2021 DaddyYota Platinum Build Thread

I have been super unhappy with the stock JBL sound system, especially hearing phone calls or things like podcasts so I immediately started looking into audio upgrades.

Everyone here seems to like the systems from James' Tech12volts

In hindsight, I probably should have gone for the entire system that James sells but ended up installing one piece at a time.

I started with the Audiofrog front tweeter upgrades x 3. Very easy install and noticed improved clarity; however, these speakers require more power than the stock headunit supplies, so I started looking into aftermarket amps.

I then went for the JBL amp add-on to the factory system which was slightly more involved install wise, but not terrible. Definitely "wakes up the stock system" as others have said.

Unfortunately, this pushed me further into the rabbit hole, so I then installed the JBL replacement sub/enclosure that he sells. Wow, just wow! This thing thumps and install was also not too bad. With the rear seats out, I took advantage of the opportunity to sound deaden the rear cab wall with some relatively cheap Kilmat.

Wanting even more clarity, I then added the Hertz speaker replacement kit that includes door sail tweeters, front door speakers, and rear speakers. With the door cards off, I applied some more Kilmat in key locations.

While I do not believe the majority of this is a truly "plug n' play" system, I was able to install with minimal frustration without any previous car audio experience. James is super responsive as well to call/text! May not have installed the cleanest way possible, but it works for me!

Still, think I need to fine tune some of the settings to really bring things out, and may eventually try unplugging the center dash speaker as others have done.

But overall, I'm way more happy with the way things are sounding!!!!

 

Next up was suspension, wheels, and tires. Decided to go with the Toytec Aluma Series kit (2.5" front and 2.0" rear), initially with the rear blocks. The blocks rode like shit, so changed over to the Coachbuilder 3" shackles with custom alcan rear springs, carrier bearing drop, front differential drop, durobumps front/rear, SPC UCAs.

For wheels/tires, I swapped from the 20" platinum OEMs to the OEM 18" TRD Off-Road wheels that I got powder coated satin black, wrapped in 295/70/18 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs with 1.25" spidertrax wheel spacers.

Alpine Performance & Offroad in Troutman, NC knocked this install out of the park! Definitely recommend hitting up Brian for any work if you are in the Charlotte area.

Had him also install the TRD skid place, front/rear OEM sway bars, and ADD Automotive CAT protection plate.

Ended up having to modify the front wheel wheels and remove the front mudflaps due to rub, but that wasn't too bad.

Love the way everything looks and rides. Almost ZERO bed bounce and the tires balanced out well!

Here are some install, stance, and poke shots!

 

Next up was getting the truck ceramic coated. Saw the folks at Adams Underground in Concord, NC who really did an excellent job. They removed the goofy Platinum emblems, did a single stage correction as the paint was in decent shape, and applied their Graphene Ceramic Pro. Definitely gave the Windchill Pearl a little more gloss with great water beading. They did my wheels and windows as well.

 

Nice build. What did you end up doing with the 20" wheels and tires?

 

I sold them on FB Market place, some guy was about to trade in his truck so he wanted to go back to stock. Was able to break even on the wheel swap, but obviously the tires/powder coating cost extra.

 

How’s the ride on the toytec ? Truck looks amazing !

 

I think it's pretty good honestly. The Toytecs definitely felt a little harsher than I was used to at first since the factory suspension is pretty soft. The MVPs of the build so far are the Coachbuilder shackles and the custom Alcan leaf springs. Both companies have EXCELLENT customer service and really help you figure out what is best for your particular situation. TRD sway bars help with cornering, but when I first purchased the truck, the bed-bounce was super bad on those stretches of concrete highway...pretty much eliminated now.

 

Red towhook covers from Hook Products USA, color match front license plate hole plugs from BumperPlugs, diode dynamics elite fog lights with amber back light, and Diode Dynamics 30” Combo White Bar with modified brackets and amber side lens upgrade!!!

The towhook covers look good enough, and save me from having to paint/remove the OEMs.

The bumper plugs are not invisible, but help take some attention away from those nasty front plate holes.

Really like the color of the diode dynamic elite fogs, love the dark housing lens, and the amber backlight is definitely different. I wish the color was a little brighter, because they are not really visible in the day.

The 30" front light bar install was kind of a challenge. Popping that front grill grate in and out was not fun. Had to add some washers/re-use different brackets to get the 30" bar to hand where I wanted. Still wish it was a little lower in the bumper cover cut-out. Should have done the install the proper way by removing the front bumper cover to really line things up, but got lazy.

 

Then some quality of life upgrades:

OEM Power Tailgate Lock kit from Sparks parts - pretty straightforward and rewarding install. Added some DYNAMAT to cut down on some of the noise, but I kind of like the sound it makes overall

OEM Tundra Bed Mat really helps to keep stuff from sliding around in the bed

Carhartt Rear Seat Protector for the kids

Rough Country Speedometer Calibrator - helped with my reported MPGs!!!!

Smoke/Tint of Front Headlights w/PPF by Pristine Wraps in Charlotte, NC. Definitely a little performance reduction, but I like how the front end is starting to match the rear. Tough job on our shape of headlights, shop recommends a wet install

 

Boost Auto Tow Mirrors installed!!! These are awesome, went for the power-folding option as my stock mirrors had this feature. BSM works well, the sequential turn signals and running lights work well, adjust/memory work well, and I went for the reverse floods rather than the spots. Gotta say, the mirrors definitely vibrate more than I'm used to. Reached out to their customer service and they didn't have much help for me besides making sure that the bolts are tight (they are) and that it is unfortunately inherent to the design of tow mirrors. I can definitely live with it, may eventually try to cram some foam behind the glass to see if that cuts down on the vibration.

One thing that drives me nuts is the extension angle of mirror arms as they are not the same from passenger to driver...maybe it is designed to be like this so you can actually make use of the mirrors while sitting in the drivers seat? The other thing I miss is the courtesy lights that are underneath the stock mirrors that come on with approach. Could probably eventually wire up some rock lights to function similarly. Regardless, the install wasn't super bad and great instructions/videos are available. Definitely one of the more expensive options out there, but I definitely didn't want to do this install more than 1x and I like the look over stock.