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Give me your best first gen mods!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by RustyLugs, Jul 2, 2020.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Jul 2, 2020 at 4:59 PM
    #1
    RustyLugs

    #1
    RustyLugs [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2020
    Member:
    #333194
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2004 TRD Off Road
    Hey all,

    Bought my first taco two days ago. A 2004 TRD Offroad Access Cab with 76k miles on it. She's clean. Other than smelling like a pack of Winstons and some bird shot wounds in the driver side door it couldn't be in much better shape. Me and my girl wanted a compact truck we could sleep out of the back of and has some decent off road capability to get up to harder to reach trail heads / campsites and such... nothing crazy. Bought it mostly to give us a good excuse to travel and haul our Bernese Mountain Dog around. It'll be my DD as well. I don't have much of a commute so I'm really just trying to make this thing look badass and functional af.

    I am looking for your favorite mods y'all have done to your first gens. Cosmetic / utility / performance... anything. Right now this thing is stock as can be. I budgeted in the funds to make some mods so give me the best of the best that you've done.

    Right now the plan is...

    - I put a bed liner in it
    - Some quick work to the frame. Right now I've got it in the shop to do a quick rust eliminator (surface) and I'm getting it resealed with a preventative coating.
    - Throwing some new tires on it. Thinking BFG A/T's.
    - Camper shell... no clue what to get here (thinking ARE CX or Leer 100R)
    - Thinking on some after market bumpers? I like the look of the bull bars and added front headlights.
    - No clue on good interior mods?
    - No clue on performance mods. Pretty interested here tho... I'm trying to break 400k in this thing.
    - Building a sleep system out of the bed. Any good off the shelf products or should I go go custom build?
    - Not planning on lifting... unless theres a good case to be made for it. Theres already some good clearance and I dont foresee us being in a position where we'll need more off road. It does look sick tho.
    - I kind of dig the stock rims on it... but if I put new ones on I'd probably go with American Racing AR172's (any other suggesting)

    Thanks everybody. A lot of ground to cover here lol any pics or links to other threads would be appreciated.

    Here are some pics:

    61516540445__03B320BF-0503-4873-BA5B-FB313BBB2458.jpg IMG_1873.jpg
     
    RustyLugs, Jul 2, 2020
    #1
    Dalé_Tha_truth_speaka, Lukass, QMEDJoe and 10 others like this.
  2. Jul 2, 2020 at 5:53 PM
    #2
    Black DOG Lila

    #2
    Black DOG Lila Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Member:
    #296344
    Messages:
    9,116
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma SR5 2.7 5 speed 4WD
    Stock. EZ pass.Dump pass.Inspection sticker.Convict printed lic.plates.FG cap.
    Welcome aboard new member
     
    Black DOG Lila, Jul 2, 2020
    #2
    BartMaster1234, tcjacado and RustyLugs[OP] like this.
  3. Jul 2, 2020 at 6:53 PM
    #3
    gusto11071

    #3
    gusto11071 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Juan E.
    Brewster, NY
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Ext Cab DLX 2.7L 4X4
    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    Nice truck
     
    gusto11071, Jul 2, 2020
    #3
  4. Jul 2, 2020 at 7:10 PM
    #4
    CNCist

    #4
    CNCist Active Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Tony
    Best 1st gen mod for me was JBA upper control arms. They tighten your turning radius a lot, and soften the steering wheel feel.
     
    CNCist, Jul 2, 2020
    #4
    DashMaple, 47Drvr87, Tanden and 2 others like this.
  5. Jul 2, 2020 at 9:30 PM
    #5
    joe25rs

    #5
    joe25rs Well-Known Member

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    Joe
    Mrr’land
    Vehicle:
    2004 Black TRD
    ‘04 with 76k?! Awesome find. She looks real clean, too. So, I’ve gotta ask, how much did you pick it up for?
     
