What's going on guys, been using the forum for some time now. I am an internet marketer or called "The Digital Mechanix" and help brands build their marketing engines behind their brand. This allows me to work remotely 100% of the time and have moved a lot and worked in many industries. I've always wanted a rig that can go to the most remote locations while able to maintain my workload. The dream of Overlanding became something with chasing.
Realizing a lot of Overland content on social media is about the latest, greatest, most expensive builds that are just unrealistic for most. I decided then I wanted to build my Tacoma completely DIY. Besides the obvious like armor that requires some real tradecraft, all installs and systems will be BIY (Build It Yourself). My project truck has been in storage for the last few years as work took over and the adventures had to be put on hold. I took her out to stretch the legs this summer (yay covid) and have enjoyed quite a bit of time outside since then.
The project is a 2006 Tacoma Access Cab TRD Off Road 6 Speed that I spent some time trying to locate that's manual, extended cab, and is one of the few years the Tacomas came with mechanical rear lockers before ATRAC. I'm sure many will swear on ATRAC, but personally, I just see it as another system that can break and end of the day cant replace skill and experience. The goal with this build is straight reliability and simplicity, if I cant fix it myself, why take the risk of going in the middle of nowhere with no service to call for help. Sounds like a horrible risk I'm not willing to take.
There's a part of the industry that is a lot of hype around brands and you def pay for it. Yes, we can have the argument of you pay for what you get for, but at the end of the day, it's about doing what you can to get out there and explore. The reality is many people don't have the resources to get these crazy turn key systems. Funds are limited and you have to prioritize upgrades, so build based on your needs and try to avoid "Shiny Eye Syndrome"
I will be documenting this entire build as we design everything from our 12v systems, interior build out, suspension, comms, etc. We will talk about tools, where to find parts, etc. I want to bring back the "Build It Yourself" mentality this industry was originally built on. My process will not be the right or wrong way to do things, but a reference on how I am doing it, in hopes you will want to try to do DIY too.
With that being said I look forward to sharing the project with you all and push further into the wild as the truck matures. I will have more detailed info on my website as well as detailed videos on Youtube. If you want some daily behind the scenes and backpacking content check out Instagram. Now onto the pics
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Started with a stock TRD OR 6 Speed
Then added an ARE DCU Commercial Cap that was purchased off craigslist for a whopping $400
If you haven't seen my other post, make sure to check this out (click the pic) if you have a shell. My cap was broken into and a simple fix would have cost me thousands if I was fully loaded.
Installed a V1 Radar detector, Scangauge, Tech Deck, and Ram mounts for iPhone and 11"iPad Pro
Installed a much needed backup camera
Much more to come
:)
Realizing a lot of Overland content on social media is about the latest, greatest, most expensive builds that are just unrealistic for most. I decided then I wanted to build my Tacoma completely DIY. Besides the obvious like armor that requires some real tradecraft, all installs and systems will be BIY (Build It Yourself). My project truck has been in storage for the last few years as work took over and the adventures had to be put on hold. I took her out to stretch the legs this summer (yay covid) and have enjoyed quite a bit of time outside since then.
The project is a 2006 Tacoma Access Cab TRD Off Road 6 Speed that I spent some time trying to locate that's manual, extended cab, and is one of the few years the Tacomas came with mechanical rear lockers before ATRAC. I'm sure many will swear on ATRAC, but personally, I just see it as another system that can break and end of the day cant replace skill and experience. The goal with this build is straight reliability and simplicity, if I cant fix it myself, why take the risk of going in the middle of nowhere with no service to call for help. Sounds like a horrible risk I'm not willing to take.
There's a part of the industry that is a lot of hype around brands and you def pay for it. Yes, we can have the argument of you pay for what you get for, but at the end of the day, it's about doing what you can to get out there and explore. The reality is many people don't have the resources to get these crazy turn key systems. Funds are limited and you have to prioritize upgrades, so build based on your needs and try to avoid "Shiny Eye Syndrome"
I will be documenting this entire build as we design everything from our 12v systems, interior build out, suspension, comms, etc. We will talk about tools, where to find parts, etc. I want to bring back the "Build It Yourself" mentality this industry was originally built on. My process will not be the right or wrong way to do things, but a reference on how I am doing it, in hopes you will want to try to do DIY too.
With that being said I look forward to sharing the project with you all and push further into the wild as the truck matures. I will have more detailed info on my website as well as detailed videos on Youtube. If you want some daily behind the scenes and backpacking content check out Instagram. Now onto the pics
-
-
-
Started with a stock TRD OR 6 Speed
Then added an ARE DCU Commercial Cap that was purchased off craigslist for a whopping $400
If you haven't seen my other post, make sure to check this out (click the pic) if you have a shell. My cap was broken into and a simple fix would have cost me thousands if I was fully loaded.
Installed a V1 Radar detector, Scangauge, Tech Deck, and Ram mounts for iPhone and 11"iPad Pro
Installed a much needed backup camera
Much more to come
