EPIC Overland Build - 1st Gen Toyota Tacoma

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http:/ dillonmangum

[@DillonMangum]

Of course when editing it, I realized I missed a few things. Truck also had the Tundra brake upgrade kit as well as a rear diff breather relocation higher up on vehicle. Rear of vehicle also runs a Factor55 shackle receiver.

[@HS24833]

Do you have link to tundra brakes for this set up? Nice setup man

[@DillonMangum]

I followed AdventureTaco’s write up including buying all the parts they recommended. It’s on his website. adventuretaco.com/guide/step-by-step-tundra-brake-upgrade-on-a-tacoma-or-4runner/

[@krod0330]

what apple car play system did you go with?

[@likits1999]

Awesome "white 1st genner 4x4." I looked for a white 4x4 for almost year and had to settle for for the red '01 4x4 because the only white ones around the Bay Area were Prerunners. I settled for burgundy one but I won't let it go for anything in the world. Those dashes don't crack. Those are the 1980's. Great job brother!!! Take care of it.

[@hammertime714]

I've an '03 Tacoma TRD Off road SR5 V6 extra cab with 417,000 miles and going strong. My only advice is change the fluids regularly and the timing belt every 100,000 miles. Thanks for the ideas to install on mine.

[@rthomas2157]

Great Video very clean build. Awesome to see these 1st gens out there.

[@DillonMangum]

Appreciate it!

[@stuartaldridge1]

Beautiful set up. Really well thought through. Nice work.

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching

[@gregrobertson9957]

Looks fantastic. An inspiration for my 04 TRD prerunner. Will be going manual trans and 4x4. Topper and removeable camping interior.

[@BeastModeFS]

Amazing build! Not over the top and everything looks like function was the top priority.

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching!

[@chorvang9670]

Nice setup. I have same truck in tan color and contemplating about doing something minimal to this. Thanks for the contents.

[@DillonMangum]

Right on!

[@dhaen2240]

Wow! Amazing build man

[@DillonMangum]

I'm glad you like it

[@winnieraygo6994]

Great build ! love my first gen too !

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks! 👍

[@rommelatanoso1137]

Wow… my dream truck nice truck👍

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching!

[@popeoftattoos]

I just got my first 02 double cab off road a few months ago and have been looking for a softopper setup also with the rack that will come over it for a rooftop tent setup, super clean build

[@DillonMangum]

Welcome to the 1st gen club! You'll love it! Thanks for watching!

[@edfig]

Beautiful build 👍

[@likits1999]

Sweet truck. Great job keeping the interior simple. get your rock sliders welded on at Relentless.

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for the tip!

[@hiaceadventurevan3929]

Cool rig! My name is also Dylan and I just purchased a 04 TRD extra cab in white haha. Looking at doing similar suspension with relentless fab bumpers and a hiatus camper shell.

[@jenaroramirez5313]

very clean tacoma

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching!

[@mchalky6133]

Dillon great video, thanks for sharing. I liked your Trail Gear Bumper, Ditch Light setup, Spiker Engineering struts and Desert Does It seat jacker recommendations for my 2001 build. Would really like to know what you need up doing for Rock Sliders? That's a great looking truck. Thank you 👍

[@caseycranford9030]

Awesome video! You mind sharing what’s in your tool bag for working on the truck?

[@reidmartin3479]

Sick build man! Needs 16s though :) And some thicker leafs instead of air bags would be an option too

[@DillonMangum]

I've ran 17s on other trucks and jeeps and have never had any issues! Thicker leafs are for sure an option, but I love that I can take everything off the truck, air out the bags and use it as a daily and not be stuck with leafs that are super rigid when driving around town.

[@derekmoore1387]

This is just the video i need. Sort of an overview on how to make my truck mean. I got my dad's 01 double cab. It's 270k miles. I'm hesitant about spending on upgrades with the higher mileage, but it's like, when the time comes i can just get another motor or rebuild.