    joe25rs, Jul 2, 2020
    #5
  6. Jul 2, 2020 at 11:26 PM
    #6
    mechanicjon

    #6
    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

    Joined:
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    Jon
    Scottsdale Arizona
    Vehicle:
    04 Taco SC 4dr SR5 TRD Prerunner
    Supercharged, AEM FIC/6, Meth Inj, ION Alloy's, Radio & Phone steering Wheel controls,Fabtech AAL, Billie's wrapped with 880's , Tundra big brake conversion, bully bars and Pioneer DDin Stereo/dvd with exterrnal usb ports. 290K and going strong.
    mechanicjon, Jul 2, 2020
    #6
    Rldanie, Winkle99 and Hamer95USA like this.
  7. Jul 3, 2020 at 7:43 AM
    #7
    johnnywideopen

    #7
    johnnywideopen Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #214335
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    133
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    Johnny
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2002 2.7L SR5 4x4 manual extra cab
    Put in a nice aftermarket stereo and get your phone mount sorted how you like it. The oh shit handle bolt on the A pillar is a nice solid place for ram mount parts. I use a quad lock case/mount and no matter how hard i send it, it stays in place. I also recommend buying your stereo at crutchfield, their install instructions make it super easy to install the new head unit and a backup cam in the tailgate if you're into that too. I haven't done the steering wheel controls mod yet, but i constantly wish i already had.
    nice whip.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2020
    johnnywideopen, Jul 3, 2020
    #7
    Hamer95USA likes this.
  8. Jul 3, 2020 at 8:11 AM
    #8
    Madjik_Man

    #8
    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Colorado Front Range
    Vehicle:
    1998 Ext Cab 3.4 4x4 TRD 5MT, 2004 DC 3.4 4x4 TRD
    It’s only been a week or so but I’m digging the magnetic mount placed here. Game changer from having it just sit in the cup holder.

    IMG_0110.jpg
     
    Madjik_Man, Jul 3, 2020
    #8
    Jer270, RustyLugs[OP], QMEDJoe and 2 others like this.
  9. Jul 3, 2020 at 8:19 AM
    #9
    DJB1

    #9
    DJB1 Well-Known Member

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    Dave
    SLC, UT
    Vehicle:
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    Harrop E-lockers!
    IMG_2526.jpg
     
    DJB1, Jul 3, 2020
    #9
    jubei, YotaBro, Ritchie and 9 others like this.
  10. Jul 3, 2020 at 8:35 AM
    #10
    johnnywideopen

    #10
    johnnywideopen Well-Known Member

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    Johnny
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2002 2.7L SR5 4x4 manual extra cab

    oh shit. some red neck bawlin' over here. I'm workin up to those things.
     
    johnnywideopen, Jul 3, 2020
    #10
    Hamer95USA, 1997tacomav6 and DJB1[QUOTED] like this.
  11. Jul 3, 2020 at 8:41 AM
    #11
    1997tacomav6

    #11
    1997tacomav6 V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

    Joined:
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    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 750,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    1997tacomav6, Jul 3, 2020
    #11
    TacoBike, cruiserguy, Hamer95USA and 1 other person like this.
  12. Jul 3, 2020 at 9:39 AM
    #12
    Blue92

    #12
    Blue92 Well-Known Member

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    Daniel
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2004 4x4 2.7L
    Lexus IS300 steering wheel paired with 4Runner black column trim and a Rav4 airbag for me.
    IMG_20190904_180526590.jpg

    The 4Runner wheels I had powdercoated being a close second.
    IMG_20200117_135311814_HDR.jpg
     
    Blue92, Jul 3, 2020
    #12
    Freddie S, 253-Tacoma, Sreppep and 8 others like this.
  13. Jul 3, 2020 at 9:47 AM
    #13
    GQ7227

    #13
    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
    Vehicle:
    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    pending red white & blue hooks :oldglory:
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2020
    GQ7227, Jul 3, 2020
    #13
    Ridgerunner and RustyLugs[OP] like this.
  14. Jul 3, 2020 at 10:10 AM
    #14
    Brahms

    #14
    Brahms Well-Known Member

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    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tacoma DCSB 4x4 SR5 V6 TRD
    Brahms, Jul 3, 2020
    #14
    Majestic Tacoma, Jer270, Lukass and 2 others like this.
  15. Jul 3, 2020 at 10:15 AM
    #15
    Kevins60

