StevenP’s 37s + IFS ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ build

Post#1 Intro
Post#2 What’s done / what’s planned / lists
Post#3 Catch up post

Made an Instagram for the truck, little up to date blips and shit. @4x4prince

Well I guess its time to start this up before I get any further along. How it sits currently

October 2020

June 2020


Backstory: In brief, I was building a 94 bronco over the last couple of years, and as I progressed further and further into that project I began to realize it was never going to be the vehicle I had hoped for. It was too big and heavy, the gas mileage was terrible, and despite all the room, it wasn’t all that comfortable. I loved that beast, don’t get me wrong, but I needed something different.

Enter the Taco:
After debating options, I landed on a 1st gen tacoma for my first choice. I wanted to start with something lighter and smaller, that got good enough mileage for long trips, and still had enough room for my lady and the dogs and gear, and was a bit more modern, but not so over run with sensors and gizmos I’d be hampered in modifying it. I decided a Double Cab was what I needed and set out to find one. After looking at a few I found a super clean 2003 TRD with only 74k miles on it and a good frame. It did have a salvage title due to a front end accident, but the insurance estimated repair and value was only a 50 dollar difference, knowing I was in for the long haul I bought it and considered myself lucky that it was salvaged because it saved me thousands on purchase price.

That drive home was beautiful, it was SO much more comfortable and infinitely easier to drive. Best mod I ever did to the Bronco, by far!

Here it is right after bringing it home


After landing back at home, I immediately set about to giving it a fresh start under my ownership. Changed and flushed all the fluids and filters, greased all points, changed plugs, wires, PCV valve, cleaned TB/IAC/MAF, gave it a good bath and detailed the interior. I don’t like wondering what the status of any maintenance part is when I own a vehicle, so this mega tune up let me start off knowing that everything was fresh and using quality fluids, filters, and parts.

After I was comfortable with its status I loaded it up and took it camping.


I noticed a few things on that maiden voyage. The suspension, even though on a low mileage truck, was tired. It was just a weekend camping trip so not too much gear and the rear leafs were well negative. It drove well enough, just sagged and I could tell it was tired. I also hit a few fire roads while out, and was pretty impressed with how it handled the dry loose summer dirt and dust and gravel even with very basic road tires, but knew it’d need new feet. Even so, I got 21mpg on that trip, and coming from the bronco which routinely got 7, I was over the moon in my decision. With confirmation in hand that I had made the right choice I began to create a vision of what I wanted to get out of the taco.

I wanted to turn this truck into a bit of a “Jack of all trades, Master of none”. I wanted it to remain comfortable and useable for long road trips, I wanted to have a rig I could hit significant trails in, and I wanted to be able to daily it without worrying about reliability. I figured in a very general sense that would amount to a lift/lockers/larger tires. That’s when I started to fall down the rabbit hole again lol, but more on that later..

I started scouring the forum for inspiration and looking to see what had worked well for others. After a lot of research, and standing on the shoulders of those that trudged the trails before me, I started ordering and receiving a steady flow of goodies to help me get the truck where I wanted it.

Which I suppose is a good segue into the part of this build thread.

 

Maintenance:

-Completed
Mobile 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil
Redline D4 ATF Synthetic Transmission Fluid
B&W Transmission Cooler
Magnefine In-line Transmission Filter
Redline 75W90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Royal Purple NLGI#2 Synthetic Grease
Zerex Aisin Vehicles Anti-Freeze
K&N Oil Filter
Wix Fuel Filter

$7 NGK BKR5EKB-11 NGK Spark Plug Stock # 3967

NGK BKR5EKB-11 Spark Plugs
NGK

$38 RC-TE66 Spark Plug Wire Set

RC-TE66 Spark Plug Wires
Bando Alt/AC/PS Belts
Toyota PCV Valve
Fel-Pro Throttle Body Gasket

-To do
Timing Belt
Water Pump
Fan Clutch
Fan Bracket
Fan
Clean/Protect Frame
Flush Power Steering
Magnefine In-line Power Steering Filter
Tidy / Loom Additional Wiring

