Dave's Build.

So I'm finally ready to start throwing some money in to my '04 Double Cab. When I realized that I needed new shocks and new tires I though hey, I might as well upgrade, right?
Here’s what I have so far but this is going to be a work in progress.

I also wanted to thank everyone on this forum for helping me determine the EXACT right tire size, rim size, what lift to buy, how much to lift... the list goes on. Hope fully I can help pass on some knowledge with this thread. Here is what has been done so far:

• Lift- ToyTec Ultimate 95-04 Toyota Tacoma lift with Bilstein shocks with 2” rear shackals : http://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/95-04-toyota-tacoma/ultimate-toyota-tacoma-lift-with-bilstein-shocks/
• 2” rear lift blocks
• Wheels- Level 8 Tracker alloys, black, 16X8 -12 offset 4” backspacing 6x5.5 lug pattern : http://www.level8wheels.com/wheels/tracker
• Tires- BFGoodrich Mud terrains 285/75R16 (32.8X11.2)
• Toyotec diff drop kit
• Brake line extension for rear lift
• POR-15 painted frame to fix surface rust


Stock:





Time for a Lift!


Forgive the Pics, I should have washed the salt off the undercarriage, this was right after a huge snow storm and in VA they cover everything in salt.






I cut the exhaust pipe and will shorten it by 2" later so it hangs under the leaf spring.


Shinny new shackle!




Old and New Coil-overs.


This was the final product. Next up, Tires and Rims.


Stock front from ground to wheel well:


Stock rear:


Post Lift front:


Post lift rear:


Sold these for 250$:


Bought these for a grand


…along with these:


YESSSSSSSSS!!!


WOW, what a difference!




It's still a bit low in the back but just added 2" blocks in the rear and now she sits level. Took her out two days ago, what a blast… I can't believe the things this truck is capable of with very minimal mods!





4/19/2014

The weather is finally warm! …and I had the day off, so I broke out some tools and got to work removing my rusty old front bumper.



I Ordered the new bumper on Amazon for 60$. It came in black and shipping was free. Maybe I'll paint it later, I haven't decided if I like the black or not yet. I plan to replace it with a tube bumper and winch later in the summer, but for now I just couldn't stand looking at a rust hole in my truck 6 bolts later the bumper was off…



Tadaaaaaaaaaaaah….





One last thing…. a car wash





Today was a good day.

8/27/14


Like a tank!!! Still need those rock rails though.

http://youtu.be/XInsD7XWQmM
Whoops!

5/13/18
I'm back with some mods and after a tough decision about whether to keep my truck or sell it due to frame rust issues, I have decided to keep it.

Frame rust is a bitch and hopefully the safe-T-caps I installed will keep it going for at least 5 more years. In light of my decision to keep loving her, I will again start to spend money on her.

Lets start with a new stereo! Pioneer 391BHS... this unit surprised me. For $250 it's amazing what it can do. Also got a rear view cam (Finally!!!) for 20$ on Amazon and mounted that in the rear gate handle. It turned out well, but it took some rigging...




Next mod, Gentex mirror from eBay with outside temp and compass. Also wired up a $13 homelink module (also from eBay). I painted the mirror and wired both up to ACC so homelink only works with the key. The hole in between the two map light buttons is for the blue tooth mic.



Bumper Time!

Decided to go with Grizzly metalworks cause I like the look of their bumpers and they are not guady looking. I also knew that I wanted to keep it as clean and seamless looking as possible by color matching instead of the traditional black. I had the bracket fitted and welded to the frame (Thank you NOVA Speed Shop) and now the bumper just bolts on to that. Here it is hanging in my garage ready for paint. First coat was POR15 because this thing was rusting after just 1 day out in open air.


Second coat was an etching primer and then on to the base coat. I hesitantly chose duplicolor because it was easy to apply (and touch up later on) and so easy to match, however coming from a rattle can, the paint is soft and goes on thin. I probably should have bought more and applied a few more coats, but who has that kinda time? I topped it off with a two part clear cote so hopefully it will dry nice and hard. I will never be a great painter, I'm way too impatient. The finished product looks fantastic! If you look closely, yes, you will see drip marks and blemishes, but what do I care it's a winch bumper!



Black D Rings and fog light wiring coming soon... Oh I forgot to mention the turn signals are now in the corner lamps! I did not take pics, but I hogged out the back of the light and used an LED switch back bulb that is a constant white with an amber signal. They look great, but now my headlights look like shit. Hmmm... I wander what's gonna be next...

 

Hey Dave,

I found your build. The truck is looking good!

 

Thanks buddy!

 

hey man, beautiful truck. im looking to do similar mods to my 03.. I have a question about the wheels tho, how do you determine the wheel offset you want? I read up on it a little bit but I still don't fully get it.

 

Yeah this took a lot of reading for me to understand as well, basically, all you need to worry about is backspacing. The backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface to the back (inside lip) of the rim, so as long as it's not more than 4" it won't hit any suspension parts. The tire width will then determine how much offset the rim will have because it's relative to the width of the rim. …so just get a rim with 4" of backspacing and you'll be fine.

 

hey there im confused on what kit to buy.... is there a kit where i can just buy it and not have to buy anything separate i have a 97 tacoma and i plan on doing the same exact thing as yours but i just need some guidance

 

when looking at the suspension kit what rear lift option should i choose

 

Nice build. Subd.

 

Check out the bilstien ultimate kit! It should have everything you need for about a grand. It may be a little pricier than some kits but it's German made and mine rides and handles like factory or better so I don't regret splurging a bit. For the rear you can choose all new springs, or shackles. I used a 2" shackle because I was afraid new leaf springs would be too stiff. It sat a little low in the rear after the install too, so I added 2" blocks to level it out. Bilstien has great customer service too, so just tell them what you want to do and they should accommodate...

 

ok thank you

 

what is the add-a-leafs option mean ?
it just means add leaf springs ?

 

Add a leafs are just a short leaf spring that you add to the bottom of the existing one. It adds rigidity and raises the back up... but they are a pain to install I'm told. I have an extra pair I could sell you for cheap if you want!

 

ugh, those wheels- awesome! now you got me thinkin' if I want the Konig countersteers or those! lol

 

Rims are pretty cheap, too... 120$ each!

 

I think I'm just gonna get the Dakar springs but if I change my mind I'll definitely come to you

 

is there any rubbing at all?
What is the difference between this lift
"ToyTec Ultimate 95-04 Toyota Tacoma lift with Bilstein shocks"
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...tacoma-lift-with-bilstein-shocks/#prettyPhoto

and this one

ToyTec Bilstein 3″ lift kit with 5100 shocks 1995-2004 Tacoma

https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...stein-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks-95-04-tacoma/

Sorry if its a dumb question but your lift looks like it turned out awesome. any info would be greatly appreciated im looking to pull the trigger on the lift this week. \

v/r
Zack

My truck as it sat before and after the 255, 85 R16s

 

Was the new front bumper OEM?

 

at a quick glance I don't know what the difference is... I'd have to call Bilstien and ask. I does look like the cheaper on isn't adjustable though :/
Would love to see pics when you're done! Oh... also, no. No rubbing but it's damn close!!

 

I don't think it was factory. Got it on Amazon! Still no rust though!

 

What kind of gas milage are you getting with the 285's?