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The something a little different build

Discussion in '1st Gen. Builds (1995-2004)' started by Pilot0527, Feb 8, 2018.

  1. Feb 8, 2018 at 3:20 PM
    #1
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
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    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Hey guys,

    So I've already introduced myself in another thread titled "Another new guy". In this thread I plan on sharing my journey as I go through my Taco getting it back looking good again and tip top shape.

    Just a little back ground. I've had this truck for 11 years. I'm the 2nd owner. I really wanted a 4x4 but couldn't afford it or justify it as the places I hunted at the time were pretty accessible. Since then I have found better places to hunt and I now live in West TN where we get a little snow every year. As a result, I have been drooling for a 4x4. The problem now is that my taco is paid for and I don't want a truck note.

    So I've decided to just put in a rear airlocker and winch. In addition to that, and to ease the desire for a new Toyota 4x4, I've also decided to do some other things to bring her back to beautiful again.

    So far I've gotten the locker installed! I've also had the linex bedliner revamped with the premium product. Monday it goes in to get the timing belt and water pump replaced.

    I didn't know the timing belt was supposed to be replaced at 90k! Good grief! It's just about to hit 200k! Anyway...I will post pics as I go along. Please feel free to offer pointers and tips.

    This pics in this post are how she sits now with one showing the cool airlocker compressor and the new bedliner.

    IMG_20180208_165431334_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20180208_165443753.jpg
    IMG_20180208_165531507.jpg
    IMG_20180208_165614209_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20180208_165559820_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20180208_165510866.jpg
     
  2. Feb 8, 2018 at 5:31 PM
    #2
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Pittsburgh, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 XCab 4x4 TRD/OR
    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights
    nice truck. you could always source the parts to make it a 4x4 (modules, front diff, axles, driveshaft, transfer case, interior console, etc).

    do it over time and you can just build up the parts. that way no new payments and you end up with the truck you want :)
     
    Jon G, MagicMexican and 2002Tacoma4x4 like this.
  3. Feb 8, 2018 at 5:40 PM
    #3
    YotaTank

    YotaTank Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Road Salt Hell
    Vehicle:
    1995 Tacoma SX 4x4
    Looking good! First time seeing an extended cab stepside!
     
    disturbio and Running Board Man like this.
  4. Feb 10, 2018 at 11:34 AM
    #4
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    So... I have a question. I want to change out the current wheels with something more rugged looking and have settled on black rhino warlords. They are a 17x9 wheel with 12mm offset.

    I currently have helo's on it now and I don't think there's any offset. My current tire size is LT285/75/R16. I would like to keep pretty close to the same size tire but don't know if I will be able too with going to a 17" wheel. I have a 3" lift on it now and the current tires scrub just a little while turning with steering wheel hard over.

    Any suggestions?
     
  5. Feb 10, 2018 at 2:18 PM
    #5
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    Pittsburgh, PA
    Vehicle:
    04 XCab 4x4 TRD/OR
    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights
    use 285/70-17 as they are almost identical in size. you will need to check the current size rims vs the new rims for how far they sit inward and outward of the spindle
     
  6. Feb 15, 2018 at 4:58 PM
    #6
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Alright. Timing belt, water pump, and all the other belts were replaced today. I got lucky on the timing belt. It was pretty cracked up.

    Next thing on the list will be an electric fans and underdrive pulleys. That happens next at the beginning of next week then it's off to the paint booth. I will post pics of those things. Stay tuned
     
  7. Feb 16, 2018 at 12:02 PM
    #7
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    Pittsburgh, PA
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    04 XCab 4x4 TRD/OR
    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights
    you may want to rethink the electric fans. not many recommend them and the cooling is same or less than the clutch fan from what I remember. parasitic drag isn't overwhelming either.
     
  8. Feb 16, 2018 at 3:28 PM
    #8
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Yeah... I've gone back and forth about it to be honest. Mainly because these toyotas' OEM parts have stood the test of time and ruggedness IMHO. So swapping that out for an aftermarket electric fan has given me some pause.

    The main reason for wanting to do the swap was just to try to free up a little power while pulling the boat and maybe saving a little gas. Plus I've read on this very site that having an electric fan will increase AC efficiency and consistency. I've also read somewhere that having an electric fan could prolong the life of the water pump. I don't know...I can see both sides of the argument. It has been covered on this site very well. This site is such a great resource! Thanks to whoever for making it and moderating it.

    Curious to the parasite drag part though. What do you mean by that? Are you saying that the stock belt driven fan has less drag and that's why you stated "parasite drag isn't overwhelming" or do you mean something else?

    Being an aircraft mechanic and a airline pilot by trade, parasite drag as I know it, is the sum of skin friction, form, and interference drag. That being said, the main or most significant type of drag that an electric or belt driven fan would cause, would be form drag since they are objects that are in direct contact the diffused slip stream coming through the radiator. The radiator being far and away (in the context that I understand it) the most significant contributor to parasite drag in this scenario.

    I'm just curious what you meant by it.
     
  9. Feb 16, 2018 at 6:47 PM
    #9
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Pittsburgh, PA
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    04 XCab 4x4 TRD/OR
    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights
    the belt driven fan would have more parasitic drag on the engine but switching to an electric you would only gain like 1-2 HP (if memory serves) so it's negligible.
     
