• Welcome to Tacoma3G.com, a free resource for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma owners!

    Tacoma3G is a beginner-friendly 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023 model-years) forum. We are a community of people who are focused on good information and good vibes. T3G is the passion-project of a USMC/Toyota technician.

KacosTaco Build

KacosTaco

KacosTaco

2️⃣ Bronze
Tacoma3G Supporter
Hello T3G!

My name is Kyle and I am a newbie from the central coast of CA. I have been a long time lurker of Tacoma forums for my own personal projects and recently decided to join the party and become a part of the Tacoma community. I found this site via Instagram this week and I am glad that I did. Great site, cleaner and much easier to navigate. I am UX designer (web/mobile) and I've always disliked using forums because of their poor layout and navigation, so thank you for creating a cleaner experience. Keep up the great work!

I currently own a black 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport DCLB. I purchased it back in 2015 as part of the OG line up and have loved every minute of ownership since. I have made a few mods since buying the truck in 2015 and am always finding new mods or updates I want. I look forward to sharing more about my truck and my current build as well as meeting more fellow T3G members.

Cheers


IMG_3032.webp
 
To date, I have added a few mods and small updates to the truck. My current build features the following:
  • Full Window Tint
  • Flowmaster Super 44 Muffler
  • 17" TRD PRO 4Runner Wheels (2016)
  • BFG KO2s @ 265/70/17
  • Wheel Spacers by Spidertrax: 1.25"
  • TRD PRO Grille
  • TRD PRO LED Grille Lights by Runnin4Tacos
  • APS Truck Armor Side-steps
  • Exterior LED Light Swap by JDM ASTAR: Hi-beams, Lo-beams, Signals, Fog Lights, License plate light
  • Full Interior LED Light Swap by JDM ASTAR: Maps, Cab (Rear), Visors
  • Center console insert by JDM Car
I will be posting each of these mods/updates as my build thread evolves along with many future mods coming soon!
 
Believe it or not, somehow I lost the "New Car" pictures from when I purchased it. This is the most "Stock" pic of it that I have so this will have to do unless I uncover more photos somewhere. I got my windows tinted and new wheels and tires within a couple weeks so this was the first trail exploration with the new setup.

IMG_0859.webp
 
TRD PRO 4Runner Wheels
BFG KO2s @ 265/70/17

These were the real first upgrade to the truck. I had went over hundreds of wheel combo options and I still like the simplicity of the TRD 4Runner wheels and some nice BFG KO2s. This is still my favorite wheel/tire setup. I currently run them at 34PSI all the way around, but still searching for the sweet spot. Let me know if you have any recommendations on best PSI for the "C" KO2s.

IMG_0467.webp

IMG_0166.webp
 
I have to say that the upgrade to the PRO Grille was so needed. It totally changes the appearance of the truck in my opinion. Not to mention I got it for a screamin' deal. The truck only suffered minor injuries during the course of this install...just a tab or two, nothing major. It hurt at first but forgot all about the broken tabs when I saw the final product.

IMG_0759.webp


IMG_0758 2.webp
 
Shoutout to @runnin4tacos for these awesome LED Grille Lights. They came in perfect condition, all work flawlessly and the install was simple. I know this is mod that has been done for a while, but if anyone is looking to add some of these bad boys to their PRO Grille, here is are the links:

Shop:
https://www.runnin4tacos.com/collec.../2016-2019-tacoma-trd-pro-raptor-lights-3-kit

Tutorial by Runnin4Tacos

Install:
For the placement of the lights, I opted to not modify the grille itself and use three lights across the length of the grille. Although I like the lights installed on the top row the most, this is my second favorite and I actually think it creates a wider stance appearance (personal opinion).

In terms of wiring, I really wanted these lights to run all the time – whether its on with the DRLs, headlights, parking lights, etc. So, in order to fo that, it requires a little DIY electrical work that @runnin4tacos walks you through in the install video linked at the beginning of this post.

