Building a Toyota that fits Douglas

[DouglasVB]

After a couple years of not having a Toyota, I'm back in the family with a 2022 Tacoma TRD Off-Road six speed manual that I picked up with 3100 miles on the odometer. This thread is to document what I'm doing to the truck over time. My current desires are to 1) keep it as a daily driver and 2) make it a massive rock crawler with desert capabilities. Yes, those desires are orthogonal 😅

The most immediate needs that I see are:

1. Dash cam - Installed 12/28/2023
2. Catalytic converter guards - Installed 3/3/2024
3. Repair the two holes drilled into the front of the truck bed (looks like a previous owner project they never finished -- I need to paint the bare metal and then I'll find some rubber plugs to put into the holes) - Didn't need to fix them because it's a fiberglass bed 12/28/2023
4. Tire chains (I think only for the rear?) - Purchased 12/24/2023

The truck currently has the following accessories from the prior owner:

1. Dark tint all the way around - removed the front tint 2/2/2024 (roughly) and probably will remove the rear tint eventually
2. Body Armor 4x4 HiLine Front Winch Bumper
3. Two row LED light bar installed in the front bumper
4. TRD skid plate - removed and replaced with an RCI skid plate system 1/6/2024
5. Bed mat
6. Tri-fold hard bed cover
7. Side-step running boards - removed for RCI sliders (not installed yet)
8. WeatherTech floor mats - replaced the rear mat that was cut up for a gun safe 3/3/2024

It appears the truck had a pistol safe installed underneath the drivers seat based on the rear bolts on that seat having been accessed before and the floor mat on that side having been trimmed to accommodate a box shape. Hopefully I can find just a rear mat replacement so I don't have to buy the whole set again.

In the intermediate term, I'm looking at doing:

1. A/C hose drain extension - done 12/29/2023
2. U-bolt flip kit
3. Skid plates for all of the sensitive bits underneath - mostly done as of 3/3/2024
4. Armor for the A-arms and such - done 1/6/2024 including gas tank skid
5. Sliders
6. Winch
7. Either get the high clearance side wings for the current bumper or get a new front bumper
8. Rear bumper
9. Bed stiffeners (I think that's still a needed thing on the newer 3rd gens?)
10. Bed topper/camper shell (not exactly sure which I want yet)
11. Amateur radio (might use my old Yaesu FT-2900 or might upgrade to something that does 70cm and maybe some other bands as well. Also I want APRS.)
12. GMRS radio
13. CB radio (I just can't give it up!)
14. Hidden kill switch
15. Front-facing camera wired into the infotainment unit (seems like there are a lot of different versions of this but here's one) and it would be cool to have the 360 camera mode

Longer term, I'm interested in:

1. Long travel that preserves ABS and other safety features and new shocks etc
2. Bigger tires / trim things to make them fit
3. Re-gear
4. Front locker or similar
5. Dual t-case setup or similar
6. More armor especially to protect the quarter panels and such
7. Brush guards inspired by @HoneyBadger 's brush guards 😂
8. Maybe flatbed the truck and have a camper that can be loaded on and off easily like this?
9. Tube doors

We'll see how far I get down these lists 😅😅😅

Any suggestions, thoughts, input is greatly appreciated!

 

[HoneyBadger]

Put brush cables on all the things!

 

[jps8460]

Congrats on the new truck!!

It’s a bummer that it’s a TRD offroad without the advanced technology package…. Pretty rare. The Advanced tech version comes with Multi-terrain monitor it uses factory cameras to provide views of surrounding terrain as well as your tire path and vehicle width. This would probably take care of 15 on your list. Perhaps a retrofit from a wrecked truck?

A skid that covers the exhaust crossover is nice. They get the crap beat out of them and I’ve seen some that are pinched quite a bit. It also becomes a snag point on 3rd gens.

I love the 6speed in the 3rd gen. It really makes that engine feel peppy, and you obviously don’t get the constant gear hunting.

Excited to see what you come up with.

 

[DouglasVB]

Put brush cables on all the things!

Congrats on the new truck!!

It’s a bummer that it’s a TRD offroad without the advanced technology package…. Pretty rare. The Advanced tech version comes with Multi-terrain monitor it uses factory cameras to provide views of surrounding terrain as well as your tire path and vehicle width. This would probably take care of 15 on your list. Perhaps a retrofit from a wrecked truck?

A skid that covers the exhaust crossover is nice. They get the crap beat out of them and I’ve seen some that are pinched quite a bit. It also becomes a snag point on 3rd gens.

