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Ren's Build and Planning Thread

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Builds (2005-2015)' started by Ren, Jun 13, 2019.

  1. Jun 13, 2019 at 11:39 AM
    #1
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    WORK IN PROGRESS!!!

    Reason for this thread:
    I am a planner. I’m a project manager by trade. I like to have a complete blueprint plan before I move forward. With that said, I’m still not 100% sure of what exactly I want. As I read and lurk on TW forums, I’m constantly seeing ideas that I want to investigate to see if this fits in with what I eventually want. However, I often lose track of what I saw, where I saw it, and where to get it. Also, there’s times that I have an idea, but need to ask questions about it to see if it would fit with my long-term plans. Therefore, I needed to place to collect ideas, thoughts, discussions, links, pictures, and plans in one location.

    Hopefully, this will gradually change into a build thread, and not just a planning thread. That is NOT going to happen overnight. I still have 3 more years of child support. After that, I will have more disposable income. I’m not saying that nothing will happen before that. I just have to wait to do any big changes until then. Also, I do very little on credit, preferring to pay cash. I’m not going to go in debt for this build.

    I also tend to want to wait to do big changes all at once. For instance, I don’t want to do a lift and still be on stock rims/tires. So, I’ll probably wait until I’m able to do all that at once.

    Truck:
    White 2012 DBCS Pre-Runner Off-road

    Usage:
    - Daily driver
    - Frequent trips to hardware store/hauling building materials
    - Occasionally towing a trailer or small boat
    - Minimal off-road

    General Goals:
    - 2”-4” lift
    - slightly wider, more aggressive stance
    - better wheels with more aggressive tires with minimal impact to highway performance
    - “face” lift – different front-end look
    - considering the “stormtrooper” look, but a bit overplayed
    - not necessarily going for the baja/rock climber look at this time

    Completed so far:
    This will be updates as work is done
    - Pioneer 2300x – for Google Drive integration
    - Additional D-rings in bed
    - Toyota Bed Mat
    - EAG "Raptor" Style Grill - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FDT4DTM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    - 3rd gen "Predator" side steps
    - De-badge emblems
    - Maxtrac 4" Lift Kit from Headstrong Off-Road - https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p207/Maxtrac_4"_Lift_Kit_-_2WD_ONLY_-_K886842.html
    - American Outlaw Lonestar 17x8.5 https://www.discounttire.com/buy-wheels/american-outlaw-lonestar
    - Nitto Terra Grappler G2s 285/70/17- https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nitto-terra-grappler-g2
    -- Bora 0.75 Wheel Spacers (so width of rear match front) - https://www.motorsport-tech.com/4DCGI/updateprice_truck

    Things I’m considering:
    This will be updated and changed as I decide what I want for my build. There may even be more than one item for category (example – tires) listed as I gather info to decide on what I want. Once a decision is made, the item will be moved to the Planned Purchases list below.
    Suspension

    Tires/Wheels

    ---Something to remember when buying wheels, since getting spindles:
    ---Also:
    ...so if my math is right, the 17x9's with -12mm offset should be about 4.5" of backspacing, which would work

    Exterior
    -- new headlights and taillights
    -- Winch Bumper https://www.usoffroad.us/store/bump...-2012-2015/tacoma-2012-15-winch-mount-bumper/
    Interior

    Planned Purchases (as budget allows):


    Special Thanks
    - ChadsPride - inspiration, and always willing to offer feedback and advice

    Pictures
    - Factory as factory can be...
    20181006_174311.jpg
    9/21/19 - New grill
    20190921_114959.jpg
    4/26/20 - New steps, plus badges removed
    20200426_182406.jpg
    5/23/20 - Maxtrac lift installed, new 17" wheels, new 285's
    123456.jpg
    12345.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2020
    ChadsPride and Grumpy like this.
  2. Aug 12, 2019 at 11:30 AM
    #2
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Baby steps...

    No more stuff sliding around I'm my bed.
    20190812_125417.jpg
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  3. Aug 14, 2019 at 8:05 AM
    #3
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    My dilemma...

    So, I've been really itching to do a maxtrac spindle lift. However, to do that, I will also need to get new wheels (since my stock 16s won't work with the new spindles), which also means new tires, and I would want to get 5100s and an add-a-leaf.

    So, to do the lift the way I would ultimately want to do it would require:
    -Maxtrac Spindles
    -New wheels
    -New tires
    -New shocks
    -Add-a-leaf

    I can't afford to do all that right now. So, my plan was to slowly start purchasing components a little at a time, until I eventually had them all.

    ...that is, until I noticed yesterday that I need new tires. The radials are starting to show through at the very edge, and the tread depth is much less than I thought (didn't measure, just eyeballing it).

    So, since I won't be able to get all the desired components before my tires surely fail, I think I've come up with a change of plan that will still lead me towards my ultimate goal:
    -New tires that fit my stock rims. I'm thinking something like these: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nitto-terra-grappler-at/p/40475
    -5100s all the way around, probably set to 2": https://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Mon...tive&sprefix=tacoma+bil,automotive,169&sr=1-3
    -Add-a-leaf to support the rear (don't want my truck to look like a dog dragging his ass across the carpet) : https://www.amazon.com/Fabtech-FTS2...tive&sprefix=tacoma+add,automotive,148&sr=1-6

    Does anyone have any feedback on these choices? Bad idea? Should I be shopping elsewhere for these items?

