TonyMac’s ‘24 TRD Sport…

Just want a place to keep up with all my crap…
Day I bought it:


First thing I did was remove the front “chin” or spoiler. Not a fan of that plastic garbage.
Next up was rear seat delete. No kids and I’d rather use space for cargo. I installed a DIY rear deck:


Next up is seat covers, tonneau cover, and replacing oem tires with some 275/70r18 AT or MT tires.

 

Seat covers (Amazon - Coverdream, sub company of EKR):


Went with a Rough Country low profile tonneau cover:

in this pic you can see I like decals/stickers. I removed the TRD Sport decals and added a distressed vertical flag. Also added some decals to rear window. Got more coming…

 

I bought some Thunderer Ranger AT tires, (275/70 R18) though Walmart, but the seller sent Thunderer Trac Grip MT. I decided to keep them and have them installed. Walmart will not install tires of a different size or type, other than OEM size. I took the tires to discount tires- my 2nd choice, only b/c the local tire shop kept hanging up when I was trying to call. Idiots…


Before I bought this Tacoma, I had a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. I had just installed a new winch when I started having issues…worst issue was a blown head gasket. I dumped the Jeep and ended up buying the Tacoma. Before getting rid of the Jeep, I removed several items, including the winch. It is now on the Tacoma.
I was debating adding a hidden winch bumper and then found a hidden winch plate that utilizes the oem bumper, but you gotta cut the hole for the fairlead.


I might eventually get a different bumper.

 

I bought some ditch light brackets and 4” LED lights. Also decided to go the route of a switch controller vs running wires to relays, fuses and switches. Less work and wiring. Amazon had a deal on a knockoff switch controller for about $42, couldn’t resist. Looks like an Auxbeam, but not branded. I will need to get some pics of it, when it stops raining.

 

Today I added some new mudflaps. I found them on Amazon:

$37 Peleus Upgraded TPE Truck Mud Flaps for Toyota Tacoma 2024 Aerodynamic MudFlaps for Trucks Pickup MudGards Fenders 2024 Tacoma Accessories Set of 4 Mud Gards Splash Guards

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDH3L98G
They fit good, only had to work the top most hole into place. The flaps are flexible (more rubbery than plastic), so they were fairly easy to install & maneuver.

And a comparison with front OEM:


I had mentioned I added a switch controller. Here is a pic of the switches mounted:

I'd really like to see the mounting bracket currently being developed by *(forgot the vendor).
I also added an ICS Fab dashmount. It was made to go behind the 14" radio, so there is a gap behind the 8" radio. I currently added a piece of black foam board (cut to size) so it doesn't look so unfinished. The main reason I did this is I tried a mirror mount for radar, but it is just too much right in your face. I have a R7, so it is not on the small side to begin with...

I may have my cousin 3D print me a piece that I can screw into the side mounting holes. And have it come out flush to the front of the mount.

 

There are a few things that I completely forgot about. I did replace the back exhaust with the off road exhaust. I bought the ATH (at the helm) version for $85. I do like that there is more clearance and less stuff by the spare. Not much of a sound difference to me.


I installed the Beat Sonic amp and the BH10 adapter. I swapped the dash speakers for DS18 Pro tweeters, and the door speakers for 6.5” Pioneer full range speakers. I left the OEM rear speakers. I added a Pioneer 10” sub with amp. The speaker it came with sucked, so I swapped it for a 10” Rockford Fosgate Prime sub I had in another enclosure. Huge difference.
The DS18 tweeters started out sounding a bit harsh. I mean ear-piercing, almost too much. But after a week or so, either I got used to them or they settled in and now sound much better.

I also added a Blue Sea 6006 on/off switch for the winch.

 

Yesterday, I had the tint on the front 2 windows replaced. There were bubbles (lint/dust) on both and once I saw them, it just bothered me. I called the dealership and they sent me to the shop that installs all their tint. Shop was easy to deal with and I asked to match rear windows, 20%.
I noticed today that there are a few specs on driver window. I may or may not have it redone again...

 

Installed hood struts today. I found another brand, Techpicco on Amazon - same as the ditch brackets I bought. I paid less than half of the name brand. $42 to be exact. They are listed at $62 with a 15% off coupon. I had a bit of credit as well.