  10. Feb 16, 2018 at 6:52 PM
    #10
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Oh I see. Well... It's definitely something to consider. Thanks man!
     
  11. Feb 22, 2018 at 10:09 AM
    #11
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Truck left today for the paint shop! It will be completely redone. Door panels coming out and doors jammed out, tail lights and headlights coming out, hood coming off and painted underneath, engine bay repainted etc. Will look like it came from the factory painted the way it's going to be painted. Debating on if the brake calipers will be stripped, etched, and painted. I don't know.

    As far as paint schemes go, I think we have it nailed down but....I'm a little in the air about it. I've gone back and forth over just painting it all one solid color or if I should two tone it or if I should get a little creative and put some strips on it. My dad is the one painting it and he thinks it would be cool to put some strips on it. So he came over and kind of laid things out with masking tape to show me what he was thinking. I have to admit... His ideas will definitely make the truck look aggressive.

    He's thinking of something similar to the pic below. Not identical but similar. Colors we've decided on are primarily magnetic metallic and black with red accents. I don't know man... My goal has been to not be over the top and try to keep it clean looking. Ha! I might be swimming out a little bit.

    Stay tuned!

    Screenshot_20180221-171905.jpg
     
    lsaami likes this.
  12. Feb 23, 2018 at 5:45 PM
    #12
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    So work on the paint job started today with disassembly of things, the new grill being installed, paint picked up from the paint store and such. The attached pics aren't really exciting. Just here for everyone to see the process.

    7678.jpg
    The colors going onto the truck. The magnetic metallic looks a lot lighter in this pic than it actually will be once on the truck.

    7730.jpg
    The grill coming out... Obviously. Sorry

    7777.jpg
    Things starting to be cut for the custom grill.

    7781.jpg
    Had to take a break from all the cutting. Still have the little section on the left to do.7785.jpg
    Almost done! This is so freaking awesome!! This thing is a real bitch by the way. Will have to make an extra cut for the hood latch.
    7738.jpg Fender flares off. Man you guys, that little rubber strip between the flare and body is installed as a sticky strip. Hope we can save these as I don't want them just painted. I want this thing to look like it was factory painted or at least like alot of attention went into detail.
    7758.jpg We have a little body work to do. Nothing major. Just door dings and little dents. It's normal wear and tear for a 2003.

    7768.jpg I remember this one... I was trying to quit that blasted chewing tobacco and had a moment. :facepalm:

    Well that's it for now. Start back up in the morning.
     
    SwampYota likes this.
  13. Feb 23, 2018 at 9:04 PM
    #13
    SimplexFish

    SimplexFish Well-Known Member

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    Mahaff
    Houston, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tacoma Double Cab PreRunner TRD
    Be original...
     
  14. Feb 24, 2018 at 2:21 AM
    #14
    CoalTrainTaco

    CoalTrainTaco Welker

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    Fox 2.0 Coilovers MaxTrac Spindles TC Lighting Headlights Red Rock Roof Rack
  15. Feb 24, 2018 at 5:41 AM
    #15
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
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    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Oh man! Ha! I'm trying to be original.... Well the paint design is a lot different from that tundra's. That's a great looking truck though!!
     
  16. Feb 24, 2018 at 10:43 AM
    #16
    SimplexFish

    SimplexFish Well-Known Member

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  17. Feb 24, 2018 at 10:46 AM
    #17
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
    #243628
    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Is that yours? I really like it! Hahaha! I just can't believe somebody has a truck with almost identical colors to what I decided to put on mine.
     
  18. Feb 26, 2018 at 4:09 PM
    #18
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    I don't have a lot more pics to post. Dad and I both had to go back to work. Enjoy!
    7845.jpg
    Had to clean up the cuts on the grill.

    7849.jpg
    This was a nasty spot.

    7861.jpg
    Primed out.
    7863.jpg Finished! Just have to install the Grill mesh.
    7886.jpg Spots in the previous post where body work had to be done.
    7951.jpg
    This was a dent that happened where a lady bumped me on a slick snow packed road. Only put a little ding on me but, she couldn't open here door. The Tacoma's are tough!8024.jpg Mudded and primed.
    7921.jpg
    The strip will be red. Beneath it will be black and above it, magnetic metallic.
    7995.jpg
    Hood off.
    8073.jpg
    Cleaned and sanded.
    8075.jpg
    Painted in magnetic metallic!

    More to come!
     
  19. Mar 1, 2018 at 11:11 AM
    #19
    kmac1701

    kmac1701 Well-Known Member

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    Kevin
    Boston
    Vehicle:
    1998 Tan Tacoma PreRunner Ext Cab v6 3.4L
    Awesome truck, loving the steering wheel cover, do you know what it's called / where I can get one?
     
  20. Mar 1, 2018 at 11:29 AM
    #20
    Pilot0527

    Pilot0527 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
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    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    West TN
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma Prerunner flareside
    3" lift, aftermarket cruise control, helo wheels chrome, ARB rear airlocker, linex bedliner, Dee's aluminum toolbox
    Thanks man. Dude, I just got that thing from basspro shops like two years ago. I'm sure they still have them there.
     
    kmac1701 likes this.

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