    Once I get my funds built back up, I'll start saving for the spinldles, wheels, and another set of tires. At least I'll have the 5100s and add-a-leaf in place.
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  4. Sep 21, 2019 at 3:31 PM
    #4
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    First official mod. So it begins...

    Before
    20190914_152050.jpg
    After
    20190921_114959.jpg
     
    ChadsPride and Taco-Obsessed like this.
  5. Apr 26, 2020 at 4:48 PM
    #5
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Finally an update!

    Got a set of 3rd gen Predator side steps (thanks @IllTrucko).

    I decided on these instead of sliders because I have people in my family with short legs that need to be able to get in the truck once I lift it. I'm not doing any wheeling that would require sliders.

    Also, de-badged the emblems. Now just have to decide if I want to take the TDR stickers off the bed.

    20200426_182356.jpg
    20200426_182419.jpg
    20200426_182406.jpg
     
    ChadsPride and IllTrucko like this.
  6. Apr 26, 2020 at 4:50 PM
    #6
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Next, gotta keep an eye out for some 17" black rims that won't kill my budget. From there, it will be new 17" tires, and then the Maxtrac spindles.
     
  7. Apr 26, 2020 at 5:05 PM
    #7
    IllTrucko

    IllTrucko Well-Known Member

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    Dang, that was FAST! Looks gooooooood!
     
    Ren[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Apr 26, 2020 at 5:09 PM
    #8
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
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    Messages:
    298
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    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Thanks again, Pal. Pleasure meeting you.
     
    IllTrucko[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 26, 2020 at 5:23 PM
    #9
    IllTrucko

    IllTrucko Well-Known Member

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    Same to you!
     
  10. May 19, 2020 at 8:17 PM
    #10
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Ordered the Maxtrac spindle lift pack from Headstrong Off-Road. Should be here this week.

    Once received, I'll be upgrading to 17" wheels and 285s.

    Bora 0.75 wheel spacers ordered for the rear, from Motorsport-tech.com. Will take a few weeks to receive.
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2020
    ChadsPride likes this.
  11. May 21, 2020 at 6:21 PM
    #11
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    298
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    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Rear lift done. Hope to finish the front tomorrow or Saturday.
     
  12. May 22, 2020 at 7:43 PM
    #12
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Started the front lift, but I accidentally hit the tie rod threads trying to break it loose from the spindle and ruined the threads. Picking up a new tie rod end in the morning and hopefully finishing up.
     
  13. May 24, 2020 at 10:10 PM
    #13
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Lift complete. 4 inches in the front, 2 inches in the back. New wheels and tires add an extra inch. Center fender to ground measures 39".

    One spindle went on smooth as butter. The other fought me the entire time, from stubborn bolts to a bad tie rod (replaced).

    The biggest pain, though, was adding the 2" blocks and new shocks in the back. Getting the pins in the blocks to line up with both the springs and the axle was a pain in the butt. And somehow, I ended up way out of toe on the rear. I had to use a come-along and ratchet straps to get everything to line up again.

    Got the alignment done today.

    So far, very happy with it. Looks good, rides good. Now I just need to give it a good cleaning. We've had thunderstorms off and on all weekend, so not good weather for cleaning a truck.

    123456.jpg
    12345.jpg
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  14. May 24, 2020 at 10:17 PM
    #14
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Special thanks to @ChadsPride for being a sounding board and helping me make my final decisions.
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  15. May 25, 2020 at 6:07 AM
    #15
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Only a slight rub at full lock in reverse on the cab mount with the 285s. Just slightly rubs the very corner of the mount. Don't know if a cab mount chop is worth it or not. Maybe a little hammer work will take care of it.

    Interestingly, it didn't rub before the alignment. I must have had more caster in it before.
     
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  16. May 25, 2020 at 11:11 AM
    #16
    ChadsPride

    ChadsPride Tacoma Owner & Enthusiast

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    Sponsored by TacomaWorld.com
    DAAAAAAAAMN! She came out looking good!!

    :headbang:
     
    Ren[OP] likes this.
  17. Jun 4, 2020 at 6:52 AM
    #17
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
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    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    As I said, the tires just barely rub. After running them for a few days, I decided not to do the full cab mount chop. Instead, I cut away some of the plastic and folded over my pinch welds. I then took an angle grinder to the corner of the cab mounts and ground it down some. I only took off maybe a quarter of an inch, not enough to cut all the way through the mount.

    After a few days of driving, including deliberately turning the wheels at full lock, I have not felt any rubbing. If there is any, it's so minimal as to not notice.
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  18. Jul 2, 2020 at 9:39 PM
    #18
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
    #109108
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    The rear spacers have been in for a while. However, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection for the last 3 weeks that has hindered my vision. Hopefully I'll get to where I can see soon and get these spacers on.
     
  19. Jul 3, 2020 at 7:44 AM
    #19
    ChadsPride

    ChadsPride Tacoma Owner & Enthusiast

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    Sponsored by TacomaWorld.com
    Dang it, get well soon!
     
    Ren[OP] likes this.
  20. Aug 1, 2020 at 5:30 PM
    #20
    Ren

    Ren [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    Member:
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    Messages:
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    Male
    Denton, TX
    Vehicle:
    White 2012 Pre-Runner DCSB
    Eyesight is finally improving. Got the rear spacers on. Now the rear width matches the front.
     

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