut. What all did you have done to it aside from the obvious cosmetic stuff?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW2dGeC3YFY

Finally got around to throwing all the footage i got from Tray Mountain! Feel free to check it out.

 

Congrats on picking up a supercharged Tacoma...Nice find! I would definitely recommend swapping from the K&N oiled filter to the full AFE intake w/ dry filter (or any dry filter) for better flow and eliminate any oil residue getting sucked into the blower.

I also have similar speedhut boost & AFR gauges and they're great. They have a lifetime warranty although I'm not sure if it's transferable between owners (I would think it is).

For exhaust, I would recommend going to a full 3 inch exhaust after the y-pipe to maximize flow for your supercharger. I originally had the TRD catback on my truck and it sounded awesome, but it's only 2.5 inches so not as good for airflow with a blower. I have banks monster 3" exhaust now, but it's one of the louder systems, which I like.

Check out the Supercharger thread...lots of good info and mods for the blower. Very friendly and helpful group of guys over there.

 

Thanks for all the great info man!

I definitely plan on getting an AFE intake as soon as i see a used one or them on sale. You have the same gauges I have? If the LT warranty transfers, i may look into that. the boost gauge needle does illuminate like the AFR gauge does. Ive been thinking a 3" exhaust would get the most out of the supercharger. Ive also been looking at aftermarket y pipes as well.

 

A little video of a creek crossing this weekend

 

Here's my SpeedHut gauges. If you want the best y-pipe available, check out this thread - roostfactor's work is outstanding.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...pe-for-2nd-gen-tacoma-t4r-fj-cruisers.578228/

 

Ahhh nice yes they are similar minus your black background!

I’ve seen that y-pipe, it looks delicious. Definetly in my to get list. I may be getting it sooner than later, as I have full skids headed my way with the rerouted y pipe option selected

 

So I've been crazy busy lately and havent had a chance to update this thread, so I'm going to try to catch up now. First, I am officially the SPR TCO of Georgia

 

Been so busy I haven't updated this in a month! Heres the latest:

2/1/19 and 97,128 miles:

• $20 Lamin-x Custom Fit Yellow Fog Light Covers for Toyota Tacoma (12-15)
  Lamin-x fog light film installed. Cant say i would highly recommend this product. Film started to peel on edges after a couple weeks. I found the same was happening with another person that had the same kit, except his was starting to turn brown in the center from the heat!

2/2/19 and 97,398 miles:

• Lost my passenger side bumper filler in a creek crossing

2/10/19 and 97,506 miles:

• $17 TGL 3", 8 Foot Tree Saver, Winch Strap, Tow Strap 30000 Pound Capacity Yellow
  Tree savers and
  $9 Keeper - 2” x 36” Premium Axle Tie Down Strap with D Rings - 3333 lbs. Working Load Limit
  axle straps stashed in truck

2/11/19 and 97,529 miles:

• Cocoon CPG5RD GRID-IT!® Accessory Organizer - Small 10.25" x 5.125" (Racing Red)
  Cocoon organizer installed in center console
• First patch!!

2/15/19 and 97,720 miles:

• EZ down tailgate assist installed! Accidentally stumbled upon the kit on Rockauto for cheap($13!!!) when i was purchasing my replacement rack and pinion. Didn't hear great things about it, but it was so cheap i figured id try it. I had to do a little grinding to one of the brackets to make it fit right, but i am overall very pleased with it! It did push my whole tailgate slightly to the right, but its not noticeable unless youre looking for it.

2/23/19 and 98,156 miles:

• Replaced the highly dreaded rack and pinion with a new Cardone Select unit from Rockauto. Was not as difficult of a replacement as i initially assumed! Quality seemed solid, no issues with it so far. I have noticed that the steering wheel is intermittently straight if that makes sense. Im not sure if its an alignment issue, or something internal the rack. Will continue to monitor and report back
• Outer tie rods replaced with OEM units (rockauto had these too, what?!?)
• Steering rack bushings replaced with Energy Suspension bushings. Instructions here.

2/24/19 and 98,210 miles:

• Got a STEAL on an allpro aluminum front bumper locally. Picked it up for $400 Temporarily installed it, while i wait on other goodies to arrive before it gets PC'd
• Installed Baja Designs fog lights in the new bumper
• Finally replaced the bumper filler i lost a few weeks prior.
  $30 Perfect Fit Group REPT103703 - Tacoma Head Lamp Filler RH, Primed
  Part ordered through Amazon, purchased paint from Rockauto (half the price for the same paint in the local autoparts stores!)
• Installed new
  $20 Motormic Unique D Ring Shackles 2 Pack Black - 3/4" Clevis with 7/8" Pin Safety Max 57000 lbs Break Point - 2 Red Isolators, 8 Washers - Heavy Duty use Tow Strap, Winch, Off Road, Towing…
  Motormic shackles on the bumper

