Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[Dave Bennett]

Oh wow diesel conversions for late model Toyota's, VERY COOL! The only thing that might keep me (others?) away is the cost and ditching our very good V8s and V6s...

No doubt. I am very fond of my 4.0 but it is good to see options becoming available. Toyota will probably offer a CRD in the Tacoma within the next 2-3 model years for those willing to wait... but thats not as much fun as doing the swap!

 

[kcowyo]

Today, I placed my order for my new custom high clearance wrap around rear bumper with swingout spare tire carrier! I hope to have it here on deck and mounted in time for the ExPo Death Valley Trip!

ExPo Death Valley Trip January 2007

January 2007....? :wavey:

 

[Dave Bennett]

January 2007....? :wavey:

DOH!!!! :elkgrin:

 

[HMR]

January 2007....? :wavey:

A-HA!
So that's what Dave has in those mysterious green boxes he carries in the bed...
He's got himself a time machine!

I demand a full write up!

:elkgrin:

 

[Redline]

Yep, the fuel economy increase would be nice, but it would take many thousands of miles to recoup the cost of the swap. In my case, I probably already have more power on tap with my V8.

No doubt. I am very fond of my 4.0 but it is good to see options becoming available. Toyota will probably offer a CRD in the Tacoma within the next 2-3 model years for those willing to wait... but thats not as much fun as doing the swap!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Battery and Electrical Upgrade Options for 05+ Tacoma's?

I need to address the battery and electrical system sooner rather than later due to my increasing demand on the OEM setup. So, I'm looking into this and would also like to see what others have done as well.

I like the Odyssey 1200MJT battery.
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=34

This setup by arott over on TTORA uses an Odyssey PC 1700T primary with an Odyssey PC925 backup.

Project Maya Hunter has a good write up on dual Yellow Top Optimas here:
http://www.oramagazine.com/pastIssues/0503-issue/050301t-maya-hunter.html

Here are some other ideas and info:

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/product.php?productid=16399

http://www.cpperformance.com/detail.aspx?ID=6794

06HAOLE on TTORA has this setup from Blue Torch Fab:

And rguy on TTORA has this from DMZ:

 

[Redline]

I'm about to put the new Odyssey 1750 in my 4Runner. This is essentially the same battery as the 1700 you mentioned, and the now discontinued 1700/65. The 1700/65 was supposed to be a group 65 size battery, but did not have the narrower, tapered lower section as a true Group 65 battery. I have yet to see one in person, but the new 1750 is supposed to be an exact group 65 shape. I pulled a regular wet cell group 65 from my F350 to test the fit in my 4Runner a couple days ago. It will work. I should be able to use the factory type J-hook hold-down with a different cross bar for the new battery.

This will give me some serious cranking power and reserve, with the ability to deep cycle, the only thing I won't have (yet?) is a small back-up battery like the 925.

You might want to consider the 1500.

James

 

[Dave Bennett]

Updated "To Do List"...

After the bumper is on... and the electrics have been beefed up and all lights wired...

...A SAFETY SNORKEL!!!

Here is what I will have left to do:
Safari Snorkel - SS135HF
Yaesu 2M and antenna
Magellan Crossover GPS
Skids / T-Case / Diffs / Underbody Armor

Hopefully this will all be complete in the coming year!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Suspension Links!

I get lots of PM's with varied questions about suspension stuff for varying years of Toyota's so here is a list of links to TTORA and other sites that I have found to be very educational and helpful.

Read on!

CustomTaco's Info for Off Roaders.

Parks Offroad.com-installation and opinions

Body Lifts - answers by 4crawler.com

Lift - - the question - click here.

Leaf Spring Opinion Poll.

Camburg vs Donahoe - Mandatory Reading

Toyota.off-road.com CO-Shock Comparision

Downey-Off Road, Click on to Suspension then the model year of Your Truck

UCA Information

Shackle's Anyone? - click here.

Shackle's Anyone Part II? - click here.

Timbren Bump Stops - Click Here.

 

[RoundOut]

After the bumper is on... and the electrics have been beefed up and all lights wired...

...A SAFETY SNORKEL!!!

Here is what I will have left to do:
Safari Snorkel - SS135HF
Yaesu 2M and antenna
Magellan Crossover GPS
Skids / T-Case / Diffs / Underbody Armor

Hopefully this will all be complete in the coming year!

You don't expect us to believe it will stop there, do you? :hehe: :hehe:


.

 

[heeltoe989]

After the bumper is on... and the electrics have been beefed up and all lights wired...

...A SAFETY SNORKEL!!!

Here is what I will have left to do:
Safari Snorkel - SS135HF
Yaesu 2M and antenna
Magellan Crossover GPS
Skids / T-Case / Diffs / Underbody Armor

Hopefully this will all be complete in the coming year!

if you need some ideas for skids check out the couple of pictures in my thread.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8586

a friend of mine and I made a belly pan out of 1/4 inch aluminum, also included was the gas tank with a very similar fabrication.

 

[Dave Bennett]

You don't expect us to believe it will stop there, do you? :hehe: :hehe:


.

I'm trying to stay outta trouble with my accountant... :violent-smiley-031:

 

[Dave Bennett]

WINPLUS 3.5 Inch LCD Color Backup Camera

For Christmas I received a WINPLUS wireless 3.5 Inch LCD Color Backup Camera.

These are at Costco now for about $70.

I installed it today and I give it a 2 out of 5 star rating. It does the job, but the picture is merely OK.

http://www.winplususa.com/index.html

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Backup-Camera-Monitor-System/dp/B000ZNSCES/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

 

[Overland Hadley]

For Christmas I received a WINPLUS wireless 3.5 Inch LCD Color Backup Camera.

These are at Costco now for about $70.

I installed it today and I give it a 2 out of 5 star rating. It does the job, but the picture is merely OK.

http://www.winplususa.com/index.html

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Backup-Camera-Monitor-System/dp/B000ZNSCES/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Where did you install the monitor? How is the monitor powered?

 

[Dave Bennett]

I used the vent mount and modified it a bit so I still get good air flow. The monitor is hardwired, I couldn't stand the cigarette lighter plug...

The picture looks better in the daylight so now I'd give it 2.5 out of a 5 star rating

I'll post pics in a few...