05 Taco Build - New Member

[cell4soul]

I joined this sight yesterday on the recommendation that Super Doody gave me a couple or months ago. I've been building this truck for a while and still have a lot more to do.....the never ending build. I love this truck and I will take it to the grave. There is a ton of mods, with a ton more in the works; a lot of them you'll see in the photos, but a ton of others I don't feel like listing. The truck serves it's purpose well and has been everywhere with me, including a trip all through Central America and Mexico last summer. Here are some pics, let me know what you think.

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/1571/2808817620098983477S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2808817620098983477Nxigkq)
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/1491/2482635760098983477S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2482635760098983477nbbYXw)
http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/2699/2882162470098983477S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2882162470098983477tOOPKT)
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/1321/2454700580098983477S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2454700580098983477XfjyaT)
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/573/2394139340098983477S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2394139340098983477Daqzqo)

[jnelson4x4taco]

Welcome to the forum!!! Im lovin that second to last shot from the bottom, that blacked out frontend looks mean. it really looks like your haulin some ace too. im lookin forward to seein how you have that rack setup, it looks wicked cool.

Again, welcome to ExPo:beer: :beer: :beer:

[Scott Brady]

Welcome. That is one wicked looking Tacoma!

[p1michaud]

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/1321/2454700580098983477S600x600Q85.jpg

Very cool shot.
Nice rig. Give us some more info on mods, plans, trips, etc...
Welcome to the board!

Cheers,
P

[mike h]

Very nice looking build - tell us more.

m.

[seth_js]

More pictures of the rack and how it is mounted please. :wavey:

[cell4soul]

Thanks for the compliments and I am glad to be on the forum. I will post some pics of my trip through Central America and Mexico in that part of the forum when I get a chance. Nothing except local trips planned for a while, I'm tired of the road for now. After spending three months in Mex and C.A., I came home and hit the road to Vancouver. I am hoping to do a trip through all of Western North America soon, sticking mostly to the National Parks.

The truck is an 05 TRD Off Road with Donahoe coilovers, upper UCA's and rear reservoir shock, Light Racing Bump Stops, Mojave Teflon Wheels, Toyo M/T's, ARB Bull Bar with Warn x9000, Reinforced Frame at the Motor Mounts, Sceptor Jerry Cans w/AT holders, CO2 tank, Ammo Cans w/full tools set and other necessities, custom rhino lined rack and rear bumper built by me and my bro, shovel axe and Hi-Lift custom mounts and CB Radio....I know I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff. Oh, for security in Central America I welded a lockbox for a house behind the spare tire to hold my keys when I was surfing and added a safe behind the back seat to hold all passports, documents and cash, as well as an alarm that pages me if someone tries to break in. Also, I was worried about all of my gear when I wasn't with the truck, so everything locks under the rack in the bed. To keep the gear dry in the rain season, everything was fitted into dry storage containers that also locked. I modified cable locks to keep my surfboards locked on the racks. I spent a ton of money on keyed alike locks throughout the truck as well. Maybe I should have named it Fort Knox Taco Build.....I was just concerned with security in third world countries and didn't want to have any problems....and I didn't. I also bought an Iridium Satellite Phone before the trip for those in the middle of nowhere emergencies and used a Garmin Handheld GPS. Right now I am putting a Ford 9" rear end with disc brakes, regearing to 4.56's and ARB Lockers front and rear.

Sorry for rambling on, but there is a lot of **** on there and I am sure that I am forgetting a lot as well. I look forward to insight and sharing on this forum as well as more expedition style travel. Thanks again and thanks for reading.

[cell4soul]

More pictures of the rack and how it is mounted please. :wavey:

My truck is in the shop getting a new rear end put in, so I'll take some for you next week when I get it back. I'll try not to forget, but feel free to remind me. Basically, you use the weight of the top of the bed to support the rack and the factory bed rails to mount it, no drilling in the bed to mount it ( unless you have a previous generation Taco ). Take 3/16 2.5" x 2.5" 90 degree angled steel that from the top of the bed to inside the bed...it rests on the top, but bolts on the inside in the bed rail. from there you will have a flat peice of 3/16 steel on top of the bed to start your fab. Skys the limit from there, and you can design it to your specific needs. My pictures will be more clear than my description, so please remind me to post if you don't see them in a week.

