2018 MGM CM Build

Here is the starting point, a new to me 2018 CrewMax, bone stock with about 26K miles. It is too chromed out for my taste, and not a fan of the factory wheels:


First came a set of N-Fab Side steps. They are solid, easy to put on and I think fit the lines of the Tundra body very well:





Off to 4 Wheel Parts in Raleigh for a 6 inch ProComp K5069BPX lift, 20x10.5 Fuel Crush wheels wrapped in 35" Nitto Ridge Grapplers. The front lift is done with a Diff drop, new spindles and coil-overs. The rear has a lift block and helper leaf:






It was squatting quite a bit after the fresh install, but the front coil-overs are starting to settle and things are getting better. I think it will still need a few turns down on the front spring to get the stance the way I want it, but this is the truck 4 days after the lift:



I am hearing gravel getting thrown up by the tires, so fender flares may be coming in an attempt to protect the body (and try to get at least close to legal tire poke).

I will be looking around at what my options are for making a minor change in the gear ratios. With the 35's on the torque converter is unlocking at highway speed more that I like with an empty truck. With our 4,000 boat behind us, I probably will not see 6th gear with this current setup.

BackFlip MX4 Tonneau cover (you can't see it, just like we wanted it!). It is a great fit and very easy to install and use:



A 10" @dirtydeeds system ordered on Halloween is next. It looks to be getting built this week from what I see on the group buy thread . I will post some videos once I get the exhaust on so people can get an idea of the cabin noise of a truck with 35's at highway speed, and when towing. I cannot wait, because the factory exhaust is not matching the attitude of the rest of the truck!

What comes next will be based on what Santa brings for Christmas. The elves have told me they are not fans of Chrome, so blacked out trim may be next.

Time to take down my old Tacoma profile picture now!

 

Welcome neighbor...was just over there at 4WP talking to Troy and getting some estimates. Good looking truck!

 

MGM CRÜE

 

Thank you Ron. All the guys in the 4WP shop did a great job: Zero vibration in the wheels or drivetrain; alignment is perfect; they neatly packaged up the old parts when returning the truck; followed up a few days later to make sure all was good. Brandon and the rest of the front desk tolerated repeated visits while making the final wheel decision - and my OCD during the build.

 

After reading the post about the oil leaks on the cam tower, I inspected my truck before getting the lift and thought I was good to go. Now that it is lifted I have a better view and exposed an area I missed Leaking driver's side...

I will clean it up and verify it is an active leak. It is shocking to they have still not ironed out this step of the engine build since it apparently is many hours of shop time to fix it on a warranty claim.

 

looking nice ! Is it still siting a little nose high ? Or is that the look you wanted ?

 

It is still squatting (NOT the look I am going for), and will compress the front coil-overs to level it out if it does not settle to level on its own.

 

It's been a while since adding to the log on my truck. All the coil-over preload was taken out of the spring but I am still nose high. Not very happy in paying extra for a tunable suspension that hasn't been tunable.... Search for a solution that will get me a level truck!

I have the truck on my lift now with the differential 3rd members pulled out. East Coast Gear in Raleigh will be installing 4.88 gears. I found the stock gears + 35" tires has been OK around town, but on the highway the transmission has not been able to use 6th gear unless going downhill.

I did get the front windows tinted and the Toyota tow mirrors have been a great functional addition that I think looks great too!

 

4.88 Gear install completed! I removed the 3rd members myself and took them to East Coast Gear in Raleigh to do the gear setup. I felt better having the pros set the lash. Very happy with the results. I took a video with the truck taken apart if anyone is interested in some tips on doing the job. The job can be done with basic tools, but you will want 2 buddies to help with getting the differentials in and out.

East Coast had me use gray RTV on the re-assembly and recommended using Lucas non-synthetic 85-140. They explain that their testing showed this conventional oil does a better job staying on the gears and keep the gears running cooler.

Link to YouTube:

 

Installed black BAM exhaust tip from DirtyDeeds today. Looks awesome, and there is plenty of room for adjusting in or out to match your taste.

 

GO HOKIES! Nice Truck!