1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Taco.Dan's TRDOR Quicksand Build Thread

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Builds (2016-2023)' started by Taco.Dan, Oct 2, 2018.

  1. Oct 2, 2018 at 11:08 AM
    #1
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Hello!

    In the past, I was very active on jeepforum, and loved every second of jeep ownership. However, life got in the way, and I sold the jeep for a down payment on my home. I'm happily writing to introduce myself to Tacoma World!

    As an aspiring slumlord, I've always had a small truck to run errands, haul tools/material, and landscaping stuff. I've dreamed that once my trusty Frontier gave up, I would finally make the move to the Tacoma.

    The day has finally come, and I couldn't be happier with my 2018 TRDOR, manual transmission! I'm attempting to not let the bug bite too deep as it’s a partial work truck, but it's only a matter of time before the modifications start happening.

    When I daily drove the jeep, I lived in Atlanta, was active in two clubs, and spent two weekends a month playing in the woods. Frankly I miss the off-roading world, and look forward to getting back into it. I now live back in my hometown NW Ohio, where off-roading is a commitment and takes quite a drive to get anywhere worthwhile.

    While I get to know the truck, its capabilities, and utilize it in the stock form, the modifications are going to be items that make driving every day more enjoyable.

    Below is a list that will forever be changing: things that are complete, ordered, in the near future, and potentially years down the road.

    I hope you enjoy, and look forward to advice, gossip, trip planning, and bs.

    The GF and I are planning a cross country trek from Ohio, through Colorado, into Utah, and back again in Spring 2020, so if anyone is interested, let’s start organizing now!



    Short-Term upgrades:
    Done - Bed Mat
    Done - Husky Liners
    Done - @Tacowiede Radio Knobs
    Done - @olecoot Seat Risers
    Done - @FreshMexicanTaco TRD ‘Pro’ Grill
    Done - @mesojdm Gasshole
    Done - @mesojdm Dome & Map Lights
    Done - Subaru Kicker Tweeters
    Done - RCI Aluminum Skids, IFS back to Trasnfer Case
    Done - Extang Trifecta 2.0
    Done - XD HID Low Beam Upgrade
    Done - @victory4x4 Striker Sliders
    Done - @Baja Designs Squadron Sport Fogs
    Undecided - ARB Single Compressor or Viair 400p

    Tires/Wheels
    Done - Cooper ST Maxx, 255/85 R16

    Long-Term upgrades:
    BP-51s (switching things up and now going with Bilstein 6112/5160s!)
    Dakar medium spring packs
    SSO Hybrid bumper with wings
    Dissent Offroad rear bumper caps
    Warn VR8-S

    Current Photo (11/16/18)

    IMG_20181116_172034.jpg




    I've been on the hunt for a TRDOR, quicksand, and manual transmission for a few months now. The perfect truck was finally located, haggled on price, and it was delivered to the dealer on 8/30/18.

    5573400101.jpg 5573399431.jpg 5573399551.jpg 5573399721.jpg


    Working out of town in NC currently, modifications will remain simple. All weather mats are a must, and they don't come much better than the Husky's. The stock radio knobs were a joke, and the single best mod available are the @Tacowiede knobs, they protrude out further, are grippy, and stylish to look at!

    IMG_20181002_131906.jpg

    IMG_20181002_131940.jpg

    Hurricane Florence put my project on stand by, and I drove home to NW Ohio for a week of R&R, office time, and a few honey do items at the house. The drive home was uneventful, but I was fidgety, and the seat just never felt right. I took a nap somewhere in WV, but before I fell asleep, made an order for @olecoot's seat riser mod. Lets just say the drive back was infinitely more comfortable!

    Upon returning home, the tacoma got clay barred, waxed, and sealed. If you haven't used Chemical Guy's products before, do yourself a favor and get the bucket sampler from Amazon!

    IMG_20180913_093420.jpg

    I took full advantage of spending time with my pup, we went on a few adventures, and tested out the Duluth doggie hammock. This thing rocks and is Bishop approved!