[@DillonMangum]

270k is nothing. Replace the items that are common issues on the truck. Keep the fluids updated, and get a digital gauge so you can watch the temps of coolant and transmission. Doing those three things will give you hundreds of thousands of more miles. And like you said, you can always rebuild.

[@painn415ifty]

You Nailed it @ OCD The Fred Sanford build (He owned a junkyard)

[@HardscapePro]

Great built

[@KAMMEDIALLC]

Dillon- do you have a detailed build list you can link to in the video details? This is a great build and it will inspire many to use your ideas for their 1st Gen Tacomas.

[@fredericbeil3384]

Any chance you could go through the 1st gen specific tool bag you put together? Or post a list of some sort? Excellent work!

[@DillonMangum]

Sure thing! I plan on making a video all about the gear I carry in the truck!

[@smallvilleoq6]

is it ever going to come out?@@DillonMangum

[@00ninja00]

They make custom dash covers for this model truck. They help to keep the dash looking new even after years of sitting in the sun. Nice set up. Makes me miss mines. I liked this model so much (mines both were 03 DCSB trd locking diffs), at one point I had 2. One with a fabtech 6” lift and the other I planned to do sas on it. Sold both for my gladiator rubicon. Taco still drove better on road than the gladiator.

[@adolforeyes4102]

Honestly best way to protect your interior is a quality window tint, I only install ceramic window tint, it’s 100% uv protected no matter what shade, yes you can tint your windshield, 70% in nearly invisible. And depending on shade, heat rejection sits 70-85%! Makes summer down much more comfortable!

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for the info!

[@MadjikMan56]

@@adolforeyes4102 I'd be worried about low angle haze. Any issues?

[@lenguini93]

@@DillonMangum Try cover craft dash covers I have one in my 97 4x4 regular cab build and it fits like a glove and is even the same color, My yoda is my profile picture.

[@freedomisntfree_44]

I have the same truck same color and also running 285/70/17 tires. Before I add anything else I’d supercharge it or regear at least. She ain’t fast but she’s steady 🤙 love being able to daily and go anywhere I please in mine. 297k miles and counting. Toyota did not honor the frame replacement for me so I fixed it myself

[@AngryOverland]

Can you show more about how the xtrusion rack mounts?

[@montana4069]

Perfect rig...

[@krod0330]

would you mind posting links to all the things you've added to your truck? or at least the names, your truck is giving me amazing inspiration to change somethings on my build

[@DillonMangum]

Will do!

[@SmokinZen]

Yup mine is a unicorn too a 2003 with 62,000 miles exactly like that one but stock

[@DillonMangum]

Nice! That's super low miles! Thanks for watching!

[@tymc4092]

Love the build man! Wish I had a dbl cab instead of ext lol where did you end up mounting the controller for the winch? Engine bay?

[@DillonMangum]

I mounted it behind the grill. My father in law helped me fab up a custom bracket that it mounts on. I've seen a lot of people also put it in the engine bay.

[@Nessal83]

1st gen best gen

[@DillonMangum]

Lots of great 1st gens out there, but I appreciate it!

[@BoeTheDragon]

Hey! Great setup! You mentioned everything is locked on the roof. Was really curious about how you have the solar panel locked. Looking for a solution to this.

[@DillonMangum]

I've got Renogy's solar mounts. I used security HEX screws to mount it to roof. That way someone can't use a regular hex key to take the bolts out.

[@troutbum23]

Dillon, if it's not too much to ask, could you post a build-list? In your free time of course :-)

[@pdx650]

Dillon, Fantastic build on this lucky find of a truck. Kudos to you. I love all the modifications. Considering the mileage (maybe the age too) you might want to replace the radiator as well. I had to make a mod on my '97 4Runner. I isolated the automatic transmission coolant from the radiator because that is a well-known weak point on the automatics on these two vehicles. Look up 'Pink milkshake'. The red coolant and red transmission fluid can mix together due to the weak separating wall between the two in the lower part of the radiator. I used a B&M super cooler #70268 and mounted it in front of the radiator and A/C condensor and closed off the two pipe ends on the aft lower side of the radiator. It took some time. Then I mounted a transmission oil temp gauge to my 'A' pillar, connected the wires to the temperature sending unit to the transmission cooler line close to the cooler radiator. I connected an on/off (I/O) switch so I could turn on the gauge when I wanted to instead of having it turn on with the ignition. I borrowed heavily from user name 'BigFishAllDay'. www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/68892-b-m-70268-supercooler-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen-3.html Excellent work on your Tacoma. I am a fan of the 1st gen Taco as well, mostly 2001-2004.