To accomplish this look, it required removing the 'add a fuse' from the harness, connecting to two 16g wires – 1 to splice into the factory headlight wire in the truck and the other into the DRL wire (pictured below).


061FAEE3-59A6-4104-B8E7-31675A8CD4DC.webp


IMG_3223.webp


IMG_3156.webp
 
From the day that I purchased the truck, I regretted not having side-steps or running boards. Not only am I not the tallest person myself, but my parents, friends, co-workers, all made it clear I needed to add steps. After looking around, I wasn't too stoked on the tube-and-step style that toyota was selling, nor did I like the standard tube-step or flat board. I really wanted something that matched the overall aggressive look of the truck. So I found these.

APS Armor Side-steps
https://realtruck.com/p/aps-truck-armor-side-steps/v/toyota/tacoma/2016/

Not only are these way cheaper than the other options, I think they look much better in my opinion. To me they look like they came off of a raptor. They are also super light weight, Wide step surface and have a bottom bar that protects your rocker panels. The product arrived in perfect condition, powdercoat looks great agains my paint and TRD PRO Wheels (Matte Black). Time will tell if they were a good buy, see if they hold up to trails and beach driving.

IMG_3126.jpg


IMG_3134.jpg


IMG_3132.jpg


IMG_3168.jpg


IMG_3028.webp
 
Adding on some BFG KO2s definitely helped the stance of the truck a bit, but it still looked to narrow and tall overall. This inspired the upgrade to some hub centric wheel spacers to poke the tires out a bit for a little more aggressive stance. I should say, I plan on getting new suspension soon due to some rubbing issues, so this may change.

Spidertrax Wheel Spacers - 1.25 inch:
http://www.spidertrax.com/Toyota-Hub-Centric-Spacer-Black?sc=2&category=9982

IMG_2990.webp


IMG_3220.webp


IMG_3206.webp
 
Had some fun with my new pressure washer today along with a new foam and foam cannon by Adams Polishes. Here is a short video to test out the equipment.

 
Last edited:
After a long wait, multiple shipping methods and a good friend...the cold air intake by K&N finally arrived. I decided to go with the 71 Series Blackhawk Edition after doing some research on the experiences of other 3rd gen Tacoma owners. In short, the install went smoothly and I could not be more pleased with this upgrade. Check out the video below from my youtube channel and let me know what you think. Make sure to watch until the end for bloopers :)

Also, if you feel the urge, tap (don't "smash") the Subscribe button for future videos coming soon!




Photos:

IMG_3392 copy.jpg


IMG_3397.jpg


IMG_3385.jpg
 
Last edited:
So this week I decided to add some hood struts to the Tacoma, because why not? I ordered my hood struts from Redline Tuning, fast shipping, great product and a fairly straight forward install. However, if you have made other modifications under your hood of your 3rd gen Tacoma, the install might not go as smoothly as you expect.

What I did not realize prior to install, is that the passenger side strut would have to fall directly over my new K&N intake air box in order to close properly. I did not find this out until after the install was complete. Minor (sketchy) modifications were neccessary to get my hood to close with these new struts.

Here is my review video of my experience. Hopefully this will help save some headaches and frustrations for future installers with after market air intakes.

 
Recently added courtesy lights for my side steps as well as bed lights.

The courtesy step lights are tapped into the dome lights, so when I approach, unlock or open the truck they illuminate. Really like how these came out. They properly light the steps for passengers and light up the ground beneath and under the truck. Great for security too.

The bed lights run underneath the tracks that hold the tie down cleats. Great place because they are not obvious in the daylight. These lights are tapped into the cargo light which illuminate either by the cargo light switch from in the cab or when I unlock or open a door. The lights really change the practicality of the bed. much easier to load and unload cargo in the dark. Also great for security as well.

(Ill add some night shots later to this post)

IMG_3687.webp


IMG_3690.webp
 
Back
Top