2019 TRD Off Road Build Journal

Well, I have been asked by a few of my friends in the PNW to chronicle the build, this seems like a great place to do it! Though, the first few MODs will be cheap and simple, working my way up. Hoping to make this a moderate off-roader and of course my every day driver. Going with a white, black and orange color theme (decals will be swapped out soon).

As a refresher, here is the truck in its current state:


First MOD (September 1st 2019) - Liners for cup holders and cubbies by CupHolderHero
- Orange and Black
- Bought from Amazon.com

September 1st 2019 - Center Console Organizer by JDMCAR (4350410373)
- Black organizer tray
- Bought from Amazon.com


Only a few days in more to come, decals, lift, tires, etc.

 

September 10th 2019 - Replaced the TRD Off Road 4x4 Decals with Orange variants
- Removed the Black and Red scheme
- Added Black and Orange
- Thanks to @CBoy808 who did a fantastic job producing these (highly recommended)

 

Build is going a little slower than I wanted but I am getting my lift and wheels ordered, having them installed end of November. Decided to go with the OME, still looking at wheels. Did end up ordering an Empyre grill with the TSS housing, got the TACOMA stencil and bought some orange vinyl to cover the metal plate that goes behind the stencil, will post pictures once it arrives (hopefully tomorrow).


One thing I did do recently:

September 15th 2019
- Added the TufSkiz Glovebox and AC Vent insert, to match the outside color of the truck

 

Haven't gotten to the grill yet but did get a chance to add my new phone mount to the truck.

October 04th 2019
- Hondo Garage Un-Holey Mount

Couple of things, I added those vinyl AC Vent surrounds, which of course made the mount point too thick to add the bracket, so had to do a little trimming.

 

I’m liking the orange accents

 

How long did it take to receive this after ordering it?

 

Took about a week and a half but I'm in WA, really close to them.

 

Nice. it's been about a month. still waiting

 

Oh wow, no shipping notification or anything?

 

I sent "wtf" as a reply to the label creation notice. I got a response back w/ "we ship every day. I can only guess it has been lost. I can resend it if you'd like"

Yes. I still want it.

Frankly, it's not that hard to add a standard process to check USPS labels once a week to see if every placed order was shipped. Especially if their POS/fulfillment system is doing what it's supposed to do, track the status of everyone's orders. It's also not that hard to say sorry we'll get this fixed. It's like I don't care about getting my stuff immediately, I just want to know that hey, these are the expectations.

/rant

 

Been a while since I posted but over the last 3 weeks I have added a bit to the build:

November 26th 2019
- Added new SPC Upper Control Arms
- 2" Old Man Emu Lift
- White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails
- Installed at Torfab in Everett, WA

November 30th 2019
- 5 new Cooper Discoverer ATPs 285/75 r16 from Discount Tire

December 17th 2019
- Calipers are now painted orange
- Had an anti-glare hood decal installed on the hood since last time on the trail about blinded me.

 

Been a while since my last upgrade post but still making slow progress.

April 25th 2020
- Installed a @Mobtown Offroad reinforced tailgate. This was not particularly easy, as those rivet sleeves (bought the rivet nut/bolt set) are no joke to install (not Mobtown's fault, those steel nut inserts are just difficult to manage on that sheet metal). Had a few I had to redo due to them spinning. Finally got it all done earlier today. The product itself is very high quality, my only concern is the possibility of water getting in the tailgate as the lip at the sides and top is fairly exposed, might need to get it sealed.


Next steps:
- Have a @SouthernStyleOffRoad Slimline Front Bumper on order from @TheToyotaGarage
- Also a Wilcox bed tire mount, for the spare, again from @TheToyotaGarage
- Also bought a faux TRD Pro Grill from @CaliRaisedLed that is getting installed this week.

 

Been toying with which grill to add to the build, finally decided to go with one of the faux Pro Grilles from Cali Raised LED.

May 16th 2020
- @CaliRaisedLed Faux TRD Pro Grille
- Authentic Garnish from ebay.

 

Few small changes to the truck over the last two months in isolation...

June 13th 2020
- Wilco Offroad Bed Rail Tire Carrier - Moved my spare to the back of the truck
- Installed by @TheToyotaGarage 's team at Michael's Toyota Bellevue

June 16th 2020
- AVS

$75 Auto Ventshade 21681 Auto Ventshade [AVS] Hoodflector/Bug Shield | 2016 - 2023 Toyota Tacoma| Medium Profile - Smoke, 1 pc. | 21681

Auto Ventshade 21681 Hoodflector Dark Smoke Hood Shield
- Amazon Purchase

June 23rd 2020
- AVS

$65 Auto Ventshade 194768 Auto Ventshade [AVS] In-Channel Ventvisor / Rain Guards | Fits 2016 - 2023 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab- Smoke, 4 pc. | 194768

Auto Ventshade 194768 in-Channel Ventvisor Side Window Deflector, 4-Piece Set
- Amazon Purchase


Here is the current look and stance of the truck. Upcoming mods; new front and rear bumpers, additional inch on ME lift and reinforced wheel wells.

 

Looks awesome man! Cant wait to see the final items go on!

 

Love those orange bedside decals. Good lookin truck!

 

Thanks, got some more mods coming soon!

 

Been a while but finally added a bit more to the build, getting ready for more trails and a cross-country trip in December.

September 18th, 2020
- Body Armor 4x4 HiLine Series Front Bumper
- 20" Baja Designs LED Light Bar
- Body Armor 4x4 Pro-Series Rear Bumper
- 2x Baja Designs Amber Cube Lights
- 4x Orange D-Ring Shackles
- Bumpers and light bars were installed at Torfab in Everett, WA