TNToyo79's Build Thread

Like other members I would just like to keep track of everything I'm doing here in a thread, this truck isn't fancy. This is my second Taco, I drove the first for 15 years and was too broke to do anything I wanted to do. This time around I'm retired and I'm going to do the mods I always had on my "wish" list...or something close.

Truck Background:

2004 4x4 X-tra Cab SR5, 2.7L manual. Bought in North Carolina, Jan 2019 with 72,800 original miles. I soon after discovered it had the frame cancer under the CPC coating. Got lucky and it qualified for a frame replacement. The NC dealer purchased the truck in Vermont, at the time I was living in Virginia which was one of the qualifying "cold weather" states.

I picked the truck up 2 weeks ago and brought it to Georgia (where we now call home) after waiting a few months for the frame to come in, get installed etc. etc.. So that's the short story...I'll cut to the chase and let the list begin:

6/21/19 - Class 3 hitch installed. I was on the road and pressed for time so I let U-Haul do it. Back in 2001 I let them do a transmission cooler and class 3 on my first Taco. I never had any issues, so I'm a repeat customer.

6/22/19 - Firestone Destination A/T - 265/75/16. The amazing "Fuzion" tires that were on the truck from the dealer were lumpier than the milk in Granny's teat. Almost shook me to death on the interstate trip to Georgia. I made it to Roanoke Rapids, NC before I puller over and bought a set of the Destinations from Chris Cahoon at the Firestone store there. Chris is a great guy and the Manager there. He actually met me in the parking lot before I got stopped good. Offered to help me unhook my Jon boat that I was towing and told me bring my dogs in the store out of the heat. He then went out to help install my tires and speed up the process since I was on the road travelling. Super good dude. He saw I was retired military and sold me the tires for cost, no installation fee. I am forever grateful for his help in a crummy situation.

 

The day I picked it up.

 

Before and After frame replacement, wheels and tires.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW. Great looking truck!

 

Thank you Josh, very cool!

 

7-10-19 - Bullet Liner Done!

 

7-14-19: Installed JBA UCA's, new tie rod ends, rotors and brakes.

Sent the Eibach lift springs and front Bilstein 5100's back. Ordered Fox 2.0 coilovers.

7-17-19: Coilovers arrived!

 

7-19-19: Installed Fox 2.0 coil overs.

 

Looks great and I bet it rides even better!

 

Very nice!

 

Is the best ride of any Tacoma set up I've had. Really amazing.

I've got an extra 1.5 in. Up front with no adjusting to the coilover. Just installed 1.5 in. Wheelers lift blocks in the rear today. The rake is same as factory.

7-20-19: 1.5 in. Wheelers cast blocks installed.

 

7-23-19: Installed the Bilstein 5100's on the rear.

Had the Fox 2.0 front coilovers adjusted up 2" in. so that the truck is now level. still has a little rake to me eye though......the rubbing is gone lock-to-lock so I'm stoked.

Now it's time to track down a rattle that's bugging the piss out of me.

 

8-1-19: Took the truck to Toyota and paid for the following:

- Front & Rear Diff flush & refill.
- Cooling system flush
- New CV Axles!
- All new Belts and Hoses

8-8-19: Replaced the entire driveshaft & center bearing. $645 from www.wholesaleimportparts.com

 

Measures 39.5 inches from the ground to bottom edge of fender flares.

 

Pics of old center bearing, new CV axles and new driveshaft assembly.

 

Nice!

 

8-14-19: Exhaust fell off on the highway this morning. Thanks rust.

Flowmaster FX installed after my shift today.

 

Good work man! Keep that thing living it’s best life! Lol

 

8-17-19:

20% window tint on front windows and 6 inch "eyebrow" strip on the front windshield.