2nd Tacoma in 6 Months. Lets try this again...

Long time lurker but first post, I thought it was about time.

I've been coming to this forum since around March or April, it was really useful when I decided to get my first Tacoma (and first Truck). Thanks everyone!

Truck life is new to me, being originally from the UK. But living in Canada for the last 6-7 years, I'm loving the lifestyle it supports.

Sadly things didn't get off to a great start...

My First Tacoma:

• Took Delivery in May 2020
• 2020 Off-Road Premium
• Cement Grey
• Auto
• 3" Lift (just on blocks not shock upgrade etc.)
• TRD Pro Wheels with BDG tyres
• Steps, 3M etc

I got a great deal on this, as although I was the first registered owner the truck already had 6000km on it as it was the dealerships 'hero car' as the 2020's were released, so it took part in all sorts of demos and promotional shoots.

I absolutely love the look of this truck, however performance was terrible.

I'll not go into too many details as the Auto transmission and shift points have been done to death. Cut short; with the 3" blocked lift, the super heavy (E rated!) BFGs and the sub-par Auto gearbox to begin with this truck drove poorly. I would rarely get this thing out of 4th.

I had great help and guidance from Krave Automotive in Calgary (I can't rate those guys enough) and things got mildly better after an OV Tune, however driving this would still frustrate me to death. This truck should not have been sold with this spec without a re-gear.

I live in Calgary and am on the doorstep of the rockies so had to do something about this...

...6000kms and 5 months later I was able to take advantage of the shortage of Tacomas and trade in with little to no hit for this:

My Second Tacoma:

• Took Delivery Yesterday!
• 2020 Sport 6MT
• MGM Grey
• 15kms on the clock as I drove away

Yes I've lost features, yes I've downgraded, but after one day of driving I know I've made the right decision and am super happy with my decision.

'Mods' so far:

• De-badged - I removed the Chrome 'Tacoma' and 'v6'. I did this on my first truck and really liked the look.
• Added my Tyger Auto Roll-up from last truck.
• Toyota Rubber bed mat (I don't know how people survive without this.
• OEM Steps - found these locally for super cheap, threw them on purely to save me from door dings.

'Mods' planned:

• Meso LED Map and Dome lights are on the way
• Removal of the 'Sport' sticks on each side. This was such a pain last time and I'm not looking forward to it again, but I really love the clean look.
• Wheel and Tyre Package - I loved the Pro wheels on my last truck, but a little stance would be nice. Have been looking at some Pro replicas that actually have a different offset to OEM that look great. Just need to decide on Tyres - I want something I can run all year round in standard size (265/65 R17) I'm told 265/70 R17 would rub. So far my main contenders are Falken Rubitrek or Wildpeaks. Any thoughts?
• OV Tune - the in-gear improvement on the Auto was great, but I haven't researched the impact on the Manuals much, is it worth it?
• Sliders - something subtle and not super heavy duty. This is low on my priorities and just to replace the OEM steps.

Anyway, lots to consider, but I've got plenty of time now that I know I'm in the right truck.

Pleased to finally be posting and not just lurking.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Hello

 

6MT is the best mod you’ll ever make

enjoy it

 

Welcome to TW

 

Thanks all!

...finally figured out how to make the images work.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome aboard, glad you got the "right one" now!

Is that cabin where you live or vacation? Either way, color me jealous

 

Sweet little cabin Ya got there

 

Everyone I've ever heard from with Falken Wildpeaks love them. I 99% sure the 265/70s won't rub on 17 inch wheels with stock suspension
After driving my 6sp manual for 13k miles I flashed OV and have been a very happy driver ever since. Throttle response, 5th and 6th gear cruising, low RPM torque, ability to rev match your downshifting, and overall driveability are vastly improved over the stock mapping.

Good luck with the truck!

 

Looks nice op. I got the wildpeaks in the 265/70, from everything I read around here, I don’t think they’ll rub.

 

I didn't hang about...


Went with the FN PRO replicas, I actually think these are nice than the OEM Pro wheels on my last truck. Wildpeaks at 265/70/17, sadly they do rub a little due to the offset of the FNs, but the stance is great. Folks have told me to simply take the mudflaps off, but I'd rather keep them on and have it rub there than potentially rub on the body/chassis.

Front air dam also removed. I'm really enjoying this truck.

Next up is removing the 'sport 4x4' stickers, I'm putting this off for a while as I really hate this kind of task.

 

Welcome and be safe!