FL Tacoma's 2008 Build

[FLnative]

Since my truck is 4x2, it is geared more for road trips, camping, and toy hauling. This is my first truck, and I can say my next truck will definitely be 4x4. For now though, I am fully enjoying this one. I plan on using this thread to document modifications I have made and trips I take with the Taco.


Owner: FLnative
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Make: Toyota
Model: Tacoma Prerunner TRD Sport
Year: 2008

Engine: 4.0L, V6
Trans: Auto
Front IFS: Bilstein 5100 shocks, TRD Coils
Rear Axle: Bilstein 5100 shocks, TSB 4 pack springs, Limited Slip Differential
Tires: 265/70/17 BFG All Terrain KO
Wheels: ProComp 7089 Cast Aluminum 17x8

Additional Modifications/Accessories:
Demello Offroad Bolt-on Sliders
A.R.E. Z Series Topper with Sliding Side Windows
Yakima Rack System
Yakima Viper bike mount
Sleeping Platform


Bilstein 5100's on all four corners and Rear TSB springs installed. The front shocks are set at 1.75" of lift. With the addition of the rear TSB springs, the truck sits pretty level.

Rocky Mounts bicycle fork mounts. Before I got the topper, I used these to secure mountain bikes in the bed.

ProComp 7089's and BFG All Terrains.

Demello Offroad Round Bolt-on Sliders.

 

[FLnative]

A.R.E Z series topper with the sliding window option. I got this off Craigslist for a killer deal, right color and everything. It also already had Yakima tracks for a roof rack

Yakima rack system with Viper bike mount. I decided to go with the roof rack rather than a hitch mount so I wouldn't block access to the sleeping platform when I go camping. From personal preference, I went with a fork mount as I feel they are a little more secure. The Viper works well and is compatible with my disc wheels.

Sleeping Platform. I was inspired to build a sleeping platform after seeing many set ups on this forum. My design is rather simple, a center stringer that runs the length of the bed, a support board at the end of the bed for the trap doors to attach to, and a middle support for the trap doors to rest on. Nothing is attached to the actual truck bed, but the boards were cut snug enough that there is no room for movement. The deck is made up of four parts, the two trap doors and two larger pieces. I used trap door latches I found at Home Depot for the handles. The carpeting came out alright. I used spray adhesive and a staple gun to attach it. Didn't bother wrapping it around the edges, but I still think it came out decent

Trap Doors at back of the bed:

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

Nice truck man, good to see another 4x2 around. Looks like we both chose to go in a similar direction with our trucks. Mine is very similar, only thing different really is mine isn't a sport and still rockin the stock steelies. You've got good taste in bikes too!

 

[Overland Hadley]

Good looking truck.

Keep us posted on your truck and travels.

 

[Red Zebra]

Nah, you're ok with 2wd. Sounds like you understand it's limitations. I wheeled a 2wd Toy with detroit and 4.56 rear in both FL and AZ. Was ok for most reasonable trails if you remember it's limitations and have good recovery gear! It didn't like Loooooong stretches of sand like you find in the Ocala National Forest but I had a ball with that truck. Your truck looks great.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Nah, you're ok with 2wd. Sounds like you understand it's limitations. I wheeled a 2wd Toy with detroit and 4.56 rear in both FL and AZ. Was ok for most reasonable trails if you remember it's limitations and have good recovery gear! It didn't like Loooooong stretches of sand like you find in the Ocala National Forest but I had a ball with that truck. Your truck looks great.

Good point. I drive as much as I can in 2wd just to get a feel for what the truck is capable of. I am amazed by how much deep mud and slush I can drive through in 2wd. Of course if I get stuck I can drop it in 4wd and drive out.

Think about getting an air compressor so you can air down your tires for driving in the sand. I would also get some sand/bridging ladders. You might want to look at getting a Black Rat hand winch, or similar. Also put a ARB rear locker on your wish list.

 

[FLnative]

Thanks for the comments.

An ARB locker would definitely be a nice addition. I do have a portable compressor so I can air down some. Its small but at least gets the job done.

I have only gotten the truck stuck once so far. I took a trip up to Beech Mountain, NC to see a friend this past January. He lives high up on the mountain and his driveway is pretty steep with a switch back up at the top. Even in 2Lo, I didn't make it very far up the driveway with the ice and snow on it. I lost forward momentum and slid sideways off the ruts into some deeper snow and had to dig it out and back down. The taco had to spend the night at the bottom of the driveway. This was my first time driving on snow so I was taking it slow. Not sure if i could have made it if I carried more momentum into it.

My buddy helping me with some shoveling.

My friend has a 4x4 Xterra that climbs right up. This is when I realized the full limitations of only 2 wheels pushing.

 

[FLnative]

So I finally got to use the sleeping platform for sleeping. I took a trip up to Pisgah National Forest this past summer and did some camping. With the temperature getting into the 60s at night, it was really comfortable in the back of the truck. My dad and brother set up in the tent.

After Pisgah, we went to Myrtle and camped on the beach. It was way too hot, and the topper became a sweat box even with the side vents and front window open. I had to join my dad and brother in the tent.

 

[Becketth]

Nice truck man, The tires and wheels combo is great. Oh, and go gators!