Tuesday's Build

This is my first ever Toyota and I absolutely love it. 21 DCSB TRD OR. I figured I would start a build thread just to document everything as is happens. My build will be mild but purposeful. I do not intend to go off road in any hard core sense but I will use my Taco for adventure seeking. Camping, cycling, hiking, boating and such. This site has been a great source so far for finding and researching products to configure my truck to my needs. Maybe, in time, this thread might help to inspire someone else with similar needs. Here she is the day I bought her.

 

First Mod. Ditch Lights. I purchased these, lights and brackets from Cali Raised. Super easy install and everything fit nicely. These are the low profile mounts and the 27 watt side shooting LED's. I also bought the OEM style switch and wiring harness from them. Install took about an hour and really do light the trail up nicely. For about $180 I feel this is a pretty good value. Fit and finish was great and I like the way they look on the truck as well. Not a big mod but a good jumping in point. In the pic they are aimed straight ahead which is not the intended position. That evening I hit the dirt roads and turned them outward so they could actually light up the ditches. Best part is this install required no modifications to the truck in any way. No cutting or drilling required. The brackets simple mount to the bolts that hold your hood to the hood hinges. I highly recommend.

 

Second Mod. Tie Down Points. I noticed that there were 2 threaded holes on the front wall of my truck's bed that didn't seem to have a purpose. I decided to install some tie down hooks there. I stopped in my local Tractor Supply and picked up the necessary hardware for about $5. Simple. Cheap. Effective. My kind of mod!

 

Third Mod. I enjoy mountain biking and I needed a way to transport my bikes. I studied on this for a while weighing out the pros and cons to all of the available racks and devices available on the market. None of them really fit my needs and most of them were just way overpriced. I looked at the tailgate pads that fit over the tailgate and allow you to just put your bike in the bed with your front tire sticking out the back. My first thought was that there was no way that was not going to scratch up your tailgate not to mention they charge like $150 for those things. Reese hitch mounts were a no go. Roof top mounts are just not practical. I decided to get some fork mounts from Amazon and put them on some bed bars. Well, bed bars are a bit pricey as well so I made my own out of a piece of Unistrut from Lowes along with two 90 degree brackets and some bolts. I also ordered some T-Nuts from Amazon to fit in the side bed rails. Again, no drilling or cutting to the truck required. As with all of my mods so far this is completely removeable. Total cost was about $100 for two bed bars that I can use for carrying my bikes or kayaks. I have yet painted them black but I will soon. I was ready to hit the trail!

 

Looks great! Thank you for the good review of our product.

 

Looking great so far! Keep up in the updates cant wait to see what you do with her.

 

Looks great and some inspiration

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GEMuAnFH_lM

 

Icon Stage 2 Lift has arrived. I'll post before and after pics in a few days once it's installed.

 

Icon Stage 2 Lift Installed! Went up about 2.5 inches front and rear as measured from the ground to the center of the fender flairs. The kit came with complete new front shocks and springs pre-assembled. New rear shocks. New add-a-leaf set and sway bar relocation brackets. The ride is amazing so far. It's definitely an improvement over the stock ride at least on the highway. I'll let you know how it does off road soon. STOKED!!!!

 

More Mods! Billie Bar bed rack. CVT Mt Shasta Tent. Brass Knuckle bike rack. Home made water tube. Camping season is here and I'm almost ready!

 

Build is looking great!

 

Can't forget to bring the Monkey! Great little bike to have if you just need to run to the store for more bacon or beer while camping!