Whether you’ve been tweaking your Toyota Tacoma or you’ve got one off the lot, this build will show you couple easy upgrades. Since the Tacoma is one of the best performing mid-sized trucks, it’s been popular for quite some time. Your Tacoma build should be unique to you! That’s why we share the different rides we work on.
This 2023 Toyota Tacoma sport was modified with a leveling kit, wheel spacers, blackout accessories and black powder coated wheels. These alterations to performance and style give the Electric Lime Tacoma some extra zest!
| PART LIST | |
|---|---|
| 2-Inch Level Kit Rough Country | 1.5-inch Wheel Spacers Rough Country |
| Blackout Tacoma Emblems | Blackout Tacoma Grille |
| Black Powder Coated Wheels | 3M Ceramic Window Tint |
| Toyo Open Country AT III Tires (265/70R17) | n-Fab Predator Pro Nerf-Steps |
Leveling Kit
A lot of truck owners who don’t plan on hauling things often will install a leveling kit. Leveling kits even out the platform of your ride and remove the positive rake built into the truck that accommodates heavy cargo in the back. This custom truck received a Tacoma 2-inch leveling kit from Rough Country to improve its offroad functionality.
With the addition of a lift or level, you get space freed up underneath your vehicle to clear larger obstacles while offroading. Along with the benefit of better clearance comes more options to upgrade to larger wheels or tires that can be better suited for tough terrain. You can’t forget that raising the height of the truck also changes its appearance into a more commanding presence on the road.
Predator Pro Nerf-Steps
After hooking up a leveling kit or a lift we recommend investing in a set of side-steps. Every truck should have side-steps since they’re great for scrapping of dirt or helping you up into your cab after a long day. Plus, if you got a family, side steps make it easier for the shorter folks to get in and out of the truck.
Connecting a set of drop steps to this custom Toyota Tacoma helps to create more of a rugged character as well. The steps we added were n-Fab Predator Pro Nerf-Steps which have a sharp modern character that fits well with the Tacoma’s design. These steps are made with durable powder coated steel, full length nerf bars, and a stirrup drop step. Having some steps of this durability and design have the added benefit of protecting the lower sides of your vehicle from damage.
Blackout Grille
To start changing this offroad Tacoma’s appearance we swapped the grille on the front end. The original grille was gray with a larger mesh pattern and the oval Toyota emblem. Its new grille is black with gray Toyota lettering and a smaller mesh pattern that can be found on the trail and TRD editions. Blackout Tacoma grilles offer a darker and more serious look. That darkness contrasts very well with the bold Electric Lime body paint more so than the original factory grille
Blackout Badges
To reinforce the effectiveness of the new grille we used another Toyota Tacoma mod to make blackout lettering. Rugged polyurethane lettering caps like these are attached using their strong adhesive backings to change the look of the badges. Blackout Toyota badges and emblems like these really pull the car away from the factory look and make it feel far more personalized. Of course, if you wanted a specific color, you could always remove them and have them custom painted.
Powder Coated Wheels
Once the blackout grille and emblems were installed the wheels needed to be changed to match the new style of the truck. You could just buy a whole new wheel design set, but that can be expensive. Instead, we chose to apply a black powder coat finish which matches the grille and emblems much better than chrome.
Powder coat finishes are a way to upgrade your current wheels that protects the rims and adds to your ride’s appearance. These finishes can come in just about any color you would want and they’re durable. Powder coat finishes create a barrier against, road rash, chemicals, and water which means they can improve your wheels with more than looks.
Wheel Spacers
Toyotas can sometimes suffer from a “train car” look where the wheels are slightly inside the frame. Wheels spacers help remedy this by extending them out more which widens the vehicles stance. This creates a more compelling demeanor for the vehicle while improving the handling.
Offroad Tires
Now that there are improvements to this offroad Tacoma’s handling its tires need to be improved to boost traction. We selected a set of Toyo Open Country A/T III tires (265/70R17) since they offer a good blend of off-road traction and on-road fuel consumption. They’re built to last a long time with tread designed for wet conditions and rocky landscapes.
Window Tint
Our last added feature was window tint film. Window tinting helps to protect the interior of your vehicle from harsh UV rays that can damage cargo, upholstery, and dashboards over time. On top of its protective benefits, it also provides privacy and creates a stern mysterious allure to the vehicle. In our case it darkened the windows to match the blackout Tacoma accessories.
Tinted films come in varying levels of darkness. We often offer 35%, 20%, and 5% levels of tinting. With tint the lowest % is the darkest. When you go to select your tint, you need to keep in mind your local laws so that you don’t get ticketed. We always recommend a professional install for this modification. Poor tint jobs will bubble and discolor over time. Make sure your window tint installer has a good warranty to protect your investment!
Potential Added Accessories
While these may be great starter options, you’ll find a huge variety of rugged Toyota Tacoma accessories out there. Upgrades can range from cheap and simple additions like paracord grab handles all the way to bull bars and bed racks. You’re sure to find lots of accessories for your custom Tacoma build!
To see all Toyota Tacoma customization options we offer, view our CATALOG.
Interested in a custom build, blackout, or chrome delete for yourself? We offer pickup and delivery across the contiguous united states. Learn More