Engine/Drivetrain:

-Completed
Amazon Replacement Airbox
AirAid Intake Tube
Spectra Radiator
Stant Radiator Cap
UAC AC Condensor
Denso AC Dryer
Toyota AC Hard Lines
SuperStart Platinum AGM Group24f Battery
SuperStart Battery Terminals
Novita EP35 Flasher
Relocated Windshield Wiper Fluid Reservoir
ARB Differential Breather Kit

-To do
5.29 Gears
ARB Front Locker
Grey Wire Mod
Relocate Rear Differential Breather

Suspension:

-Completed
OME 882 Springs
OME Dakar Leaf Pack
OME D46XL Add-a-Leaf
OME Greasable Shackles
OME Nitrocharger Sports Front & Rear
SPC Upper Control Arms
1” 4Crawler Body Lift
1” 4Crawler Steering Extension
MasterPro Outer Tie Rod Ends
Sway Bar Delete
Energy Suspension Steering Rack Bushings
Durobump Bump Stops Front/Rear

-To do
1” 4Crawler Differential Drop
Toyota Cam Bolts
Toyota Lower Ball Joints
Whiteline Lower Control Arm Bushings
Gusset Spindle
Cut & Tub


Wheels & Tires:

SCS F5s in Dark Bronze with 3.5” Backspacing -38mm Offset
SCS Extra Thread Lugs
37” Milestar Patagonia Tires

Braking:

-Completed
Marlin Crawler Extended Brake Lines
Unknown BPV Relocation Bracket

-To do
Tundra Brake Upgrade
Flush & Bleed Brake Fluid

Lighting:

-Completed
Amazon LEDs for ALL interior Lights
Amazon LEDs for ALL exterior Lights Except Headlights
Amazon Housings for ALL Lights

-To do
Paint Housings
Retrofit Headlights w/ M LED 2.0

Exterior/Armor:

-Completed
WeatherTech Window Deflectors
Wade Hood Deflector
Amazon Grill

-To do
Paint/Build/Install;
Trail Gear Rock Defense Front Bumper
Coastal Offroad Rear Bumper w/ Swingouts
4xInnovations Sliders
BudBuilt Skids


Interior:
-Completed
WeatherTech Floormats

-To do
Corbeau Trailcat Seats

Stereo/Comms:

-Completed
Alpine ILX-F309 Headunit
Alpine PDX-V9 5-Channel Amp
Alpine Type-R 5.25” Components for Front & Rear
Alpine Type-R SW10 Shallow Mount 10” Subwoofer

$40 Alpine RUX-KNOB Remote Bass Level Control Knob for PDX-M12 and PDX-M6

Alpine RUX-KNOB
Marv Custom Subwoofer Box
Marv Custom Speaker Adaptors
Amazon Wiring Kit
Amazon Micro Bypass
Amazon Rear Camera

-To do
HAM set up

Bed/Storage:

-Completed
BedRug
ARE Camper Shell with Yakima Roof Tracks, Windoors and Folding Front Access Window
Amazon Cargo Net

-To do
Bed liner
Paint/Mount @turbodb Bed Rack
Buy/Build M416 Trailer

Miscellaneous:

-Completed
Hella SharpTone Horns

-To do
Redline Hood Struts
ARB Dual Compressor
Route Air / Bumper Chuck
WARN VR EVO 8-S
Wire 4/7 Pin Trailer Plug

Contemplating:

Crawl Box - not sure which route to go or how to keep it clean in the cab.
Supercharger - PM if you wanna sell me yours
Additional Lighting, either a bar or ditch lights, maybe both, just want it clean.
U-Bolt Flip Kit, we’ll see..

 

With the parts and mods list out of the way, I’ll play catch up on the timeline and get up to date, so this will be a long post covering about 9 months. Also, I haven’t taken a lot of pictures while doing the work, but I will try to do so moving forward, in hopes that it can lend a helping hand to others.


As mentioned in the intro I began with a major tune up and addressed as many common maintenance items as I could think of. The truck was really clean from the get go which made wrenching on it easy, and with no bad rust nuts and bolts gave me no issues (yet). Here is a picture of the engine bay before I had done anything in there, not bad.



