TacomaMike25 Build Thread: 3rd Gen OEM+ Build

Welcome to the TacomaMike25 build thread! I come from a long line if Toyota Ownership. Through out the years I have owned a 89 Corolla, 99 T4R, 2nd Gen Tacoma and now…a 3rd Gen Tacoma!

I plan on keeping this vehicle OEM+ for a little bit with hopes of building a mall crawler overland build.

How did I get into Toyota Trucks?

-My dad owned a 1999 T4R SR5 that was handed down to me when I got my drivers license. I put a lift and some bigger tires in it. I loved the reliability this truck provided over the years. It had 360k on the odometer and would no longer pass PA inspections due to the dreaded rust issues that plagued it.

What was my most recent build?

-I had a 2012 Tacoma. I purchased it off my brother and was the 3rd owner. The 2nd gen had a 2.7l 4cyl with a 5spd manual transmission.

Why did I get into a 3rd Gen?

-Since 2016 I wanted a 3rd gen. I drooled over the TRD-Off Road. I have followed several build threads and instagram pages gathering ideas on how I would build out my 3rd gen. On Monday of last week I traded in the 2nd gen and acquired a 2018 TRD-Off Road. I have finally obtained my dream truck. Now over the next few years I plan on building it out. I am turning a dream into reality!

Recent Build:



New (to me) 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road:

 

Do you have a build for the access cab?? I’ve been looking into building up mine but no clue where to start

 

i did not make one for it. If you have any question I’ll gladly respond to the best of my ability.

 

want to share your goals or plans for the 3rd gen? what do you want to do to it?

 

I will sit down and create a list of mods and update the original post.

 

Installed a Tyger Tonneau cover after work today. Ordered it on Amazon for $229 shipped. It was supposed to arrive on Sunday but I got lucky with it coming in a little early. Install took about a half hour. It came in undamaged and wrapped in a drawstring cloth bag. It has a simple design and locks pretty secure. Comes with extra brackets and isolators for the rear clamps. The overall cover itself looks like it is pretty good quality.

 

After a week of ownership I noticed a few issues with my truck…

1. Blotchy paint on the fenders/bedsides.
2. Cluster Plexiglass cracked from the heat
3. Tire/Alignment issues. Steering wheel shook from 65-80mph. I lowered the tire pressure and it helped. All the tires on my truck have different wear patterns.
4. Front breaks “Grab” at 20mph or less.

i called the dealer I purchased the truck from and have an appointment Monday to meet with the service manager to discuss these issues and get them squared away.

 

*Update*

Met with the service manager. I showed him the paint in spots where it was blotchy. He agreed with me and asked to set me up with a bodyshop to have my truck sprayed. I declined and asked him to have it in his records if something happens to the paint/clear ect its on file. He agreed.

Break issues was resolved…my stupidity got the best of me and I had the forward crash sensitivity set at the highest which caused the breaks to grab hard.

Cluster Plexiglass was replaced at no cost and vibrations were from the tires out of balance.

95% happy with the truck overall.

I did a few things to the truck since I got it back. First thing I did was give it a good exterior detail. I washed/wax/ceramic coated truck and used chemical guys tire and trim gel on the flares and mud guards.






I purchased a pair of Orsam Night Breakers and Alla Yellow Fog LED Bulbs off Amazon. I also picked up a K&N drop in filter.










More to come! Stay Tuned!

 

Plasti dipped the chrome bezel on the front grille.

 

Currently waiting delivery of Diode Dynamics SL-1 bulbs and installed a bed mat in the meantime.

 

Installed Diode Dynamics SL-1 Bulbs for the headlight. I adjusted them and drove around the neighbor hood and on some dark roads last night. Lights are aimed correctly. Seconds photo the truck is not on an even surface.

 

Diode Dynamics SS3 Sport Fog Lamps installed! Install took about 30 minutes and is pretty straight forward. Driving with the Diode Dynamics SL1 and SS3 Sports at night is a killer combo.

 

Quick Build Update:Recovery and Skids

installed front recovery d-ring shackles and a rear trailer hitch mount. Looking into skids most likely going with Victory 4x4 for skids, rock sliders and front bumper winch mount bumper. After heavy parts installed I will be looking into a solid lift.

Currently awaiting delivery for 265/75r16 Nitto Ridge Grapplers!

 

Nitto Ridge Grapplers installed! 265/75r16 on Stock TRD OR Wheels!

 

Runnin4Tacos TRD grille installed

 

Did some pre winter detailing on the Tacoma and Rav4.

 

It has been a little bit since I updated the thread…

Installed and OEM roof rack and did a quick wash to get rid of some of the wonderful PA salt/grime.

 

Hyper dipped the stock trd wheels. Toyota should have painted them black from the factory.

 

**Update**

Installed the K&N FIPK 57 Series intake on the truck. Gives a little more sound around 4k rpms and throttle response. No power gains I noticed with this intake.

Took then truck off road for the first time on Saturday. For stock suspension the ride was really good.

 

Wheels turned out great! I assume you dismounted the tires to do this?? You do it yourself or send them out? Details man, I need details!!