Truck Norris

[TravelinJohn]

Hi all,
My name is John. I have been checking out this forum since I got my truck in October 2020. It’s been a huge help to learn and get ideas, but I haven’t posted much yet.

I scored a 2020 Offroad MT in Superwhite after years of checking Tacomas (and having one through work back in 2013-2014). Some of my motivations to finally buy one include versatility, fun, and COVID relief. I have slowly been building it with smaller upgrades. The research and projects helped keep me sane over the winter. I am grateful for this site and all the wisdom shared.

So far, I have added:
-Diamondback SE cover
-OEM Bed Mat
-Warfab Patton Sliders w/kickout
-RCI Full Skids
-OEM Bedlighting kit
-A/C drain mod
-RekGen 3 Mudflaps
-Screen Protech
- MESO vent rings (cement)
-JKCover Console Organizer
-JDM Glove Box Organizer
-Lift’d Gas cap holder
-Ceramic tint (15%)

 

[TravelinJohn]

Here are some photos from the week I drove it home and after installing the Diamondback SE cover within the first few hundred miles

 

[B-Man]

Welcome!

 

[TravelinJohn]

Here’s a few more photos of the exhaust reroute, my buddy with the truck after he helped me install the sliders and skid plates, the tailgate letter inserts (which I forgot to mention among my small tweaks earlier), ceramic tint, and the emblem overlays(also forgot to mention)

 

[TravelinJohn]

Welcome!

Thank you!

 

[yotatuner]

Welcome to the Super White Club !!
Exhaust Re-Route - Do you have before Pics ?

 

[Bird dog]

Welcome aboard.

 

[TravelinJohn]

Welcome to the Super White Club !!
Exhaust Re-Route - Do you have before Pics ?

Thank you! Looks like I forgot to grab a before pic…as well as pics when I put the new skid plates on and various others. Gonna get in the habit of taking before and after photos for each customization.

 

[TravelinJohn]

Welcome aboard.

Thank you! Glad to be here.

 

[DavidLReid]

Hello and welcome from SW Missouri.

 

[TravelinJohn]

Hello and welcome from SW Missouri.

Thank you!

 

[itsthex]

Welcome, Truck Norris!

 

[TravelinJohn]

Welcome, Truck Norris!

Thank you, itsthex!

 

[TCOTUE]

Welcome! White was my first choice! Solid looking rig! What other plans do you have?

 

[TravelinJohn]

Welcome! White was my first choice! Solid looking rig! What other plans do you have?

Thanks! Silver and MGM were actually my top choices. I really wanted a manual though and didn’t want to wait until another production run and risk delays. White has really grown on me quickly and I like the white/black contrast.

As for future plans, I have been dreaming into a lot of options, Early on, I read advice to drive the truck for a while and determine how you want to use it before making any major mods. That made a lot of sense and I have approached the build with upgrades I will most likely keep no matter what(sliders, skid plates, interior tweaks, etc) or that seem to hold their value and demand (Diamondback SE)

Currently, I fantasize about creating a versatile “overland” capable build. When I was single, I did a lot of backpacking and international travel. I want to find a way to share remote places with my wife that allows enough “comforts” and relative ease to make it happen.

The current major contenders are:
- Super Pacific camper (although the price increases deter that). Still love the four season capability, customization options, and versatility to keep it a daily driver.
- Gofast camper.
- UpTOP Overland Diamondback TRUSS rack and iKamper mini. Like the removability factor.
(- Camp King’s camper also looks really nice, but a little too pricey for me right now.)

I have been very close to throwing down my deposit on one of the campers over the past few weeks, but still researching a bit.

Once I commit to a direction, I will start upgrading and fine tuning other aspects too.

I have held off on tires and a lift so far. Tires will require some research, but they are clearly in my future. For a lift/shocks, I am thinking of keeping it simple with Bilstein 5100s or possibly the 6612/5160 if I splurge again.

I also know there will be other adjustments as I add weight and change the suspension (bed stiffeners, UCAs, etc).

Ditch lights will certainly be added and likely other lights as “needed”.

