TRDeeznuts SR5 Build

Started with a stock 2019 SR5 about 4 months ago, with a plan to build the simplest/somewhat budget friendly snow wheeler/day trip/daily driver I could with my current (limited) mechanical skills.

 

Ordered an rc 3.5 lift, 17x9’s and 35’s about 2 weeks after I brought the truck home. A buddy and I threw the lift on and test fit the wheel/tire setup, had more clearance than expected, but did a bmc anyway.

 

Installed some diode dynamics elite series fogs (which I’ve since sold and ordered ss3 pros). Impressive cutoff and output though.

 

After about 3 weeks with 35’s, I realized that I should’ve just went with 37’s, so I ordered some dirty 7’s and sold the 35’s . Only thing I had to do to prevent rubbing during daily driving was cut the body mount face flat instead of having the bulky bmc plate in the way. I also smashed the pinched welds in and cut some of the flare/bumpers.

 

I've watched your YouTube videos a couple times, looking forward to the finished product

 

Was originally looking to swap in an 8.75 rear, but decided to keep with the simple/effective theme and chose to go with an Eaton TrueTrac LSD for the rear. At the same time, I knew I wanted to beef up the steering a tad, so I ordered heim style rod ends and warfab sleeves. I plan to do a tundra rack when the factory one fails. WARfab sleeves aren’t here yet, I bought during a pre order I guess.

 

I’m 30 and I believe my step dad taught me the phrase “Deez nuts” at like 10 years old . So one day the thought came to me when thinking about a decal, since I have an sr5, it’s like I asked the dealership for an off road or Pro, but they said all they can give me with my budget were deeznuts , so the TRDeeznuts trim package decal was born

 

Tried to use my retaining wall to see where the tires would hit when flexed out, it kind of gave me an idea of where I’ll need to cut. At -12 offset, it seems like a sweet spot where it can almost tuck without smashing into the fenders, we will see though. I’ll definitely have to do some more cutting.

 

I figured out the fastest way to air down, but don’t ask about airing back up.

 

Installed some Clazzio vinyl seat covers, a uniden bearcat CB radio and firestik CB components

 

Swapped out the (what I call) Pinocchio grill for the cheese grater style grill, much cleaner and shrinks the body a bit, which the fat 3rd gen needs.

 

Now for the first decently big mod. I’ve been dealing with actuators issues since I bought this thing. With 2 actuators, each ranging from $200-500, only one solution seemed worth a shite, the FJ cruiser T case swap and ADD delete . I had only found a write up on the manual 3rd gen, nothing for autos. So, I spent a few days researching images of t cases and transmissions to see if I could eyeball the fitment. Finally decided to just bite the bullet and see what happens, ordered the t case and it arrived a week later.

 

After a bit more research, I was fairly confident that the t case swap would be even easier on an auto trans, so I got to work immediately. It was indeed easier than swapping a manual trans 3rd gen, much less clearance cutting in the bell housing. Everything went together without a fight, hardest part was bench pressing the t case up and lining it up by myself . I decided to cut into the cup holder/shifter area instead of modifying the t case shifter, I don’t regret it honestly. After I install a rubber seal and shift boot I think it will look much better, also had to move my CB to the side of the center console. Took about 8 working hours to complete it by myself. Excited for the ADD delete stuff to arrive so I can have a fully manual 4wd engagement that won’t failsafe and leave me without 4wd.

 

Have you installed the Truetrac yet? Is this a straight-up swap, re-using the existing parts, or do you need to replace stuff, like gaskets, bearings or other hardware?

 

You can just slap it in there, but it’s recommend to replace all serviceable parts while you’re in there. I’m doing 5.29’s at the same time, so I’m going to get the master install kits with the gears

 

Thanks - I'll take a look at the install kits.