The Big Thread of Little Projects

This thread will serve as a miscellaneous collection of maintenance, upgrades and random, Tacoma related, projects.

Backstory first...
I joined the Tacomaverse back in Aug when I picked up a 2004 TRD PreRunner. I'd been looking for a long time in hopes of finding a first gen, 4x4, V6, 5MT, Xtracab to no avail and the PreRunner popped up in the mean time. It was in good condition and the price was right so I jumped on it. Got it home and started in on basic maintenance and addressing items that needed a little TLC. All the while, I continued to casually monitor the various classifieds...




...and then a 2004 V6 5-Speed 4WD Xtracab popped up in Arizona around the end of November:


Given that it checked all of the boxes and appeared to be in good shape, I booked a flight out to take a look at it in person. Everything checked out and I was suddenly the owner of (2) 2004 Tacomas.

The 4WD received the same treatment that the 2WD did when I got it home. Unfortunately, the carrier bearing went south on the drive back so that took immediate priority. Turns out whomever worked on it last installed it backwards. They also managed to install the upper radiator hose backwards and it was starting to wear through as it rubbed against the fan shroud Fortunately, there wasn't anything else installed incorrectly and it's been mechanical bliss ever since.

 

<Reserved for List of Mods>

 

First round...Maintenance Items.

The 2WD received the following:

• Air filter
• New spark plugs/wires
• New PCV valve/hose
• Cleaned MAF/throttle body
• LBJs
• Steering bushings

And the 4WD got this treatment:

• Oil/filter change
• Air filter
• New spark plugs/wires
• New PCV valve/hose
• Cleaned MAF/throttle body
• Fluid change – Tranny, front/rear diff, transfer case
• Clutch fluid flush

 

Suspension was next. Swapped in Bilstein 5100’s in the front and 4600’s in the rear. Rear height didn’t change much but the front went up a little. These pics are right after the install, fronts settled in around 36” after driving.

 

Interior got some love, too. I really love the analog feel/simplicity of the 1st gen interior. That said, there were some modern conveniences that I missed, namely, hands-free calling, satellite radio, backup camera, USB charging, steering wheel stereo controls, and GPS. I was able to get all of this and more by installing an Android head unit. I already had a SiriusXM subscription from another vehicle so rather than pay for two subscriptions, I just installed the app and streamed the content, instead. This had the added bonus of not having to figure out the installation of the satellite receiver. In order to stream, however, I did need internet connectivity. To achieve this, I used a cellular hotspot that's powered off one of the radio USB ports (I get free data sims with my plan).

Backup camera was relatively easy to install and route the wiring -- I used one that mounted to the license plate and connected the trigger wire to the reverse lights. GPS antenna mounted between the center vents and under the dash, it’s picking up signal flawlessly in that location. The WiFi antenna was installed behind the stereo. For hands-free use, I routed the microphone up through the driver's side A-pillar and stuck it to the windshield in the upper right-hand corner. Steering wheel controls were via a wireless, battery-powered add-on module from Amazon (didn’t feel like getting into a full wheel swap). Since the head unit is basically an Android tablet, I also wanted to add an OBD monitoring app so I could see what’s going on with the truck beyond the idiot lights in the dash. This was a bit of an undertaking as I went through 5-6 OBD2 units before I found one that paired with the head unit via Bluetooth, had a decent form factor, sleep mode (so I could leave it plugged in all of the time) and good app support.

 

Wanted to cover up the ball hitch hole in the rear bumper so I set out to design my own. Tried a few different design/size/color combos but ultimately went with something that matched my wheels (TRD Pro's):

 

Finally had some free time to document more updates. Here's the dog platform I built:


It gives the pooch free reign in the back of the cab and restrains her enough that she can see out the front windshield while not being a safety hazard while driving. The platform rests on top of the rear shelf with the jump seats stowed. There's an eyelet in the middle that secures to the restraint anchor using a carabiner.

The underside has legs that fold down during use and fold up for storage:


The platform itself was made from 3/4" plywood and the legs are 2x4s. There's a length differential of about an inch between the outer legs and the inner legs and they sit at a slight angle when extended for extra stability. The carpet is attached to the wood with staples.

It's not shown in these pics but I bored some holes in the platform and legs and installed some magnets to assist in keeping the legs in position while installing in the truck. Unfortunately, they were not quite strong enough so I think I will add some sort of latching mechanism down the road to make it a little easier to install (otherwise, it takes a couple of back-and-forths from one side of the truck to the other to get it to fully settle into position.

Action shot:

 

Winter is coming...seat heaters installed!


Installed the Rostra 250-1872 kit (http://www.rostra.com/comfortheat-automotive-seat-heater-by-rostra.php). The switch was mounted on a custom adapter that I designed and 3d printed to fit in the coin holder(?) in the center console.

The switch also illuminates with the headlights on and when the heaters are in use:


I also took the opportunity to swap in new seat foam on the driver's side and it feels like a completely new truck. Easily raised my seating position by an inch or so and also improved the lumbar support significantly. Here's a couple of pics showing the area covered by the heating elements:

 

Nice write up! Need new foam for mine, 250,000 worn out where did you purchase? Thanks

 

Thanks! I highly, highly recommend swapping in new foam, makes for a "new" seat. I got mine from Toyota Parts Deal: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/