Check out the progress on my 2000 Tacoma 4x4 TRD - From Junk to Nice!

This has been a work in progress vehicle for me which I bought about a month ago. I had to swap the 3.4L and the rear axle (motor had a rod knock) and rear axle had a pinion bearing going bad. I've slowly been getting it fixed up after I finished the heavy mechanical repairs.

Maybe not so much mods, but replacing parts to make it look better. Check this out.

Front End Before:


Front End After (All new lights and bumper cover). I also have a silver grille on the way:


Peeling TRD Sticker:


New TRD Sticker (shows upgraded rear lights as well):


Old Motor:


New Motor With Full Service, Clutch, Seals, Gaskets, Timing Belt, WP, Belts, etc.:


Old E-Locker Diff:


New E-Locker Diff:


Old Worn Out Steering Wheel:


New 96 4-Runner Leather Wheel and Dyed Airbag (black column trim is on the way, also shows TRD shift knob):


Peeling Side Window Trim:


Cleaned and Trim Blackout Tape Applied:


I've done a number of other things like a new drivers side window regulator, cleaned interior, fixed aftermarket stereo, fixed Viper alarm and installed new 2-way fobs, etc. It's coming along!

Put my 2005 4Runner Limited wheels on it that I had laying around:


I also put a set of wheels/tires on my 02 Double Cab. About to order an OME setup from Wheeler's with Camburg UCA's and a few other goodies for it. Who knows, maybe I'll treat the 2000 to the same.

 

looks awesome so far! any more replacements/mods on the list?

 

Very Nice!!

 

So you have 2 1st gen TRD 4x4 tacos? Man thats awesome. great work also.

 

Yup. Matter of fact until last weekend I had three 1st Gen Tacos. A 95.5 Xtra Cab 4x4 V6 plus the two you see here. Had to sell one - five vehicles was a bit much. HAHA.

Thanks!

 

If you are worried about your license plate, may want to block the first picture as well.

 

I'm not. Was playing around with a new camera app on my iPhone.

 

Looks great! nice clean touch

 

Nice work btw

 

Lookin good, Lookin good

 

Thanks guys!

 

Interested in this "Blackout Tape"... Details?
And the truck is looking great so far!

 

I bought a roll of black trim tape from Summit Racing. You scrape all of the black covering off of the window strip and then apply the tape. I used a heat gun to help with adhesion and then trimmed it with a hobby knife. Came out pretty good and I did it with the trim on the truck. It would be easier if the trim were removed.

 

Nice work

 

Cool I'll have to check this out... Thanks!

 

nice work!

Where did you get the rear axle from? Junkyard? Someone else's part out? I have a 2nd gen sport that will soon have an ARB locker, unless I find a good deal on a e-locker axle to swap.

 

I bought it from a local Toyota recycler. I went specifically for a Double Cab axle since my thoughts were:

1. Automatic Transmission - less chance of the rear axle being beat on.
2. Not everyone wheels a DC, so I figured the chances of it coming from a stock truck were greater.

The rear axle was in great shape - I just cleaned it up, gave it a coat of paint and installed it.

 

What is the wheel that you used for decal removal? Any percieved clear coat damage?

 

It's a pinstripe removal wheel from Astro Pneumatic. I ordered it from Amazon.com. I saw zero clear coat damage. I see it as being safer than using some kind of a plastic scraper and it's nearly effortless. I couldn't believe how quickly it removed that pain in the ass sticker when compared to my other attempts. I also didn't run my drill fast at all - very low speed. You'll still want some adhesive remover, but it cleaned right up with a quick spray and then wiping it down. I followed up with rubbing alcohol before installing the new sticker.