Additions

So I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma and I want to add fender flares, a deflector, and a tailgate lock any suggestions ??? My car is the one on the right and I want to make it look better.

 

I don't think any of those things will make your truck look better tbh. Bushwacker flares for $500ish on a 5-lug won't make it look better, and you'll just waste money. A bug deflector is good for avoiding rock chips, but personally I don't think many find them aesthetically attractive.

 

+1 5lugs look best just OEM.

Pop N Lock has electronic and manual locks for the tailgate though.

 

Sorry I'm new to this what is a 5 lug. And what would you guys recommend to make it look better.

 

Tacomas came in many variations. A standard Tacoma came with hubs with only 5 lugnuts, hence the "5 lug" nickname. 5 lugs were the standard base model budget truck, and usually had the lowest trim level (if any). They were limited to regular and extended cabs, and only RWD. The 6 lugged hubs are what came standard on PreRunners (RWD truck built on a 4x4 chassis) and all 4x4 models.

5 lugs ride a lot closer to the ground than the 6 lugged trucks since they were never meant to go off-road and didn't need the higher clearance, they were built more to be a normal passenger car. Their frames are completely different from 6 lugged trucks. This is usually why you see a lot of gardeners and contractors with 5 lugged Tacomas, they were cheaper and they didn't need the off-road capabilities that the 6 lugged trucks have. They're common fleet vehicles.

 

Here you can sort of see the height difference between the 5-Lug (Right) and 6-Lug (Left) trucks in the same cab variation. The 5-Lugs ride a lot closer to the ground and are generally a lot more difficult to add a lift to.

 

Yeah I have a 5 lug . It's my first car so what should I add to it

 

Whatever gets you closer to the vision you have for your truck. That vision may change... but keep looking at other trucks, getting ideas and get what you like. Everyone has their preferences, around here most of us are more geared towards off road use, but you will find tons of maintenance tips and cool people if nothing else.

 

First things first CHANGE THE OIL
Check engine, trans, drivetrain, and suspension! Always have a solid vehicle before modifying or building it!!!

Since this is your first vehicle drive it around get used to it. That tacoma looks very nice take care of it. Dont just take care of it PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT!

1997-2000 toyota tacoma oem 4x4/prerunner stock fender flares. These will bolt on without drilling or adding aditional holes. The 1997-2000 flares are smaller. If you want to put 2001-2004 flares you would need to cut holes or find a bed and fenders.

You could also replace your valance with a 2001-2004 tacoma valance as it is a little bit taller so truck looks lower but nothing drastic.

If you drop the truck do it correctly. No cutting springs.

The next biggest thing is rim choice!

 

Those would work, bbut personally im an OEM nazi. Lol

 

Bushwackers are about $200 all four

Toyota OEM brand new online is about $200 per flare

But the fit and finish between aftermarket and OEM is day and night.

 

Can someone give me a link please

 

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/auto...gas-engine/body-cat/exterior-trim-fender-scat

 

This is my first car too. Before doing anything to it I'd spend the money on preventative maintenance. I did the opposite and modded everything before even looking at the drivetrain, big mistake. Change your oil, check the fluids, check your tires -- make sure it's a good working vehicle before you go dropping money on mods. I bought a new brake set and it was sitting in my garage for a good 6 months while I did other cosmetic things to the truck. Do the important things first.

 

I love chrome trims!!

I would buy them if i was near just for spares!!!

 

You and I are one of the few people who like Chrome, lol. I'm personally a huge fan of the Chrome accents that came stock on the truck. Everyone de-badges and plastidips the Chrome and it makes me sad. I went for the Chrome mirrors instead of the Black ones when I did my power door retrofit. I just changed the flares because I personally like the look of the thicker flares better.

 

Truck looks sweet!! I had a big headlight truck a while back.

Previous owner plastidipped it black soo you can guess what i did!


Not too mention the free high from the paint thinner. Lol

 

The first thing I did when I got my truck was new tires, the tires that came with the truck were the original 1998 dealer set. Crazy.

I started out by changing out the stock stereo system, adding a grille guard & toolbox, CB radio, etc. Now I'm at a point where I'm butchering old Tacoma seats for the mounting rails and welding Lexus ES300 seats to them.

Check out my build thread in my signature if you want to see everything I've done. (Link in signature) Do the preventative maintenance first. I can't stress this enough.

 

Daamnn those tires are thicc. Why'd you change trucks?