MidWest MTB MGM SR Build Thread!

Starting my own build thread to keep track of what I've done and also how much money I've spent on this "budget" truck!

Got the baseline 4x4 SR V6 Double Cab Short Bed with as little added dealer stuff as possible. Ended up 34k on the MSRP and around 36k out the door after all the additional costs (taxes, registration, delivery, etc).



Got 11k on my trade in which was a 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i
with A LOT of problems. Notably, broken CV Axle, cracked front differential casing, bad head, cam delivery, and valve cover gaskets. Not to mention several dents and a hole in one of the quarter panels when I got hit by a stray bullet while driving down the freeway. There were a bunch of other small things wrong with it and I didn't want to be a dick so I gave the dealer a FULL list of every little thing. I'm assuming they just auctioned the thing.


When I got her home:


NOW to get caught up here's what I've done so far. The first box that came in was for the rain guards, ended up going with AVS in channels. I didn't go with the low-pros and I'm glad I didn't because these are already very low profile.

Shortly after I also got my bed mat and bed lights in the mail. Everything went on together.



The next thing that was SUPPOSED to go on was my wheels and tires. I had ordered a set of Motegi MR149's that were going to be wrapped in 265/70/17 Cooper Discoverer AT3s. My truck ended up taking so long to come in that the shop I got the wheels at thought I didn't want them anymore and sold them. All's well though, new wheels will be coming shortly.

Instead, I ended up getting a set of fog lights from a member here. Since I'm pre-wired I figured this would be an easy upgrade.



Mid way through I decided to go the switch route instead of the OEM stalk route (I really like switches, they make me feel cool) I'm currently waiting on the Ch4x4 switch to come in the mail but in the meantime the lights and wires are in there. Everything will be wired according to the famous thread by Nitori.



I also picked up a used Tonneau cover yesterday to keep my things safe. As the name might suggest I'm big into mountain biking and my local spot has had a string car break ins recently. Mountain biking stuff is NOT cheap either so hopefully the tonneau cover will
1. Keep things out of sight by not being in the cab
2. Keep my things safe since its a pretty heavy duty hard shell.

The install was a pain, this cover has seen some better days but it will do for now.




TOTAL COST SO FAR (with a little rounding)
-$36,000 Truck
+$11,000 Trade-in
-$120 Bed mat, bed lights
-$130 Fog lights (including switch and relay)
-$400 Backflip G2 tonneau cover

Which brings me to $25,650

 

I went ahead and added Subaru tweeters to the truck...drastically improved the audio quality! Very much recommend those.


TOTAL COST SO FAR (with a little rounding)
-$36,000 Truck
+$11,000 Trade-in
-$120 Bed mat, bed lights
-$130 Fog lights (including switch and relay)
-$400 Backflip G2 tonneau cover
-$100 Subaru Tweeters

Which brings me to $25,750

 

I'll be getting the same truck (hopefully) in the next month. Are you thinking of switching out the tires and wheels? I've only heard great things about the bed mat so that is on my list.

 

Hey man, yes I was actually set to change those out first. Long story short, the place I bought my wheels from sold them to someone else cause the truck took longer than I expected. I've since changed my mind 30 times on what I want now haha

I think I'm going with these:https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2022-trd-trail-pro-replica-wheels.758356/

You'll love the truck though, things solid!

 

Those wheels are sweet! I have gone back and forth between bronze, all black, or some TRD OR take-offs. I'll probably hunt for a deal when I finally get my truck and see what fits the bill. I'll keep an eye on your progress to see what other ideas get sparked.