    #15
    Kevins60 axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

    Joined:
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    Kevin
    Odessa FL
    Vehicle:
    ‘04 4cyl SR5 AT Pre-runner Garage Queen
    SCS Cruise Westin step bars Lund tonneau Jensen HU
    A proper head unit and backup camera and the dual USB port/voltmeter

    99868CE7-2867-4CBA-B656-E8777767FF43.jpg
     
    Kevins60, Jul 3, 2020
    #15
    RustyLugs[OP] and Hamer95USA like this.
  16. Jul 3, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #16
    mechanicjon

    #16
    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Jon
    Scottsdale Arizona
    Vehicle:
    04 Taco SC 4dr SR5 TRD Prerunner
    Supercharged, AEM FIC/6, Meth Inj, ION Alloy's, Radio & Phone steering Wheel controls,Fabtech AAL, Billie's wrapped with 880's , Tundra big brake conversion, bully bars and Pioneer DDin Stereo/dvd with exterrnal usb ports. 290K and going strong.
    mechanicjon, Jul 3, 2020
    #16
    RustyLugs[OP], 1997tacomav6[QUOTED] and GQ7227 like this.
  17. Jul 3, 2020 at 11:31 AM
    #17
    Kevins60

    #17
    Kevins60 axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Odessa FL
    Vehicle:
    ‘04 4cyl SR5 AT Pre-runner Garage Queen
    SCS Cruise Westin step bars Lund tonneau Jensen HU
    Just read through the thread and ordered 2 from Amazon
     
    Kevins60, Jul 3, 2020
    #17
    Majestic Tacoma, joe25rs and RustyLugs[OP] like this.
  18. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:02 AM
    #18
    gusto11071

    #18
    gusto11071 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    554
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    Male
    First Name:
    Juan E.
    Brewster, NY
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Ext Cab DLX 2.7L 4X4
    Rear FJ Cruiser Disc Brakes, Front Tundra Brakes, Heated 4Runner Mirrors, 2018 Tacoma OEM 18" Wheels
    Yes, I am looking for radio with TPMS monitoring built in
     
    gusto11071, Jul 4, 2020
    #18
    RustyLugs[OP] likes this.
  19. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:41 AM
    #19
    Brahms

    #19
    Brahms Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    #312303
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    193
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tacoma DCSB 4x4 SR5 V6 TRD
    It’s the little things that make your truck feel more luxurious. I just bought a 2004 Tacoma and will be doing the same upgrade again.
     
    Brahms, Jul 4, 2020
    #19
    joe25rs, Kevins60[QUOTED] and RustyLugs[OP] like this.
  20. Jul 4, 2020 at 9:59 AM
    #20
    Kwikvette

    #20
    Kwikvette Chief Executive Officer at Kwik Fab

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    Stock
    Best mod?

    Another car, so you can mod the Tacoma.
     
    Kwikvette, Jul 4, 2020
    #20
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Page 1 of 4

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Set of 24, 12x1.5mm 1.87" Length 13/16 Hex OEM Factory Mag Lug Nuts for Tacoma 4 Runner FJ Cruiser Matrix GX460 GX470 SR5 Pre-Runner TRD Off-Road Limited
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Anzero 2 Pcs Ear Piercing Kit, Disposable Ear Piercing Gun with Cubic Zirconia Stud, at Home Self Ear Piercer Kit (5MM Earrings Stud)
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Toyota Key Blank - 90999-00186
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OSRAM 62204SBP Premium Off-Road Super Bright H4 Headlight Bulb Vibration-Proof Technology, Yellow
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Top Post Battery Master Disconnect Switch
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3Pcs HSS Titanium Coated Step Drill Bit Set, 1/4" Hex Shank Quick Change High Speed Steel Cone Drill Bit Kit for Plastic, Wood, Metal Sheet, Aluminum Hole Drilling (Metric 4-12mm/4-20mm/4-32mm)
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