MTN+SRF Army Green Build Thread

Welcome to the MTN+SRF Army Green Off Road 4X4 Manual Transmission Build Thread!

Back in 2019, the family decided to trade in our 2011 Audi Q7 for a new Tundra SR5 4x4 CrewMax Cement Grey. We drove that beast around for a while, wasting all kinds of gas, and taking up more parking spaces than usual -- then COVID. One day, we decided that it is just too darn big for what we need (plus my two older boys both drive now, and rarely ride with me, my wife and our youngest son.) So, in April 2021, we decided to order a brand new 2021 Tacoma TRD Off Road Army Green. And the best part --> it has a manual transmission! (I am a big fan of manual transmissions; I make all my boys learn to drive a stick.)

The 2021 Tacoma DCSB OR 4x4 AG MT6 showed up at the dealership on July 2, 2021. While we were waiting, a huge list of upgrades and modifications was made that we are starting to dive right into. It will be lifted, larger tires, bronze wheels, and a whole number of other things.

One of the prompts for going with a Tacoma is that my wife had a a 1992 single-cab 4x4 Toyota pick-up (manual transmission) that she absolutely loved! She called it "GLT" (good little truck). We had to sell it when our family grew too big for it to be practical anymore. But, it's time to relive that "GLT."

My sons are already fighting over who is going to drive the Tacoma most (it will likely be the wife). But, to cause as much trouble as possible, I've told everyone that the youngest son will likely get this Tacoma as his daily driver when he turns 16 (he has a number of years to go still).

We come from the Jeep off-roading world. As I mentioned before, everyone has to drive a stick ... and we still have our manual transmission 2007 Jeep Wrangler that sits on 37" tires ... no doors or top ... it's a fun vehicle to cruise around -- but not very practical (although, I think it's pretty darn perfect for a teenage boy to bounce around town in (although, the gas mileage is horrible)).

Our other vehicles include: a 2017 Toyota Prius; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 (my daily driver); 1961 Porsche 356 (currently rebuilding the motor); and a 2000 Ultra Stealth LX 21' bowrider boat. Also, my youngest son and I are avid OneWheel riders; we have 2 XR models and have several thousands of miles under our feet.

Looking forward to contributing to the community.

2021 Tacoma as it sat on the lot while doing paperwork (July 2, 2021)


Sitting in the driveway


Our other Off Road toy


The Jeep with one of the OneWheels

 

On July 12, 2021, some of the goodies started showing up ... started off slow and with little things.
* Installed the OEM Bed Mat (got for a great price during the 4th of July sale through the Dealer)
* Installed the OEM Roof Rack (got for a great price during the 4th of July sale through the Dealer)
* Installed a FJ Cruiser TRD Shift Knob (purchased off of eBay)
* Installed The Taco Garage's Dashtop Multi Mount (DMM)
* Installed center console tray

Bed Mat


OEM Roof Rack


Pulling the weather stripping from driver's side


Prepping for install


Driver's side bracket


Driver side installed


Racks folded away


Racks opened up

 

Nice!

 

On July 12, 2021, some of the goodies started showing up ... started off slow and with little things.
(continued)
* Installed a FJ Cruiser TRD Shift Knob (purchased off of eBay)
* Installed The Taco Garage's Dashtop Multi Mount (DMM)
* Installed center console tray
* Installed interior LED lights (no photos of this install)

Removed the center section to remove the chrome ring on the shift boot


Installed the new black collar


Before installing the new shift knob


FJ Cruiser TRD Shift Knob


Dashtop Multi Mount


On the workbench


DMM


Center console tray

 

Continuing with small items, on July 15, 2021, this showed up:

 

The end of July was a busy time in the new Tacoma's young life ... and E X P E N S I V E.
* Ordered a Reference 500 Subwoofer (amp'd) system from OEM Audio Plus (on back order)
* Ordered a custom 2.5 Fox (front), 2.0 Fox (rear), ICON Add-a-Leaf suspension system (some of the order is on back order)
* Ordered Rims and Tires: 17" Method Race 305 NV Bronze + Milestar 285/70R17 Mud Terrains
* Ordered a TRD Pro Grill with Raptor Lights
--> the rims and tires were in stock and showed up a few days later

It was like Xmas time for the Tacoma!


(Luck for me, the wife was away in Cabo San Lucas on a "girls trip" when all the swag started showing up ... and I stacked it all in the living room )

"Test" fit the rims and tires

 

While I was told the wheels would show up mounted and balanced ... obviously, they did not. As a matter of fact, only three (3) tires showed up during the original delivery! The fourth tire took its sweet time and showed up two (2) days later.