I love the 6speed in the 3rd gen. It really makes that engine feel peppy, and you obviously don’t get the constant gear hunting.

Excited to see what you come up with.

I test drove an older truck with the multi terrain mode. It was pretty slick but the truck was beat to heck and almost the same price as this one. That's a good idea trying to find the bits and bobs to retrofit it into this truck. Otherwise it looks like there are a half dozen aftermarket solutions. I might be able to buy the parts from Toyota directly. It certainly would come in handy in parking lots 😅

Do you have any thoughts on good skid plates that protect all of the things including the catalytic converters? From the initial cursory search I did, it looks like finding one that fully hides the cats on the manual transmission is a bit challenging. I'm guessing I don't want to keep the TRD skid plate? It seems a bit thin.

 

[KC Masterpiece]

Looking forward to the build. Nice truck.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Cat guard.

Catalytic Converter Shields

It takes thieves less than 3 minutes to steal your catalytic converters. Protect your Toyota’s cats with these shields that make it so difficult, thieves will not spend the time to steal them…

mountainyotas.com

 

[DouglasVB]

Cat guard.

Catalytic Converter Shields

It takes thieves less than 3 minutes to steal your catalytic converters. Protect your Toyota’s cats with these shields that make it so difficult, thieves will not spend the time to steal them…

mountainyotas.com

I wish that one would work! It's not designed for automatic transmissions 🙃

I keep running into that as I'm searching for good guards.

 

[jps8460]

View attachment 124563


I test drove an older truck with the multi terrain mode. It was pretty slick but the truck was beat to heck and almost the same price as this one. That's a good idea trying to find the bits and bobs to retrofit it into this truck. Otherwise it looks like there are a half dozen aftermarket solutions. I might be able to buy the parts from Toyota directly. It certainly would come in handy in parking lots 😅

Do you have any thoughts on good skid plates that protect all of the things including the catalytic converters? From the initial cursory search I did, it looks like finding one that fully hides the cats on the manual transmission is a bit challenging. I'm guessing I don't want to keep the TRD skid plate? It seems a bit thin.

I’m not a fan of guards that fully cover the cats. I understand why folks want them, but the risk of vehicle fire goes up quite a bit especially if you ever drive the truck in tall grass. At a minimum add checking them to your pre/post flight inspection.

Slee has a very complete skid setup for the 3rd gen. I’m not 100% it’s compatible with the manual, but I believe it is.

TRD skid plate is actually really great, but it does nothing for the exhaust crossover.

 

[DouglasVB]

I’m not a fan of guards that fully cover the cats. I understand why folks want them, but the risk of vehicle fire goes up quite a bit especially if you ever drive the truck in tall grass. At a minimum add checking them to your pre/post flight inspection.

Slee has a very complete skid setup for the 3rd gen. I’m not 100% it’s compatible with the manual, but I believe it is.

TRD skid plate is actually really great, but it does nothing for the exhaust crossover.

I'll need some sort of cat protection if I don't want them cut off at some point. It's been about a year since there's been a big issue in our area but there was a while that it was really bad. Are there alternatives to cat guards you'd recommend?

I'll check it the Slee lineup for skid plates. Would they integrate with the TRD skid plate?

 

[jps8460]

I'll need some sort of cat protection if I don't want them cut off at some point. It's been about a year since there's been a big issue in our area but there was a while that it was really bad. Are there alternatives to cat guards you'd recommend?

I'll check it the Slee lineup for skid plates. Would they integrate with the TRD skid plate?

No it’s a full replacement setup.

Not sure on the cat guards. Maybe park in some grass and set a conibear 330 on the cat side.

 

[DouglasVB]

No it’s a full replacement setup.

Not sure on the cat guards. Maybe park in some grass and set a conibear 330 on the cat side.

Honestly that's not a bad idea 🤔 or if they're still available, maybe I should get a trunk monkey.


View: https://youtu.be/AidAXgq9dWc?si=PV853y-wq0ctgM1F

 

[jps8460]

Honestly that's not a bad idea 🤔 or if they're still available, maybe I should get a trunk monkey.


View: https://youtu.be/AidAXgq9dWc?si=PV853y-wq0ctgM1F

Hahaha exactly!

