The lurker-turned-mod-addict build (bbersanti's 2011 TRD OR Build)

I've been on the site for a couple years now, I've done some pretty minor mods, but I can see I'm going to continue to get sucked into the vortex of TW, so this will serve to both capture what I've done as well as document future wants. I'm a pretty novice wrench, all things considered, so tips, tricks, advice, etc. is always appreciated. I definitely don't see myself doing any hardcore off-roading but I would like to be able to use my truck as a hunting/fishing rig and be able to get to some more remote areas, which will impact my mod choices.

My future wants (for my memory's sake) are:

1. New tires (255/85/R16 is where I'm leaning) - Ended up going with S/T MAxx in 265/75/R16 instead
2. Diff breather mod
3. LED ditch pods (Brackets installed, need to wire) - Installed but found they rub on the Driver's side wiper arm
4. Armrest re-wrap
5. L-Track Install
6. 3" lift (OME w/ Dakars likely) - Did this, need to post pre- and post- lift pics
7. U-Bolt flip
8. Hood LED lighting kit
9. Window tint
10. Wiring clean-up
11. Iggy Switch panel (ordered, need to install) - installed, love it
12. RAM A/C panel mount - installed, love it
13. Extended brake lines
14. Pinch weld and bumper area paint
15. Level 8 MK6 in matte gunmetal - Went with 17x8 Icon Rebounds in Satin Black
16. Head unit upgrade - this one is gonna take some research
17. Replacement rear bumper post-accident - done and installed


I don't have any pics when I first bought it new (25 miles on the ODO) in 2011, but here's a pic of it before any mods in Moab (that is not me on the tailgate):


Took it into some spots that were too aggressive for a stock taco and in the process, did the drag-the-trailer-plug-on-rocks mod. Luckily I was able to pick up a new plug (the Honda Pilot version that fits the @bullaculla relocation bracket) and get it wired up (the fix happened many moons after the initial destruction):



Shortly thereafter I got into a bit of a fender-bender BUT it kick-started the mods. After tooooons of research, I was able to snag an aluminum front bumper from @EddyRRT in a group buy. Decided on aluminum since I don't do a ton of off-roading and I didn't want to have to also pony up for a beefier front end right off the bat. Also did the Maglite seat and anytime-foglight mods around this time.

Once I got the front bumper installed, then came the lighting extravaganza, which is still currently underway. First step was the BlueSea additional fuse box install. Had to hunt around a little bit to find a write-up for manual transmissions, since the reservoir was in the way. The wiring is a little messy but I've got plans to clean it up in the coming months:



It was also at this point I color-matched the grill and derped the emblems as part of Operation Eradicate Chrome. Took me a ton of time to get the surface finish the way I wanted it before I painted it but I think it turned out pretty well. I bought the Salex glove box organizer and made my own center console with some of the left over Lexan from the Blue Sea install. Loooove the Salex organizer. I don't dig in it much but it's a great fitting product and makes the glove box way more usable. Then I got the 21" lightbar mounted in the bumper and wired up. I didn't do anything with the surface of the bumper because I still hadn't convinced myself of what I wanted to do with it - Line-X or powdercoat - so in the meantime it's installed and lit:



Since I didn't have any spare switch blanks for the light bar, I ran them into the storage bin above the fuse panel door. I made a switch panel to fit the switch out of the leftover lexan from my BlueSea install that fits reasonably well. I will be getting an @Iggy. switch panel in the near future as well, since I've added some lighting and need a good place to consolidate the switches.



I have since done the bed mat install, tailgate security mod, and have purchased some goodies that are awaiting more parts for install. I'll continue to update as progress happens but for now, this will have to do.

A while ago I had the front bumper Line-X coated in premium black. I didn't take any pictures when it was first completed but here's a shot showing it mounted again. It turned out amazing in my opinion. The shop said that they wouldn't be able to get full coverage in some spots on the back side because they wouldn't be able to get the gun into position but the outside and surface finish is spot on.



I also installed my Redline Quicklift Plus kit around this time. The install went super smooth; I only ran into a little hiccup with the caulking on the seam on the driver's side engine bay mount. Overall a great purchase and I'm super happy with the end result.



Also hit the Black November sale over on @Mobtown Offroad and picked up a tailgate skin and cap. I got it installed but the rivnut installation was a little bit of a pain in the ass. Great product and the fit looks amazingly clean.

After a while I got tired of the mediocre switch location that I'd come up with and got in on the switch panel that fits behind the shifter. Took a bit of sanding and trial and error to get it to fit but overall I'm pretty happy with the install. I'll probably go back and paint it at some point but for now it's functional and I very much dig the new location.



About 6 months ago, I got into a little fender bender after a driver pulled out in front of me and I ended up replacing my @SOS CONCEPTS aluminum bumper with a steel one. I loved the look of the bumper but it just didn't hold up to the impact.




With the insurance payment for the replacement bumper I picked up an All-Pro Apex steel front bumper. Unfortunately this bumper didn't come with a location for the light bar I had in the SOS bumper so I need to find a new location for that one. The additional weight of the steel front bumper did mean that I got the opportunity to upgrade the suspension, so I decided to go with a full OME setup with the 90000 Nitrocharger shocks, 885X springs, Taco Lean spacer and the standard duty rear leaf springs.



After I got everything installed and settled, the new stance was a major upgrade. The ride is a little stiffer but I don't mind it. It rides like a truck should now.




Got the new Pelfreybilt bumper installed and really like the look. The sides of the bumper stick out from the sides so it's getting some road wear and paint chips from rocks so I might need to look into some RokBlokz mud flaps.



Got a solid deal on some new Icon Rebound 17x8 wheels and had them wrapped in some skinny 255/80/R17 Falken Wildpeaks. The new setup really changes the look of the truck and I LOVE IT. I've got a few rub spots that I'll be keeping an eye on but I'm not sure how I feel about wheel spacers. We shall see.