[@DillonMangum]

I need to make an updated video actually! Lots of things have changed on the truck including a new radiator with external transmission cooler. Don't have to worry about the pink milkshake anymore! Thanks for watching!

[@diegovaldez954]

Sick build!! Where did you get the brackets for the ditch lights??

[@DillonMangum]

CBI makes them!

[@marcusaurelios7847]

Nice job

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks!

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

outstanding❗👍💯🏆🥇

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks ✌️

[@blazarep]

Super clean truck!! Where in NC are you, I’m in charlotte

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks! I’m just up the road in Concord!

[@hotenloslentes4342]

Nice truck !! How do you have the ram rack sitting on your dashboard? Bolted down ?

[@DillonMangum]

Yes. Screw through the dash and a washer with nut on the other side. It’s locked down and doesn’t move.

[@offgridhomesteadthemudpuddle]

Nice build...I know it's an overland build, but consider a solid axle. It's made all the difference for my 2000 with little to no maintenance...Those cv angles wont help you and they will always be a headache with boots tearing or cv's breaking... A solid axle with new gearing will turn that front end into a tank! Overall, nice build though💪

[@rthomas2157]

The overall cost to do a solid axle swap I would imagine would be a huge deterrent. Especially when I am assuming this build is not intended for Xtreme off roading/Rock crawling.

[@00ninja00]

Actually a good lift like the fabtech, which I had on my 03 DCSB trd, dropped the front diff so cv angle sits correct. It also adds the super beefy knuckles in the front replacing your stocks. And this whole kit is bolt on so much cheaper than doing sas. And I ran 35” bfg km3s on mines easy without any chop. With chop, I probably could’ve ran 37” tires. But sas is the ultimate upgrade for this truck if you can swing it. If I didn’t buy my gladiator, I would’ve eventually went with a sas on the taco, but only cuss I intended to do more rock crawling with it. If it’s just for overlanding, the fabtech lift was more than capable.

[@eg9549]

Make that tool kit available for us to purchase!!!

[@Bloodbrothersproductions]

add the magnuson supercharger you wont regret it

[@samgonzalez5468]

Nice truck. Why the soft topper vs hard shell you didn’t really get into why you chose it.

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks! Good question! I wanted a soft topper just to keep the elements off my stuff. Rack around it let’s me carry significantly more stuff on top and the sides than a hard top allows. Wouldn’t be able to carry my powertank, propane, waterport, etc on the sides of a hard top.

[@samgonzalez5468]

Thanks for the info, do you have a part/item number for the soft topper?

[@DillonMangum]

SO-TCC60-BSR

[@rthomas2157]

I am assuming this was done just to free up keep the space available in the bed?

[@ricardomartinez-ne5gq]

Thrust me bro that truck it's goin to last forever just keep your regular maintenance and those truck just asking for more miles...I have one with 463k miles same engine same trans.. 95 % of my truck still have original parts since I buy in 2001...TRD PRE RUNNER 2X4 and that thing is a beast I take it to camping ,hiking to the beach just everywhere and no problems it all one think I recommend you when you do oil change put 1/4 of Lucas oil stabilizer I never have problems with the engine...note my truck don't burn oil...some one in Mexico tell me to put 1/4 of Lucas every oil change

[@BretBerger]

Pretty sure spare should have been at the top of your build list.

[@DillonMangum]

Need to make an updated video! A lot has changed including that i now have a rear bumper with swingout spare tire. Makes me more comfortable going off-road!