Thanks, Gerrit

[kcowyo]

TacoDoc posted pics of your truck once before to show everyone your unique rack. Cool stuff.

Welcome to Expo! :beer:

[ArchaeoTaco]

Killer setup, and welcome to the forum! That low-profile rack looks tough as nails.

[cell4soul]

TacoDoc posted pics of your truck once before to show everyone your unique rack. Cool stuff.

Welcome to Expo! :beer:

Yeah, TacoDoc's rack turned out amazing too.

[fbksurferjoe]

Nice looking truck. Good to see a local on the forums i am about 30 minutes north of you.

[cell4soul]

Nice looking truck. Good to see a local on the forums i am about 30 minutes north of you.

Nice, nothing like SoCal

[blupaddler]

Nice Tacoma!

Like others said, Doc posted pics of your Taco and rack a while ago.
You answered my question, before I had the chance to ask it, about the boards and security. Think you could post any pics when you get the chance?


And again, good to have more SD people on board.

:jumping: :jumping:

[fbksurferjoe]

I recognized a lot of the places in your pictures. I had a question about one of them though. It was labeled san marcos. I didnt know there were any good offroad spots in san marcos.

[cell4soul]

I recognized a lot of the places in your pictures. I had a question about one of them though. It was labeled san marcos. I didnt know there were any good offroad spots in san marcos.

It's on the west side of the 15 near Lawrence Welk. It might be technically Escondido, but I am pretty sure it is San Marcos because you enter off Twin Oaks Valley Road

[cell4soul]

Nice Tacoma!

Like others said, Doc posted pics of your Taco and rack a while ago.
You answered my question, before I had the chance to ask it, about the boards and security. Think you could post any pics when you get the chance?


And again, good to have more SD people on board.

:jumping: :jumping:

Yeah, no problem. My truck will be back from the shop next week. It's having the new rear end, lockers and being regeared right now.

[fbksurferjoe]

Oh yah i have been there once. I remember it being pretty washed out but ill have to go check it out again.

[Super Doody]

Yeah, no problem. My truck will be back from the shop next week. It's having the new rear end, lockers and being regeared right now.


Gerrit,

Good to see you here. So you decided to go with the ford rear end anyways?
BTW how do you like the toyo MTs? I've heard from a few people that they very much like good year MTR except rounder and rides better.


:friday:

[Super Doody]

Oh, for security in Central America I welded a lockbox for a house behind the spare tire to hold my keys when I was surfing and added a safe behind the back seat to hold all passports, documents and cash, as well as an alarm that pages me if someone tries to break in.

please let me more about this alarm pager thingy. on my last day in costa rica I went surfing by myself while my gf was getting her spa treatment. The rental rav4 4x4 had a key with the key less fob built in. Electronic and water..you get the idea. So I just took two zip lock baggies and stuff them in my board shorts with the key. It worked pretty well. Everything stayed pretty dry.

[Lost Canadian]

Gerrit,
Awesome truck again, I had commented on it over at TTORA. This site is fantastic and I think you'll really like it. There's no hot headed flaming, just friends and acquaintance with similar interests in travel, sharing stories about our vehicles and adventures. This site has some really upstanding members, and is a unique oasis from the same old bantering found on other sites. I look forward to seeing more about your truck and your travels.

Cheers

[cell4soul]

Oh yah i have been there once. I remember it being pretty washed out but ill have to go check it out again.

It is completely washed out on your way up the hill, but it is easy to make it up if you take your time and straddle most the washes.

[cell4soul]

Gerrit,

Good to see you here. So you decided to go with the ford rear end anyways?
BTW how do you like the toyo MTs? I've heard from a few people that they very much like good year MTR except rounder and rides better.