I have been researching communications options as well.

If I create this dream build, I’ll likely be fantasizing/researching more customizations as I save up money.

One step at time for now. All in good time and all good fun.

 

[Oc Taco Charlie Beach Bum]

Howdy, we all started somwhere with a build. Keep up the good work

 

[TravelinJohn]

Couple of upgrades installed over the past two months

Diamondback 8” Crossbin

AL Offroad Onyx Tailgate insert

 

[TravelinJohn]

4Runner Radio Knobs

Meso Ultimate Map Lights

Meso Dual Brightness Ultimate Dome Light

 

[TravelinJohn]

And some “safety step” grips on top the Warfab Patton sliders for our dog

 

[406Camper]

A late welcome from MT. Build looks good. I just toured the gofast facility in July and was very impressed. The wait list is long though.

 

[bonifacio]

I have held off on tires and a lift so far. Tires will require some research, but they are clearly in my future. For a lift/shocks, I am thinking of keeping it simple with Bilstein 5100s or possibly the 6612/5160 if I splurge again.

My experience: Go with the 6112.

6112 you have the adjustability in the front. Also stiffer springs designed for it. Better for added weight on the vehicle. Capable of a little more height. Also had a 650 lb spring option.

Sure you can get different spring rates for the 5100, but if they don't recommend using an OME 886 spring, then I feel like you're limiting yourself.
I went OME 887/5100 and I got the height at first, but it sagged pretty quickly over time. Then the weight just dragged it down more. Swapping to the 6112 with 650. Buy once cry once. I learned my lesson again...

Slight compromise is 6112 front, 5100 rear. Save a little.

 

[TravelinJohn]

A late welcome from MT. Build looks good. I just toured the gofast facility in July and was very impressed. The wait list is long though.

Thank you 406camper! GFC seems like the most bang for the buck. Glad to hear their facility looks good. They shortened lead times to 20 weeks too….

 

[TravelinJohn]

My experience: Go with the 6112.

6112 you have the adjustability in the front. Also stiffer springs designed for it. Better for added weight on the vehicle. Capable of a little more height. Also had a 650 lb spring option.

Sure you can get different spring rates for the 5100, but if they don't recommend using an OME 886 spring, then I feel like you're limiting yourself.
I went OME 887/5100 and I got the height at first, but it sagged pretty quickly over time. Then the weight just dragged it down more. Swapping to the 6112 with 650. Buy once cry once. I learned my lesson again...

Slight compromise is 6112 front, 5100 rear. Save a little.

Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to offer this guidance. Hoping there are some good Black Friday sales on the horizon…. I seem to buy eventually so getting it on sale helps justify it

 

[bonifacio]

Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to offer this guidance. Hoping there are some good Black Friday sales on the horizon…. I seem to buy eventually so getting it on sale helps justify it

For some stuff, it's better to order when available. I ordered the 6112/5160 set and waited almost 2 weeks just to find out it was backorders. 2 months after that I canceled and ordered from a place that had it in stock.

I keep a spreadsheet and I feel I got a really good deal for present time. If it's anything close or less, go for it because you won't find much of a better deal.

650lbs Coils - 53-291387		$154.38
Powdercoated - This was just stupidity.		$120.00
5160 - 25-242379/25-242539		$406.94
Bilstein B8 6112 - 47-234413		$680.76
KYB SM5640 x 2		$49.42
Sway Bar Relocation		$22.15
3/8" x 6" Leaf Spring Bolt		$19.07
Strut Assembly		$90

I did see a site vendor had them in stock. @NEO Motorsport Garage

Bilstein 6112 & 5160 Kits IN STOCK!

Hey everyone, We have a few Bilstein 6112s and 5160 pairs in stock and ready to ship! These have been difficult to source this year but we made sure to get some! We offer strut assembly for the 6112s and any other struts as well. Use code "T3G10" at checkout for 10% off and free shipping...

tacoma3g.com

I think this is very good pricing. The post says they are in stock. When ordering, always make sure in-stock means in hand and ready to ship.
Most places will say in-stock, but are just backordering them. So you don't get them for months.
I know shocksurplus and bilsteinlifts is good with that. They will only say in-stock when they have it ready to go. Pricing wise, I think NEO is good.
Some of my pricing was for other discounts for stuff. For what it is, the little difference is minimal. Any type you can get the set for $1100ish is a reasonable target. Something on demand and low supply I don't see BF deals.

