What I Wish I Knew Before Spending $3500 on Tacoma Mods

[@stansbruv3169]

Your honesty is appreciated! Thanks bruv. It’s fun to tinker.

[@AviatorsGarage]

It is fun. I hope I helped people with what information I provided. Happy New Year!

[@supervong1]

Thanks for being honest. There's a ton of mods for our 3rd gen Tacos, Im just gonna get what's necessary. Wheels/tires, running boards, bed cover, lights and a tune. 23 trd pro here with Solar Octane and loving it.

[@AviatorsGarage]

I’m in the same boat, but now I need the 529 gears. 🤪

[@ww3662]

for the sake of everyone else on the road other than you, please do not switch out halogens bulbs for leds without changing the actual housing. Those projector housings are designed for halogen bulbs not LEDs. You are most likely blinding everyone.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Before I even changed them I’d get remarks from people saying they were to bright when stock. Doesn’t matter either way- question for you: Why do you look at other vehicles headlights while driving? That’s poor technique. Thanks for the comment- I think 🤔.

[@ww3662]

@@AviatorsGarage So because you got complaints on the proper bulbs being too bright, it doesn't matter when you use improper bulbs and make the problem way worse for everyone except you? That's like saying "I never turn my brights off because people complain that my low beams were too bright even when my brights were off." Not really a compelling argument. Also, I genuinely can't tell if your last comment is serious or trolling. Surely you don't actually believe that being blinded by someone else's high beams is the result of "bad technique" and that you can avoid it just by "not looking at the other vehicle's head lights." Come on, man. Look, I'm not trying to be a hater. I quite enjoyed your video. I also had the same idea to swap out my halogen bulbs for leds on my Tacoma just like you did until I read about it. There are tons of information on how you 100% should not switch only the bulbs without the housing. It's really just a courtesy to other drivers and safety thing. Those projector housings were just not designed for leds, and it is actually not even legal. There is quite a bit of science and engineering that goes into a safe headlight design and that means the housing and the bulbs need to be compatible. As an aviator, I am sure you value doing things that involve safety the right way instead of saving a buck or two. Have you noticed that there isn't much difference now between your high and low beams? That is a common report by people who put leds in a halogen housing. If so, surely you can see how that would be a problem. Anyway, do what you want but just know that this is not a good solution and not exactly safe. Thanks for the video. Edit: by the way, thank you for your service.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ people would always think my brights were on but never were… what do you do? Can’t please all the people on KZbin either. It’s like a marriage lol.

[@ww3662]

@@AviatorsGarage again that is completely and totally beside the point and I really don’t understand the logic in bringing it up not once but twice. But whatever, if you just want to chalk any issue up to “cant please everyone” when you are clearly in the wrong on a legal, safety, and basic courtesy level, then that’s your prerogative. There are countless threads on Tacoma world where this is discussed in depth and overwhelmingly states exactly what I’m saying, so it’s not like I’m just some troll hater. In fact, I’m not a hater at all, as like I said I enjoy your videos. Anyway, there’s no sense in arguing really, as we both seem pretty firm in our convictions, so I’ll just leave it at this. Just a PSA to anyone considering doing this and cares about blinding others on the road, change the whole housing if you want leds.

[@wilyceyote]

Had to switch out my LED headlights back to halogen lights when I bought my use 21 Tacoma because I had a super trooper and a MP gave me two warnings pretty much told me change back to stock halogen because the LED lights they were not DOT approved and they are right so my advice is just by the stock oem LED headlights from Toyota because there better off long term and they don’t void vehicle warranties either because it’s a OEM parts from Toyota

[@tylerchapman5239]

Props for putting this out. I own a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X. I've added an oil catch can and a hard tri-fold bed cover. I had an air intake for about 10k miles and took it off. Luckily the truck comes with a great bed liner, LED lights, and hood struts already. Factory tires lasted a bit over 45k miles and just upgraded to the E-spec Nitto Recon Grapplers. Other than that it's stock. I also did switch to a Nismo magnetic oil drain plug.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thank you for sharing this! I’ve heard great things about the frontier! Great ideas on your modifications as well!

[@stansbruv3169]

SUPERCHARGE IT!! Yeah dude! I’ll be there for that. Subscribed!

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thank you! $7300 for the Maggie set up from summit racing with veteran discount. Have some $$$ to save but I think I can put out some good info if it’s worth it or not. I appreciate the comment!

[@cuatro336]

"I'll put it in description, but don't buy it." Respect.

