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Stikle's Build

Discussion in '1st Gen. Builds (1995-2004)' started by stikle, Jul 30, 2013.

  1. Jul 30, 2013 at 8:46 AM
    #1
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    I guess I should join the crowd and make a "build" thread to reference.

    My Toy Story

    I bought a boat a few years back because I was in the right place at the right time and it was the right price. The problem is that I didn't have a way to tow it until about a year ago. I'd just borrow family/friend's vehicles to get it down to the water and then pay to moor it. Rates started going up every year until finally it was financially unfeasible to do that, so the boat's been sitting by the driveway for the last 2 years.

    At my work we had a contractor whose contract was expiring and he decided to move his family back to Australia. Well low and behold, another right place at the right time moment. He couldn't exactly drive his Taco there and it was cost prohibitive to ship it, so score another one for me! He kept it in immaculate condition and it only had 124K miles on it. Knowing he hadn't had the timing belt/water pump done, I negotiated him down to $6500.

    It's a 1997 v6 3.4L 4x4 LX - plenty of power to pull my little boat and haul whatever else I need. It's not the most economical vehicle to drive, but as a second/fun ride, it's perfect.

    The first thing I did was have all of the maintenance done on it. I'm not a "car guy", so most everything that needed done was way beyond me. A friend hooked me up with a certified Toyo tech that works on stuff on his own time for cheaper rates. He went through everything and I'm now confident that with basic maintenance, it'll last for many more years.

    I've had my Taco a year now. The previous owner kept it mostly stock, so it was time to make it "mine", and learn more about my truck.

    • Day 1:

    [​IMG]

    And here's the list of stuff I've done so far:

    Front End

    • Repainted the faded grill flat black - $5

    [​IMG]

    eBay clear corner lights - $25
    Anzo clear turn signals - $25
    Wade Bug Guard - $50
    TRS Miromoto H1 6000K HID Projector Retrofit into Pilot 7x6 housings - $325 (more on that later)

    [​IMG]

    Rear End

    • Repainted the canopy rear trim flat black - $5
    Spyder smoke tail lights - $85
    Replaced the flakey Toyo tail light conversion box so trailer lights work again - $25
    • Discovered the canopy brake light never worked - the wires were clipped and taped off behind the tail light for some reason. Fixed - $2
    Pop & Lock locking tailgate handle - $50
    • Stickers and extra badges on the back end just because - $30

    [​IMG]

    License plate frame backup camera

    [​IMG]

    Clip on rearview mirror with backup LCD display

    [​IMG]

    Suspension

    • - $1030

    Tires/Wheels

    • 16" TKO wheels by MB Wheels through America's Tire (red accent logo and valve stem covers!) - $600
    265/75R16 Cooper Discoverer ATP Tires through America's Tire - $500
    • Pinch weld mod to alleviate rubbing from the bigger tires - $0 (Can of undercoat spray $5)

    [​IMG]

    Audio

    • Kenwood Excelon KDC-X997 deck & Excelon 6.5" speakers - $450
    • PowerBass 10" in a box behind the seat (removable if I need the room) - $150
    • 3 Channel Profile Amp - $Free hand-me-down

    Miscellaneous

    • Timing Belt, Water Pump, and major maintenance - $1200
    • Viper Alarm with door lock actuators for keyless entry - $250
    • 22% Window Tint - $200
    Smittybilt step bars - $150
    • Firestone Lifetime alignment ($170) revealed the back end was bent. $300 at a frame shop to fix.
    • Fixed the non-working cigarette lighter - $0
    • Spray painted the door floor molding screws black so they look nice again ($0)
    • New muffler - $150 (Probably should have done research and gotten a Flowmaster)
    Wheelskin leather steering wheel cover - $50
    Tacoma OEM branded floor mats - $80
    • Added 12v inside canopy light with quick disconnect - $25

    [​IMG]

    • Instrument cluster LED mod - $50

    [​IMG]

    Current look (better picture forthcoming):

    [​IMG]

    And the justification for the initial purchase:

    [​IMG]

    I was getting 17-19 mpg, but the jury is still out after the new tires. I suspect I lost a couple mpg but haven't tracked well enough to be sure yet. I didn't even think about the speedometer difference until after the fact. According to my GPS, it's only 2-3 mph off now, so I can live with that. I think.

    That's it for now.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2014
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    #1
  2. Jul 30, 2013 at 8:50 AM
    #2
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    I used these Pilot 7x6 housings.

    And the Miromoto H1 6000K kit from TRS plus their butyl sealing glue. Use the H4/9003 wiring harness.

    eBay one of these for $5: H4 HID Bi-xenon Error Warning Canceller Leakage Module and plug it into the unused factory harness on the passenger side when done. That will create a load and allow your high beam console indicator to work again. Mine arrived yesterday. Plugged it in and voila'.

    You also need some JB Weld.

    Other than that, all you need are your oven, Dremel tool with cutoff wheels and cutting bit, and safety glasses. And do the cutting/grinding in the garage or outside. Really messy fine plastic particles are created.

    Note that the projector appears to be sagging a bit. It was. I managed to catch and correct that before the JB Weld set all the way. Use a little bit of metal tape (high heat for water heater use) to secure the projector to the housings. JB weld right over the top of it. Allow it to set up for 30 minutes or so, then go test fit them in your truck. See if your cutoff lines are even in the ballpark. One of mine wasn't, that's how I discovered how severe it had sagged. You should be able to gently move the projector close to where it needs to be. Carefully take them back out and set them so they won't move any further and let cure another couple hours. Then before re-sealing, wipe down all inside pieces (including the lens and inside of the cover) with the alcohol wipes to remove all fingerprints and particles.

