1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

06 Tacoma TRD 6sp DIY Overland Build

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Builds (2005-2015)' started by WRD Overland, Dec 28, 2020.

  1. Dec 28, 2020 at 12:36 PM
    #1
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    What's going on guys, been using the forum for some time now. I am an internet marketer or called "The Digital Mechanix" and help brands build their marketing engines behind their brand. This allows me to work remotely 100% of the time and have moved a lot and worked in many industries. I've always wanted a rig that can go to the most remote locations while able to maintain my workload. The dream of Overlanding became something with chasing.

    Realizing a lot of Overland content on social media is about the latest, greatest, most expensive builds that are just unrealistic for most. I decided then I wanted to build my Tacoma completely DIY. Besides the obvious like armor that requires some real tradecraft, all installs and systems will be BIY (Build It Yourself). My project truck has been in storage for the last few years as work took over and the adventures had to be put on hold. I took her out to stretch the legs this summer (yay covid) and have enjoyed quite a bit of time outside since then.

    The project is a 2006 Tacoma Access Cab TRD Off Road 6 Speed that I spent some time trying to locate that's manual, extended cab, and is one of the few years the Tacomas came with mechanical rear lockers before ATRAC. I'm sure many will swear on ATRAC, but personally, I just see it as another system that can break and end of the day cant replace skill and experience. The goal with this build is straight reliability and simplicity, if I cant fix it myself, why take the risk of going in the middle of nowhere with no service to call for help. Sounds like a horrible risk I'm not willing to take.

    There's a part of the industry that is a lot of hype around brands and you def pay for it. Yes, we can have the argument of you pay for what you get for, but at the end of the day, it's about doing what you can to get out there and explore. The reality is many people don't have the resources to get these crazy turn key systems. Funds are limited and you have to prioritize upgrades, so build based on your needs and try to avoid "Shiny Eye Syndrome"

    I will be documenting this entire build as we design everything from our 12v systems, interior build out, suspension, comms, etc. We will talk about tools, where to find parts, etc. I want to bring back the "Build It Yourself" mentality this industry was originally built on. My process will not be the right or wrong way to do things, but a reference on how I am doing it, in hopes you will want to try to do DIY too.

    With that being said I look forward to sharing the project with you all and push further into the wild as the truck matures. I will have more detailed info on my website as well as detailed videos on Youtube. If you want some daily behind the scenes and backpacking content check out Instagram. Now onto the pics :)
    -
    Current Mods
    -
    Started with a stock TRD OR 6 Speed
    DSC_8638FINAL1200.jpg DSC_8639FINAL1200.jpg


    Then added an ARE DCU Commercial Cap that was purchased off craigslist for a whopping $400

    _Bg-x7pyTrWMl2M_fqM2GA.jpg

    If you haven't seen my other post, make sure to check this out (click the pic) if you have a shell. My cap was broken into and a simple fix would have cost me thousands if I was fully loaded.

    maxresdefault (1).jpg

    Installed a V1 Radar detector, Scangauge, Tech Deck, and Ram mounts for iPhone and 11"iPad Pro

    IMG_1150.HEIC.jpg

    Installed a much needed backup camera

    87580140-A9F8-4CEF-A0EE-95185C7C35B5.jpg

    Much more to come :)
     
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2021
  2. Dec 30, 2020 at 10:37 PM
    #2
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    Installing a 4K Dashcam w/ rear camera to capture some awesome landscape footage, but also as a last resort for my truck security, if I had this last week when my truck got broken into, would have got his mug right in the middle of the camera. I’m running a few wires from the rear to the cab now, so also going to install some wire loom to organize and protect the wires running along the frame.

    71747530-9557-4470-9C80-6088428B3789.jpg
     
  3. Jan 3, 2021 at 3:42 PM
    #3
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    Well splooged at harbor freight for their 25% off sale. 9k lb badland winch and hitch mount for $300

    9F5020EA-FF09-4DB5-8647-2B3A5867912E.jpg
     
  4. Jan 5, 2021 at 10:09 AM
    #4
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    Picked up last few pieces to install my 31M AGM. Found this brand new unicorn Pelfreybuilt battery cage from a member here and picked up a HKB electronics voltage booster to get alternator voltage up to proper 14.7v. When I install I'll record some before and after footage of voltage. Lots to install this week!

    52A0B971-85EE-4871-9C67-62533B84BAE8.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2021
  5. Jan 9, 2021 at 2:05 PM
    #5
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2021
  6. Jan 20, 2021 at 8:36 AM
    #6
    Two_Track_

    Two_Track_ Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #351149
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luke
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    05 ACLB TRD
    OME 885’s with full Dakar pack 265/75/16 Duratracks Stock OR Wheels SPC UCA’s ARE MX Topper
    Looks like a solid build my man! Love my 05 AC off road, great little trucks. How do you like the big Ipad mounted there? Still have decent room for radio/ climate controls? I also have the tech deck but do not have a tablet yet.
     
  7. Jan 20, 2021 at 11:19 AM
    #7
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    Love my truck! and Im probably going to move my phone over to the A pillar to free up some space, but I like the iPad there. At this point I can navigate climate controls without looking, so just reach down there and do the thing. Even before the tech deck, the climate control was never really lit properly, so had to do it without seeing.
     
  8. Feb 18, 2021 at 9:34 AM
    #8
    WRD Overland

    WRD Overland [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2015
    Member:
    #148760
    Messages:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin (Juice)
    DC
    Vehicle:
    06 TuRD OR 6Sp
    Now that the taco is approaching 170k, it's time for some much needed love. Have some big trips planned this year, so will be doing some simple mods as well as some preventative maintenance. Any other suggestions?

    Maintenance
    • Power steering flush
    • Air filter replacement
    • Cabin filter replacement
    • PCV Valve replacement
    • Clean MAF sensor
    • Clean throttle body
    • Inspect/Replace front brakes
    • Inspect/Replace rear brakes
    • brake fluid flush
    • Inspect/Replace serpentine belt
    • Replace spark plugs
    Mods
    • 400 watt anytime mod
    • Locker anytime gray wire mod
    • Shell lock from inside
    • Rear breather extend
    • Custom DIY slider drawers w/ platform
     

Products Discussed in

To Top