Arsenj0365's Build

Bought my truck July 2014. It all started when I was looking for a new toy/project. Wanted a short wheel base, with good off road capabilities, manual transmission, and cheap on the sticker price. The only thing that fit all of those was what I bought, regular cab Tacoma.

Here is what it looks like the day I brought it home. Paid $22,000 out the door brand new. 4 cyl, 5 speed, base model, 4x4. It is all I wanted and have big plans for it.


First things first, painted the wheels and tinted the windows to 20%.


Next was a hitch and wiring harness.


A couple weeks after buying it, I took it on it's first camping trip/very light wheeling.


On the way home, it suffered its first damage. Somehow, driving down the interstate I hear a bang. Get home and find this lovely dent in the B pillar...


Then I started looking around and seeing a few issues with the trucks, weak tailgate, no secure way that was somewhat cheap to lock storage compartments, no one made bed rail caps out of steel at the time. So I started making my own...

Storage Doors:


Tailgate Skin and Tailgate Cap:


Next was a soft cap from a TW Member, props on the great deal!


Next I decided I wanted a secure winch point on the front, with shackle points. I didn't want to lose approach angle either. So I came up with an idea to make both, come through the lower bumper valence. 2" receiver in the middle, 2, 3/4" thick shackle points. Now I have this:


I learned how terrible the stock tires were in our first snow storm. Slid into a curb, bent a stock steel wheel and broke a wheel bearing... Fixed that with some used TRD wheels and Nitto Grapplers.


Last thing I have done is put some BFGoodrich Rugged Terrains 265/75-17 on it and took off the mud flaps.


Currently finished up bolt on sliders for it. Then rear bumper, skid plates and who knows from there. Once it is paid off, I will be doing a SAS up front and air lockers.

 

awesome build man. I really like the front recovery points, anymore info on that ?

 

Yes sir. It's a recovery bar that I've designed and fabricated. Bolts into the chassis behind the stock bumper to the same points the plate bumpers bolt up to. It's all 1/4" thick steel except for the shackle points which are 3/4" thick. Ties together with 3" sq tube, 3/16" Wall. Then the center 2" receiver is rein forced front and back of the 3" sq tube with 1/4" thick plates front and back ton increase pull strength. This way you can use a winch basket and winch, up to 9500lb winch. Powder coated for durable and attractive finish. I make them and sell them, $300 before shipping.

 

Nice truck and build Joe!Just want to let you know that i also run the BFG Rugged Terrain tires and i'm very impressed/satisfied with them on and offroad!

 

Good news. Haven't taken them Offroad yet but will in a few weeks.

 

Finished welding up my bolt on sliders yesterday, painted last night and bolted up this morning. Used 2" sq tube, 3/16" plate and 1-3/4" dom tubing.