chrisbusnut 2019 SR5 Double Cab build

Picked the truck up in Labor Day. Was torn between this and a cement Crew Max 2WD (both 2019 SR5 w/option packages). I was trading in a 2012 SR5 DC with 234,000 miles that had been one of our work trucks.

I decided on the magnetic gray metallic DC because it had 4WD, the longer bed and I figured I don’t really need the extra cab space. And I figured if I’m going to get a truck, might as well get 4WD. Don’t currently go off road, but we do go to Mammoth in the winter months.

Love the new and upgraded features on the 2019 (TSS, spray in bed liner, navigation, parking sensors, blind spot monitor, etc.). Would love to have had Apple CarPlay and push button start on a 2020, but the $3K cash back on the 2019s was a great incentive.

To be honest, I didn’t really have any thoughts for modifications, until I found this forum that is... now I’ve got all sorts of stuff I want to do.

 

First item of business was to get a set of Amp Research PowerStep running boards. I ordered from electricstep.com in Los Angeles and had them the next day. I also ordered one of their BedStep flip down bumper steps.

I love the way the PowerSteps fold up out of the way when not in use. One of the platforms was slightly damaged, so Amp is sending me a replacement. I will then cut them down so the back of the platforms are equal to the back of the rear door.

 

Those side steps are sweet

 

Here's a view of the front edge of the step, where it tucks up under the body. The body curves down at bit towards the front wheel well, so I stopped the step short of that. Otherwise it hits the body.

 

Also changed out the stock black plastic front door handles to body color. Thanks @Roman from Cool Springs Toyota!

 

My truck didn't come with the bed rail system, so I installed that, as well as the Toyota cargo divider. Haven't really had a chance to use it yet. I do plan on installing a bed cover...I'm going to go with the Diamondback SE (eventually).

 

Here's the bed step. At first I was a little disappointed that it wasn't more discreet when in the up position, but it's actually not that bad.

 

I ordered some Baja Designs Squadron SAE fog lights from Baja. I ordered the amber kit for the Tundra (https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/Toyota-Tacoma-Tundra-4Runner-Squadron-SAE-Fog-Light-Kits.asp). I did the install yesterday, with the help of the install post by @MotoTundra (very helpful). Install was pretty straightforward and easy, except two of the bolts that came with the kit snapped when I installed the lock nut on them, forcing me to two different hardware stores to find replacements (the bolt is 1.75" long, which isn't a common length, apparently).

They look really cool, and I like the fact that I can swap the lenses to clear if I want. Part of me wishes I had gone with the Rigids that are stock on the TRD Pro instead, though...

 

Here are some upcoming mods/improvements:

1. Apple CarPlay integration w/front camera interface. Getting this installed tomorrow at Haas Entertainment in Culver City, and will have more details on it afterwards. They installed Vais Technology (https://www.vaistech.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxMmvyrrl5AIVFNVkCh18lQJVEAAYASAAEgIDEvD_BwE) radio interfaces on 3 previous Lexuses that I've owned (years ago), allowing the stock head unit to be upgraded with satellite and iPod connection. So I know they do good work.
2. Katzkin leather seats
3. TRD Pro BBS 18" wheels. Still deciding on which tires I want to go with. The finalists currently are the stock Michelin LTX A/T 2 or the Nitto Terra Grappler G2.
4. Southern Style Offroad Slimline Hybrid front bumper w/Baja Designs S8 30" light bar (https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product/2014-tundra-slimline-hybrid-custom-2/)
5. Swap out stock rubber steering wheel with stock Toyota leather wheel
6. Change out stock grille to TRD Pro grille
7. Diamondback SE bed cover

I've spent a lot of time perusing Mike's (@mgm16trdpro) build forum and have gotten a lot of ideas and inspiration from his bad ass TRD Pro (he gets credit for the SSO bumper, leather steering wheel and Diamondback bed cover)...thanks Mike!

 

Truck is coming along nicely! Great choice of color too!!!

 

Tnx brother. Appreciate the kind words. I just got back on the forum today and even worked on my truck today lol. I just responded to ur pm. If u ever need anymore help feel free. Truck is looking bad ass, keep up the great work.

 

I'm looking for the honeycomb grille and the painted "Not Chrome" Surround . If anyone had just the Honeycomb grille without the surround and no broken tabs, I will be also interested. Then I can buy the 2017 Cement color TRD pro surround and change it instead pf painting it my self .