Hello Everyone!

Hello Everyone! I have finally joined Tacoma World after consulting it for various questions over the last few years haha. My name is Will Poynor, I'm 25, live in Greenville, SC and have a Silver 2021 SR5 4WD with the crew cab and 5.5' bed.

I know lots of people, me included when I was searching for my truck, that don't associate the SR5 with having 4WD, but I am here as proof that it exists on certain models! AND I refuse to take the SR5 badges off my truck because I also have the "4x4" badge on the back as proof haha. Also, my interior is pretty cool and has red accents that at first I was skeptical of, but have grown to really appreciate. It's a "TRD Red" type of color. All THAT to say, for an SR5, this model has treated me well! 4WD was a necessity to me, as I consider a 2WD Taco to be blasphemous!

A little on the modifications:

The first mod I ever did? You guessed it! The TRD Pro Grille haha. Not really the biggest "mod" and basic, I know, but it was a much better look than my SR5's stock grille for that year. Went with the raptor lights of course too (amber). But I ended up painting the "T-O-Y-O-T-A" red to go along with the interior trim. Added my own little spin on it I guess.

Next, I upgraded the tires. The stock ones were basic street tires, and were a 29.5" so I went with a 31.5". I was hoping for the Falken Wildpeaks but ended up with the Hankook Dynapro's. Better than the stock tires for sure, and a good price point, but a little underwhelming in comparison. The Wildpeaks have a much better sidewall and better tread, and much better reviews overall. But the Dynapro's were more affordable and available for the particular deal the dealership I used was running...so I balled on a budget.

Next up was the K&N cold air intake and let me tell ya: it's SO much fun. Gives the V6 a V8 sound and I can get up and GO if I punch it right. It's not an obnoxious sound either. You also have to MAKE it do it's thing. It's not going to wake up the neighbors. It's really only when you're making the engine "work" that you'll hear it but it's awesome when you find the sweet spots in accelerations, and then if you're going up a hill and/or towing. It's all based on feeling, hard to explain. It adds some power as well. I forget exactly how much, but it's significant. It also can improve MPG, course, if your truck is driven like a racecar....well you probably aren't too worried about MPG. MPG did increase for a little bit overall, but in the NEXT mod, it went back down. Smiles per gallon or something like that...

I was constantly doing research and trying to get all the answers I could before doing the next mod: the lift. I was going back and forth and figuring out what all I needed. I consulted this group a LOTTTT. In end, I went with the Rough Country 3.5" suspension lift. (That's the upgraded UCA's and coilovers in the front, with the N3 struts in the rear.) I ended up installing the kit myself with a friend in his driveway on jack stands. Was a lengthy process but very satisfying and ended up learning a ton and saving a ton. Plus the pride of saying "built not bought haha". I had our work checked by the shop that sold me the kit and they approved. (Further gratification and peace of mind.) Rough Country is another way to ball on a budget. Regardless of how you feel about Rough Country, they have great customer service and lifetime warranty on all products. I had something bust one of my rear struts and puncture it and they sent me a brand new SET no questions asked (it is advised to replace both of them at once, but my kit was so new, I just replaced the one and have the other new one tucked away for later.) Trust me, I am already looking for ways to upgrade this suspension with other brands in the future, but for now, I am balling on a budget. This suspension has definitely come in handy on trail riding, but I have to remember to not go TOO hard on it. It is overall a smooth ride, but it is definitely not the BEST quality on the market. Better is out there.

I guess that was a little more than "a little" on the mods...whoops

Next up for mods: I am doing lots of research on tires/wheels. I have narrowed down tires that I want to two options. I am still figuring out which wheel offset to go with, but know the wheel I want. Before I actually go with new wheels/tires, however, I actually have an SSO winch bumper coming in a few months. After it is installed, I'm hoping it frees up some room for me to figure out what all I can fit.

Sorry I turned my intro into a full blown blog post! Hard to stop once I get going. I will be reaching out constantly to get multiple opinions for the next stages of my truck!

Thank you for the insight so far and the wisdom to come, I'm sure!

 

Howdy!

 

We did a couple of Road Show demos for Michelin , been to Greenville a few times , nice town , that's were I learned to fit a tyre not mount a tyre.
Class act , BMW HQ is across the street , I also learned Bibendum is a God and to be protected at all times.

Welcome to TW.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Haha awesome! Glad to be here (in GVL and TW)

 

Welcome!