    MVIMG_20180918_120738.jpg IMG_20180912_135730.jpg IMG_20180914_084400.jpg

    The gf and I visited a winery for some live music, she had her first go at driving an MT, and we'll definitely be practicing more when I'm home for good in a few weeks!

    IMG_20180908_071636.jpg

    On the drive back to NC, I found a few back roads with some sand. It's always nice to get a feel for how things will handle under good conditions. At decent speeds, the duratracs were grippy, the suspension felt dialed in, and the time spent sidetracking was worth it!

    00000IMG_00000_BURST20180909172753079_COVER.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2021
    blqchclt likes this.
  2. Oct 3, 2018 at 12:53 PM
    #2
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Looks like sliders and a skid system are coming faster than anticipated..

    I signed up to be a part of the RCI group buy event for end of October! Due to living in the midwest and infrequently playing in the rocks, I'll be opting for the aluminum skids to save on weight. If it comes down to needing a little less friction to slide over objects, on goes a thin sheet of HDPE.

    While I wait on the lead time for armor, the TRD 'pro' grill and Gasshole are being delivered end of week!
     
  3. Nov 8, 2018 at 10:01 AM
    #3
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    So.. I ended up ordering the full aluminum skid system and holding off on the sliders until I'm home for good. Today the first half of my RCI skids showed up! First impressions of the shipped product are amazing. Packaging is fantastic, skids are in great shape, and all edges are deburred. Can't wait to get to installing after work!


    00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20181108123220483_COVER.jpg IMG_20181108_124734.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    blqchclt and imjustabill1970 like this.
  4. Nov 8, 2018 at 5:19 PM
    #4
    Sub_Par

    Sub_Par Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2015
    Member:
    #169939
    Messages:
    4,074
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Buffalo NY
    Vehicle:
    2011 TRD Off Road
    Did you get the first three, IFS, trans and transfer case? I went aluminum too.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2018
  5. Nov 8, 2018 at 6:17 PM
    #5
    MR E30

    MR E30 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2018
    Member:
    #270223
    Messages:
    2,231
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Wherever it's parked
    Vehicle:
    2021 Silver TRD OR DCLB w/ AluCab and All the Mods
    Nice intro, great color!
     
  6. Nov 9, 2018 at 6:15 AM
    #6
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Yes sir! I went for the whole system with the exhaust reroute. I'll be sure to update with install photos and how everything mates up.
     
    Sub_Par[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Nov 10, 2018 at 12:06 PM
    #7
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Today at lunch I got the 5000 mile service performed, and mounted the IFS and transmission skid afterwards. All the hardware was present and accounted for, mounting holes lined up perfectly, and everything bolted up smooth. Now I'm waiting on the transfer case skid and A arm skids to be delivered before rerouting the low hanging exhaust.


    IMG_20181110_144808.jpg IMG_20181110_144826.jpg IMG_20181110_144836.jpg
     
    Sub_Par likes this.
  8. Nov 10, 2018 at 6:30 PM
    #8
    kyruuuu

    kyruuuu Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2018
    Member:
    #269520
    Messages:
    35
    Gender:
    Male
    dang nice skids
     
  9. Nov 14, 2018 at 10:46 AM
    #9
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Thanks man! The transfer case skid and a arm skids should be arriving next week, then off to the shop for exhaust reroute before mounting them up.
     
  10. Nov 14, 2018 at 11:21 AM
    #10
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Well, I've been researching tonneau covers for a few days now, and there seems to be quite a few options! I had a few extra dollars in my Amazon account, and decided to pull the trigger on the extang trifecta. At right around $350 shipped, I couldn't pass it up. The soft cover always looked more visually appealing to me, and it offers the trifold design and rigidity that I'm after. There doesn't seam to be too much experience with this cover, so I'll gladly offer my thoughts in a few days when it's installed!
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2018
  11. Nov 17, 2018 at 7:05 AM
    #11
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    The new cover arrived yesterday. Overall, I'm very pleased for the small amount invested. I sealed the front corners, and time will tell how watertight it is.