[@AviatorsGarage]

If you’re talking about the MBR P. exhaust yeah I learned my lesson with that one, but if somebody wants to buy it because they like the sound they can have at it… thank you for the comment

[@johnnyboi5661]

The only thing I would do to this car is a nice lift kit, wheels and bigger tires, metal skit for fuel tank and differential 4.88 gear and that’s it. No upgrade skids, no rock sliders, no front or rear metal bumpers, all this extra stuff is unnecessary unless you really plan on off-roading the vehicle.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Great points

[@KH-je3sp]

I have done a few things to my 2021 Tacoma (SR-5 Special Trail Edition 4x4), including that same TRD Pro grille (from China). Mine came stock with the "limited" grille which was silver, and it clashed with the rest of the truck which had the "blackout" package on all badging, and blacked-out TRD rims and the black frame rails, black fender flares, etc. I love the grille, and also added "raptor" lights and got the "TOYOTA" lettering in Cement color to match the paint on rest of truck. Of course had to relocate my radar on the grille, which wasn't an issue. I once had a Pedal Commander that I got from my younger brother who had a 2020 TRD, and it worked great on his, but when I put it on mine, the connection never "clicked" positively when installing it to my throttle cable, and twice it went into "limp mode" on trips and the dash cluster lit up like a Christmas tree, so in my case I wouldn't recommend the Pedal Commander. Mine is for sale if someone wants it, LOL. I took off the "air dam" right after getting it and installed in it's place a set of Demon Brackets and the recovery shackles. Really don't know the point of the air dams, LOL. Didn't effect my mileage in any negative way...Someday I want to get a better skid plate than the OEM one, that allows me to NOT have to remove it every time I change the oil filter. Oh, and speaking of oil filter I ditched the PLASTIC OEM filter housing with an ALUMINUM Toyota OEM one. Put a cheap "roll up" tonneau on it which works okay but is showing it's age now (but it was cheap, so....) Also got the Toyota rubber bed mat, but I had to cut it to fit because the Trail Edition SR5's come with a smaller usable bed area because they have the factory locking compartments in the bed with a tool chest and a big cooler. Also the 110v 3-prong outlet in the bed which is handy too. I added Cali Raised CAT Guards also under the cats too. Nice and they are stainless steel. If any of you have a 2WD though you need to know that they have a different model to fit the 2WD ones. The 4x4 one is different and will not work for the 2WD models. I plan on doing a few more things eventually like getting REAL bumpers on it! Someday maybe convert to LED's too but the prices on the kits seem ridiculous to me right now.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thank you for sharing all that info. Really great post. What’s your best modification?

[@liquidfx13]

Good video...one thing. Regarding the flag on the side of your center console @13:36. The Stars always lead never follow. The Velcro flag patches come in versions designed for right and left side. Just FYI.

[@AviatorsGarage]

That’s a legit army patch. I was in the army 8 years about 15 years ago. 3 years combat. That patch was on my shoulder in combat. It’s leading in my opinion based on these circumstances Thanks for the comment.

[@mrk8212]

@@AviatorsGarage thank you for your service good sir

[@AviatorsGarage]

I really appreciate your support! It means a lot to me and the community we’re building here.

[@Mumfy64]

We all have mods that we wish we didn't do. Great call outs on those. Yes there are lots of the us that have mods just for mod sake and they are not always needed. What I like about the Tacoma community is that we all look out for each other and recommend good mods we all like. I may need to do a video covering all the mods ive done.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Do it! I’ll watch it!

[@ryan_hansen22]

Great honest video! Thanks for sharing.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your support.

[@derekstone7426]

Really great vid! I’ve got a 2018 user taco as well! I rather like the pro grill and hooked up some Runnin4tacos raptor lights and love em. That black of the grill will fade a bit after having it on for 3-4 years but I use some Lithiuk detailing gel that brings the black back out. I also ended putting a grill guard on it from Home Depot that was made for tacos for roughly 640. The only issues I’ve had is with Toyota’s terrible paint wearing off, and with the pro grill being added; I’ve had the TSS sensor act uo with it not being calibrated to the new position; it’ll have issues registering at times but other than that nothing else.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thank you for sharing the info about the grill care. I’ll check it out! If you buy an OEM TSS sensor cover you won’t have any problems with the calibration unless you lifted the truck. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@hawong00168]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Happy new year 🎊

[@AviatorsGarage]

Absolutely thank you for watching!

