Proud New Owner of a 2001 Taco. Exterior Tranformation

Transformation of the Tacoma I got with a bad tranny back in July. 292k miles.
-Transmission I replaced the old one with has 100k miles on it. (rollover accident)
patched up a couple other things while the transmission job was being done.
-rear main seal
-starter
-battery
-new driver door handle and tailgate handle
-T-bar shift bushings
-stereo head unit
-newer compact speakers
-1500 watt wiring kit, 1000 watt amp, 10 inch Rockford Fosgate Punch
-new headlights and fog lights
-painted grille
17 MB TKO wheels (Super basic, I know. Got a killer deal on wheels and tires)
-33 inch Nitto Crosstek AT
Hope y'all like it!

 

Nice rig. Welcome to the forum!

What do you have planned for it?

You gunna take care of that fallen branch in the driveway?

 

Welcome to TW.

 

Looks good but you gotta ditch the chrome steps

 

taking them off this weekend! appreciate it man

 

absolutely badass rig man. Planning on making it into an overland rig! And hell, I had to do a double take when I first looked at the picture myself, but came to realize it was the neighbors shrubbery! Ha!

 

So relieved to hear it's not going to be a pavement princess, lol

You say it's a TRD, but I don't see the decals on the rear fenders. Was it debadged? Do you have the locker?

Here's a little secret, though: It's already an overland rig. Just toss a tent in the back and find some trails.

Before going all hog wild with broverlander stuff you see on Expedition Overland, just take it out for trips as-is. If you have prior camping experience, just take all your normal camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, stove, etc...) toss it in some bins in the bed, and go find some trails. Have fun.

"Overlanding" is really just camping with a 4x4, and people have been doing it for generations without the aid of prinsu racks, maxtrax, and $300 shovels. You can go anywhere and see anything you want with a $10 shovel from homedepot and a ground tent.

The gear you end up with really depends on many factors, but the most important is your personal preferences (as opposed to what you see on instagram, lol).

If you break that cheap shovel, by all means get a better shovel. If you end up taking longer trips and the ice in your cooler melts, get a fridge. But there's no need, IMO, to go out and immediately throw tons of money at your truck on "overlanding" gear.

Anyhoo, I'll step off my soapbox now...

 

I totally meant SR5. Unfortunately, I’ve fallen short to my pops who has a TRD tundra and got ahead of myself in my description. No Factory diff lock but am planning on installing. And hell, I’m running on a college kid budget right now so It’ll be a “budget build” for sure! I’ll post a thread of photos from the transmission replacement/transformation shortly

 

IMO, go ARB. I love my E-locker, but the ARB is all around a better locker.

 

I’ll definitely keep it noted. Appreciate the advice man seriously

 

No worries, I do enjoy telling other people how to spend their money!

 

Nice truck! Welcome to Tacoma World!

 

The black grill/surround and fresh headlights/corner lights look nice. Grab some headlight fillers https://www.ebay.com/i/293025141213?rt=nc&_trkparms=aid%3D222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20160908110712&meid=feb615ff37704d0c858e45ddc969f370&pid=100677&rk=6&rkt=30&sd=231178945745&itm=293025141213&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2385738 and a can of Duplicolor in lunar mist for them and you will be ready to roll.

 

I'd like to hear more about your wheels, tires, like sizes and costs, and also your audio system improvements...especially where did you put your sub. I brought my double cab to a audio installer last year and he said there really was no good place to put a sub in an 04 Double cab (...but that may have been before some of these skinny / slim profile subs that I have seen). Your ride looks awsome. Mine is VERY similar just need to beef up the tires and wheels (hence my questions).

Shine on!
Pete.

 

Dude thank you so much for this link and color. I needed them more than anything hahahah

 

The truck came with a set of 265/75/r16’s but I found a guy selling a set of damn near brand new 285/75/17’s on some pretty basic off-road wheels for $400. Had to do a little bit of trimming to prevent rubbing, but only took about 45 minutes with an angle grinder and a BFH (Big Effin Hammer). As for the stereo, I replaced the old unit that was in there (was still an aftermarket, just didn’t have much to offer) with a Pioneer single din unit. Speakers have been upgraded to a newer compact of the same size before I owned the truck. I basically swapped the system with the one I put in my Jeep XJ. Placed the sub behind the driver seat and accepted the loss of a 5th passenger. Lmao

 

Thanks for the info. Your truck looks bad ass.

 

Of course man I’m always happy help! Appreciate it brotha

 

Thanks for the warm welcome boss. Appreciate it