Buckoma Build: AZ0WNZ

Well here it goes, a little space for me to post up info about the AZ0WNZ. Don’t expect a lot of excitement… just a place for me to keep track of what I do to the truck, what I WANT to do, and maybe its mild adventures.

Here’s my old build thread for the previous truck. It was time to upgrade to something a little more modern and family friendly. Here’s the old truck’s for sale thread.


The "AZ0WNZ:" 2016 DCSB A/T TRD Sport 4x4



I bought the truck from a Tacomaworlder in January, 2018 with 25k miles on the clock. After assuming I’d be getting a new Off-Road for the last few years, I ended up with a used Sport!?! I’m still a little confused about that, but I ended up with a pretty sweet truck and saved a ton of dough. If I eventually get to the point where I want to wheel it harder, maybe I’ll stick an ARB locker in her.

BASIC FEATURES:
JBL Audio Navigation
Blind Spot monitoring Rear Parking Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert Wireless Charging
Moon Roof Dual Climate Control
Heated Seats Etc…

CURRENT MODS:
Interior-
LED interior lights (all)
Salex console organizer and tray
Gentex Homelink mirror
Clazzio leather seat covers
OEM all weather mats

Lighting-
Cali Raised 32” hidden LED bar
The Retrofit Source HID headlights & fogs
ME-SO Customs Ultimate LED turn signals upgrade

Exterior-
15% Tinted windows
TRD pro grill
OEM Tri-Fold tonneau cover
TRD Pro hood decal
Debadged
Redline hood struts

Suspension/Tires-
2.5” Icon coilover / AAL lift
Icon UCAs
285/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
Method Double Standard wheels
Full size matching spare

Armor-
Avid bolt-on Sliders

FUTURE MODS:
Short Term-
Rear view anytime kit (maybe)
Interior Serpa Holster mount (have holster, need to decide on type and location of mount)
Convert lower bumper trim panel to black!
Convert fender flares to black!
AC drip/drain mod
Extended brake lines
Sway bar delete (maybe)
Bed stiffeners maybe)
Cab chop (maybe)
LED taillight bulbs
Seatbelt and open door chime disable
Quality front and mid skids


Nothing terribly exciting planned here and on the fence with several mods. It’ll be a slow and boring process The old days of more technical 4x4 are gone and I just want to keep it pretty simple for at least a few years with mild camping, hunting, fishing, and off road exploration (3.0 or less)

 

More (and better) pics to come!

 

I took it out on its first day trip north of town, about 225 miles round trip. This gave me the chance to “immerse” myself driving in a variety of conditions for a decent length of time. First impressions:
- The ride is quite comfortable on and off road, but…
- numb butt still manifests after a few hours sitting
- I love the S shift feature in 4x4 which allows for lower (high RPM) gearing control
- The turning radius is surprisingly tight, maybe better than my old Gen 1
- The mileage is nothing to brag about. You REALLY have to baby it to squeeze out that extra mpg or two
- The transmission will take some getting used to on the highways; it’s a little... particular **

So far I’m very pleased. No big surprises and seems ready to give me a lot of years of reliable Tacoma fun and utility. It has some nice creature comforts and is pretty sexy. I dig it.

** After reading so much about 2016 transmission shifting issues, that might be playing a little with my head. The shifting does seem a little strange and active, but once I started to ignore it and simply drive with my eyes and foot, I got used to its characteristics. As a precaution I will have the dealership make sure it has the latest flash and do a trans fluid change when I take it in 2-3k from now.

 

Most of the mods and upgrades came with the Tacoma when I bought it. I have to admit it's kind of nice (for once) to not start from scratch. The only things I have done so far to add my own personalization is to
put in the Salex OCD console organizer and tray; convert all interior lights (and the license lights) to LED; install the MESO sideview signals; and slap on a hood decal.

The interior light came in this kit from Amazon. All lights fit, worked, and were a lot brighter than stock so I'd give it a 5/5. The map lights were "scary" because you gotta pull down the entire fixture with some authority. The license lights were the trickiest just because there's little room to maneuver your fingers. Overall a cheap, easy, and effective mod.






The ME-SO Customs Ultimate LED turn signals by @mesojdm are very nicely built, I was impressed. The fit and finish are excellent and they are much brighter. Another super easy mod.








The "Pro" vinyl hood decal was from @CBoy808. I was a little annoyed it came with a very slight wrinkle about .75" long. Well, shit happens in the manufacturing process and it wasn't enough to really complain for a new one. The wrinkle was even less noticeable once I put it on the hood, and now a few days later it's totally disappeared! I've decided not to put the extra top piece on for now... I kinda like the simple look as is. Another cheap and easy mod!

 

Yeah is was small enough to perhaps overlook it, but I can see shipping abuse too. Worries for nothing though, I agree it looks great and thanks

 

Drove the boat around a while back to see how it feels. The boat and trailer are just under 3000lbs and the tongue about 300lbs. Connected the back sags about an inch, maybe a hair more. Driving on the streets it feels strong and acceleration is fine. It's close to where if it was a little heavier I'd want a brake controller, but the braking as is feels adequate. We'll see how it does on a pretty good hill climb when I go fishing in a couple weeks.

 

Took the AZ0WNZ up to the lake and on a little day trip with the fam.







Even used as a wind break for a little snack:


Back before I even had the Tacoma I bought one of these steel ball magnetic mounts. $15, can't remember the brand, but man it's the best mount I ever used. Simple, small, strong (holds the phone while bouncing in 4x4), easy to maneuver, and cheap.




Also finally installed the Redline hood struts. Easy install and now it pops up on its own super nice. And my fear of the hood not opening as high was unfounded... it opens within 1" of the old school metal bar.






Scratched off some of my potential mods... mostly pointless nickle and dimers.

Short term I'm looking at some fishing trips, a hunt trip, a couple mild 4x4 day trips and an extended exploration trip into Utah late May.

 

How did she do hauling the boat on the lake trip?

 

Looking good! You got the overload leaf still in the back with the ICON leaf for towing?

 

@melloweyelids She does a solid job pulling the boat uphill. If I keep the speed reasonable the RPMs don't go nuts.

@Rocky.Mtn The overload is gone, It tows ~2900lbs pretty well, but there is a good 1.25" of sag.

 

Today I washed my truck