Next up I tackled some simple cosmetic type stuff with debatable functionality haha. I installed some WeatherTech window deflectors, and floormats


I also had found a long discontinued BedRug, which I had in a previous truck and loved, so had that shipped out to me and put that in as well. I put on some bed rail caps too, but something seemed off in the aesthetic to my eyes, so I pulled them off immediately and sold those.



I had been keeping my eyes open for a nice camper shell, and found one on craigslist that I saw potential in. It was white and a bit rough and all the locks were jammed from a break in attempt, but it was an ARE and it had a lot of nice options like a folding access window at the front, windoors on the side, carpeted, and roof tracks, so I picked it up. I couldn’t hang with the chipping white paint so I stripped it down and took it to a shop I know that does great work at very reasonable prices and had them match it. Once I got it home I put things back together and set it on the truck. I still have a little work to do on it, I have to fix the jammed up locks (disassemble, clean, graphite, reassemble), put on a new rear brake light and wire it, and while the windoors don’t leak, their seals are a bit unsightly, so new seals for those.



I then tried plasti-dipping all my emblems, something I’ve done on quite a few vehicles, but for whatever reason, maybe I was out of practice, I couldn’t get the results I wanted. So I decided to just debadge the truck. All went well enough until I came to the front doors, those badges did NOT come off as planned, taking a ton of clear coat and paint with them I was pretty bummed, but knew a guy who painted on the cheap so I didn’t sweat it too much. The paint isn’t perfect, one day when I’m bored I’ll bust out a DA and take out the orange peel and make it look a bit better. (I’ll edit with pics when home)

After that I had some stereo equipment I had bought for the bronco and never installed because I decided to sell it before I got around to it. Lucky taco! I dug around on the forums for options for a subwoofer box that would fit behind the rear seat and found a lot of people in later model years used a guy named “Marv”, and he was only a couple hours from me. So I got in contact with him and set up a date to drive down and have him build me a box and speaker adaptors and help with the install. I got to Marv’s house early in the morning, and we didn’t stop plugging away until well past midnight. I think we both underestimated the amount of things that needed to be done. We started by taking a bunch of measurements, and then Marv set about to making the box and adaptors. While he was working on that I removed all the necessary trim, the old stereo and speakers, and applied sound deadening material. We finished both our respective tasks about the same time, then painted the speaker adaptors, while waiting on those to dry we went for lunch, and then picked back up on the install side. We started with the wiring and took our time to make sure it was good and secure, and also added disconnects for the speakers so that the doors can be removed. After that we wired up the amp and the sub. Then I added the rear view camera and ran wires to the cab. With the speakers, amp and camera all wired up we moved to the final piece, the headunit. While not necessarily complicated, it was a lot and took much longer than either of us expected. Long after the sun had set we finally had everything connected and working. I’m really happy with the set up, I’ve had big booming systems before and am largely over it, I just wanted a really nice, full sounding system, and it is exactly what I had hoped for, the addition of Apple CarPlay, a big adjustable screen, and lots of room for future upgrades if I ever feel so inclined are nice bonuses that really help bring in a touch of modern creature comforts.



After the stereo was in I just drove the truck in stock form, happily, for a few months while I planned out what I wanted to do with suspension and armor and all that stuff. Then I got into an accident while on my way to tailgate at a football game (I’m sober, 8+ years, so no substances were involved). It was my fault and as a professional driver I felt really dumb, but things happen, oh well. Had it towed home, watched the game, and started accessing the damage the next day.



I almost got lucky, 90% of the damage was just nuts and bolts stuff like the radiator, ac condenser, lines, etc. But the inner fender apron on the driver side was squished a bit and the frame extension for the bumper was cracked at a less than ideal weld from the previous front end accident that the truck had been in. I don’t know how to weld (yet) nor do I have access to a frame puller, so off to a shop for that work it went. I told the shop I wasn’t really in a big rush, and then COVID hit, so I didn’t see it again for about 2 months lol. The shop did great though, and I was happy to get it towed back to the house.



