Midlife refit - looking for input

I have a 09 double cab with low mileage and good bones and have decided to kit it out instead of upgrading it to a new truck as the new ones lack all the cool stuff I want to have.

Currently stock except for full OME suspension. Someone just sideswiped me so the full drivers side is getting a coat of paint and the rear bumper is going. Here's what I'm planning for now:

Rear plate bumper- looking for input here as I like the price point of the Body Armour one but don't like the lack of plate light. My requirement is direct bolt and a hitch. Not looking for a tire rack as I haul a 4wheeler with the gate down. I'd like to find one that doesn't have a 12 week lead time and under $800.

Front bumper - Arb. No winch as I do use it in the bush but tow straps and rigging work fine as we never travel solo.

Tires and wheels- 255/85/16 0r 17 equivalent Cooper st maxx with SCS Ray 10 in gunmetal or powder coat stock wheels to gun metal.

Interior - sound deadening using the vinyl and foam on floor, rear and doors
- replace head unit with something Apple compatible

Questions - 1. anything else I should consider? Comments welcome.
2. I'm in Canada and am concerned about the plate bumpers and rust. Anyone have any feedback on that?

Matt

 

I'm in a similar situation, well...sans wreck. I'm interested to hear what others have to say, especially about the sound deadening.

 

If you're In bc check out big country customs for a rear plate bumper.

 

@Jon G might be able to address this. He has a fun thread for his 2nd gen: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/007-taco-pro.527692/

 

I approve this 007 Taco Pro build plug I will revisit this tomorrow at work

 

I insulated under the headliner. Used RAAMaudio, its a butyl based insulation (vs asphalt insolation). It sticks better to vertical and over head surfaces. Also put a sheet of mass loaded vinyl in the doors and back wall. The insolation under the headliner makes the cab much quieter in the rain. Before it was like driving in a drum.

 

Similar situation here, bought new in 09 after frame buyback of my 2000. just turned 150K and staring some upgrades since my Sport rims are disintegrating

 

Best thing for steel bumpers is hot dip galvanizing. I personally dig the look also

 

I sympathize with you. Grew up around the bay (Newfoundland, not NorCal) and I have many not so found memories of never coming across a bolt that wasn’t seized solid. Had a 77 fj40 that I drove back from San Franco and i could see the rust forming as I drove off the ferry.

 

Interesting concept. Any pics of one? I’m leaning towards a Fab Fours rear as my options are limited in Canada and I can get it somewhat locally.

 

Does it help with the over all road noise? I find wind noise the worst and I’m not sure any of this will make a difference.

 

Not my pic/truck but that rear bumper has it, metal should be stripped of paints and dirt first but a little surface rust is fine

 

Wind noise mostly comes from the door seals so this won’t help with that but it keeps the cab cooler in the summer, keeps out engine and tire and traffic noises to a degree. Pretty amazing the difference between a fully insulated and stock cabin