[@gutierrezc8709]

This video is good for all truck owners. I have an F150, and have pretty much all the same upgrades.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thanks for checking it out! F150s are sweet rides too-let’s just say we’re all in the same truck-loving boat! 🚙💨

[@J.Young808]

I’m looking at getting a roll up hard tonneau and bed rug so I can have a larger trunk and more storage having an Access Cab.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@J.Young808 great idea- I love my tonneau cover!

[@rodneypearson6986]

On my 12th Tacoma a 23trd glad i saw you video I'm stopping with mods now I've done slight lift wheels and ko3s lights door sill guards and a few others i do want the locker over ride switch. Guilty of the throttle commander LoL but I'm happy with it in 2 wheel drive it's too snappy in 4 low. Maybe a tune is in order after 60k. But thanks again for the great video

[@AviatorsGarage]

That’s awesome! You’re definitely a taco fanatic! How do you like the Ko3s? How much weight did you add? Thank you for the support!

[@rodneypearson6986]

@AviatorsGarage love the Ko3s I've always run the 2s and thought they where great the 3s are much better so far not sure on weight went with 18in fuel wheels I could feel the power loss but the commander took care of that while getting up to speed. Needs a tune in it . I've always wanted to do a super charger on my trucks guess the cost holds me back.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ yeah that’s my next venture Magnus and supercharger with a 85 mm pulley

[@luissantiago147]

The OTT and I have the OEM tailgate lock! Best mods ever.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Absolutely agree 100%! Hope all is well man!

[@edgargonzalez3199]

I think you'd be better off with 4.56 gears . I'm a Yota lover and frankly all that is missing is the real deal . . . A MANUAL 4x4 transmission . Great vid Bro!👍🫡

[@AviatorsGarage]

Dude! I totally agree my friend. I should have got a manual! I messed that up. I’ll look into the 4.56 gears! Thank you for the support.

[@jamesguthrie3614]

Nice Tacoma love it I have a 2o 18 SR5 4X4 LOVE IT to TACOMA

[@AviatorsGarage]

Dude! Great taco sir! Thank you for the comment! Help us build a community!

[@ellerybice3787]

Your honesty is appreciated. 🫵🏻👍🏻💪🏻🫡🇺🇸

[@AviatorsGarage]

Your support is way way more appreciated!! Thank you!🙏 🫡🇺🇸

[@deantrainr]

Liked your video and your “two cents” on some of your mods. It is fun adding mods to my Tacoma as well. Just don’t like spending the $$$ but any stock Tacoma, regardless of model, has to have various mods in order to make it comfortable and functional.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@deantrainr thank you for the comment and I totally agree. I guess I have to really figure out what I want to with it. I’m not getting rid of it. That’s for sure. What mods do you have?

[@deantrainr]

@ Me neither as far as not getting rid of my 22 trd pro. Well I’ve spent over $12K on various mods such as a stump bumper, rocksliders, camper shell, and several other mods that make my truck my own. Love my Tacoma and hope to get at least 10+ years out of it……hopefully more!

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ absolutely! Keep that TRD Pro sir! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Love my TRD!

[@bradmsmith]

This a “what NOT to do” and I like it. Tires for specific use case are smart. Bed mats in the composite bed are excellent for keeping cargo in place. Tonneau covers are great if you don’t need an open bed. Side steps on a Tacomas do nothing but whack shins and hang up on rocks. Floor liners are great. Those air intake, throttle body spacer, coil pack modifications are idiotic. Pin stripes, badges, stickers, grills etc are Stanley tumblers for dudes. Wheel spacers are silly, just buy wheels with the correct offset. Honestly unless it’s something practical that’s needed for a specific use case it’s complete nonsense. Most guys have bolted parts on their trucks that they don’t use or need, but they want to look like they do. Stanley tumblers for dudes.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Yep! I learned the hard way! Is the Stanley tumblr the one in that Tesla video that didn’t melt and kept the ice cold?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I have a 2018 as well, mine is pretty much stock other than 1” larger A/T tires, and the air intake upgrade. Instead of getting a new air box, I did the thing you were mentioning with the “intake flow accelerator”, it was cheap and is really the only functional upgrade to the TRD performance intake (other than the filter). I did an install video a few years back and have the part number in that vid.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Do you have a link for the video? I’d love to check it out!

[@curiousfliekids]

I changed my 18 TRD offload grill out for the 2020+ honeycomb grill. I think that one looks better than the pro grill

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@curiousfliekids I’ll have to check that one out! Thank you for watching!