When I got the truck back I had accrued all the suspension goodies and a bunch of other stuff to fix and or upgrade damaged parts from the accident. I’m fortunate to have my Pops live nearby and that he was more than happy to lend me his truck for as long as I needed it, so I was feeling pretty relaxed about everything seeing as I didn’t have any deadlines to have it back up and running. I’ve also given his truck a tune up and detail in my time with it, always give a tool back in better shape then you got it if possible



So with that relaxed attitude I started by chipping away at the suspension. The OME lift and SPC UCA install was pretty straight forward. I did seem to experience most of my difficulties on the rear, which from what I read is the opposite of others’ experiences, but it really wasn’t that bad for doing it solo. Also, I started the project with hand tools, but after finishing the front decided it was time to finally do it and splurge on some power tools, I’m blown away by how much faster work goes with these things, pretty sweet.


^ a little wheel well gap, also no weight other than the ARE cap.

I figured since I had all the access up front I would hit the timing belt and water pump and otherwise limited access maintenance parts. So I put an order in for the eBay kit that is so highly praised here and waited. While I was waiting for that come in I got a notice from my residential management that I was in violation of park rules “inoperable vehicle on property” and I had a week to remove it from the property or I could have an injunction filed and be removed. So my easy going “it’ll be done when its done” attitude went out the window and I just had to get it back up and running, and unfortunately my plans to do all the less accessible maintenance items with ease also went out the window. But all is well that ends well.. After a couple days of post-work wrenching, and few hiccups, I had it up and running with a bunch of new parts and goodies in. Disaster averted.



At this point I was pretty set on 35s. I had done a bit of research and decided I was willing to pay to play, I know 33’s are the common route for many great reasons, but I had 35s on the bronco and had gotten used to them and didn’t want to step down, so off I went. I got a full set of SCS F5 blems from Vin and was waiting for a few more dollars to order tires when I came across a couple YouTube videos of 1st gens on 37s.. I went back into research mode and found quite a few more examples here of successful IFS trucks on 37s, and looked into the 35s again as well. I basically came to the conclusion that if I’m going to be risking CVs and having the cut and tub regardless, I might as well be doing it on 37’s. So I ordered up a set of 37” Milestar Patagonias, found a buyer for the rims I initially got for 35s, and bought another set of rims from Vin at SCS, this time in a size more appropriate for 37s. Sat them next to the truck for an idea.. they’re a wee bit larger lol. One thing I should note is how light this set up is for its size, right around 94lbs a corner, which I’m thinking is going to be much more gentle on my components than many other similarly sized combinations. Once I had everything in hand I got them all mounted up.




I figured now that I was safe from management, and I had little space to store the new set up I’d try and mount them to the truck and see if it could at least sit on them, which would also free my stock set up for sale. Success! Now I can’t hardly turn since I haven’t done any trimming, cutting, or tubbing, but its pretty cool to see them on the truck.




ALL CAUGHT UP!


During all the suspension stuff I figured I would need quite a bit of welding work done, for the bumpers, sliders, and tubbing. Instead of paying for a shop to do it I decided that after years of talking about how much I’ve wanted to learn to weld, I’d actually take action on that desire. I ordered a welder and all the necessities. So now I need to do a bit of practice and get comfortable enough to tackle the next steps, cut/tub/bumpers/sliders. I’m sure it’ll take a while, which is ok, because I need to pull my diffs and send them off to ECGS for gears, do the tundra brakes, and a bunch of other little things. With a little luck I’ll be able to really drive this thing before summer is out, but I’m not stressing on it. We’ll just see how it goes, and I’ll try my best to keep things up to date and take more pictures of projects as I’m doing them from here out!

 

Saw this thing on the gram this morning, subd!

 

Lol, that’s the only reason its up! The guys at SCS forced my hand haha. But no, I’ve been meaning to get it going for a while now. It’ll be nice once I’m all caught up here with it and can add to as I go.

 

In. This thing looks sick. Also looks like you got a good camping buddy....