[@jordan7091]

I have an 02 Limited like that. What is that bug deflector? The only ones I have seen look like the massive ones. This is way more sleek. And what are the hood risers (shocks?)? They adjustable?

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching! The bug deflector is made by westin. I don't have it on anymore as it was broken. The hood shocks are made by SRQ Fabrication. They are sturdy and I used rivet's to set them into place.

[@jordan7091]

@@DillonMangum Awesome, thanks! Love the look

[@jaymoar3561]

How many miles on that beauty? 😍

[@DillonMangum]

Bought it with 65k. It's sitting at 94k right now!

[@KEPO843]

Any way you could share the template used for the drawer system? I have an 02 with a tool box. I want to put a cap or soft top but depend on the tool box for a lot of gear. Thanks

[@DillonMangum]

I'll be honest, I did it with some quick measurements and cutting. I don't have a template that I followed.

[@newsfromabove6538]

I have the same truck bought it brand new when I was 19. everything still stock but she’s screaming for a makeover. Curious about the expense you put in?

[@DillonMangum]

Haven’t added it all up, but it’s a lot. Truck was basically given to me by my grandmother. Sold my 2015 Jeep Wrangler during the peak of the used car market and put most of the money I made on that sale directly into the makeover.

[@jtfberryfarm9592]

Any thought as to adding links for the items you used?

[@DillonMangum]

I'm working on getting a website built with all the links!

[@everythingcanwork5215]

hi can this car can transport 4 people on cabin

[@Mr.Mikey.Holiday]

how much did you pay for the truck when you bought it? shopping now prices are ridiculous on high milage rusted junk.

[@DillonMangum]

I was in the fortunate position that this was my grandfathers truck before I acquired it, so I got it for way under market value. I understand what you're talking about though. Currently on the hunt for a 3rd gen 4Runner for a daily and the prices are insane!

[@dlopez120]

How many inches is the ram mount tough track? Is that the 5” or 9”?

[@DillonMangum]

9" version

[@dlopez120]

@@DillonMangum Thank you! Going to add one to my 2001.

[@zachdowns1167]

What fuel economy do you get?

[@DillonMangum]

14.1

[@joehernandez7895]

Did you keep the oem alternator?

[@DillonMangum]

Need to make an updated video as a lot has changed since this video. I've upgraded the alternator to a JS Alternator 250amp high output as well as the big 7 cable upgrade. Huge difference!

[@btmoua23]

What does a diff drop mean? You dropped it lower or removed it?

[@DillonMangum]

It drops the diff lower. When you lift the vehicle, the CV axles for the front are angled more. Dropping the diff lower using spacers will keep the CV axles from drooping too much. The more level you can make the axles to the ground, the less issues you have overtime.

[@arlogriggs6652]

Nice what's your gas mileage looking like?

[@DillonMangum]

14.5-15mpg

[@beto916scm]

Do you have a link to your bed rack?

[@DillonMangum]

It's made by Xtrusion Overland!

[@alexanderfigue3008]

I News some help Where did you buy the racks

[@DillonMangum]

Rack above the cab is made by Prinsu. The bed rack is made by Xtrusion Overland!

[@erice4611]

Put on the All Pro Offroad Expedition rear leaf springs. They are amazing on my 01 Tacoma and you will get more rear articulation vs airbags. And put a Eaton E-Locker up front and re gear it to 4:88’s and the air box deck mod is nice to do also. And get the RCI front steel skid plate. And get a rear E-locker motor protector skid plate. And for front coil overs get Ironman Pro Foam Cell. And the Nitto Ridge Grapplers or the Toyo AT3 are better tires then the BFG’s and definitely stick with a Load Range C or P Metric for the better ride quality and gas mileage, DO NOT run “E” rated tires!

[@DillonMangum]

Need to make an updated video as a lot has changed since then! I do have the All Pro Expedition Leaf's actually. I'm still running airbags with them though for the extra comfort on highway. I air them out when off-road for the full articulation and they basically act as bumpstops. I've also got full RCI skids from front to gas tank. Love them! Upgraded my front coils to ICON's heavy duty springs. They made a major difference. Thanks for watching!

