What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Nice upgrade! How do you like the TRD shift knob? Was it already installed? Also, does it match the orange on the dash? I have the same interior and was thinking of switching mine out.

 

This looks great!! This is one of the next mods I want to do.

 

I do! The first step is to remove the door panel.. so I watched this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeVKDwHrkus on how to take off the door and it was pretty straight forward. He doesn't put the door panel back on in the video so just make sure you snap the green and white cables all the way back into the latches before putting the door panel back on and also make sure the door goes down into the window crease first and then into place -that will make more sense after you watch it- i made that mistake once of not securing the cables and it was nearly a catastrophe.

this is just the door with the panel off... I used a multi meter to find the 12v power supply and ground from the plug that attaches to the window button


(drivers side) I matched the gauge of the wire from the window plug wires to run the power to the usb port. On this side white was positive and yellow was ground. I just left enough wire to reach my plug location. The plug comes with clips to attach to the back of the usb. The red splicers below you can get at any auto parts or hardware store and has room for one wire to run through and then another for a wire to slide into the splice and stop. Simply run the new wire that goes to the usb from the stopped end of the splice and put the other side of the splice over the window wire and clamp with pliers and attach the plastic clip.




On the passenger side door black was ground and white was power. I ended up using the red splicers (above) and thicker gauge wire on all the connections.



The obvious question is does this effect the truck's existing power supply. I tested it charging the ipad, running the windows, and the door locks and have't blown a fuse or have I seen any change in performance. I figured worse case, I could go up one number on a fuse if it blows but like I said... all is well so far. If you have any questions about this I recommend asking one of the many electrical experts on the forums. But so far so good on my truck as the ginny pig.

The hole size for my usb mount was 1-1/8 inch and I used a speed bit to make the hole. Very easy.



The location can be anywhere you can fit the plug. I chose the center of the iPad on the flat area from where it sits in that sloped back pocket in the door. This also allows full use of the existing cup holders. That's 19.5cm from the outside edge of the door panel and right in the middle of the flat area.

If you use that same location you have to cut a few pieces out of the white bracket (below) on the back (no idea what that is for other than to keep the door from rattling) I clipped it out with wire cutters and used a little saw for that back of the bracket. Again, each location is different so look at the back before you drill and also make sure you have distance to the door once you put it back to fit the back of the usb hub. It's better to be a little low than too high for this location... fyi... try going a few millimeters south of center to be sure.




After you have the hole and wires spliced and ready with the included clips you simply push in the plug, attach the included threaded ring to hold the port flush, attach the wires to the proper terminals and put the door panel back on. I would test everything before you put all the clips from the door panel back in. Again, make sure you attach the cables to the door correctly and that the door slides down in the window crease properly. The door goes down into that crease and then straight on. If you pull the door panel backwards at all during this process, check the door latch cables again.

The finished product.

 

Torque peak is 4600rpm, HP peak is 6000 RPM. I find that shifting at 3k or before nets pretty decent everyday acceleration. But yeah, if towing a grade your gonna want to be 4600rpm plus to get the most out of it.

 

Thank You! Greatly appreciate!

 

You're welcome! happy to give back to TW. I hope it makes sense. A lot of it will only make sense as you go through the process. good luck! Let me know if you have any questions...

 

In town, I shift at 2500. Merging onto the interstate I run it up to between 3k and 3.5k. I was pulling my trailer into the wind running 70 ib 6th at 2400. The truck seemed happy. Granted the trailer is a 6x12 enclosed and it was empty.

 

Woah! I came back to the thread to make a link for my notes and BOOM, you had the whole thing laid out. No excuses for me now! Thank you (and my kids will thank you)!

 

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Like looking for the G-spot...

 

smart man. I want a manual tacoma so bad

 

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New? Used?

 

Sure thing... you have tried this or you are going to?

 

LOL my truck will hit 90 no problem. Whoever

LOLOL my '17 will hit 90mph easily. Maybe you have a shoe stuck under your gas pedal?

Took a road trip last week and had to be diligent to keep it at 85. The 2gr has lots of balls on the highway (from a stop, not so much). My 1gr struggled a bit to get to 90, it sure made alot of noise, the 2gr will get you up there quietly and quickly.

You want to know a struggle to 90? go drive a 3vze 4runner or pickup. it will get you there... eventually.

 

I plan to try it. I put the USB plugs in my Amazon cart and made a list of the steps. BUT, I bought from Carmax and tomorrow is the last day I can return it with no questions asked (5-day policy). Before I start drilling holes in it I thought I'd pass that point.

I don't have any actual plans for returning it, but I do have my mechanic looking at it today just to be sure. After reading all the 2016 posts on here you'd think it was a pile of garbage. But, I'm happy so far. The kazoo door seal was taken care of easily. The shifting and cruise control seem fine to me. I can get it to 95 mph easily. There are no noises I don't think should be there. I've put about 250 miles on it just 'test driving' it. Loaded the kids in and out (they love it). Waiting to pass the return date to give my wife a ride. . . just in case. So, we'll see what the mechanic says this afternoon.

 

Some people on this forum can be a little dramatic. Most of us love our 3rd gens.

 

Gosh... that's no joke.

 

Just got the confirmation my wheels arrived today
Softtopper ahould also be in this afternoon

 

I did, but at that point I just got done the interior bulbs and I think I was kinda losing patience lol. I'll have to give another whirl at it, I actually had forgotten about them until now lol.

 

I'm with you... I don't want to dismiss people's issues... but I love this truck. I love everything about it. Even the issues I've had I would consider minor for a new model. I wouldn't give it up for anything.

 

No problem, I completely agree. Matches the badge inlays we have perfectly too.