Which mods to prioritize?

New member and have started searching the web for info on recommended Gen 3 mods.
Quick context….
- I will be trading in my Ford Exploder for a new 2022 Tacoma Off-Road in the very new future
- I am not a wrencher. Just never been my thing. So, I’ll be working with a local “mod guy” who comes highly recommended.
(Yes, I will pay more for stuff )

My question (to learn from your experience)….
In order of priority, what mods should I start with…what next…and so forth?
If there is a thread specific to this question (likely), please send me that way.

Thanks!

 

what mods do you want? dont you think thats an important piece of information when dealing with how they should be prioritized?

 

Drive it stock for a while, then decide what changes you want.

 

First off, welcome to TW. I'm not mechanically inclined either so if I want a mod I have to also take installation cost into consideration. There are a few simple things you may want to start with that are pretty much universal, like an OEM bed mat to keep your stuff from sliding all over the place on that composite bed, or some all-weather floor mats. Other than those types of things, my suggestion would be to drive the truck for a bit and then decide what you want to change/add. Having an idea of how you want to use the truck, combined with some experience in the driver seat, will lead you in the direction you want to go.

 

Thanks, auskip07! Yes, you aren’t mind readers. . My bad.
So, from my “research” so far, I’m thinking….
- Things for added power: throttle module, cold air intake, cat back exhaust.
I’ve seen a few others mentioned and welcome input.
- Lift kit and suspension with 33’s
- Rock sliders and skid plates
- Front and rear off-road bumpers…rear being split design; front with winch (of course?).
- Grill
- Lighting
- Maybe bed drawers
- Some sort of rack system to accommodate a Roof Nest (or equiv.) tent that will leave it flush with top of cab.
- All of the above to fit in a standard garage (82” max)

 

i can tell you right now Lift + roof system + roof nest. you're not fitting in your garage

 

I will do some more digging. Early feedback (and it may have been wrong), was that if I stuck with standard lift (4”?) and nothing bigger than 33’s, and purposefully NOT mount anything above cab height, that I’d be OK.

 

Leave it stock and go enjoy it. Pay it off asap

 

LOL. Probably good wisdom, but not gonna happen. Hahaha

 

Roof system suggest mounting things above your cab.... since your bed doesnt have a "roof"

I would urge you to reconsider developing some mechanical skills. Its not something you're incapable of learning or a big mystery of the universe.

 

Not to sound negative but:

You're wasting your money with a cold air intake system as the truck already has one.

To each their own, but the "pro" style grille is probably the most overdone mod there is so please consider something else (personal opinion).

I second that with all of those mods you're not fitting into that garage. It may be tight with the lift, let alone a rooftop tent. Unless I misunderstood what you meant by "flush" and were referring to the top of the tent (collapsed) being flush with the top of the cab. In that case, I have a rack by KB Voodoo which does just that for me.

 

Wrong list. And how do you know you need more power? Maybe it's fine as it is for how you'll use it.

 

Thanks, RedWings44, for the feedback! All good stuff and the reason I asked for input.

 

Clearwater Bill - what do you mean by “wrong list”?
As for “more power”, I will be using the rig (primarily) to get back to camping spots I can’t get to now, and will be doing some off-roaring. The “lacking power” is a very common theme as I’ve researched online.

 

none of those add more power. Intake and exhaust are supporting mods but neither is a limitation in stock form. Throttle mod... i wouldnt bother. if you want real power go for a super charger or twin turbo kit. I have a tune but it would have been better served to use the money towards a supercharger

 

Got it. Thanks.

 

By wrong list I mean lots o bucks for minimal results. Also keep in mind the internet (lack of power) isn't always right. The power is just fine for the vast majority of owners, and the ones who think it isn't are extra noisy about it. Example. The 4 cyl model, set up right and well driven, will go 90+% of the places the v6 will go. Power isn't always the answer.

Tacomas have CAIs from the factory.

A cat back is a muffler and pipe change. More noise doesn't equal more go. The real restriction is the exhaust manifolds and the cats.

Throttle 'module', I'm not sure what you mean here, but I'm unaware of any power adders that dink with the throttle. There are some toys that make the throttle response different (some say better) because it's drive by wire, but pushing your foot harder does the same thing.

There are various tunes that can be installed that DO make a nice difference, according to the folks running those. And a change of the differential gears (pretty expensive, both axles must be done) will make a notable driveability difference.

These trucks are quite capable stock, and generally the tire are the weak link in normal off road use.

Are you experienced at recovery when stuck? Have the gear and skills? Are you a seasoned off road driver, knowing what line to pick and when to turn back? Both of those matter more than stuff you bolt on the truck. Often you'll hear that called the 'nut behind the wheel'.

I agree with a couple other posters. Cool your jets. Use the truck as is, and change things when you realize there is opportunity for improvement based on your experiences not reading about someone else's experiences. If you don't, you'll spend a lot of money that you may well re-spend when you recognize you needed a different choice and should have waited.

OTOH, the shop you spend your $ with will enjoy upgrading your upgrades.

 

I'm not Clearwater Bill, but I'll jump in to say I believe his meaning with this list of mods (correct me if I got this wrong of course Bill)is that for power or power delivery concerns your list of mods is not likely to make any significant changes. The cold air intake has already been addressed in the thread in terms of not helping, but I'll add that some people have had issues with CAIs doing bad things to their engines and Toyota not wanting to help out since it's an aftermarket mod. Exhaust usually doesn't help that much in terms of power for the dollar spent. I'm not terribly knowledgeable on things like the Pedal Commander if that's what you mean by throttle module, but my understanding is that they don't change that much either. Most people wanting more power or more effective delivery of the existing power tend to lean towards regearing, a good ECU tune, or a supercharger. Those seem to help folks out the most in terms of power per dollar on the Tacoma from what I've gleaned here. Good luck with the mods whichever route you take!

 

Great input, Clearwater Bill. Thank you!

 

Thank you, Finn.