2018 Tacoma SR5 build.

[Tacomaguy169]

So i believe i finally have a game plan for my build, thanks to several different individuals . I have picked out a lift kit that i believe will work best for what im looking to do. I am going with the Bilstein 5100 Series Front and Rear Shocks - 2016+ TacomaAdd Eibach 2" Lift Coils (E30-82-069-02-20) / Add 1.5" Rear Add-A-Leaf with U-Bolts for the lift. I am also upgrading my tires to BF goodrich all terrain TKO 265/75/16 tires. Im putting a DV8 FBTT1-05 front steel bumper winch mount, with 20" slim led light bar. i also just ordered a DV8 front skid plat to match the bumper as well. I am hoping this project goes smoothly and that i should have pics posted up soon! If anyone has any other ideas or suggestions please let me know, this is a huge deal for me and i want to make sure it comes out perfect!
I was also thinking about possibly putting on a bolt on exhaust, is there one that is recommended and also budget friendly as well ?

A little backstory on me: i Bought this truck in april 2018 with hopes of having a great time enjoying it. Before i was able to do anything to my truck i was unfortunately diagnosed with AML leukemia with complicated chromosomes which i have been battling with for over 2 years now with countless trips back in forth into the hospital. Ive gone through 2 different stem cell transplants hoping that it would have put me into remission, unfortunately that wasn't the case and just 2 months after my last transplant my cancer came back rapidly quick overnight creating a mass on my neck. Over the last several months i have been getting unpleasant updates on what to expect for my future. As of now, if i was just a statistic they would give me 6 months to live, but i refuse to be a statistic and plan to live as long as i possibly can. This is why this build means so much to me, it is one of the things ive always wanted to do with a truck since i could ever remember. It sucks that its happening for unfortunately events that are occurring in my current life. But at least once its done, i'll finally be able to enjoy my truck and go out with friends and family on some trails and just have a good time.

 

[Tacomadad18]

So i believe i finally have a game plan for my build, thanks to several different individuals . I have picked out a lift kit that i believe will work best for what im looking to do. I am going with the Bilstein 5100 Series Front and Rear Shocks - 2016+ TacomaAdd Eibach 2" Lift Coils (E30-82-069-02-20) / Add 1.5" Rear Add-A-Leaf with U-Bolts for the lift. I am also upgrading my tires to BF goodrich all terrain TKO 265/75/16 tires. Im putting a DV8 FBTT1-05 front steel bumper winch mount, with 20" slim led light bar. i also just ordered a DV8 front skid plat to match the bumper as well. I am hoping this project goes smoothly and that i should have pics posted up soon! If anyone has any other ideas or suggestions please let me know, this is a huge deal for me and i want to make sure it comes out perfect!
I was also thinking about possibly putting on a bolt on exhaust, is there one that is recommended and also budget friendly as well ?

A little backstory on me: i Bought this truck in april 2018 with hopes of having a great time enjoying it. Before i was able to do anything to my truck i was unfortunately diagnosed with AML leukemia with complicated chromosomes which i have been battling with for over 2 years now with countless trips back in forth into the hospital. Ive gone through 2 different stem cell transplants hoping that it would have put me into remission, unfortunately that wasn't the case and just 2 months after my last transplant my cancer came back rapidly quick overnight creating a mass on my neck. Over the last several months i have been getting unpleasant updates on what to expect for my future. As of now, if i was just a statistic they would give me 6 months to live, but i refuse to be a statistic and plan to live as long as i possibly can. This is why this build means so much to me, it is one of the things ive always wanted to do with a truck since i could ever remember. It sucks that its happening for unfortunately events that are occurring in my current life. But at least once its done, i'll finally be able to enjoy my truck and go out with friends and family on some trails and just have a good time.

First off

Welcome to Tacoma3g

Secondly,

Do it man. Go for it. Build it, enjoy it and have fun. I love your attitude even considering what you are going through.

You’re not a statistic, damn right. I look forward to watching this progress and the adventures you take it on for many many years to come!

Keep this updated

 

[Bird dog]

Welcome aboard. Fair winds and following seas .

 

[Tacomaguy169]

My Tires have arrived at the shop today! One step closer to this dream come true build of mine !!

 

[Biohazard]

Love the build plan. Eager to see it come to fruition. Don't forget to go on some trips.

And remember, any of us could bite the dust tomorrow, so living in the light of your own mortality is something we should all do anyway, leukemia or no leukemia. Thanks for the great example of packing life full of good things!

 

[Butch]

Tomorrow is promised to no one. I hope you enjoy the shit out of that truck for a long time to come.

 

[Tacomaguy169]

So i have decided to go the next step on this build and ordered Flowmaster exhaust it for it as well. So between the Bilstein 5100 series front and rear shocks, the Eiback 2" lift coils, the 1.5" add a leave to the rear. The DV8 front steel bumper and skid plate, the BFgoodrich all terrain tires and now the exhaust, this truck should be in my opinion amazing when its complete! i just can't wait for all the parts to finally start coming in, I have the tires and the bumper so fare.
I'm like a fat kid in a candy store and can't wait to have my truck built for me. I'm so impatient and hope this starts soon!

