Udy's '06 TRD Sport Build

Sweet build. Can't wait to do similar stuff. Driving these trucks in the snow is so fun. I'm just sitting in the heated cab watching other people get stuck. Got like 4ft in NY last year. Snowed today. Could be another big year. Trying to get a block heater on to ease the engine.

 

Hey man, thanks for looking!

I should add a few updates. I have installed a Pioneer head unit. It is bluetooth, ipod, and HD ready, though I don't have any of the above to make use of. I'm still stuck in the CD age. I've also upgraded to Boston Acoustic components front and rear. I do have a 4-channel amp, but I haven't installed it yet. I will wait to install it with a powered sub. Then it will be worth taking the interior apart to do a neat install and run all the wiring.

The Toy has been washed and waxed for the winter, but I would like to do one more wash/wax before more snow flies.

I too love driving this thing on the snowy roads. I'm hoping the Duratracs act as well as they did new now that there is some wear on them. (just over 17,000miles!)

Thanks again for the kudos, I'll try to get some pics up of the stereo installed.

 

Well, here are a couple of pics "flexing" in my driveway. Standard service ramps. Flexed the front to show another member the clearance of the front tire to the wheelwell and UCA. There is also a pic or two of the new head unit and my location for the rear tweeters.

Here goes!







And now to the "flexing"!















Next I put the ramps at opposite corners to get some "real-world" flex.
















I think the suspension "works" fairly well. I haven't really "crawled" it, but so far it has done well on the trails around here. I am being careful to not drag the rockers or any undercarriage parts due to not having sliders or skids yet.

Also, I have owned the Toy for 1 year now without any difficulties, even with the lift and tires. I am quite excited about that because I have had quite a few "abused" vehicles in the past. In the last year, I have put 17,000 plus miles on it.

Duratracs have worn well in my opinion, though I do get a random vibration/wheel shimmy from time to time, usually in the 45-50mph range. I do rotate them every 3000miles or so. (they are due right now). The ToyTec ULK has been flawless. No problems with sagging at any corner, coils or leaf springs.

I AM HAPPY WITH MY TOY!!!!!

Still to come! Interior: amp and powered sub. I wouldn't mind some seat covers, but not a priority. Exterior: Sliders and skids, and a rear bumper. Performance: Front ARB.

At that point, I will concider it done...yeah...whatever...

 

Great build. Like the setup. Defiantly going with 285's next time. After seeing the Goodyears I think I might finaly switch from BFG. I keep mine at 55 psi too. When you start getting a lot of steering wheel shake take them to get balanced again.

 

I finally had time to install my shortshifter from URD...it was too warm to hunt.

To anyone considering one, I wholeheartedly have to say it is WELL worth it. Shifting is now effortless. Absolutely no searching for the next gear, up or down. It shifts itself!!!

Anyone worried about any difficulty finding reverse? It's not as bad as I expected. It's no harder than it was when I first started driving this standard. It does require a little more effort than without the shortshifter, but not that much. It is now just as effortless as the original.

I should have done a step-by-step with pics, but the install was as easy as Gadgets instructions make it seem. The hardest part for me was cleaning all the RTV the dealer used when replacing the clutch 50,000 miles ago. HOLY SHIT. There was more extra silicone squeezed out the edges than semen from a $2 whore on the corner. Aside from that, all went smooth and easy.

I highly recommend the URD shortshifter for ease of install and quality of product. Also for the excellent shift characteristics of the product!!

WAY TO GO URD!!!

 

Well, a little more is done. I installed the LED's in the dome and map lights, WOW, what a difference. They really light up the interior well. It was also the easiest "mod" I've done so far.

Reverse lights and plate lights are in also. That required tools and about 10 more minutes of my time. Reverse lights are a HUGE upgrade. Backing these Toys up is already a pain in the ass, add a cap with smoked windows and you can't see shit. The new lights really make a difference using mirrors to back up. It's a whole new experience.

And, being technologically stunted, I didn't know my outdated "Boulder" by Casio is Bluetooth ready, I just spent an hour pulling my stereo again. I hooked up the mic, and ipod cable (just in case), and spent another hour trying to figure out how to use the bluetooth to go hands free.

I got it, but I can see it being more of a distraction than just picking up the phone and talking!