[@craftysgames6059]

what is your mpg?

[@DillonMangum]

14.5-15mpg

[@Mandingobull]

Nice truck. Too bad it’s your daily. Would suck to get into an accident.

[@DillonMangum]

Agreed!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

@@DillonMangum honestly you’re much better off to daily a POS. Toyota doesn’t offer a better new truck;( plus the fuel saved could almost pay for itself

[@FJCTRD]

you look like justin gaethje

[@franceso32]

jus bought an 03 w 21k miles for 23k

[@DillonMangum]

It'll last forever!

[@Tanner731]

a diff drop on this gen tacoma/4runner doesn't do as much as people have told you

[@DillonMangum]

It’s been a year since making this video and have since done another cross country trip and everything is holding up great, including the CVs. I was ripping boots every few months before the diff drop. I call that a win.

[@Tanner731]

@@DillonMangum I'm not here to rag on you over it because the internet is full of people saying its a must do mod but I'd argue that the extended travel cvs you installed have more to do with it than the diff drop. I have a similar setup and no diff drop with the same cv axles and haven't had a boot issue since the 260k mile boots tore

[@kodepop]

It's cool, but that is too much stuff for me.

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Trucks are “sluggish” because people don’t regear;(

[@DillonMangum]

4.88’s are sitting in my garage. Plan on putting them in after I add the armor. Just need to find time to do it 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@thelandcruiserproject]

Or are these trucks sluggish because they are overloaded like this? I’d be curious to see how much over GVWR this is.

[@DillonMangum]

Weighed it on a CAT scale while out west because I was curious. Fully loaded with an extra 8.5 gallons of fuel and 7 gallons of water I was at 4687lbs. GVWR for 1st gens is around 5100lbs. So I’ve got room to spare with adding some armor and a spare.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

@@DillonMangum hopefully that included all passengers

[@JeepCherokeeful]

@@DillonMangum I own two 1986 4Runners;) wish they were 1985’s!

[@afryhover]

I think you guys are ruining all these first gen tacomas with "overland" builds. But of course, this is just my opinion. Your truck looks nice.

[@DillonMangum]

How so? Just curious!

[@afryhover]

Because they are and will continue to be "classic cars". In the classic car market now and in the future, stock, unmolested 1st gen tacomas will be highly sought after. Of course, this is my opinion. @@DillonMangum

[@DillonMangum]

​@@afryhover Fortunately for me, the truck will never be sold as it was my grandfathers, now mine, and will be passed down to my kids. While I do see that it's certainly a classic and sought after, most people buy classics with the intention of it being an investment long term. They let it sit in a conditioned garage, drive it a few miles every month and sell it down the road for a profit. But this will never be sold. Do I take care of the truck? Absolutely. It's immaculate because I take pride in what I have. But I use the truck how it was intended when it came off the lot. I think I would be doing it a disservice if I let it sit. I'm also fortunate enough that I did everything to the truck myself and keep all the original parts. If I wanted to take it back to stock one day, I absolutely can do that. But the truck gives me and my family joy by going out and adventuring around the country. There's many things and places we wouldn't have experienced if it wasn't for this truck. On my death bed, those memories we made with our family is what matters. The truck is just a tool to make those memories happen! Thanks for watching!

[@oldmanoldtruck]

Great build! I own a '99 Tacoma I purchased new. Just followed you on Instagram.

[@DillonMangum]

Thanks for watching and the follow!

[@Jmoney-db4rp]

Waiting for the next video

[@DillonMangum]

Coming soon!

[@peperonni123]

U need also a Led light bar

[@DillonMangum]

For what I do, a light bar is useless. Especially with my hood being white. It would cause all sorts of reflections. Thanks for watching though!

[@gofogodotcom]

Hi where did you get the bumper ? Thxs

[@DillonMangum]

It's made by Trail-Gear!