Boring backup 6 speed build

This is mostly to help myself keep records of this thing since I'm terrible at remembering when I even drove it last. Plus I like having a build thread of all my vehicles makes selling them easier.

So I've had this truck since 2017 I got it from Carmax with around 40k miles and a clean history.

Its a 2011 access cab, 4x4, 6 speed, 3.73s and black. Nothing special but man was it hard to find one at the time.

I wanted it because they look awesome and I thought I could get close to 20mpg, have an unstoppable off-road monster, and mess with ricers from lights. Little did I know it was dead slow, shifted like garbage, and gets 15mpg average. So I did like everyone else who likes fast stuff and got into the LS game and put this truck on the back burner just months after I got it. I usually drive it twice a month unless I need it to get to work because all my other stuff is broken or awaiting parts. It does get taken on adventures to fishing spots or to haul my 4wheeler to the trails once in awhile. I also tend to give it out as a loaner to my friends/family if they need something for a few days. Boy is it painful to watch them try to not stall it.

Current mods are:

-URD Short Shifter
-Hurst/Core shift ball (The TRD ball was too large for my hand)
-265/75/16 Falken AT3
-Weather tech mats
-All-Pro full hoop bumper
-Sport hood and paint matched Grill
-Bilstein 5100s with OME 885s
-5100s in the rear with headstrong AAL
-Camburg UCA
-Stainless extended lines


The overall goal is to keep it extremely reliable as it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. But to also increase its likability by fixing a few of the awkward bits about it. Although I sound kinda harsh about it I have always been very impressed with how capable it is off-road and how it always seems to do what I need it to.

Thanks all for posting so much awesome info on this forum I look forward to learning more and maybe even contributing a little.

 

Well since my redline hood struts should be here soon. I decided the engine bay could use a little elbow grease. Couple minutes with the power washer and a rub down with VPR does wonders. Its strange for me to see something I own completely stock still.

 

Bird dog mirror riser installed. I used some double sided tape to help support the top and the connector since its an electric mirror rests inside the head liner which should provide some more support.

 

Swapped the TRD shift knob for a Hurst. The Hurst is a tad smaller and since my other trucks all have Hurst its more comfortable to me. Also Redline hood struts came in. Wow those things look good. Hopefully get them in tomorrow.

TRD ball is up for grabs! $40 shipped to lower 48. Can't post a FS thread yet but PM me.

 

Redline Mt90 trans fluid change and a full clutch flush and bleed with RL-600 Dot4 made a noticable difference in shift feel and trans noise. Now I can here the throw out bearing and tires where before it had a little trans vibration like noise. Clutch is more forgiving and engages a little further down in the pedal travel.

Overall very pleased with the results of simple maintenance that's been neglected. I was shocked at how thin the factory toyota trans fluid is. It's no wonder the MT90 makes such a difference. Also the original clutch fluid looks like pond scum.

 

Got the Redline hood struts in, what a satisfying upgrade!

Diff breather kit should be here soon then probably get tint done and call this puppy good for a little while. I actually like driving it more now that I have mods to show off.

 

Good looking truck. Interesting about the clutch fluid. I'm coming up on a 90k service I may need to order me some of that brake fluid. I use the MT90 in the MT now already. Can't hurt and I doubt the clutchhas ever been blead

 

Thanks! I know mine hadn't until now at 72k. Clutch pedal still engages kinda high however most of the shudder when releasing has gone away and it seems smoother all around.

 

Deffinately worth a try. After reading through your build I get the speed thing. I have one of them in the garage which now just sits. I found the truck takes me so many more places we just have more fun with it. I'm not planning on getting rid of the car (unless somebody made me a hell of an offer)but playing with the truck is just as much fun if not more. Lots of mods to do and places we can go

 

I was shocked at how dark the clutch fluid coming out was. I used the entire bottle of redline-600 and could have probably used another bottle just to be certain I got all the yuck out. These trucks are super easy to bleed the clutch which was a relief.

Yeah fast is fun but not reliable no matter how much money you put into it. My Manual swapped Tahoe which is my usual daily has a hopped up 6.0lsx and a long list of other upgrades, Its been great but there always seems to be something wrong. For example I just noticed a broken trans mount. Its something I can still drive it with but I've never had any single piece of this Tacoma fail me (Knock on wood). Plus I have nearly as much fun taking the taco down a mild trail as I do gapping ecoboosts in the Tahoe.

 

LOL my fun is pulling up to red lights and having the kids in mustangs rev the engines and when the light turns green I just let them go. '68 blown Camaro. I don't think I have driven it since I started playing with these trucks

 

Well shame on you get it out and drive it!
My other truck has a blower and man once you have a blower everything suddenly needs a blower Haha. Roots boost is best boost

 

Well, long story short a family member was borrowing this truck and had a medical event about 300 yards away from my house causing them to wipe out a barbwire fence and nearly roll it into a 5' deep ditch. Nobody got hurt but my beautiful unmolested truck is not so pretty anymore. The main damage is the plastic front bumper which is mashed in several areas, the hood that looks like Carole Baskins cats attacked it, the driver A-pillar that has deep cuts/grooves from the wire, the passenger fender flare is torn off, and the headlights are all scraped up. I'm gonna claim my insurance since it hit so many spots and I want it nice again.

Plan is:
-Sport hood (cause scoop is cool)
-Overland style bumper with full hoop and headlight hoops (Leaning towards C4 fab)
-Amber fog lights (Baja designs SAE street legal)
-Paint match grill
-Maybe buff out the headlights, or replace them
-Might even do a basic 2" front lift/level to make up for the new bumper weight if it sags.
-Finally tint the windows since it will already be getting worked on

 

Thanks to @mcgator34 I already found the exact bumper I've always wanted for this thing! All Pro Apex steel with the full hoops. Thanks again for the quick and easy transaction .

Won't be getting put on for a while but it was a great find especially being local.

 

Looking forward to seeing it on the build!

 

The truck is finally about to be done at the body shop, got a sport hood and color matched grill added along with the AllPro APex bumper. I figured since the truck already sat a little nose down the bumper is gonna make it look worse so it needs a little front lift/level. I ordered Bilstien 5100s and OME 885s from Headstrong off-road and some Camburg X-joint UCAs. Can't wait to get it back and modded up!

 

Finally got it back from the shop Wednesday, and put it right to work today.

 

Got the front on tonight in about 3 hours with the help of a buddy. Glad I bought new UCA bolts don't see how the hell anyone would do it without them. Realized the OEM brakes are pretty shot so that's gonna be the next thing on order along with stainless lines because at 10 years and 75k miles I'm sure the fluid is gross.

Really happy with the 5100s and 885s got exactly 3" of lift and with an alignment and a few hundred miles I'm sure it will settle to the 2.5" everyone reports.

Hopefully knock out the rear AALs and shocks tomorrow.

Not a whole lot of difference but heres a before and after.
Before. After.

 

Finished the rear AAL and Bilsteins. I love that these trucks don't come with garbage ass lift blocks in the rear, I hate GM for those. Really happy with the ride quality! I took it down my local sandy strip again and could easily hold top of 2nd gear and not have beer splash out the can. Tint, alignment, pads/rotors, stainless lines, and amber LED fogs are next on the list.

 

Bumper's looking good brother! Might consider some upgraded bumpstops with the suspension work