Any how, that's my update...for now. I did just order a powered sub (Basslink) from Crutchfield on sale! Now I have to make time to install my amp and the sub. The amp is a 4-channel Sony to drive the Boston Acoustic components in the doors. The Pioneer head unit has 3 sets of pre-amp connections to allow for the sub. I'm not that great at these kind of hookups, I get impatient. I will do my best to document my install of all the above and to be ready for any flame jobs coming my way. I want to do it right!

Here's some pics of the LED's!

Lit up interior,






Reverse light comparo,



It also shows the license plate light. The pass. side socket needs replacing.





Heck of a difference!





And finally the outside looking in,





Kinda repetitious with the pics from other threads, but I want to keep things documented.

 

A couple small updates. I replaced the pass. side license plate light socket. $9.70 from LeBrun Toyota. I installed the remaining LED in that socket, now all is well back there.

Today I installed the lit 4x4 switch. It was my first time to solder something other that copper in a domestic H2O or boiler system. Not great looking, but it is functioning. I will have to get some pics up when it gets dark out.

I also added a Kobalt tool set to the bed bin. It still needs to be organized, but it is in the truck. I got it on sale for $99 from $199. Half price is a score in my book! Once I get things organized, I will minimize the set to tools needed for the Toy, then I will start adding to the set.

Once again, thanks for looking. Pics will come later!

BTW...Merry Christmas to all!!!

 

I figured I would just show what's lit up now. I frikken' forgot to show off the bed lights. Oh well, next time.

License plate and reverse LED's.



Lit up 4x4 switch. Sorry for the blur, you are NOT cocked!



Front stockers on HIGH with the cheapie off-road lights. I gotta upgrade!



Interior dome and map LED's.




I frikken' forgot to show off the bed lights. Oh well, next time.

That's all for now!

 

did your mileage change much with the duratracks? good looking truck.john

 

Great looking truck.

 

Thanks you guys! Yes, my milage changed, but minimally. I can't say the tires caused any drop in mpg's alone, but I would assume to some degree. I did the bumper and winch soon after the tires so I figure the extra weight and aerodynamic change had something to do with it too.

Summertime with no cap on the truck I'm getting upwards of 18mpgs on a good day. Wintertime with the cap on and about 2 hours of idletime warming up I'm getting 14-15mpgs. Keep in mind most of my driving is around town with lots of hills. I pull 2 long grades every morning just going for coffee with the guys!

Thanks again for the kudos!

 

Hey do you know what LED's you used for the MAP, DOME, REVERSE, and LICENSE PLATE?

I'm going to do something similar. I have a few burnt out lights in my cab and i might as well just change over to LED if they are brighter and use less power.

 

I bought mine from CSJumper. I will look for the thread for you. His customer service and speed of expediting the order were excellent!

 

hello, I have a taco 2011 with the toytec ultimate lift 3". after you put the art bull bar and the winch did you rubber? and how much you went up to level the truck , if is possible can you post a picture of your coil over to see how much thread do you have on your coils

 

Hey Carlos, I had to raise the front about a 1/2" after adding the bumper and winch. There are about 2" of exposed threads on the bottom of the coilover. I will try to get some pics for you tomorrow. The only rubbing I get is at full lock steering while hitting a bump. It happens more in reverse than forward.

Thanks for looking!

 

We pretty much have the same truck lol. but yeah after i put the bull bar and winch the front end so yesterday i raise the front but I think I went too high because i have a squeaky noise on the suspension, I'm gonna measure from the hub to the edge of the fender flares........thank you John

 

hey john there is a pic of my coil overs !!!!!! I measue the distance from hub to fender and is 23 3/4 so it should be ok

 

Hey Carlos, I just checked out your build. Truck looks good, but where are the front axles? I do wish I got a DC, but I bought mine used and am pretty happy with it.

Here are a couple pretty shitty pics of my coilovers. Sorry they are covered in dirty slush, but I just don't want to crawl around in the snow to clean them off. I'm pretty sure the max amount of lift recommended leaves 2" of threads exposed under the adjustment collar.





Again, sorry for the crappy pics.

I have over 20,000 miles on the lift and tires and all is well so far.

Thanks again for looking!

BTW, how much fun did you have adjusting the coils? I bent the piss out of the wrenches doing mine. Thank God I haven't had to adjust them since!!!

 

Hey john no front axle, I'll never use the 4x4 so I got the 4x2 wich is perfect for what i do, my off road is more about fishing and adventure with the family, the winch just in case because sometimes I have to pass some crazy stuff lol...... well thanks for you help

 

Yeah I saw that...just busting on you. Still, you got a great looking truck!