 

Here are a few pictures of the Bronco that lead me to the Taco for those that are curious.

Day of pick up (good god that front end still hurts my soul)



As I sold it.

 

Thats Moose, I’m sure she’ll be a big part of this thread!

 

She's something on the eyes ill say that for sure! Can't wait to see mas pics.

​

 

Finally caught up on posts 2 and 3, so from here on out its current. Post 3 is a doozy, hopefully the pictures help break it up a bit!

Picked up a RTT and @turbodb bed rack at a really great price, courtesy of @Kwikvette



I was going to toss it on top of the ARE but it was a bit too awkward by myself to find the right grip and get it on top of the cap, so I stuffed it in the bed for now lol. I also don’t have crossbars or a rack on the shell, so I need some of those too. In the meantime I need to build a little stand to take the ARE off and store it so I can use the bed rack / RTT combo. Not 100% confident with the idea of RTT/Shell/Wheeling. Some people have been fine, and others haven’t.. I know for sure I’d be really upset with myself if I messed the cap up. For regular traveling perhaps, but not for wheeling.

Thinking about all this really got me thinking about a little trailer, so now I’m looking for an old M416 to build up a bit and keep on the ready as a basecamp that allows me to have the truck as light as possible for harder wheeling.


If anyone who is in here reading has a line on one in decent shape let me know. I’d be willing to travel for the right trailer at the right price.

 

Oh crap you started your build thread!

Now to read through it all

 

I'm in. I wouldn't bother with a 416 if I were you though.

 

Thanks, and I’m interested in your thoughts on passing on the M416. I’ve also checked out @Box Rocket ’s trailer build and considered doing something similar from scratch once I get a little welding under my belt, it’d probably be cheaper and a bit more rewarding, but I think I look at the M416 and see a good starting point. Are you saying ditch the trailer idea altogether, or just have concerns with the M416 platform?

 

I remember you telling me about the accident but damn, you really brought it all back to life; good shit

You know, as I was scrolling down I told myself "if he's wearing crocs, I'm unwatching this thread"

 

I’d fully support you ditching on crocs hahaha

 

Correct. I just haven't seen one that's not rotten or stupid expensive. For the starting price of a 416 you can pretty much buy all the materials, plus if you're going to have a trailer, make it the same lug pattern and size tires as the truck. Now you got spares for days. I personally would change the pintle hitch out for a solid 360* hitch. Pintle hitches have slack in them and aren't the best. Also I would add a fueling and water station to mine, that would be easier if starting from scratch. A small square tube trailer is about as good of a beginner project as you can get, materials are pretty cheap, and everything can be done with a grinder and small welder. Build a box and put an axle under it lol.

 

Ok, that all makes tons of sense to me. I was planning, in the event I got an M416, to update the axle to a dexter or something similar with the same width and lug pattern as the Tacoma, change lights, Max-coupler, etc etc. but it would make it quite expensive on top of the purchase price. I’ll have to check out prices on materials for a build from scratch, it would be a cool project for sure.

Thanks a lot for your input @Broke Okie Ty

 

For sure! If you got any questions, feel free to hit me up.

 

Kickass thread so far dude! I'm a college kid with a 3rd gen 4Runner but I'm on TW very often, just drooling over Tacos and mods I can't afford. Lucky enough, this thread was on the front page and I couldn't resist. Those 37s look so properly ridiculous on the Taco! I'm excited to see a photo of it just driving around, I bet it it'll look like a monster. Can't wait to see more, keep us all updated!

 

Thanks @RoaminRoman , don’t be in a rush to get out and get all the mods hahaha, college rocks! Plenty of awesome stuff you can do on the cheap anyways

So I just did a thing..



Lumbar and heat on both. Been eyeing these for a while, and was debating on the beige option, but after looking at my Oak interior closely I think the beige is too far off from any of the shades, and I don’t really want to introduce yet another shade of brown lol.

Stock buckets will be going up for sale soon, I have to clean them up a bit and make them look uniform, but they’re in great shape, no rips, tears, burns, stains etc.