 

[DouglasVB]

I think I'm going to go with the RCI system of skid plates including replacing the TRD front skid that's on the truck now. RCI seems to be the best bet for making it harder to get to my cats and from what I've read on various forums, people generally appear to like their setups. I'm planning to go with the steel option but I'm debating if I should have them powder coat it or paint everything when it gets here. I talked with Scott at RCI to confirm that their system will cover the cats on a manual Taco -- he has a '21 with a manual and the skid plates I'm interested in, and he confirmed it provides good coverage.

Based on some photos I've seen such as this, it seems like there would be a bit of a lip/gap trying to blend the TRD front skid with a transmission RCI skid. I think I should be able to sell the TRD skid plate for a couple hundred bucks? It's pristine currently.

The list to buy is:

• Full skid package (engine, transmission, transfer case) - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/05-23-tacoma-full-skid-package-deal-copy/
• Cat guards - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/catalytic-guard-05-23-tacoma/
• Rear diff guard - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/rear-differential-skid-plate-16-23-tacoma-trd-offroad-pro/
• Fuel tank skid - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/2016-tacoma-fuel-tank-skid-plate/
• A arm skid - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/10-19-4runner-a-arm-skids/
• Rear shock mount skid - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/rear-shock-mount-skids-05-23-tacoma/

I'll also probably pick up:

• Bed stiffener - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/bed-stiffeners-05-23-tacoma/
• Rear floor mat (to replace the existing one that was cut up by the PO) - https://rcimetalworks.com/product/weathertech-floorliners/

I'm considering getting sliders from them at the same time. The debate is between the 20 degree and the 5 degree versions. My old truck had flat sliders that were nice to stand on when I was doing stuff on the roof. Otherwise is there any reason to go one way or the other?

My current decision points/questions are:

• Do I get everything powder coated or do I paint it when it gets here?
• Do I get 20 or 5 degree sliders? Should I get tread on them or not?

 

[KC Masterpiece]

I had the full RCI package on my FJC and they were great. I opted to rattlecan.

After having the flat slee slider steps I will never go back to open sliders.

 

[rushthezeppelin]

I didn't even get an option to paint my RCIs on my 3rd gen, only came powder coated. Regardless they are great skids, they have taken a hell of a beating including getting a nice dent (like 1/4" deep about the size of a quarter) on Yankee Hill on Sunday. Probably paid for themselves already just based off that, probably would have bent my front cross-member that the diff is mounted to.

 

[mcgaskins]

Congrats on the new truck! I know you’ve been looking for a while so I’m glad you found the right one with a stick.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

I have there skids on my 3rd gen as well. I didn’t get an option on bare or powered ether. They do what there supposed too.
Personally I’ve never seen a need for the diff, A arm skids. The rear diff skid seems like a diff anchor to me.

 

[DaveInDenver]

My front skid is Pelfreybuilt and my sliders are Mobtown. Both have taken a beating. Critical pieces of armor. The sliders are 20° but aren't super snug to the truck and work fine as steps to open and close the camper. They aren't good entry steps like Slee but I don't use them for that and aren't in the way.

One thing about the front skid is the rear two bolts are insufficient, if it's like mine anyway. The front two pairs are monster 12mm bolts. But the rear pair just behind the oil pan are 8mm. I had them both strip eventually so had to drill and threadsert them to 10mm. My IFS skid is 3/16" and I'd guess is about 60 lbs. So those rear most bolts carry a disproportionate amount of weight and the flexing of the plate tends to want to rattle if you don't snug them well.

I never put on any middle skids so my crossmember has a dent and my exhaust crossover is slightly squished. If I could go back I would just fab a heavy plate with turned up edges and bolt it to the cross member and move the exhaust cross over behind the t-case.

I didn't see logic to doing stem-to-stern with it all stock because it's going to lose a lot of clearance and you'll drag the skids unnecessarily protecting a couple of vulnerable spots and a ton of air. It would be, I dunno 8 inches between the transmission and a skid plate level with cross members. If you do want to do all three pieces at least consider the exhaust relocation so that plate can hug the t-case closer.

Still have the stock plastic TRD fuel tank and it's barely got any scratches. Some day I'll put on an aluminum or thin steel plate there but not a high priority in my experience. I dunno if the 3rd gen is like the 2nd gen but the tank is tucked up decent enough. It's not like a 4Runner with it hanging below the frame.

The lower arms are plenty beefy. You can't get individual ball joints for 2005+ Tacoma. Toyota makes you buy complete LCA assemblies. So you'll replace them for that before rock wear or rust takes them out. Only advantage I could see is maybe slightly smoother sliding surface. Maybe.