:friday:

I love the Toyo M/T's, I had BFG's before this ( 2 sets ) and they were always out of round and never balanced. I would recommend to anyone don't waste your money on BFG M/T's, but that's my opinion.

[cell4soul]

Gerrit,
Awesome truck again, I had commented on it over at TTORA. This site is fantastic and I think you'll really like it. There's no hot headed flaming, just friends and acquaintance with similar interests in travel, sharing stories about our vehicles and adventures. This site has some really upstanding members, and is a unique oasis from the same old bantering found on other sites. I look forward to seeing more about your truck and your travels.

Cheers

Thanks man, I look forward to this sight.

[cell4soul]

Pics of the Ford 9" rear end and Locker Switches.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/3886/2033150910098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2033150910098983477lTpCGa)
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/5079/2497389490098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2497389490098983477kdccXI)
http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/4242/2290018270098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2290018270098983477rOIRGe)
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/2216/2068294160098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2068294160098983477RQvPQz)

Also behind the swing arm spare that shows the mount for the high-lift and lock box for keys while in the water

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/3101/2123972140098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2123972140098983477RhhTct)

I added a Lowrance Baja 540 as well and will take some pic ASAP. Also, I think somone asked about the cable lock for the surfboards, I'll try to post those soon as well.

[Super Doody]

Gerrit is the lock box you have?

http://www.lock-depot.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=233

Lock boxes are great. Seems like all the rental cars have big *** keys with built in key fob so I can't take them in the water with you. I still did it though in Costa when I my girl was the spa and i went surfing by myself. I used 2 zip lock bags. It worked but it was really bulky and not all shorts have pockets.

[Jacket]

I like the lock box idea, but with a bunch of gear, tools, supplies, etc. in the open bed, how do you prevent that stuff from getting swiped?

[DaveInDenver]

Awesome truck! Was there a reason you went with a 9" or is it just generally beefing things up? I know next to nothing about the current Taco beyond that the engine has lots of power and it probably isn't a featherweight. So maybe are the axles overmatched or something?

[Super Doody]

Awesome truck! Was there a reason you went with a 9" or is it just generally beefing things up? I know next to nothing about the current Taco beyond that the engine has lots of power and it probably isn't a featherweight. So maybe are the axles overmatched or something?

Free up some time. You got a lot of reading to do:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60241&highlight=cell4soul

:)

[DaveInDenver]

Free up some time. You got a lot of reading to do:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60241&highlight=cell4soul

:)
Will do. So do the new Tacos still use the same 8" e-locker and 8.4" open as the older ones? They are pretty much bigger and heavier, so I could see the 4.0L and additional weight being pretty hard on axles.

[cell4soul]

Gerrit is the lock box you have?

http://www.lock-depot.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=233

Lock boxes are great. Seems like all the rental cars have big *** keys with built in key fob so I can't take them in the water with you. I still did it though in Costa when I my girl was the spa and i went surfing by myself. I used 2 zip lock bags. It worked but it was really bulky and not all shorts have pockets.

It is just a combination lockbox similar to one used on a house for sale that was welded to the backside of the tire gate. I am able to fit a spare alarm remote, truck key and key to my safe in there. The safe is mounted behind the back seat and holds spare sets of keys to all of my storage containers, ammo boxes, wheel locks, passports, cash......you get the picture.

[cell4soul]

I like the lock box idea, but with a bunch of gear, tools, supplies, etc. in the open bed, how do you prevent that stuff from getting swiped?

If you look at my photos in my signature there is a rack covering the entire bed and the swing arm tire gate locks the tail gate. It would probably take an angle grinder or plasma torch of some kind to get into the bed. All of my storage containers I kept in the bed while in Central America were also locked individually so people couldn't reach there hands into the side of the rack and take things out of the containers (not to mention the containers kept **** dry in the rain season.) I was south of the US border with the truck for 3 months and not one thing was stolen from the truck, including my surfboards which I locked to my rack and only took them off while surfing.

