Matt Viv's '01 Tacoma build

Well back in April, I traded in my '16 Tacoma DCSB TRD Off Road (3" OME & 285s) for a '16 VW Golf R (I also own(ed) a mod'd '95 Integra, made 220 WHP and set-up for Auto-X). And thus I began the search for another Taco, this time a 1st Gen.

It took me a while but found myself a '01 Tacoma, V6-Auto, 4x4 with TRD package in great shape. I do have some plans for it; the basic goals are an 3" OME lift for 255/85/16 tires, bumpers, sliders and skid pans. It's going to be a slow build, but I'm going to hit plenty of trails with it.

What it looks like when I first bought it with 260k miles on it.


Latest pic:


Current Mods:
Suspension:
- OME 882 with Dakar
- JBA UCA

Wheels & Tires:
- FJ Cruiser 17"
- 255/75R17 BFG Mud Terrains KM2
- Spidertrax spacers

Interior:
- tC Release Series 4.0 seat (to be installed)
- Kenwood headunit, Polk dB components (front)

Lighting:
- Morimoto MLED2.0 retrofit (to be installed)
- TYC OEM headlights (to be installed)

 

NOV 2019: Of course, it was plagued with a little frame rot. I ordered some frame caps from SafeTCaps (Autorust.com) frame parts. At the same time I replaced the OEM rear bumper with an All Pro one.
The exterior of the frame was painted with POR15, for the interior I used Eastwood Internal Frame coat spray. The rear bumper was painted with POR15 and then covered in Herculiner rattle can.

 

JUNE 2020: was an exciting month. I ordered my Old Man Emu suspension kit from Wheeler's Off Road. I don't think rear was ever apart, I cut out 3 spring bolts and all the U-bolts. Front wasn't too bad, but did have to zip the 3 small mount bolts. While the front was a part, I hit everything with POR15.

With 262k on the stock, most likely original suspension, I gained about 3.5-4"

Parts installed:
OME882 coils
Dakar rear leafs
NitroCharger Sport shocks
JBA LCAs
Moog Lower Balljoints & Tie-Rods

 

Good stuff man, I almost went with an R as well, thought about a model 3 or an Audi RS4, but ultimately went with a Focus RS. I find myself less and less enthused with going fast and taking turns, and have really dove into 4x4 stuff the past couple of years, but I’d be lying if I said hopping in the little car and taking it up 160 or finding a nice quiet backroad with good turns isn’t fun.

Awesome stuff with the frame! Mine isn’t too bad, but there is some surface rust in places, and I’ve thought about getting down with it and doing something like you did. If you don’t mind I have a few questions..

How long do you think it took in total to do the front and back? (minus the rear welding, I won’t need to do any of that)

How was the prep? Did you have to pull anything up front for better access?

I’m also extremely interested in your retrofits! I’ve been thinking about using the M LEDS as well, I think they have the 2.0’s out now. Have ya got them in yet? If som, how do you like them and how was the process? Have any pictures?

 

I do miss my Golf-R, I picked up a new job with a 150-mile daily commute and traded it in for an Accord Hybrid. Once I move or transfer closer, I will get another hot hatch. I started looking at Focus RS and Civic Type-R, but they were over $10k more than the Golf-R.

Painting the frame does take some time. I spent a day with the power washer, let it dry. Then spent a day with a wire brush and then POR prep sprays. Then a couple days painting. I just followed POR's steps.

I painting spots when I remove parts and/or gain access to areas that have factory coating; I'll slowly have the frame painted. I only removed the bed because it was easier to weld on the frame. The front, when I removed the suspension, I painted.

Headlights: these are the MLED2.0s. I didn't take too many pictures, but it was SIMPLE! heat the oven up, remove the clear lens, put in the projector and reseal it. These are threaded through the H4 hole.

 

Thanks for the response and details

I’ll be pulling my bed again at some point to upgrade my fuel pump, I reckon I’ll get down and dirty with the rear at that point, and I may be doing some slight changes to my front suspension set up, so I’ll consider pulling a bit more and hitting those items at that time as well.

Awesome, I’ve been hesitant to jump in on the retro fit, but that makes me feel a lot better about things. So you didn’t need to worry about setting them in correctly since they are threaded.. they tighten down into the correct position? Are you happy with their performance over stock?

 

Well, we had some additions to our family and welcomed our first child in Dec. Unfortunately, you can't (safely) fit a car seat in the rear. With that, I am selling the Extended Cab in order to buy Double Cab.

FS Ad: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/md-2001-tacoma-extra-cab-trd-off-road.717705/