Always remember there are places a that don't charge you the tax shipping out of state and offer free shipping.

For assembly, You'll need the 2 top hats. So it will be about $150 or so. If you want to go with 650lb springs over the 600lbs, don't pay to assemble it unless the same place has the 650lbs in stock. Those are backordered months out. I've been keeping an eye on those. Reason why I ended up paying to powdercoat them instead of just sourcing a replacement. Another thing to consider if grabbing your own tophats as some of the places that assemble might just be grabbing random tophats that are cheapest. Sure they seem all the same, but some seem to be better quality wise.

 

[406Camper]

Thank you 406camper! GFC seems like the most bang for the buck. Glad to hear their facility looks good. They shortened lead times to 20 weeks too….

@TravelinJohn,

In case you haven't seen it yet, here is @LLOD's video.

Original link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLROHzDlFZs

 

[Taco Loco]

I know it's a bit late, but welcome to the party!

 

[TravelinJohn]

For some stuff, it's better to order when available. I ordered the 6112/5160 set and waited almost 2 weeks just to find out it was backorders. 2 months after that I canceled and ordered from a place that had it in stock.

I keep a spreadsheet and I feel I got a really good deal for present time. If it's anything close or less, go for it because you won't find much of a better deal.

650lbs Coils - 53-291387		$154.38
Powdercoated - This was just stupidity.		$120.00
5160 - 25-242379/25-242539		$406.94
Bilstein B8 6112 - 47-234413		$680.76
KYB SM5640 x 2		$49.42
Sway Bar Relocation		$22.15
3/8" x 6" Leaf Spring Bolt		$19.07
Strut Assembly		$90

I did see a site vendor had them in stock. @NEO Motorsport Garage

Bilstein 6112 & 5160 Kits IN STOCK!

Hey everyone, We have a few Bilstein 6112s and 5160 pairs in stock and ready to ship! These have been difficult to source this year but we made sure to get some! We offer strut assembly for the 6112s and any other struts as well. Use code "T3G10" at checkout for 10% off and free shipping...

tacoma3g.com

I think this is very good pricing. The post says they are in stock. When ordering, always make sure in-stock means in hand and ready to ship.
Most places will say in-stock, but are just backordering them. So you don't get them for months.
I know shocksurplus and bilsteinlifts is good with that. They will only say in-stock when they have it ready to go. Pricing wise, I think NEO is good.
Some of my pricing was for other discounts for stuff. For what it is, the little difference is minimal. Any type you can get the set for $1100ish is a reasonable target. Something on demand and low supply I don't see BF deals.

Always remember there are places a that don't charge you the tax shipping out of state and offer free shipping.

For assembly, You'll need the 2 top hats. So it will be about $150 or so. If you want to go with 650lb springs over the 600lbs, don't pay to assemble it unless the same place has the 650lbs in stock. Those are backordered months out. I've been keeping an eye on those. Reason why I ended up paying to powdercoat them instead of just sourcing a replacement. Another thing to consider if grabbing your own tophats as some of the places that assemble might just be grabbing random tophats that are cheapest. Sure they seem all the same, but some seem to be better quality wise.

Wow, thank you so much!! What an incredible detailed response with so much good info and suggestions. I read this a while back when I was on a road trip in the 4 corners region. I didn’t even know how to respond and am stilblown away by the time and thoughtfulness you put into your response to help me. Thank you!

 

[TravelinJohn]

@TravelinJohn,

In case you haven't seen it yet, here is @LLOD's video.

Original link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLROHzDlFZs

Thanks so much! I hadn’t seen this video from him yet. Huge help as I decide on next steps.

 

[TravelinJohn]

I know it's a bit late, but welcome to the party!

Thanks Taco Loco! I appreciate the welcome.