[@DNGamegurus]

the borla exhaust, though expensive has a nice little growl when you step on the gas, and doesn’t drone on the highway.

[@AviatorsGarage]

May have to check it out. The MBRP has grown to be annoying for sure, thank you for the comment and the Tip!

[@Teamplayer1971]

I was about to buy the coils , save me some money, buddy!!! Thanks

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@Teamplayer1971 DO NOT BUY RIPP COILS!!!!

[@rndsommer40]

Funny the only mod left that I plan to do on my 2022 TRDOR will be the Toyota grill. Just looks better imo. Did a leer top, sumo springs, nice leather seat covers, some console and glove box organizers. Thats the only mods I've done.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Do you tow a lot with sumo springs?

[@rndsommer40]

​@@AviatorsGaragedon't really tow too often. With the topper and 100lb in the bed it was sagging in the rear. I'm pretty much riding on top of them now. Might add a leaf next.

[@okioki1131]

I’m 12.5k into my 23 Tacoma… lift, wheels, tires, sliders, bumpers, racks… it’s easy to fall into it 💀

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@okioki1131 I hear ya. My next steps are 529 gears then a Maggie. Everyone says avoid the Maggie because it’s not worth it…. But F it. I’m keeping my taco so why not. Plus I figured I could give a no BS view.

[@paulguinto5150]

Your making a reliable truck into a non-reliable by putting a Maggie. It’s a truck not a race car. I guess if I had disposable income I can do I too.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Yep! I agree, Ive always wanted to throw a maggie on there are ive heard mixed opinions. Guess there is only one way to find out and do it myself and make a video. Its amazing how many different opinions show up on KZbin. I don't take it personal. But hopefully people can make decisions on their own based on what information I gather and put out there. People are gonna like it, hate it, call me "dumb" or what ever. Its about the journey. Thank you for your interaction though. MAGGIE COMING SOON!!! BWAH HA HA!

[@Ghostrider-71]

I like the Tacoma and would like to find one that is 2-3 years old and is un-modded. I really wish there was a diesel power option, maybe I need to look for a Hilux. 😁

[@AviatorsGarage]

Hiluxs are amazing! You may be able to import one but it will be 20 years old. I saw those in Iraq. We used one to drive around and they were absolutely bulletproof (figuratively). Thank you for the comment!

[@davidhenriksen4368]

Just picked up fallen wild peak at4w and they have been amazing in the snow. I got sl rating. How is your power and gas milage with the E rated tire?

[@AviatorsGarage]

So the KO2s at first felt very “squishy”. I read through a lot of forums that people down here in FL run 40-50psi. Then they felt squishy they were at 35-40 PSI. Since I’ve had them at 50psi way better feeling. I haven’t noticed a power difference at all and I’m averaging any where between. 18-24 MPG depending on speed. Haven’t had a big load yet. Truck camper will be about 1000 lbs so I’m sure all of that will bring new data. Thank you for the comment. I like how the Wild Peaks look. How they been treating you?

[@jcox7111]

I run Falken mt01’s 255/85/16’s. With a loaded decked system (close to 400#), winch and front bumper, full skid plates, and sliders I average 16.5-17 mixed driving. Drops to 15ish if I throw on the rrt and bed rack with boards and stuff

[@AviatorsGarage]

what about gears?

[@bentleyfonsworth9604]

5.29s are too much for your tire size. Especially if you're going to super charge it. Your gears will be screaming. 4.88s would suit you better.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Good point- I will be putting a slide in camper though. Torque on 529s would be great to help acceleration lag. Basically I’ll be adding 1,000 lbs. need to offset the super slow acceleration.

[@khunyitha]

I believe, I still have the original grills if you want it.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Cool! Send me an email if you could. [e-mail]

[@khunyitha]

@@AviatorsGaragejust sent, buddy

[@AviatorsGarage]

thank you!

[@AlexPerez-jb4nw]

Good video, what is the size on those KO2? thanks.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@AlexPerez-jb4nw 265/70R16 stock TRD size. Thank you for the comment!

[@zoovthoj2177]

great work those cost a lot of money.

[@AviatorsGarage]

I appreciate the support. Hope I helped inform taco owners out there!

[@alexbarba6984]

I got the so call chicken wire grill from a 2017 TRD if you are interested

[@AviatorsGarage]

Absolutely. Send me an email. [e-mail]

[@WavyCarlos]

Ott tune this upcoming week, they are coming local to me and also Morimotos heads coming next week

[@AviatorsGarage]

Would love to know how the Morimotos heads turn out! The tune is amazing! Enjoy!