Once all the parts were in the right numbers, it was time to take them down to the local Discount Tire and get them mounted and balanced. I also got new TPMS installed in them ... one day I need to go back and get them programed to "talk" to the Tacoma.

All loaded up.


They look great in the living room.

 

Early to mid August was pretty busy for the MTN+SRF Army Green Tacoma. One of the only real requests from the wife thus far was that we get Seat Covers for the interior (mostly because our older sons are slobs, and kinda gross (most of the time) and go surfing quite often, dragging a lot of sand into vehicles)).

Mid-install of the rear seat covers


All covered up (along with the Army Green Mexican Blanket)

 

A day after the seat covers were applied, some other "add on's" were obtained and quickly installed:
* Installed Cali Raised LED Hidden LED light and brackets + switch
* Installed the TRD Pro Grill with Amber Raptor Lights
* Installed a Mountain Hatch Tailgate Hatch Panel
* Installed a MESO Gas Cap Holder

Removed the original grill to get access to the inner bumper area (and to replace the grill)


Cali Raised LED bar and mounting brackets


The LED Bar in place just above the bumper


Removing the TSS sensor from the original grill


New grill with Cement Gray lettering and Amber Raptor Lights


Everything in its place


Working under the dash to install the new LED light bar switch


New light switch


All lit up

 

A day after the seat covers were applied, some other "add on's" were obtained and quickly installed:
(continued)
* Installed a Mountain Hatch Tailgate Hatch Panel
* Installed a MESO Gas Cap Holder

Mountain Hatch Tailgate Hatch Panel. So much more comfortable to sit on and work on projects. (Although, the cup holder could be a bit deeper, I think.)


MESO Gas Cap Holder

 

On August 22, 2021, with the help of my son, we did the CMC (cab mount chop) on the Tacoma so we could fit the 285/70R17 M/Ts on without a lift (b/c the front components are on back-order).
2,400 miles on the truck and already cutting pieces off.

Cutting


Grinded down and cleaned up


Cut-off piece


Welding


Plate in place


Painted and sealed (driver side)


Going on a test drive

 

While out doing some errands, I stopped at a local wall painting:



When I sell the original Rims and Tires, I think those funds are going towards Rock Sliders.

 

Sweet rig! Love how that Army Green color shifts depending on light conditions.

 

Thanks ... It does kind of shift colors ...

 

How are you diggin' the Patagonias? I might end up with those on some Fifteen52 rims.

Also you mind posting links to the Fox/ICON suspension parts?

 

I like the Patagonias alright so far. We've got about 600 miles on them, and for Mud Terrains, they are relatively quiet. Have not taken them off road yet as the lift is still not installed (and I've got a tad bit of rubbing in the front (especially in reverse)).

Since I'm down here in San Diego County, I personally went into AccuTune Off-Road's shop and put a package together:
Front Coilovers:
FOX 2.5 R/R 0-3 | FOX-880-02-418
Front Upper Control Arm:
DIRT KING BJ/URETHANE | DK-811901
Rear Shocks:
FOX 2.0 R/R PERFORMANCE SERIES | FOX-985-24-117
Leaf Springs:
ICON 1.5 | ICON-51100
U Bolt Flip Kit:
DuroBumps

 

Sold the OEM rims, tires, and TPMS for asking price on Craigslist in 2 days. So, with cash burning a hole in my pocket, immediately I ordered the forthcoming:
Toyota Tacoma Step Edition Rock Sliders - Kick Out // Raw Filler Plate // RAW // Double Cab Short Bed from Cali Raised LED.

I also ordered several cans of Army Green (6V7) spray paint (from AutomotiveTouchUp) along with bed-liner rattle cans to paint the Rock Sliders myself.

 

I've got about 5k on my Patagonia M/Ts and they've definitely gotten louder, but not much louder. They got louder around 3k miles but have stayed the same volume since. I chock this up to them finally wearing in. They're cheap M/Ts and have awesome performance (better than the KM3s I had) off-road. I'm not going to complain about a little additional noise that is usually drowned out by my radio anyways.

 

Thanks dudes, appreciate the insights! I've been watching too much Matt's Off-Road Recovery but I figure if the Patagonia's work for them, they should help me stay outta trouble (granted they're running 40" wheels).

 

Lets go! Let us know if you have any questions about your order!