Expeditionists '03 Tacoma Build

[expeditionist]

I have been wanting to share my most recent and newest project with the ExPo community. Unfortunately I have had some issues posting pics but I think I have it figured out finally. I have owned several Toyota 4x4 vehicles. The most recently sold was an '85 4runner that I spent 9 years building into an amazing truck. I spent hundreds of hours and thousands of $$ on that vehicle. After many years and many adventures, I decided I wanted to move into a newer vehicle with lower miles, minimal mechanical concerns and A/C of all things. I sold my beloved 4runner to a good home and I knew I was going to scale down in size of both lift and tires, and of course off road ability. My interests have always been with expedition type travel, but my 4runner ended up more of a hardcore trail truck. The new project would have a mild lift and 31" tires; all that is needed to get through most trails in Colorado. Budget is also a huge concern. Afterall, we are into an expensive hobby. This isn't exactly Disc Golf. So...enter my new ride, a cherry 2003 Tacoma reg cab with 4cyl and 5speed tranny. 43K. No frills. No cruise, no intermittent wipers, no power windows, but yes with A/C!!!! Yay!

Now initially, I had to start out with the lower dollar mods. It came with a nice fiberglass topper which was essential for my needs. I first added a set of Hella 500FF lights which I wired to the highbeams, a Bedrug liner which I love so much for camping, and I got rid of the windows between the cab and the bed. I used an accordian boot that bridges the gap nicely with a factory type look and solid watertight seal. Sound was upgraded as well. Some LED lighting was added to the interior front and rear.

Ill post some pics of the truck in that state so you can see it before i really go nuts. Bear in mind, this build will take time, so check back from time to time. Enjoy!

 

[expeditionist]

Meant to post a couple pics of my last two rides. A '91 pickup fording a flooded creek in rural Tennesse, and my recently sold '85 4runner. These are the shoes the new Taco has to fill.

 

[Expedition Key]

Nice reliable platform Expeditionist. I'd like to put a boot between my cab and bed like you have done, any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks..
Kye

 

[southpier]

could we get more info on "the boot"???

the only thing i've seen is an inflatable unit (yes; like a bike innertube) or a custom fabricated sleeve of naugahyde with snaps in the cab & shell

nice, clean, looking truck

 

[expeditionist]

I searched for options to bridge the gap. I even tried the inflatable tube idea but it doesn't work well if you want both windows completely gone. In the end the EPDM rubber "accordion boot" was the best option. The drawback is that the cab and the topper openings must be EXACTLY the same size, or simply won't fit right. I know because I tried. Fortunately, my camper window was the smaller one, so I ended up modifying the camper opening slightly. This means I can never replace the the camper window. Not a huge concern as I don't plan to. Here is a link that has some more info on these.

www.accordionboot.com

 

[southpier]

thank you; that's a pretty good solution

 

[expeditionist]

How much more noise is there in the cab? Must be colder in the winter as well.

Valid concerns. The cabin is definitely louder... to me the major drawback. However, I do have a Bedrug bedliner as well as a carpet lined topper. This helps absorb much of the additional noise. Enough to not be a bother. Without something in the back to dampen noise like a Bedrug or perhaps even a futon pad, I think the road noise would be annoying.

As far as cabin temp, this hasn't been an issue at all, even in Colorado where the winter temp routinely drops to the teens. In fact, the heater in my Taco works so well, that it will easily heat the cabin as well as the bed area. Good to have the option for those really cold camping nights.

 

[expeditionist]

With a sub like that I dont think you have to worry too much about roadnoise. In fact, if you stick that sub in the bed of your truck with a topper, it will turn the whole bed area into a giant resonating bassbin. Might lose some tight 'punch' in your bass though. I am an audiophile myself so I understand. In fact, one of the motivations to pulling windows between cab and topper was so that I can install some speakers behind me. No place for rear speakers in a single cab. Try it on with sliding windows open and see what happens.

 

[expeditionist]

Also, I have to show off my new shoes that I got this weekend. Im really excited because this is the first mod I have done to improve off-roadability. I am a huge fan if BFG tires. I have burned through three sets of BFG MT tires. Major gripe is the increased road noise as they wear which is always a little annoying. Despite that, I love the durability, performance and looks of the BFG off road tires. When I started shopping, I was going to step down to an AT since I have always had MT. I was originally looking for a 265/70/16 BFG AT to maintain original sizing. Decided otherwise as I was eager to try the new Mud Terrain KM2.

Interestingly, when I started shopping, I discovered that a 31/10.50/15 is around 30% cheaper than a 265/70/16 despite the similar overall diameter. Why? They claim popularity as culprit. Anyways...turns out it would be cheaper for me to buy a set of 15" wheels, enter Toyota 6 spoke steelies, and buy a set of 31/10.50/15 tires.

BFG MT had to be special ordered from Discount. They came in and man are they tough looking. Road noise is not to bad given aggressive tread . Check it out.

 

[ywen]

Another consideration is what is the effect on sound? I think I would have to remove my windows and semi-seal the cab to the bed to try it out first.

Hey I'm intrigued about the platform you built for the rear seating area. Care to share some more details?

 

[expeditionist]

Got my rear bumper today from All Pro. I love it! Welds and contours are clean and high quality. I chose this bumper because of durability, looks and functionality. I like the provisions for license plate, stock lighting, and recovery points. However, I will be doing some mods to the bumper before I fit it to the Taco. For one thing, I need to add a receiver as I do pull a trailer from time to time. I will also be adding back up lights and some aluminum tread plate to the top so I have a solid spot to step up on the bumper. Ill add pics of this as it comes together. Best part is that after I sold my stock bumper and Hidden Hitch on CL, the bumper only cost me $100.

 

[Lumberjack]

Any updates???

 

[expeditionist]

Howdy folks. I know its been a while since the last update so I wanted to get some pics and info up about the progress of my current build. I have tried to post several times but have had issues getting pics up. The build is coming along slowly but surely. These pics are a few months old so I have actually had a chance to try everything on a few local Colorado trails before winter set in. So far I love everything. The lift came in the form of Bilstein 5100 on all four corners. The fronts are height adjustable and are set to max height with stock springs. Rear is AAL from Wheelers OR. Adds extra height and additional payload over stocks. The truck rides very nice. Not at all harsh although generally I don't mind a stiff setup. Install was an easy 1 day job. Learned a few tricks along the way as always. Check out the before and after pics.

 

[BeratE]

Very nice looking truck! I am in Boulder as well, so I am surprised I have not seen your truck around yet. I have a red 04 extra cab with a turbo diesel in it that lives in N. Boulder. It has a few issues at the moment, sadly, but I hope to have it up and ready soon. Keep it up

 

[expeditionist]

Nice! I would love to see your truck when its up and running. I think a build thread might be in order for you as well. The peeps here on ExPo would love to see a Diesel converted Taco. BTW, I actually work in North Boulder but I commute in my Honda Civic. My Taco stays parked at home 95% of the time.