Upgrading my 2004 Double Cab TRD

My truck had gotten to a point cosmetically where it needed some attention. I really wanted to get a new Tacoma and went back and forth with multiple dealerships but couldn’t get anyone to get right on one so I held out. Upon lots of thought I decided I was going to put some money into my 2004 Double cab and keep it. I have had it since it was new and now have 260,000 miles on it. Below is a list of things I have done so far with pictures.

-Valve Cover gasket replacement
-cleaned intake
-washed and painted rear under carriage(front to come when I do front coil upgrade)
-polished rims inside and out
-got a custom rear bumper made locally
-replaced lower control arms and upper ball joints(did lowers 10,000 miles ago)
-Removed, washed and painted skid plates
-replaced sway bar bushings and end links
-removed and painted chrome step bars with bed liner (spray can stuff from auto zone)
-re painted center caps
-removed fender flares and front bumper(fender flares to be sprayed in bed liner as well to match)
-ordered ARB bumper, lights, etc.
-took the truck to shop to get a fresh coat of paint

Edited 5/15:

-ARB Bumper front and ipf lights
-upgrade stock coils to Wheelers heavy duty 3” lift coils to support bumper
-custom sq’d up rear bumper
-new grille and headlights/corner lights
-new window trims
-new badging all around and trd stickers
-replaced steering rack bushings
-fuel filter
-paint under carriage/ fender wells on front
-clean engine bay and engine
-new tires BFG KO2s
-bed linered stock step bars to match ARB texture
-sprayed old taillight guards with the can bed liner

Edit 5/15:
-gear shifter bushing replacement
-wheelers front diff drop
-center support bearing replaced
-new door checks on door on drivers side
-bought OBDII Bluetooth reader to monitor truck temps, etc.
-full transmission flush
-front and rear diff fluid change, transfer case fluid change
-seafoam engine treatment (incredible how much better it runs)
-engine oil change after seafoam treatment
-front wheel bearings replaced
-new cv axles

Since the topper install my rear is sagging some so I’m saving for a new leaf pack. That is my next project.



There may be a few things I have missed but I will update as I get these things done. Can’t thank you guys here enough for the advice and knowledge I have gained over the years to be able to find and do most of this stuff on my own. You guys know your stuff and have helped me tremendously.

Hope you guys enjoy seeing all this as much as I have enjoyed working on it.

Will be bitter sweet when I complete the bulk of this project as I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this truck as I have had many a memory in it over the years.

See attached pics below of my progress so far

 

Thanks. Looking forward to seeing everything complete. Is going to look like a new truck!

 

Be sure and share some pictures when you get done, looks good so far

 

Very nice

 

Nice. That is going to look really good!

 

Those jackstands look sketchyyyy

 

sanding the hood



had some body work to do on the back right


Almost ready for paint


I broke down and got some new UCAs

New UCAs

finally ready for paint!!

hasn’t looked like this in a long time!


Starting to install the front bumper, grille, and new lights


Been wanting one of these for 15 years!


Putting on the fender flares. We sprayed them with bed liner along with the rocker panels. It really tied the truck together with the textured rear and front bumpers.


Cleaning her up


Had to stop and fuel up on the way home. Had to step back and take some more pics!

Took her the next day for a shoe upgrade. Came across these wheels on FB marketplace in TN. Guy had sandblasted them and repainted. Look brand new.


I’m really liking the new wheel and tire set up! Think it was the touch that really set the truck off!

Got the new lights wired up and blinkers last night!

Have a few small details left to do but man this has been fun! Ready to hit the rd/trail in a few weeks

 

Wow. Looks great.

I bet now you wouldn't trade it for a new one! I know I wouldn't if I were you.

 

No sir not at all! I couldn’t be anymore fired up. I love this body style!

 

Looks great! Half the fun with mine has been "restoring" it. I just wish I could find some of the OEM emblems. Mine is in dire need of some fresh paint, probably won't get to it though

 

Outstanding job! Don’t ever get rid of those wheel that you picked up from the market place; they’re pretty desirable and yours are in great shape. They’re the best looking OEM wheels IMO. Nice move painting the nerf bars too, they look much better in black.

 

Looks awsome with the white lettering on the tires facing outwards, good choice. On black trucks it looks even better.

 

I wish I could find some too. We tried to save the old ones but they fell apart. There are some OEM “TACOMA” “Prerunner SR5” on eBay for like 20 bucks and 40 buck but the others like TOYOTA, SR5, V6 are ridiculously high. Some people trying to get rich since they are discontinued I guess.

 

Thank you! Have always been partial to the white letters out. I feel like gives it a little more detail and makes it stand out better.

 

Thanks man! I think they are too. Been looking for a set a long time. Got lucky with these

 

Looks awesome!

 

Damn. Front end looks sweet!
Awesome job

 

dam nice job sprucin' up the ole gal(guy?) @Black-River

if you want a decent contrast hit up @CBoy808 for some vinyl emblems, maybe in white ?

 

Looks amazing!

 

Awesome build. So motivating. I just picked up those same wheels for my tacoma.

what size tires did you end up with? And how much lift did you end up getting front and rear?