Tate's Taco Tinkerings

[Nuclear Redneck]

Thought I'd follow the herd and post up a thread to document my modifications to my 2007 Tacoma. So far I have done exactly one change to my truck and that was to overcome the one area it fell short in when compared to my '97 ford Explorer Sport. I do some diving and hiking, so I liked the ability to leave my keys locked up in the Explorer and use the keypad on the driver's side door to unlock the truck. Toyota does not have that option. Nissian offers a kit to do it, but I didn't want to start the process of Franksteining my Tacome too early. Figured I'd wait a couple of months anyway. With the new fangled radio chip thingamajiggy in the key, I really didn't want to subject it to possible saltwater expose by taking the key diving with me.

So, while I was wandering aisles of Home Depot, looking for materials to whittle down my honey do list, when I spotted this. My 1watt light bulb went off and I figured that I could use it to store my valet key in for those occasions when I need to leave a key outside my truck while I am enjoying the great outdoors.

Works like champ. I locked it to my D ring on the driver's side. If I ever put some type of shell or cover on the bed I figure I can hang it off the reciever hitch. I like th fact that I can't leave the shackel unlocked and lock the key compartment.

Now, how do I put a 10 inch lift on the truck so I can put 40 inch super swampers on?

 

[mountainpete]

Hi Tate,

Good idea with that lock. I believe a few members here have tried this: http://www.hitchsafe.com/. It has a bit more room, is water resistant and should be quite safe.

As for the 10" lift and 40" swampers, well... why?

Pete

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

As for the 10" lift and 40" swampers, well... why?

Just trying to live up to my Redneck moniker:victory:

Seriously, I am looking at new tires. But, I'm trying to see exactly what I want to do with my truck. I don't think I want to do a lift just yet. I've read many of the threads regarding buildups here.

I was thinking about putting 235/85R16 tires on my truck to avoid the need for a lift. I have the stock 265/70R16 on there now, which gives me 30.6 inches. I have found the General Grabber Grabber AT2 which is a load range E tire and should give 32.5 inches. According to my math it would raise my actual speed by about 2 mph at 60 mph indicated. It would cetainly meet the skinny tire criteria!

This is just arough idea for my build:

Phase One:

Take the truck out for an extended trip this July and see how it works. I'm renting a Horizon trailer. (Assuming I actually get around to calling and making the reservation) Primarliy, I want to try out the roof top tent, Engel fridge and just see how that works for me.

Phase Two:

Upgrade the tires and possibly put an OME suspension lift on it. I know that before I do the upgrade, I need to have a very good idea of what I am going to load the truck down with so I can see what bits and pieces I need. Heck, if I decide that a trailer suits my needs, I may not do too much beyond the tire upgrade. If I do lift the truck then I will go to a larger tire, most likely the 255/85R16 from BFGoodrich

Phase Three:

??? Waiting to see with I need/want after I use the truck a few more times.

Cheers,

 

[p1michaud]

Welcome to ExPo.

Hi Tate,

Good idea with that lock. I believe a few members here have tried this: http://www.hitchsafe.com/. It has a bit more room, is water resistant and should be quite safe.

As for the 10" lift and 40" swampers, well... why?

Pete

Pete,
You beat me to it! :shakin:

Nuclear Redneck, there's lots of good reading right here on ExPo on tire size selection and it's worth taking the time to read up on it. No need to spend the money more than once on an upgrade and I'm speaking of experience here...
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

New Stuff!

I put in my Garmin 60CSx on a ram mount:

Installed a FT-7800R, West Marine fuse block and a 150 watt inverter behind the driver's seat:

I installed the remote mounting kit.

I wanted an inverter in the cab of the truck so I could charge my camera battery while I was moving. I didn't feel too comfortable doing some of the mods I have seen to reroute the power from the built-in inverter. I also wanted to have clean power for the ham radio. Now I have four more circuits for something should I need it in the future.

Thanks for all of the people who posted their pictures and insights. It really made my install fairly painless.

Cheers,

 

[HMR]

Tate- If I could drive as well as you, I wouldn't need any mods to my Tacoma.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Great start here, and what a great name for your thread!

I like your fuse block/inverter and remote mounting of your 2M, looks clean.

Your stock Tacoma was IMPRESSIVE as was your driving skill at Coyote Canyon!

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Looks nice...Tate!

Good job..........well thought out!


Now just where is that Ham Smilie when you need him!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Coyote Canyon

I took some pics of Tate's awesome setup in action!

Crossing Coyote Creek!

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

Thanks for the compliments. It's easy to do a well thought out mod, because of all the knowledge shared on this board.

"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants" Issac Newton

 

[taco chaser]

Thanks for the compliments. It's easy to do a well thought out mod, because of all the knowledge shared on this board.

"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants" Issac Newton

How long have you had your AT trailer, looks new?

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

I picked it up on 10 Nov. I dented the driver's side fender on 17 Nov on the trail those pictures were taken.

 

[taco chaser]

I picked it up on 10 Nov. I dented the driver's side fender on 17 Nov on the trail those pictures were taken.

I was just wondering cause I had to take off from AT trailers in Sept. Also I have a friend that has acces to a C&C machine now. Hope to see you on the trail someday.:beer: