Joined the 2nd Gen Club - 2015 DCSB Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off-Road

Post up which one you think is best. Once you decide. I'm interested to know.

 

Got it in the middle of December in the IE.

 

this is because like everything else on the 3rdGen, its cheap. Built to a cost standard and not to a quality standard. The whole truck reeks of cheapening out. They have a lot of nerve charging 40K for that excuse for a truck. I see tons of them on the lot turned in because of how bad they drive.

 

I put a keyed lock handle on my tailgate about 2 years ago, right after I first got it. No problems whatsoever. So far anyway.

 

I did the same as you. I owned a 2017 Tacoma, TRD Off-Road, Dbl Cab, White, automatic. Loved the look and the way it handled the road, but the powertrain got to me. I started hating to drive it every day. I drive up and down a hill everyday. Being a previous 3rd Gen owner, I'm sure you know what that's all about. Just about everyone I talk to here (Hawaii) doesn't like the 3rd Gen powertrain.

I picked up a 2014 Tacoma TRD Off-Road, Auto and no regrets. Like you, I've owned several Toyota's, 91' Pickup, 2003 Tacoma, 2006 Tacoma. So I'm back in a 2nd Gen.

I received all of Toyota's "enhancement" software updates and they hardly made a difference in the driving. OVTune worked on a flash for the 3rd Gens, but I don't think they were able to address the poor low RPM torque. I think there's only so much you can do to that 3.5L + trans. At least OV Tune helped them out.

Anyways welcome back!

 

I almost traded my 2013 6spd in for a 3rd gen. Luckily, they let me keep it for a weekend. Couldn't get over how different the engine and tranny were. Thought maybe i was just used to my 6spd. Anyway, i dropped the keys off and said no thanks.

Guy couldn't understand where i was coming from.
To shut him up, I told him i needed the oil filter added back on the top of the engine and i have a case of Bosch extended life filters i still needed to use. He looked confused, lol. I had one of those canister setups on one of my wifes old cars, that you needed the special "toyota" wrench for, and handful of o-rings, and a special little drain hose , and a face full of oil, and....i will avoid those as long as i can.

 

After a few days with the new mirror, I'm happier with it. Runs Waze better. Don't expect miracles out of these things, but this is the one which seems to be working OK.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078YQRC6G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also, if you want to to hardwire it in, use this adapter....

Hard Wire Charger Cord Cable Universal Mini USB Right Angle Shape1.2 Meters DC 12V to 5V Power Inverter Converter Regulator Kit for Car GPS Tablet Android DVR Camcorder Recorder by HitCar

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2DGJOQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

A couple of updates. I ordered the TRD Pro suspension kit and a Wheelers Offroad 3 leaf progressive AAL. I also replaced the front brake rotors and pads. I plan to install the suspension kit shortly. If my parts arrive in time, I already have an appointment at the Toyota dealer this coming Friday. I may see what they'd charge to install everything and just go that route.

The truck had a noticeable pulsation in the brakes which became more noticeable after I swapped from the BFG KM2's to the KO2's. So this weekend, I replaced the pads and rotors. For the rotors, I used Stop Tech slotted cryogenically treated replacements and TRD performance pads. Smooth as silk afterwards with a reduction in the initial bite which always made smooth braking difficult. I also installed the aluminum hub-centric rings I ordered at the same time. 106.1 to 108.1mm.

Mileage at the time of swap was around 38,050.

 

Nice! I just did the TRD Pro kit with the Wheelers 3 leaf. Are you planning to leave the overload in or are you going sans-overload?

 

I really like that super white. 4 of my 7 toyota's were super white. I have radiant red now and a rattle can seems tempting? LOL

 

Updating my thread after having the TRD Pro suspension installed.

Mileage: 38,285

I picked up my truck from the dealership after getting some other service work performed, another immobilizer key cut, and the TRD Pro suspension installed, with a Wheeler's 3 Leaf AAL.

Specific Options:

• TRD Pro Suspension Kit
• Bilstein Replacement Upper Rear Shock Bushings
• Wheeler's Off-Road 3-Leaf Progressive AAL
• Rear Overload Spring Removed
• Eagle Alloy Wheels w/ 265/75/17 BFG A/T KO2, Load C

My first thoughts are that I really like it. I like the look, ride, and handling. I would say it's a touch firmer than stock, on my 2015 DCSB 4x4 TRD Off-Road, but the rear is MUCH better damped in normal driving. Things that would seem to upset the ass-end of the truck, don't seem to do that now. It just feels much more planted. No vibrations or noises occurred and the alignment seems to be spot on. I had considered installing with the 1/4" front spacers I bought from Wheeler's and leaving the overload in, but I'm glad I didn't because I didn't want to push my luck. I had also considered installing my Sumo Springs I have sitting in the garage, but didn't do that either. I may install them in the near future though.

It has a nice but subtle rake and I wouldn't change a thing. The first pic is from yesterday morning before I dropped it off and the second pic was after I've driven it about 20 miles post-lift.

While I did pay a bit more to have the kit installed, they performed two alignments on the truck to ensure it was dead on. The tech looks to have followed the instructions and they even adjusted my headlights. All of my original parts were re-boxed and everything is accounted for. No complaints about Elk Grove Toyota. If you need service, go see Charles and tell him David with the Tacoma sent ya. For the before/after pics, I have the rubber bed mat and all of the suspension parts in there, so say around 120lbs of extra weight, plus the soft bed cover.

Before:


After:

 

Looks great. What fun is it to not push your luck though?

 

I'm OCD about vibrations. It drives me crazy to the point I sold my 2016 because it. I'm happy with the results, another 1/2" wasn't worth the risk of causing more issues. Plus I'm under the 5/60k powertrain warranty, so if that front needle bearing acts up, I'm covered.

 

Nice! It might just be the angle of the first After pic but it looks like it's got quite the lean to it. Are you sitting level without the overload in? Still contemplating the spacer + overload in combo myself.

 

It has a rake. Where I have it parked is off-camber. I was just trying to do as close of a before/after pic as I could.

 

Couple more pics. Keep in mind I have some added weight in the bed. The suspension has not settled fully yet. Stock UCAs and it's aligned within spec with no issues.

 

Did you get a copy of your alignment #'s? I'm wondering, cause i have a hard time getting the #'s i want with my Billy's at 1.75", believe i got more than 2" though.

I too bought the Pro kit, i'm just a little nervous about how it handles the extra 120lbs i have up front, as well as hitting my #'s...

 

I did get the alignment numbers. 1.8 degrees of caster on the left and 2.1 on the right. Nothing looked abnormal in the specs.

 

You know what your camber is at? I've not been able to get mine at zero with the Billy's...

 

Added Westin HDX step bars to the truck over the weekend. Very sturdy for the price.