[cell4soul]

Awesome truck! Was there a reason you went with a 9" or is it just generally beefing things up? I know next to nothing about the current Taco beyond that the engine has lots of power and it probably isn't a featherweight. So maybe are the axles overmatched or something?

You hit the nail on the head! I broke my ring and pinion on a trail, which is fairly common with the new gen Tacos. The dealer is covering a lot of them under warranty, but I just don't beleive in fixing something only to have it keep breaking. With all the weight I carry, the Ford 9" was the way to go. Not to mention that I was wanting to regear to 4.56's and go with ARB Lockers front and rear anyways. MIT in El Cajon did the work, and it wasn't much more than had I just regeared and put the lockers in.

[TACODOC]

Welcome to ExPo dude! I knew you'd find your way over here eventually.

Looks like your truck is coming along nicely!

We gotta get a SoCal group together and get out on the trail when I get back...

[grouch]

Yeah, TacoDoc's rack turned out amazing too.
Yup, there are a lot of great plastic surgeons in southern California. :)

Cell, your truck is fantastic. Very well thought out.

[cell4soul]

Welcome to ExPo dude! I knew you'd find your way over here eventually.

Looks like your truck is coming along nicely!

We gotta get a SoCal group together and get out on the trail when I get back...

I'd love to man! I hope all is good with you over there.

[cell4soul]

Yup, there are a lot of great plastic surgeons in southern California. :)

Cell, your truck is fantastic. Very well thought out.

Thanks, it's nice hearing that; especially after how empty it's left my wallet.

[FourByLand]

Yeah, what a really well put together rig!

Glad you found the ExPo!

:REOutArchery02:

[cell4soul]

Finally the Eezi-Awn, I've been wanting one forever. I brought my REI tent to Hawaii with me to do some camping in the Rain Forests. When I set it up to dry out in my Hotel a few days later, it was stolen by a maid. There are a lot of homeless that set up tent camps in Hawaii, so I will just look at it as though she must have needed it more than I. Anyways, it gave me a great reason to finally buy the Eezi-Awn.......

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/21522/2436936620098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2436936620098983477LZJuet)
http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/21854/2687221250098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2687221250098983477wyHdFR)
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/23863/2032095270098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2032095270098983477WMrofV)
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/23607/2477968930098983477S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2477968930098983477pwVjBm)

The guys at Adventure Trailers were very informative as usual. I can't wait to put this thing to use this weekend!

[slooowr6]

NICE! Any idea how much you truck weight when loaded for trip?

Oh, you forgot the pic of your new quad

[cell4soul]

I'm not sure, but I know it's a pig. I'm guessing 1000+ lbs over stock when fully loaded. I've been wanting to throw it on a scale.

[slooowr6]

I'm not sure, but I know it's a pig. I'm guessing 1000+ lbs over stock when fully loaded. I've been wanting to throw it on a scale.
That's not a pig 1000lbs is not too bad consider where you can go with it. I really enjoy reading your work on the truck!

This is a pig http://chobao.smugmug.com/photos/135558286-M.jpg
:shakin: It's my pig though. The camper is 800lbs empty. I have not add any trail armor stuff yet, I keep thinking if I take it on any trail you went the frame might break in half.........

[cell4soul]

Yeah, but you'll be going in style when it does. I like the truck and definitely like the shell. I almost bought the 4 dr long bed, now if I had to do it all over again I would opt for the extended cab with the full size bed. I find that the bed space is a little more important to me than the cab space.....you get the best of all worlds.

I have though about boxing the frame for added support with all of the added weight. But at this point, the cost of doing it wouldn't be all that much different than just repairing damage, and if I ever do have to repair it, I will box it at that time.

[erod]

cell4soul, just now chiming in...awesome rig, now with the rtt...wow, you are stoked, love the look too! whats next?

