SUMO TNK : '08 DCSB TRD OR

Although my build page isn't updated much, I have been tinkering with my truck and my to-do list has thinned out.

Which means........ Time to convince myself an upgrade is needed somewhere!

Recently, I cleaned up the wiring for my switches and head unit (AGAIN!) while troubleshooting why my SWC didn't work and some issues with the aftermarket front and rear cameras. I ended up fixing both issues (minor) and consequentially, I got even more familiarized with the AUCar tesla style headunit. I absolutely love the Android 11 tablet features along with CarPlay/Android Auto. I messed with the EQ settings and started getting the itch that I should upgrade my speakers.

I'm tempted to try and install a 3-way component setup in the front. The JBL Stadium Series has a 6x8 2-way component (or coaxial) with a 2" midrange add-on to make it a 3-way system.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109STAD86C/JBL-Stadium-862CF.html?tp=105
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109STAD22S/JBL-Stadium-22S.html

Although I would like the tweeter up higher, my door pillar wing has my boost gauge so I can't mount tweeters there. I thought about doing a custom mount behind the A-pillar cover but that would probably need a custom grill cover. I also thought about mounting them inside the A/C vent but naw....

My idea right now would be to mount everything in the door. The 2" mid up top where the tweeter was. The tweeter and mid bass would both be down low in the factory 6×8 opening.

The current amp is an old school (circa 2000) Rockford Fosgate Amp that won't break a sweat with any wiring configuration that I need for my install. So amplification power is not a worry.

I dislike the Alpines in my rear doors and would replace them with some 6.5 midbass Kickers that I've horded away for the last 15 years.

Just thinking out loud...I tend to ramble on Mondays

 

Thats an interesting idea. Also you could consider kickpanels in the floor for the mid bass / sweater. I have considered similar. Ever consider the grab handle gauge mounts vs where the gauge is now? I def need to amplify my sound stage.

 

Good options but I want to try something less intrusive and more hidden......and minimal work. I'm tired (for now) of wiring and rewiring and troubleshooting.

 

yah I get that. I am about to embark on a major rewiring of the truck. hopefully for good (hopefully)

 

Might have found my next mod.... but need to save up some $$$ before I can buy-it-now.

https://jdfabrication.com/collections/05-15-6-lug/products/copy-of-secondary-shocks-for-4-lt

@nudavinci64 you might be interested too

 

Nice that’s must be new.

 

That looks like a sweet option, little spendy but looks really well made.

If this was available when I did my battery relocate I totally would have jumped on it.

 

Yea, that cubby does cost a grip. But with JD Fab, I bet it's top notch work.

I don't have a battery relocate nor do I plan on it. But I do like additional storage space(s) and that stock driver side cubby is too small to fit anything worthwhile.

Time to start saving pennies...

 

Thats a good idea I have been considering relocating my battery to the rear.

 

Besides the sheer novelty of having one, the front camera view is growing on me and I can spot things in front of my truck that I can't completely see from my stationary sitting position.

 

I've cleaned up Page 1 of this build page for better navigation, etc. And I've wanted to be better at documenting with photos.

So here's the 1st item for photo journaling. My modified TRD Gen1 Cold Air Intake system. I hole-sawed an opening in the TRD airbox and attached (inside airbox) a Nissan MAF adapter which is essentially a 2.5-2.75" diameter of piping with a 4-bolt square flange. A Volant Air Intake Scoop is joined to the TRD airbox with an angled silicon step hose.

 

Back when my truck had the Corbeau Torino/R600 seats.



Currently, it has Sparco Chrono Road seats. The Sparcos are much wider and larger compared to the Corbeaus.



If I recall correctly, I'm using Corbeau bottom seat brackets redrilled for the Sparco sliders and seat bolt pattern. I'm not satisfied with the seat bracket as it sits too low in the back and I'm having to stack fender washers to raise it. Oh well.....

 

AVS In-Channel Window Visor and Rear Window Sun Deflector.



The rear window deflector isn't everyones cup of tea but I was looking for continuity along the upper window glass to flow with the in-channel visors of the doors. Also, I believe the rear window sun deflector is now NLA from AVS so I'm glad I was able to get one. Now I just need to make sure I don't crack it.

 

Speedhut Boost and AFR Gauges
https://www.speedhut.com/
Ortiz Custom Pods Mirror Cover Single Pod
https://www.ozgaugepods.com/product-page/2005-14-toyota-tacoma-mirror-cover-single-pod



I originally had a gauge on each corner wing under the A/C vents of the radio bezel. But the viewing angle of the passenger side gauge was pretty poor so I decided to upgrade and shuffle the gauges around after buying that Ortiz mirror wing pod from a local seller.

 

Nice gauges! Speedhuts are nice and analog AFR is tits!

 

A non-transferable item from my Gen2 to Gen2.5 facelift project was the hood scoop LED bar bracket from C4 Fabrication. It's a bracket to stuff a 10" single row LED bar into the hood scoop on the Sport models. It is also NLA from C4Fab and because of that, I didn't want to part with it especially since it was paired with a Rigid SR LED bar that had minimal usage.

....so I bought a Rigid amber lens cover and repurposed it as a rear fog light.



The @sshole in me wants to mount it lower, without the lens cover and clock it straight at any potential tailgaters and rumpriders.

 

There was an early player in the small biz custom Tacoma suspension game that isn't around anymore. I bought a couple of their items when he was liquidating because they looked extremely well made, etc. Here's the rear lower shock mount and the shackle hanger cross-brace from Defined Engineering.






Most of the aftermarket crossbraces are paired with the beefier shackle hangers from the same manufacturer. (Eg. BAMF, Archive, TacomaPro, DRT, etc) Since I don't think I'll ever be joining the aftermarket shackle hanger club, the Defined Engineering brace was the perfect choice since it was designed to be used with the stock shackle hangers. Currently, I don't think anybody sells a bolt on X-brace that joins the factory hangers.

 

Mileage: #120829

Installed my Dialed Designs Toyota Tie Rod sleeves along with new genuine Toyota tie rod ends. Hardest part of the install is remembering that the driver-side jam nut spins to the rear of the truck to loosen. And the passenger-side jam nut spins to the front of the truck to loosen. Even though I tried to be very precise, I need to get it realigned now.

 

Ah the ol' lefty tightey. Always catches a guy when he's trying to loosen stuff.

All that suspension hardware looks top notch

 

Thanks Russ! Yeah, the good ol lefty tightey, righty good god almighty was very demasculinating as I couldn't get it loosen in either direction. A couple youtube videos confirmed the direction I should be cranking and it finally broke loose.