[@AKguy74]

Did OTT yesterday. Drives like a totally different truck!

[@AviatorsGarage]

HELLS YA! SHould come from the factory like this! Best $450 I spent!

[@useryggfdcc]

Best upgrade: Bilstein 6112 in the front Bilstein 5100 with an Icon AAL in the rear. Something to enjoy every time you drive the truck.

[@AviatorsGarage]

I have to check that out. Does it make that much more of a difference for over stock?

[@useryggfdcc]

@@AviatorsGarage Yes if you like to go off road. On my first serious off roading I bent the front passenger side Bilstein 4100.

[@jcox7111]

Agree mostly. I put it second after the OTT installed by @AYTUNING. 3rd would be my Falken MT01 255/85/16 on stock TRD off road rims. Love my skinnies! 33” tire that dropped my mpg to 17

[@matrix-fh9tn]

At what circlip setting are yours on for how much lift? Mine is harsh at top position (due to heavy bumper, winch, skid).

[@useryggfdcc]

@matrix-fh9tn Ordered the shocks from shocksurplus and they setup the complete strud assembly. It was one setting less then max and set accordingly for the Taco lean. It was a plug and play, done it myself in two days. Only installed a heavy steel bumper with a 9500lb winch.

[@ur_asian_milfoil]

Dont fall for the youtube HYPE 😂😂😂 tacotubers will get you spend you money on a perfect truck

[@AviatorsGarage]

I sure fell for the rip coils! Looking back OTT is where I should have started. 529s coming next. Then a Maggie. Stay tuned!

[@stayraddad4638]

@@AviatorsGarage i would ,if you haven’t yet, read up good about the charger. There is tons of info and some pointing to it but being worth the cost or headache. Just make sure you research well :)

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@stayraddad4638 I’ve been down the rabbit hole for sure. I love turbos and super chargers. Guess I will have money to burn 🔥 lol. Everyone can either laugh or cry when they watch. Cheers

[@keep10fingersoff]

Treat your grill with some 303 aerospace. It will darken it back up

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@keep10fingersoff thank you for the tip!

[@Valco458]

How about relocating the 🇺🇸 down in your footwell to a higher position to reduce the chances of kicking it with a muddy boot… Or at least changing the position of it in your patch lineup..

[@AviatorsGarage]

Are you a veteran- I am 3 years combat. Properly organized. They won’t Velcro any where else. I won’t get mud on it. Merica first.

[@TRDTalk]

Love that colour

[@AviatorsGarage]

Love you lunar rock even better!

[@J.Young808]

I have the TRD OR and don’t see the benefit of installing the Pro grill. I have a 2023 and like the look, plus the ‘23 is a matte grey.

[@AviatorsGarage]

It’s just for looks

[@Rain-sq6sc]

I did the same thing with the grill but bought it from Toyota 😬 and I still have the prefect chicken wire grill

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@Rain-sq6sc send me an email if you want to part with it!

[@rf6934]

What size tires did you end up with? Your wheels rubbed because of tire size? Or wheel spacer use?

[@AviatorsGarage]

265 70r16 which is the stock size. The spacers are now causing the rubbing.

[@DEEZ_NUGGETS]

I went with 265/75/r16 (+ 1") and don't rub at all even at full articulation, I off road regularly. OEM TRDOR wheels and I removed the factory mud flaps.

[@GoonieLord]

I've seen a ton of newer Tacos & 4Runners decked out here in the Pacfic Northwest. Sad part is all the mods wind up looking the same. Also I see them on the streets as daily drivers

[@AviatorsGarage]

Are they 2024 and newer?

[@GoonieLord]

@AviatorsGarage I say at least 2018 -2019. I can't be sure but they look just like yours. Their everywhere to

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ gotcha. Bunch of 3rd gen mods. They are starting to look “a dime a dozen”. Thanks for the comments. Love your handle name!

[@JW-rv1mw]

Had to laugh...2007 Tundra cold air intake,throttle body spacer, NGK coils. All waste of money. Currently switching back to denso

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@JW-rv1mw I’m back to my densos… everything is all BS snake oil. Except the tune. And the tailgate lock lol.