$63 TECHPICCO Hood Struts for Toyota Tacoma 2024 2025+, Hood Lift Support No Drill Front Gas Springs Shocks Compatible with Toyota Tacoma Accessories 2024+

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPP6QQTG

 

Finally broke down and bought a tailgate step. I found it on Amazon for just under $100:

PT392-35920 Rear Bed Step Tailgate Bedstep Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2024 2025, Retractable Bumper Tailgate Step

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRHWVQQ4
It was a simple install:


and several peeps have asked to see the step up or closed…


I think my next mod install might be a front bumper. I have been going back and forth on a roof rack. Currently leaning against one. We shall see…

 

So today was a nice day…decided to get a couple small things done.
I added a tie down to my rear deck so that I could strap down my cooler. Simple, but I have been putting it off, not sure why, just 2 screws!
I also received the rear bumper, hi-lift jack point covers from Trumgeta. They are a solid rubber material and attached well enough to not worry about them falling off.

2 covers, just a pic of one as they are identical. And for those worried about trapping moisture, there are 2 holes in bottom of the frame, nothing will get trapped in there.
I think it gives a cleaner look. I believe they offer a set without the orange letters.

 

So, my wife and I drove down to the Austin area this past weekend. We took the truck since I needed to get some miles on it. Truck drove awesome, zero issues. The one thing she mentioned was why my radio sounded weird. My wife is probably the farthest thing from an audiophile that there is, so her noticing something was odd.
Turns out the tweeters I added - the DS18 Pro - are just too loud. The treble is over-powering, so this is what she was referring to. I think I just got used to it and adjusted the sub, etc.
I ordered a set of

$50 POLK AUDIO DB402 DB+ Series 4" Coaxial Speakers with Marine Certification, Black

Polk DB+ 4” speakers (Amazon, on sale for $50). Got them installed today…HUGE difference. I can actually hear door speakers again!

Almost perfect fit. I had to remove the washer on one of the screws (front one) to secure speakers. Did same thing on both sides. No issue with cover.

I really like these, good sound and much more balanced compared to the DS18s.

 

Your rig looks badass! I love the rear seat delete idea. That might be in my future! I'm just starting to upgrade mine for a long adventure out west.

 

Very nice…are you taking a long road trip? Removing the rear seat is easy, and if you want the cargo space, it is worth it.

 

That's the plan! I'm just in the beginning of the process still but I'm working towards that goal. If only I had an unlimited budget!

 

So a post by “tacodoc1” got me thinking, not always a good thing…he added a bed slide deck and I thought that would be convenient with a tonneau cover.
I looked up these bed slide decks and I will say, they are effin expensive. But then I remembered I built some drawers with a slide on top for the 4Runner. I measured the slide deck and it is 32” deep and 40” wide. The Tacoma bed between wheel wells, measured about 44”…great!
I had a partial piece of plywood leftover from a previous project. It measured 42” x 54”. Damn, how lucky was that…no need to cut anything.
I slapped it all together and boom…diy slide deck in bed. I have about 18” from back of bed to the slide.

It will slide out over the tailgate, almost to top as it lays down. Glad I was able to re-purpose!
I will need to either cut the plywood on the back or add a non-slip surface. Maybe a rubber mat or something I can pickup at HD.

 

Today I received a Bulletpoint dash mount. I have an ICS Fab one but it is for a 14” screen and is not clean looking with 8” radio.
This new one fits well…only “catch” is you have to drill small holes is the trim piece behind radio. For me, not really a big deal. Can always replace the piece if needed. The base comes with four bolts that replaces OEM bolts. It is solidly secured.




I have a magnetic base (for radar detector) and a ball mount (for various items). I think it looks much better than the previous dash mount.

 

I ordered a bumper that works with the hidden winch mount I have installed. Hoping it all lines up properly. Install does require cutting the lower plastic on bumper. Will post pics when I get it and installed.

Bumper arrived today (3-17-25). Solid bumper, steel, powdered coated.

 

Just an fyi, on your last two posts (updates 12-13) nothing is showing. At least on my screen. Also, stupid question but did you have to buy/install a different rear bumper to get the hi lift jack point?

 

Oh...that is just me "reserving" a couple spots in the thread. That is all. I'll go back and edit the "Update 12" when I do something. Just me trying to keep things straight!
As far as the Hi-lift jack points, I believe that is standard on all Tacomas. But I am not 100% on that.

 

Gotcha. I'll have to look at my bumper. Thanks! Are you planning on adding any kind of battery/electrical to your setup? I'm trying to figure out the best and most cost-effective way to add stand-alone power charged by solar/wind. I plan on camping/boondocking for several days at a time but still have some basic comforts.