2/26/19 and 98,283 miles:

• Fresh alignment from Firestone
• $7 Highland 1933300 Sunglass Visor Organizer, Black
  Visor organizer installed
• $41 Cali Raised LED Bed Accessory Mount Fits 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma (Passenger Side)
  Cali raised antenna mount installed

2/28/19 and 98,303 miles:

• $199 Piaa 26-06120 QUAD SERIES Black 20" Dual Row LED Light Bar Kit in Combo Beam
  PIAA 20" lightbar installed on bumper
• Custom 3D printed hubcaps installed

3/3/19 and 98,426 miles:

• "Taco Sauce Only" sticker applied to gas tank door
• Tacomaworld and ACC sticker applied to back sliding window

 

Thoughts on the rack and pinion replacement:

"So, a little R&P update, ended up ordering the NEW version of Cardone's unit from Rockauto, mainly because it came with the lifetime warranty for only $100 more. Also picked up some OEM outer tie rods because why not(actually got them on rockauto as well, they dont pull up under tacoma, you just have to search the exact part number and they are there). Finally got around to installing it this past weekend, and everything is operating properly, minus one issue which i will mention below. First, a few notes in regards to the install:

1. Make sure you completely REMOVE the bolt holding the steering linkage to the rack! Didn't remove it and only loosened it, and it wouldn't come off. Finally thought that maybe it had to be removed completely as it being in there stopped it from coming out, and i was correct. Its probably mentioned somewhere in this thread, i just didn't remember reading it if so.
2. The drivers side R&P bolt worried me, as I read horror stories about getting it out. I ran into the same exact issue as expected, however my remedy was quite easy. While most people were grinding the head of the bolt down, or just cutting the bolt in half, i used a ziz wheel and just cut 1/4" off the end of the bolt which gave the bolt enough clearance to be removed. I was able to reuse the bolt using this method, and it took all of 30 seconds to cut the end of the bolt off.
3. It was somewhat of a headache initially trying to get the rack and pinion actually out of the truck. I learned that removing the passenger side bolt for the front diff and removing the front skid plate supports is very important. Once those are removed the rack and pinion slides out with almost no obstructions. I left the inner and outer tie rods on, and was able to remove it this way.
4. Make sure to make sure your friend removes the seat belt from the steering wheel when making sure everything is operating properly and filling the reservoir with fluid!! My buddy didnt remove it and thought it would be able to rotate with some slack, and kept telling me the steering wheel was only moving a half turn then getting stuck. I wasnt watching him to see if he had removed the seatbelt or not(i assumed he would have; granted it was 2AM) so i started stressing and researching what the problem could be. Finally i thought to try it myself when i found he had left the seat belt wrapped around the steering wheel...

That pretty much sums up the install! Filled with Mobile 1 full syn ATF and have yet to see any leaks or hear any odd noises. Steering feel hasn't changed much, steering was tight before. The old unit was replaced just because it was leaking.


Now, my ISSUE!
Got the R&P in, and now the TRAC light(squiggly lines) is on. I thought it would go away after I got it aligned this afternoon, however I just picked the truck up and drove it a few miles and it still hasnt gone off. Will it eventually go off? I read something about possibly have to do a VSC relearn procedure, is this true?

I will say, after i installed the rack, the steering wheel was off about 1/8th of a turn to the right. I corrected this temporarily by straightening the wheel, and adjusting the inner tie rods, and actually got it pretty damn close. I did notice when pulling the old rack off that the number of threads on each tie rod was different from each other, meaning that the distance from the center of the rack and pinion to the center of the outer tie rods was slightly different, if that makes sense. When i straightened the wheel and adjusted the tie rods, the number of threads was almost identical on both sides. After the alignment, the amount of threads on both sides is still identical. I think the PO may have had some adjustments made at some time and maybe had a relearn done with the old rack and pinion slightly 'off' so now i have to do another one now that its in the correct position?? Does that make sense or am I just making things up??

EDIT: So, got the issue taken care of! The VSC relearn procedure took care of it. I only drove a couple miles but it didn’t come back on, we’ll see if it stays off in the coming days. Thanks for everyone’s input with this whole process, much appreciated!"

 

Super clean truck an great detail in your build thread. Subbed

 

Adventure Report 1

Tray Mountain - 1/12/19-1/13/19

This was my first trip since purchasing the truck. Truck performed absolutely flawlessly. Found the need for Weathertech mats, and they were ordered soon after arriving home from this trip. It was really neat to see the offroad capabilities in action, such as A-TRAC. Recorded a video of it live! Got to use my new Viair compressor and it worked great. Took maybe 10 minutes to air all tires from 8psi-32psi. Overall great trip, minus not being prepared in the camping department(not my first camping trip by any means, just got overly eggsited about wheeling and forgot about the camping part).