[cell4soul]

I definitely need to add skid protection to protect the investment. Also, the Engel Fridge with a dual battery setup (possibly triple battery located where the spare used to be, but I will have to upgrade the Alternator if I do so), and after that, not much to do, but I am sure I will find something. I have pondered the idea of a SAC on the front to a Ford 9" to match my rear, but for right now, I don't want to spend that kind of money without a tremendous benefit. Thanks for the compliments.

[Schattenjager]

Man - your truck is pure inspiration!

Now to go cash in this lottery ticket. Oh wait!!! Where did it go???? Noooooo!!!!!!!:(

[Super Doody]

Gerrit,

Nice RTT. You'll surfing tripping in comfort for sure. Big NW coming :) It was double overhead couple days ago.

We should met on central coast.

Later.

Jim

[cell4soul]

Man - your truck is pure inspiration!

Now to go cash in this lottery ticket. Oh wait!!! Where did it go???? Noooooo!!!!!!!:(

I feel ya, I'll let you know if I find it as well. I keep telling myself that I am done modding the truck, but I keep finding more **** to do. I am just beginning to realize that the only way I will be done is if this truck explodes into a million peices, but then it will be time to start over again. I guess if that did happen, I could fly to Guatemala to pick up my new Hilux with a fully boxed frame and a deisel engine.........aahhhhh, if it only wasn't to late to start over.

[cell4soul]

Gerrit,

Nice RTT. You'll surfing tripping in comfort for sure. Big NW coming :) It was double overhead couple days ago.

We should met on central coast.

Later.

Jim

That would be good. Sorry we could never hook up for Baja last summer, money got tight for a while after the remodel on the house, so I sold cars most of the summer to make some quick money.....I hated it, but made great money. I am going to Glamis this weekend, sighting in my hunting rifle next weekend, and hunting the following weekend, but mid November I should be free. I have never even surfed the Central Coast, but I am sure there are a lot of uncrowded waves to be had.

[Super Doody]

That would be good. Sorry we could never hook up for Baja last summer, money got tight for a while after the remodel on the house, so I sold cars most of the summer to make some quick money.....I hated it, but made great money. I am going to Glamis this weekend, sighting in my hunting rifle next weekend, and hunting the following weekend, but mid November I should be free. I have never even surfed the Central Coast, but I am sure there are a lot of uncrowded waves to be had.

Its all good Gerrit. KIT. I went to school on the central coast so I know some epic spots off the beaten path. Got the day off tomorrow. Headed down to Santa Cruz for th day on my new bulkley quad :) Hope you get some waves this weekend.

[4Rescue]

Welcome. Great looking rig, very Millitary-esque.

[4Rescue]

Welcome. Great looking rig, very Millitary-esque.

[tacollie]

Love your truck. I was wondering if you could take some more detailed pictures of your storage area. I am thinking of doing something similar and am trying to figure out how I am going to access the front of the bed.

[cell4soul]

I'll try and get a chance tomorrow.

[TACODOC]

I'm not sure, but I know it's a pig. I'm guessing 1000+ lbs over stock when fully loaded. I've been wanting to throw it on a scale.

I've been meaning to hit the scales as well... next time I head southbound on I-5 I'll hit the scales there by San Onofre... you could do the same if you're ever up this way.

[tacollie]

No worries. Whenever you can do it that would be sweet. It will be at least 6 months before I can afford a tent.

[Super Doody]

It is just a combination lockbox similar to one used on a house for sale that was welded to the backside of the tire gate. I am able to fit a spare alarm remote, truck key and key to my safe in there. The safe is mounted behind the back seat and holds spare sets of keys to all of my storage containers, ammo boxes, wheel locks, passports, cash......you get the picture.

Gerrit,

What kind of safe do you have?

[heeltoe989]

Welcome, Another killer 05+ Tacoma.

Cell,

Have you done the TRD charger yet? Are you planning to? It really helps with the extra weight that I carry. I'm just in the mids of doing a gear change to 4:56. should make the truck jump a little more with the extra weight and trailer.

PS - Killer rear bumper.

[jgolden]

Great looking rig!!!!

1 Question - What size Tire/Wheel combo is that?

thanks