    JB Weld is more runny than I expected. A little bit got inside the housing where I didn't have it sealed all the way. You can only see it if you look for it though. Also got some on the wiring when I was test fitting, and apparently a drop on the bumper. Oops. So just be mindful and careful.

    Pilot housings before:

    [​IMG]

    Heating in the oven:

    [​IMG]

    Gently prying the two halves apart

    [​IMG]

    After prying the covers off, remove the existing glue while it's still warm and pliable. I worked on it when it was cooler, should have reheated it. When I removed the glue, some of the chrome was pulled off. I touched it up with a sharpie just to be sure black didn't show through. If I had blacked out the headlights, this wouldn't be an issue.

    [​IMG]

    I got impatient here and was in the "zone" of cutting, so I neglected to take any more in-process pictures as intended. Oops.

    Also note in this picture that one of the retaining clip holders is bent a little. I should have corrected that with a pair of pliers so it's seated all the way. I'll do that at some point when I feel like pulling the front end apart again.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2013
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #2
  3. Jul 31, 2013 at 7:56 AM
    #3
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Removed, cleaned with a wire wheel, and painted my brake drums. I found a metallic red that matches my wheel logos and valve stem caps. It looks cool...on the rattle can lid.

    Things learned:
    1. My tires are really heavy. Much more than I was expecting.
    2. The paint color I chose barely shows up on the drum dark base color. Should have gone with a better color or maybe a lighter primer first. Fail. :(
    3. I was shorted a security lug nut on the rear passenger side when I got my new wheels/tires. Couldn't tell because the center cap was covering it. 5/6 lugs is Not Right, so I'll be going back to them today.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Jul 31, 2013 at 9:44 AM
    #4
    kigmob

    kigmob Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2012
    Member:
    #82906
    Messages:
    1,134
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    97 TRD S/C 4x4 V6 5spd
    ICON/TC TRD Supercharger URD 2.2 and 7th
    Very clean build! I have an old pair of those pilot housings and have been debating a retro fit...
     
  5. Jul 31, 2013 at 1:37 PM
    #5
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Thanks :)

    The retro was a little scary, but it all worked out. I should have been more careful to get the HID lenses more level. There are notches on the outside that should go on the centerline of the Pilots. I was off just a little...no real way to correct that now. <shrug>
     
  6. Aug 1, 2013 at 7:33 AM
    #6
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Primer. Fixing...

    [​IMG]

    Same color red. Fixing...

    [​IMG]

    Fixed.

    [​IMG]
     
    Bennoclarke likes this.
  7. Aug 2, 2013 at 9:37 AM
    #7
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Added a leather Wheelskin. Discovered I don't much like stitching.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Aug 4, 2013 at 9:01 AM
    #8
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Painted my brake calipers:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Aug 4, 2013 at 3:58 PM
    #9
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Repainted the 4WD logos on my mudflaps today. Went with just white primer and latex clear coat that I had on hand.

    Should have masked off the rest of the flap to account for overspray. Had to hit it with a green Scotch pad to get (most of) it off.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Ryan_3TacosIn likes this.
  10. Aug 17, 2013 at 1:07 AM
    #10
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Added an extra Transmission Cooler today!

    [​IMG]

    Used as the primary resource. The included manual kinda sucked. Buying the suggested extra 4' of hose ahead of time saved me an in-progress trip to the store.

    Only about 1-1.5 cups of oil came out when I swapped the lines. The dipstick still looks like it's full, so I think I'm ok there.

    Should have mounted it just a little highter. The new hoses are visible from the front, and that kinda bugs me.
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2013
  11. Aug 17, 2013 at 2:37 PM
    #11
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Painted my skid plate to match the other red accents

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Aug 17, 2013 at 3:08 PM
    #12
    Buckoma

    Buckoma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2013
    Member:
    #96125
    Messages:
    1,060
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Chris
    Buckeye, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Sport 4x4
    Great truck and great price. Definitely look into a 2-3" lift once the current suspension starts giving out, and keep that chrome. I love those model Tacomas.
     
  13. Aug 17, 2013 at 4:45 PM
    #13
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Thanks!

    And, you mean like...these that just showed up from Toytec today? ;)

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Aug 17, 2013 at 4:46 PM
    #14
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Deckplate mod...

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Aug 17, 2013 at 9:55 PM
    #15
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Replaced the broken brake pedal rubber.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Aug 19, 2013 at 8:17 AM
    #16
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Plasti Dipped my air scoop so it's actually black again.

    [​IMG]

    Managed to tweak the passenger HID so it's finally straight.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2013
    1997tacomav6 likes this.
  17. Aug 21, 2013 at 9:12 PM
    #17
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Got my Toy back from being lifted today!

    Before:

    [​IMG]

    After:

    [​IMG]

    Bilstein 5100s and Eibachs from Toytec:

    [​IMG]

    Bilstein 5100s and add a leafs from Wheelers:

    [​IMG]
     
    SanClementeTac01 likes this.
  18. Aug 23, 2013 at 6:58 AM
    #18
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Stock UCAs.

    Before lift:

    [​IMG]

    After lift:

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Aug 27, 2013 at 10:21 AM
    #19
    stikle

    stikle [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2013
    Member:
    #102916
    Messages:
    1,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    The Sovereign State of Eastern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    1997 LX Xtracab 4x4 V6 3.4L
    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Replaced my too-short U-Bolts with correct ones.

    Also replaced my license plate bulbs with LEDs:

    [​IMG]
     
  20. Aug 28, 2013 at 12:31 AM
    #20
    96tacoforlife

    96tacoforlife Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Member:
    #111125
    Messages:
    146
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    California
    Vehicle:
    18 TRD Offroad 4X4
    Hey man where did you get the instrument cluster led mod? Was it hard to install
     

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