Figured it would be a good time to start a build thread since I just got started about a month ago...
By the way, this was all prompted by my own stupidity in my inability to provide enough stopping distance between my front end and the rear end of the clown car(Hyundai) in front of me which lightly damaged my brush guard, yet totaled said clown car as illustrated by the picture below(mine).
This lead to me finally biting the bullet on that ARB bull bar I’ve been eyeballing for the last 15 years, a definite improvement...
Debated on several vehicles for this purpose and ultimately decided to use my 04 double cab SR5 Tacoma for several reasons:
Pro’s
-already had one(haha)
-super light/durable truck
-engine bay more conducive to engine swaps than newer models
-love the profile and overall look of the 1st gen.
-tight, but ample room for family of 5
-only 130k total miles (engine rebuilt at 80k for project)
-interior is comfortable and still like new
Cons
- small truck, limits cargo capacity (~1400lbs)
-small fuel tank requiring further logistical support
-3.4L v6 doesn’t have the power
-still a 15 year old truck (parts/plastics are getting brittle)
I have come up with ways to address a few of the con’s. The fuel capacity was one of my biggest issues so I wanted to address that first. I have a custom fabricator currently building an auxiliary SS 40 gal fuel tank mounted in the under bed spare tire location. This, coupled with my 15gal stock tank will total 55 gal of on board fuel and only add 8 lbs of vehicle weight and ~250lbs of fuel weight. I estimate this extends my range to roughly 800+ miles in mild off-road conditions, eliminating the need for multiple external fuel cans. Next, was the power issue. I found an aluminum Lexus V8 (1UZFE) which can be successfully swapped into the engine bay, upping my stock hp of 190 to 300 while still being able to use my stock DS/axle. This should also increase my fuel economy from ~16mpg, to ~25 and extending my range to roughly 1000 miles (all subject to change according to GVW when finished).
Next was to address the age of the truck. I bought several kits of raptor liner in black and metallic grey and will be “repainting” the vehicle in grey with black accent pieces to protect the new plastics from the sun-which will look very similar to this(NOT MY TRUCK)
To address the cargo capacity, I opted for the 58 inch RCI half height bed rack which will carry the tuff stuff ranger RTT and recovery equipment/tools mounted to the side plates. (Being built now)
Since I had to relocate the spare tire, I went with 4xinnovations rear bumper with tire swing, hi lift jack mount, dual water can mount(specific to sentry military water cans), and fold down table. They also make a killer set of weld/bolt on rock sliders and are very reasonably priced. I went for the weld on for the strength and no need to worry about bolt corrosion. All of which will be powder coated black. will update bumper picture when finished
Will add to as the build progresses.
By the way, this was all prompted by my own stupidity in my inability to provide enough stopping distance between my front end and the rear end of the clown car(Hyundai) in front of me which lightly damaged my brush guard, yet totaled said clown car as illustrated by the picture below(mine).
This lead to me finally biting the bullet on that ARB bull bar I’ve been eyeballing for the last 15 years, a definite improvement...
Debated on several vehicles for this purpose and ultimately decided to use my 04 double cab SR5 Tacoma for several reasons:
Pro’s
-already had one(haha)
-super light/durable truck
-engine bay more conducive to engine swaps than newer models
-love the profile and overall look of the 1st gen.
-tight, but ample room for family of 5
-only 130k total miles (engine rebuilt at 80k for project)
-interior is comfortable and still like new
Cons
- small truck, limits cargo capacity (~1400lbs)
-small fuel tank requiring further logistical support
-3.4L v6 doesn’t have the power
-still a 15 year old truck (parts/plastics are getting brittle)
I have come up with ways to address a few of the con’s. The fuel capacity was one of my biggest issues so I wanted to address that first. I have a custom fabricator currently building an auxiliary SS 40 gal fuel tank mounted in the under bed spare tire location. This, coupled with my 15gal stock tank will total 55 gal of on board fuel and only add 8 lbs of vehicle weight and ~250lbs of fuel weight. I estimate this extends my range to roughly 800+ miles in mild off-road conditions, eliminating the need for multiple external fuel cans. Next, was the power issue. I found an aluminum Lexus V8 (1UZFE) which can be successfully swapped into the engine bay, upping my stock hp of 190 to 300 while still being able to use my stock DS/axle. This should also increase my fuel economy from ~16mpg, to ~25 and extending my range to roughly 1000 miles (all subject to change according to GVW when finished).
Next was to address the age of the truck. I bought several kits of raptor liner in black and metallic grey and will be “repainting” the vehicle in grey with black accent pieces to protect the new plastics from the sun-which will look very similar to this(NOT MY TRUCK)
To address the cargo capacity, I opted for the 58 inch RCI half height bed rack which will carry the tuff stuff ranger RTT and recovery equipment/tools mounted to the side plates. (Being built now)
Since I had to relocate the spare tire, I went with 4xinnovations rear bumper with tire swing, hi lift jack mount, dual water can mount(specific to sentry military water cans), and fold down table. They also make a killer set of weld/bolt on rock sliders and are very reasonably priced. I went for the weld on for the strength and no need to worry about bolt corrosion. All of which will be powder coated black. will update bumper picture when finished
Will add to as the build progresses.
