2004 DC TRD build thread- The Good Enough Tacoma

I am very impressed with how the stock leaf springs handled the weight of the topper, canoe, paddling supplies, fishing gear, and all luggage, gear for a camping/hiking weekend for 3+dog.
there was probably 500lbs of additional weight.
I also hit a deer on the way home yesterday around lunchtime.

 

Refreshing my original plan from this purchase almost 1 year ago.
maintenance items done
radiator
hoses
LBJs
steering
P/S lines and hoses
all fluids
front coilovers
fuel filter
plugs
wires
CV axles
walker upstream and downstream cats
denso a/f and O2 sensors
MBRP XP series catback
trans cooler
265 dick cepek EXPs

Time to have some fun.
I have started saving for the original plan of some 4:88 gears and an ARB rear locker. After that, some "cheap" 33's like the yokohama geolander MTs which are currently only $700 for 285/75/16. I want to be able fully load this truck and still be capable.
There are some many other "wants" that are easier to buy because they are cheaper but overall i don't need or won't help the performance. Aftermarket wheels, GMRS setup, sliders, gas tank skid, retrofit headlights, 3g4R limited seat swap, etc etc

 

Installed some blue mood rings

 

I’ve been kicking around the idea of building a small enclosed “adventure” trailer. Not necessarily for off-road but something a little more seasonal dirt road/winter friendly. I like the idea of leaving the truck light and capable and having a trailer that I could load up the basecamp in, throw the canoe on top, etc. it could see a lot of use for deer camp, fishing trips, etc.
I really this the military tool hauler until I found out the empty weight is 2,000 lbs

 

Replaced the diff breathers and bought a junkyard 4.56 add front diff.
I decided $300 for an oem toyota geared diff compared to $1,500 for a rebuilt one with ARB is worth the money.

 

I got both diffs cleaned up and painted

 

I got the wheels prepped and painted.
They don't look terrible for the amount of corrosion and pitting them had.
$30 in paint and a full days of work in total and they look presentable.
I was going to have them powdercoated but the cheapest quote i got was $550 for the set and at that point i would get a set of 2020+ trd pro wheels

 

Raised the Bilstein 6112s to 11/11 drivers side and 10/11 passenger side. Trimmed a little plastic test fit the 33s

ordered a set of Primelux 8” LED spots 28,800 Lumens combined

 

Truck will definitely need the gears
Power is surprisingly adequate however the fuel mileage is poor

 

I made some mounts and installed my primelux 8” spot LEDs. Wiring job complete with the required bloody knuckles

 

What was wrong with the original steering rack that made you have to replace it? I currently don’t have any leaks but when going over rough roads or bumps, I feel the steering become loose and hear a clunk or two. I have replaced the steering rack bushing but it is still the same. I wonder if it is the steering rack inner and outer tie rods or ball joints instead of the steering rack. I’m not sure.

 

Steering functionality seemed completely normal. it developed a very small lean and the bushings were shot. I had it all changed in one shot. With both from wheels off the ground, you can move the wheels by hand against the fluid pressure in the rack and feel for looseness. the steering symptom sounds like a ball joint or something in the lower control arm geometry (loose alignment bolts, bad LCA bushings etc).

 

I need to get out and start wheeling again. This truck hasn’t touched anything except some seasonal roads

 

Another box of goodies

 

I’m sorry to see the t4r go but you’ve done a hell of a job with this one. Love the work you’ve done. Keep up the work.

 

Got the rear brake hard lines replaced, wheel cylinders, oem t-fitting and extended rear brake line changed.
Last night I changed the fuel pump.
Hopefully that takes care of the warm engine cranking/stumbling issue.
A few weeks ago I got the 4.56 front diff installed. Hopefully next weekend I can do the rear diff swap

 

@jmferg so the d-ring shackle mount from your 3G4R worked with the Taco? Been looking for a set for my 03. Thanks

 

yes, same frame. i still have them sitting in a box if you're interested in buying them.

 

If you're willing to let them go for a reasonable amount and ship to Canada I'd be interested. I'd cover the shipping of course.

 

Goodybye Xterra
Back in a Silver Toyota.