Build Thread: Sixstringsteve's 2002 Tacoma double cab: Carlos

[sixstringsteve]

Current state:

specs/details

2002 Tacoma
3.4L v6
Automatic Transmission
rear elocker TRD axle
Nitro 5.29s
ARB front locker
Dakar rear springs (+Dakar Add a leaf) with OME Nitrocharger Sport Shocks
Ubolt Flip
New lower shock mounts
diff guard
rear frame supports
bentup sliders
custom rear bumper
custom front bumper
Smitybilt X20 winch 8000 lb with remote control box
231 mm Tundra front brakes
35x12.50x17 Km2's on Sequoia wheels
1.25" spidertrax wheel spacers
2882 OME front coils on nitrocharger sport shocks
no body lift
front fenders tubbed to fit 35's at no lift and full stuff
helton water heater (shower)
budbuilt full skids
elocker guard
diff drop
arb compressor
safari snorkel


Maintenance notes:

- Tranny fluid replaced @ ~ 120k
- Outer TRE, ball joints, CV's, wheel bearings @ 180k
- 90k rack w/new poly bushings @ 180k
- Timing belt and water pump @205k
- like new NEW UCAs and OME springs/struts @ 210k
- diff drop @ 210k
- rear axle swap/springs/shocks @ 210k
- Nitro 5.29s, install kit, bearings, and front ARB installed @ 215k
- new belts @ 215k
- new front cat @ 215k
- new air filter and snorkel @ 215k
- spark plugs/ 3 wires @ 220k
- rear wheel bearings @ 220k
- rear brake shoes @220k
- diffs drained & refilled @ 220k
- lower a-arm bushings @ 220k
- aux trans cooler @ 222k
- new UCAs @ 228k
- headlights @ 230k
- TPS @ 235k
- Rear leaf spring bushings (front ones) @ 235k

 

[sixstringsteve]

After a seemingly endless cycle of vehicles, I have chosen to build one of my favorite platforms: a 1st generation toyota tacoma doublecab.

As outlined in my Toyota Comparisons Article. there are quite a few things I love about the doublecabs:

Things I LOVE about the doublecabs:
- mpg: 24 stock, 19 mpg with 35's and 4.88s
- 4 doors
- passengers were comfortable
- still fun to drive despite its length
- I LOVE the storage behind the rear seats. I could easily fit an ice scraper, jumper cables, 1st aid kit and recovery gear back there. It was super handy
- love having a truck bed
- built like a toyota truck: reliable, tough, capable, fun


Shortcomings:
- bed is too short to sleep in
- uncomfortable front seats
- price. These 4-doors are super expensive.

Out of all the rigs I've owned in the past, two stick out as my favorites: my maroon doublecab:

And my green regular cab "Abner".

I decided I wanted to build my dream rig rather than compromising and putting money into a rig that I was "settling" on. I put out a wanted ad, and Rock Taco shot me a message that he'd be selling his doublecab soon. He hooked me up with a great deal on his 2002 doublecab tacoma:

And just to prove the 4wd has been used before:

Specs:

- 218k miles (yikes). I realize these are a lot of miles, even for a toyota. The engine runs extremely strong and it has been well cared for by a toyota lover who does things the right way
- non-TRD so no elocker
- bentup sliders
- tundra 231mm front brake swap
- new timing belt, water pump, idler pulley, steering rack, CVs
- and it came with some cool parts (which I will be selling to offset the cost of the build): Total chaos UCAs, donnaho extended travel coilovers, add-a-leaf, extra wheels/tires.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I believe that all builds should begin with a goal. My goal is to have a rig that can travel comfortably at freeway speeds, handle week-long car-camping trips, and drive the occasional 6/10 rated trail (including Golden Spike, Hole in the Rock Trail, and the Rubicon Trail).

Here's the long-term plan:

2001-2004 Tacoma Doublecab
- elocker axle swap
- OME suspension
- Specialty Products UCA
- WIK paper air filters
- 5.29s
- 35x12.50x17 KM2s
- Sequoia Wheels
- Custom bumper by chocflip, much like the allpro bumper only beefier
- Shrockworks front bumper
- warn 9000 winch
- rock lights
- Rigid Industries Dually lights up front
- helton hot water heater/shower
- ARB front locker
- ARB compressor
- budbuilt skids
- 4runner or Corbeau front seat swap


Still undecided:
- rear shell
- ARB RTT on the back
- fridge
- dual batteries (once I get the winch)

 

[MOODY]

Sweet. Love those Tacomas. I had an 01 extended cab that was fantastic.

 

[Bart]

I really like that model and good luck with the build.

 

[STAG]

Off topic but what's that rear bumper on your maroon one?

 

[STAG]

And have you seen those truck-bed tents? You drop the tailgate down and the edge of the tent goes all the way to the end of the tailgate. Would that be long enough to sleep in?

and I like the ducks unlimited sticker on the back, I had no idea you were a duck hunter

 

[Maverick]

I really like that model and good luck with the build.

Me too. Subscribed.

 

[sixstringsteve]

And have you seen those truck-bed tents? You drop the tailgate down and the edge of the tent goes all the way to the end of the tailgate. Would that be long enough to sleep in?

I have seen those before, cool idea. I don't see much more advantage of that over a ground tent. Plus, as I've learned with my old rig, you have to unload all your gear to make room for yourself to fit in there.

and I like the ducks unlimited sticker on the back, I had no idea you were a duck hunter

I lost a drag race in my limo and bow I'm an official "sponsor."

 

[TRD270]

And have you seen those truck-bed tents? You drop the tailgate down and the edge of the tent goes all the way to the end of the tailgate. Would that be long enough to sleep in?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Napi...cts&Ntt=tent&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

I've been thinking of one of these too, Kodiak makes the canvas style same as the springbar, but I dont think you can get them for the smaller beds

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I'm with Steve, truck bed tents are appealing until you get to the load and unload phase if each day, the would be a serious pita imo.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've kicked around the idea of a Cabelas cottent. I even purchased a double at one point. I set it up in the family room and its really cool. However, when its All packed up it's not tons smaller than a rtt, and you can't pack your sleeping bag and pad inside it, it won't close.

My favorite part about sleeping in a truck bed is the hard shell around it to block out the wind and elements. I don't mind sleeping on the ground, but I do like not hearing a tent flap in the wind.

 

[SLC97SR5]

Love the color!

 

[sixstringsteve]

Love the color!

Me too. White is my favorite 4x4 color.

 

[TJDukit]

Glad you have come around to wanting or maybe even realizing you need a winch. Eric sent me a message and told me about your experience. Here's one more build thread to subsribe to.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Yeah. I dunno if my hand winch would have been able to get me out of that pickle. Eric and I have cone to the realization that having a winch enables you to go places you wouldn't normally go without one.

 

[blznnp]

can't wait to see how this comes along, if my wife wasn't so busy I would have come over yesterday to help out, and if we didn't have the church x-mas party. I shared a idea with my wife for me to trade in my truck on a older rig for a tow rig only and pick up a 4 door tacoma, but she shot me down.

 

[Gravy]

Why not run the total choas stuff over the ome stuff?

 

[Caleb]

Very cool Steve. Still to date, probably my most favorite rig has been my 03 Double Cab. Can't wait to see what you do with it Steve.

 

[Rot Box]

Excited to see another great Sixstring build