U-bolt flip, rear lower shock mount and rear diff armor are meh, it's a truck. You may want to consider that the curb weight for these trucks has gone up quite a lot but the GVWR didn't go up. So hanging hundreds of lbs of steel armor eats up payload quick that you may want to save for bumpers, winch, a proper recovery point. You'll probably be at GVWR in a stock truck with four adults, nevermind mods.

You probably do want to put on alignment tab reinforcement/protection. I did the Marlin kit. No clearance issues with the skid plate or anything else. This is cheap insurance.

 

[DouglasVB]

My front skid is Pelfreybuilt and my sliders are Mobtown. Both have taken a beating. Critical pieces of armor. The sliders are 20° but aren't super snug to the truck and work fine as steps to open and close the camper. They aren't good entry steps like Slee but I don't use them for that and aren't in the way.

One thing about the front skid is the rear two bolts are insufficient, if it's like mine anyway. The front two pairs are monster 12mm bolts. But the rear pair just behind the oil pan are 8mm. I had them both strip eventually so had to drill and threadsert them to 10mm. My IFS skid is 3/16" and I'd guess is about 60 lbs. So those rear most bolts carry a disproportionate amount of weight and the flexing of the plate tends to want to rattle if you don't snug them well.

I never put on any middle skids so my crossmember has a dent and my exhaust crossover is slightly squished. If I could go back I would just fab a heavy plate with turned up edges and bolt it to the cross member and move the exhaust cross over behind the t-case.

I didn't see logic to doing stem-to-stern with it all stock because it's going to lose a lot of clearance and you'll drag the skids unnecessarily protecting a couple of vulnerable spots and a ton of air. It would be, I dunno 8 inches between the transmission and a skid plate level with cross members. If you do want to do all three pieces at least consider the exhaust relocation so that plate can hug the t-case closer.

Still have the stock plastic TRD fuel tank and it's barely got any scratches. Some day I'll put on an aluminum or thin steel plate there but not a high priority in my experience. I dunno if the 3rd gen is like the 2nd gen but the tank is tucked up decent enough. It's not like a 4Runner with it hanging below the frame.

The lower arms are plenty beefy. You can't get individual ball joints for 2005+ Tacoma. Toyota makes you buy complete LCA assemblies. So you'll replace them for that before rock wear or rust takes them out. Only advantage I could see is maybe slightly smoother sliding surface. Maybe.

U-bolt flip, rear lower shock mount and rear diff armor are meh, it's a truck. You may want to consider that the curb weight for these trucks has gone up quite a lot but the GVWR didn't go up. So hanging hundreds of lbs of steel armor eats up payload quick that you may want to save for bumpers, winch, a proper recovery point. You'll probably be at GVWR in a stock truck with four adults, nevermind mods.

You probably do want to put on alignment tab reinforcement/protection. I did the Marlin kit. No clearance issues with the skid plate or anything else. This is cheap insurance.

View attachment 124643

Is this the kit for protecting the alignment?

HD LCA Frame Brace, 2016+ Tacoma | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

Application 2016+Tacoma ...

www.marlincrawler.com

It's a bit beyond what I can achieve to do that welding. I haven't found anyone out here yet who I would trust with something like that. Is there a bolt on option you're aware of?

 

[DaveInDenver]

Is this the kit for protecting the alignment?

HD LCA Frame Brace, 2016+ Tacoma | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

Application 2016+Tacoma ...

www.marlincrawler.com

It's a bit beyond what I can achieve to do that welding. I haven't found anyone out here yet who I would trust with something like that. Is there a bolt on option you're aware of?

Not the alignment directly, although there is some benefit for that. It's to protect the two tabs on either side of the cam. They are not known for being strong so overzealous mechanics can bend them over. Or they can get hammered by a rock.

I did the Marlin because, well, I like to support them when possible for everything Marlin has done for me.

But also it's a small skid under the bracket and funnily enough I had caught the rear driver side on a rock and peeled it open slightly. It's a spot where no plates really cover and I had first hand experience needed some. So it solved a couple of problems for me.

The Total Chaos kit beefs up the tabs themselves and would be quite a bit easier to weld. Marlin's kit works with these super thick tabs and I plan one day to cut little strips to backup mine. Someday. Understand that the easier weld comes with a price that you have to drill out 3 spot welds and chisel the factory tab plate off first.

Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 3RD GEN TACOMA LOWER CONTROL ARM CAM TAB GUSSETS | TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION

Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 3RD GEN TACOMA LOWER CONTROL ARM CAM TAB GUSSETS

www.chaosfab.com