If there is anything else that anyone could recommend for this build please lt me know, this is a very emotional build for me if you haven't read the full tread on this and my updates.
If anyone is having any questions on where im having the work done:

OFFROADELEMENTS.COM
1209 Bedford St.
Abington, MA 02351
Call Us 774-826-9948
I've heard nothing but great things that this shop can do!

​

 

[Tacomaguy169]

So like i said before, im making this build something to remember . As i keep looking into things, i keep finding things i want to do with the build . I'm finally going to have the front DV8 bumper and skid plate installed this weekend with the help of my brothers, looks like a pretty straightforward install from different videos i've watched. I also ended up buying a new Injen EVO2200 Evolution cold air intake for my truck last night as well, like i said i keep seeing things and i have this voice in the back of my head (my brother) go big or go home lol or like he says you've already gone this far whats a few more things, then once its done you will be happy with the end product with no regrets that there wasn't something you wanted to do and didn't do it.

******PLEASE HELP**** There is one thing i want to do but have no clue what i should be looking at, so with this DV8 bumper it also is used to hide a winch, i want to get a winch but i have no clue what i should be looking at for winches and whats crap and whats over priced. The bumper can hold up to a 12K lb winch, but i don't think my truck needs one that big and these things get expensive too. So does anyone out there have a recommendation when it comes to getting a decent winch, nothing to crazy but something worth getting and functional. ******

And yes i'm pretty sure ill be finding other things for this build as well, it's a sickness now, but i have all good intentions for this build and well we know my backstory dont need to explain that again lol

 

[Biohazard]

So like i said before, im making this build something to remember . As i keep looking into things, i keep finding things i want to do with the build . I'm finally going to have the front DV8 bumper and skid plate installed this weekend with the help of my brothers, looks like a pretty straightforward install from different videos i've watched. I also ended up buying a new Injen EVO2200 Evolution cold air intake for my truck last night as well, like i said i keep seeing things and i have this voice in the back of my head (my brother) go big or go home lol or like he says you've already gone this far whats a few more things, then once its done you will be happy with the end product with no regrets that there wasn't something you wanted to do and didn't do it.

******PLEASE HELP**** There is one thing i want to do but have no clue what i should be looking at, so with this DV8 bumper it also is used to hide a winch, i want to get a winch but i have no clue what i should be looking at for winches and whats crap and whats over priced. The bumper can hold up to a 12K lb winch, but i don't think my truck needs one that big and these things get expensive too. So does anyone out there have a recommendation when it comes to getting a decent winch, nothing to crazy but something worth getting and functional. ******

And yes i'm pretty sure ill be finding other things for this build as well, it's a sickness now, but i have all good intentions for this build and well we know my backstory dont need to explain that again lol

I have had three vehicles, all with smittybilt x2O 10k lb winches. The winch is cheap, solidly built, and as weather proof as winches come. Wireless or wired, the control module works great. Can't recommend it enough, has winched me out of unexpectedly deep ruts (high centered with my first taco), got my JL on 37's out of a bind (how do you even get a lifted keep on 37's stuck?!?!), and has even winched a deer out of a gully for me .

 

[Tacomaguy169]

I have had three vehicles, all with smittybilt x2O 10k lb winches. The winch is cheap, solidly built, and as weather proof as winches come. Wireless or wired, the control module works great. Can't recommend it enough, has winched me out of unexpectedly deep ruts (high centered with my first taco), got my JL on 37's out of a bind (how do you even get a lifted keep on 37's stuck?!?!), and has even winched a deer out of a gully for me .
View attachment 31493View attachment 31494View attachment 31492View attachment 31495

Smittybilt Tacoma Gen2 XRC 9,500 lb. Winch 97495 (Universal; Some Adaptation May Be Required) - Free Shipping

FREE SHIPPING! Complete Recovery System. If you off-road a lot and your escapades frequently include water and mud, this XRC Gen 2 9.5K Waterproof Winch is for

www.extremeterrain.com

So Something like this one would possibly b e worth the investment, Between the winch and the install im trying to keep it under $700-$500. I would like to get a decent winch and have installed all for under $500 which would be more practical for my current situation. Thank you very much for the recommendation. My build for my truck officially starts saturday and i can not wait!!

 

[Tacomaguy169]

So it's official the "FU Cancer" build has started ! I got my Flowmaster exhaust in today and installed it as well. ( first time i've done anything physical in awhile by the way, OMG it took so much out of me to install this exhaust! But i was able to do it and all by myself, huge accomplishment right there for me ) Sounds awesome! Tomorrow i'll be installing my new DV8 front bumper with my brothers, that's going to look sick! I believe me Injen intake should be delivered tomorrow as well, so ill prob be installing that also. Once i have pictures, i'll post those up here too for those who are interested in the build.

On another note, I just wanted to say if anyone ever has any questions about my life with cancer or cancer in general feel free to ask. The last 2 almost 2 1/2 years has been a roller coaster with this nasty disease controlling my life. I've had my ups and my downs and i know how bad the days can get, so if anyone else is dealing with something like this or this i would love to offer to be there to support you. I know how tough this can get and i'm still having hard times with iot myself, hens my build i'm doing on my truck to help me cope through this and give me something to distract me. So feel free to reach out....