    IMG_20181116_172013.jpg 00000IMG_00000_BURST20181117074422001_COVER.jpg 00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20181117074413851_COVER.jpg
     
    CusterFan likes this.
  12. Nov 17, 2018 at 7:08 AM
    #12
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    After a cocktail or two last night, I took the plunge and ordered the XD HID kit with the upgraded Phillips 4300k bulbs. Knowing how awful the stock lighting is, I'm hoping this is a huge improvement! During my research, it sounds like there is a possibility that the 4300k bulbs have some flutter/bounce to them due to a thin o-ring. Fingers crossed I'm not part of the minority, but time will tell! I'll update after they arrive!
     
  13. Nov 19, 2018 at 11:27 AM
    #13
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    I stopped in over lunch to make an appointment for the exhaust reroute.. Turns out they weren't busy and knocked it out in under an hour! Perfect timing, as the transfer case skid is arriving tomorrow. More photos to come!
     
  14. Nov 19, 2018 at 11:49 PM
    #14
    blqchclt

    blqchclt Oh, that's what this is for

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2018
    Member:
    #264199
    Messages:
    697
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand DCSB
    Oh it's coming together! The slides got me a jealous. Every damn time I think I'm done, another 4 things pop up :spending:
     
  15. Nov 21, 2018 at 9:06 AM
    #15
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Thanks! I got all the easy stuff out of the way, now its time to enjoy it while still under warranty and see how it performs for my needs before any drastic changes!
     
    blqchclt[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Nov 21, 2018 at 9:14 AM
    #16
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Look what just got delivered.. XD HID upgrade kit! I'm debating installing after work, but it seems like the sun is setting earlier and earlier. I'm OCD when it comes to cable management so most likely it will wait until tomorrow.

    00000IMG_00000_BURST20181121115501518_COVER.jpg
     
    blqchclt likes this.
  17. Nov 21, 2018 at 9:23 AM
    #17
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    Taco says its still light out and is beckoning me to come play.. unfortunately I have a few more hours of work..



    IMG_20181121_122028.jpg
     
    blqchclt likes this.
  18. Nov 21, 2018 at 2:45 PM
    #18
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    I snuck out of work an hour or so early and finished up the last of the skid install and got the new HID kit plugged in. Dinner is calling and I'll update with a few photos and thoughts on the lighting improvement later tonight after a drive!


    IMG_20181121_162135.jpg IMG_20181121_162124.jpg IMG_20181121_162111.jpg IMG_20181121_170613.jpg
     
    blqchclt likes this.
  19. Nov 21, 2018 at 4:41 PM
    #19
    Taco.Dan

    Taco.Dan [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Member:
    #264517
    Messages:
    153
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand Tacoma TRD OR
    After test driving around in the dark for a half hour or so, I've got zero complaints with the Phillips 4300ks or the HID setup in general. The amount of light thrown forward is amazing compared to stock is fantastic, and I'm happy with my purchase! So far there is zero 'bounce' and everything appears rock solid.

    The only thing I did notice, and frankly, I don't know if it was the same before the kit was installed (maybe someone with stock bulbs can verify?) when ignition is in accessory, the light mode for DRLs only does not function. When the truck is turned on, the first click for DRLs only illuminates as expected.

    Fogs+HID

    IMG_20181121_185542.jpg

    IMG_20181121_185547.jpg

    IMG_20181121_185648.jpg IMG_20181121_185716.jpg
     
    blqchclt likes this.
  20. Nov 21, 2018 at 4:54 PM
    #20
    blqchclt

    blqchclt Oh, that's what this is for

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2018
    Member:
    #264199
    Messages:
    697
    Vehicle:
    2018 Quicksand DCSB
    The lights are looking good man. I'll eventually move to HID's once I bust up these LED's. Well, that or once my wallet recovers.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top