Canadian 2010 TRD Off Road "Sensible" Build

Hey TW,

First time taco owner. Have been seduced by toyota's reliability and capability reputation. Always thought they were the coolest and they're ubiquitous in the mountain biking world I grew up in. After driving my step father's taco a couple of times recently in our horrid winter conditions and even worse summer road conditions I thought: "if it's good enough for middle-eastern war zones maybe it has a shot here". Had my eyes on different Land Cruisers and until this salvaged taco showed up. Salvage titles are ironically a plus in the Quebec Market as it ensures that there is less rust than our local trucks. Got it the day before our Covid 19 shutdown too, a more fitting vehicle for the apocalypse.

Regardless, I'm looking to build a vehicle for reliable, comfortable driving on dirt roads that looks mean and that I can keep forever.

Priorities (in order):

1. Driving comfort on rough roads defined as:
   • No extraneous rattles and fear of breaking parts
   • Absorption of expansion joints in road, drainage holes in dirt, potholes
2. Somewhat aggressive looks
   • Bigger wheel tires than stock
   • Slight lift or level
3. Near-factory feel
   • Considering I'm looking to keep this vehicle long term as a daily, the mods need to stray from the "project vehicle" look. Rather, I'm looking to shell out slightly more or do less aggressive mods to avoid complications or work-arounds.
   • Removing visible rust and maintaining/replacing worn interior and exterior aesthetic parts
4. Preventative maintenance
   • I'm looking for tips, tricks and schedules for keeping everything running as good as possible. I'd rather shell out on keeping it a stock TRD in perfect working order than a (admittedly much cooler) beastly trophy truck with a bunch of compromises.
5. Creature comforts
   • Perfectly organized storage
   • soundproofing cabin
   • Securing Bikes, Surfboards

I'll be researching the TW archives but,
Perhaps you'd like to share your knowledge with me on my first three orders of business?

First order of business:
I want to put in a double din receiver/mediacenter/stereo (What's the decided term?)
What's the best center cover/trim piece to do so? I've heard plastic mounting brackets are an issue? Any actual units you've loved (perhaps with Apple Carplay?)

Second:
I want a slight lift to both front and rear (in the 1" area, 1"5 front) and larger tires/wheels.
Best option for improving the ride characteristics?

Third:
I need a locking tailgate but it seems Pop n Lock are unreliable in cold weather due to plastic assemblies. What's the most reliable option?

Maybe one day:

• Aluminum bumpers
• LED headlights
• Snorkel?
• Grille

Well, this is where this story begins and I'll be sure to show my appreciation for your shared expertise by responding and updating this thread.

Thanks