 

[Tacomadad18]

I think its awesome you’re using the build as a way to escape. I’m looking forward to pictures of it!

 

[Biohazard]

Keep up the good work. And take some pictures!

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Thanks guys for the support, I wish my wife would feel the same way... So today my brothers and I were able to install the DV8 front bumper that looks pretty sweet if i don't say so myself. I was also able to install my Injen intake that came in today also. This project is slowly coming along, the leaf springs for the lift came in today too, so im just waiting on a few more thing for the lift kit then i can send that off to the shop to get put in. Here are some pics, i hope they show up on here.

 

[Tacomadad18]

Looking good!

 

[Biohazard]

Looks good man. Be kind to that wife of yours--I know you're the guy with the health problem, but having your spouse go through something like that may well be worse than actually going through it. Hope she comes around about the truck soon.

 

[Tacomaguy169]

I’m a little behind on this update due to the fact I’ve been back in the hospital again for the past week and a half , but I was able to get my new tires put on a couple weeks ago. They definitely give the truck a nicer look rugged look. I also ended up ordering a roof rock with LED lights on it to, I’m hoping to get that installed once I get out of here and that should look pretty sick once that’s on too . I’m still waiting for my front shocks and coils for the lift to show up , last I spoke to them they said they were 4-6 weeks back ordered which sucks . I just can’t wait for this project to be done so I can take her out on some trails . Here are some pictures I took the day I got the tires put on, it was a shitty rainy day out so I didn’t get any good pics, I’ll have to post some better ones when I’m back home feeling better .

 

[Biohazard]

Looking good! Hey, don't wait to hit the trails. Your truck will do quite well as is, and you'll learn to wheel it better as you pick your lines more carefully and push it to its stock limits.

 

[Tacomaguy169]

So I was just discharged from the hospital on Saturday after being there for 3 weeks and I stupidly thought it would be a good idea to put my roof rack on my truck since it was nice out today . Not a good idea ... took me over 3 hours since I’m still so deconditioned and I’m hurting so bad now . But I was able to get it done and it does look pretty sick if I don’t say so myself . Lol oh I also mounted my light bar in my front bumper yesterday too.

 

[Tacomadad18]

So I was just discharged from the hospital on Saturday after being there for 3 weeks and I stupidly thought it would be a good idea to put my roof rack on my truck since it was nice out today . Not a good idea ... took me over 3 hours since I’m still so deconditioned and I’m hurting so bad now . But I was able to get it done and it does look pretty sick if I don’t say so myself . Lol oh I also mounted my light bar in my front bumper yesterday too.

If you weren’t so far away, I’d offer up a hand or two.

Looks good

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Got my factory wheels painted black , came out pretty sick ! Here’s some before and after pictures.

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Finally went off roading with my Taco this past weekend !

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Went to the car wash and then mounted my lights to the roof rack today .

 

[itsthex]

Lookin good man! Glad you finally got her dirty. Keep it up!

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Finally got her lifted !!! So excited! Can't wait to be able to drive her again. I just had spine surgery about 2 weeks ago because they found a tumor growing on the tail end of my spine near all the nerve endings. (worst timing ever!!)

 

[Biohazard]

Looks good. Glad to hear you're recovering.

 

[bonifacio]

Finally got her lifted !!! So excited! Can't wait to be able to drive her again. I just had spine surgery about 2 weeks ago because they found a tumor growing on the tail end of my spine near all the nerve endings. (worst timing ever!!) View attachment 34372View attachment 34373View attachment 34374View attachment 34375View attachment 34376

Did the ride stiffen up? Hope it's not rough on the back. What lift did you go with?

 

[RebelAZ]

Glad to see you're doing something that makes you happy and when you kick cancer's ass, you will still have a bad ass truck!

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Did the ride stiffen up? Hope it's not rough on the back. What lift did you go with?

Unfortunately i have not been able to drive it yet since i got the lift installed, I had surgery on my lower spine do to a tumor growing on it. Now i have been reovering from that and back in the hospital for outher caner treatments as well. im hoping ill be back behind the wheel by september so i can see how she drives with the new set up.
This is the kit i got for it.

 

[Tacomaguy169]

Glad to see you're doing something that makes you happy and when you kick cancer's ass, you will still have a bad ass truck!

Yes it's been a long and shitty process , a lot has come up this summer that we were not planning for and pushed a lot of things behind unfortunately . i scheduled to have this lift done back in March and the first opening was July 23, so i took it ! then ended up having the emergency spine surgery cuz of the tumor growing on it and that was the week before my appointment . But i got it done and she's looking great sitting in my driveway lol Back in the hospital again now with more cancer growing in other places, so to distract myself i obviously was online looking at truck parts and bought a few new mods that i can't wait to get put in once im strong enough to do so. I don't think my truck will ever be done, there is always some kind of mod or upgrade that can be made which makes it that much more fun lol