[@nelsoncarvalho2337]

I have a trd 2011 I bought a trd supercharger that was worth every penny.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@nelsoncarvalho2337 great to hear! I’m looking forward to a Maggie

[@ScottGrindstaff-sl2yj]

If you're still looking for a chicken wire grille. I have one that I bought for my Tacoma but I never end up putting it on and I traded my Tacoma in for a V8 tundra. I'm not sure where you're located but I am in Lancaster Kentucky

[@ScottGrindstaff-sl2yj]

I also have the Cali raised catalytic converter guards and a set of airlift airbags for the back. And some desert does it driver side seat lift blocks

[@AviatorsGarage]

I’m in Jacksonville FL

[@furmanmackey5479]

Thanks for an excellent video! The Lovely Bride and I recently purchased, as a second truck, a very lightly used 2023 Tacoma SR5, over several other midsize trucks both foreign and domestic, and we'll probably never add any kind of mods since the truck performs as well as it does (just shy of 23mpg highway and about 18.5mpg around town and is clearly better built than any of the other trucks we looked at and test drove).

[@AviatorsGarage]

Great to hear. Love my 2018. “Perfect truck for someone who doesn’t need a truck”

[@furmanmackey5479]

@@AviatorsGarage 6Believe it or not we actually do need pickups in our lives. For pure grunt work, towing and hauling, we have a bone stock 2014 RAM 1500 Quad Cab with the 5.7L Hemi, and 4X4 that also serves as our daily driver for the most part. The Tacoma will serve as "my" truck for hunting and fishing trips where a full-size truck of any make or model would not work out well. I don't plan on any serious off roading but the only thing I do plan on changing, sooner than later I suspect, will be replacing the Firestone road tires (I have a really sour taste in my mouth for the brand dating back to the early 1970s, but that is another story entirely) with Cooper all weather/all-terrain tires as I've worn out several vehicles, including pickups, before I've managed to wear out the Cooper tires.

[@humbertogonzalez3125]

Had a 2019 SR5 , traded for a 2019 Nissan Titan SV 4X4 with only 24000 miles on it for about $ 10000 less then a Tundra same year with alot more miles on it , I needed the extra power to pull my boat with ,no regret .

[@humbertogonzalez3125]

🤔 I don't know about that ..the mpg"s ,heck , I had a 2019 SR5 and a was lucky if a got 18 mpg on the highway going down hill with the wind at my back ...gear ratio on the Taco 👎

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ I don’t have 529s yet. Stock with KO2s at 55MPH around 24MPG (country back roads) freeway at 80 is 18 MPG. You can see in the video that my MPG counter is 19.4 and climbing while driving

[@tacomafan5186]

Does that pop n lock work when you lock/unlock the doors?

[@AviatorsGarage]

But of course! That’s the point!

[@howzit9397]

Help keep the thieves from walking away with your tailgate! Did it to mine when they installed the alarm I had them install auto lock for tailgate

[@danielshahan8802]

Toyota knows what they are doing. I have a Toyota Tacoma trd 4x4 with the premium package. There is no need to add anything. I see so many guys that modify and lift their trucks and never take it off road. I have several co-workers who have added racks with overland accessories and tents and just drive around in the city trying to look cool. Why not just enjoy what Toyota has designed instead of wasting another 10 to 15 grand to look cool. Doesn't make sense. To each his own, but i like my truck from the factory. I have personalized a couple of things in the cab but that's about it. One more thing I'm so sick of everyone that is a follower of getting the sequential headlights. My 2020 came with the LED package but no sequential headlights. I love it. They look perfectly fine. No need to pull off the front end and spend 1700 to look cool. Lol

[@AviatorsGarage]

@danielshahan8802 lol wasn’t $1700. But I can see people adding wenches, led light bars, brush guards, new light housings and aftermarket fog lights and $1700 doesn’t even make a dent to that…

[@danielshahan8802]

@AviatorsGarage I have a feeling I was being a little too conservative with my estimate by that reply... lol

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@danielshahan8802 ya- I’ve seen tacos that have $10k just in lights… insane! But I’m saving $7500 for a super charger!

[@derekf7798]

There's a few things the tacoma lack. I have a 2022 trd off road but no heated seats, the seat needs spacers to lean back to make it more comfortable. No heated seat. No power tail gate for the lock. And no remote start. These things should be a standard on tacomas. (speaking from my 2022 tacoma) my mid trim silverado had all this and more. Heated seats, power tailgate remote start. Auto window roll down. All nice features. And it was 7 years older and it had all the technology.

[@SuperGunner187]

50 psi on the Toyota Tacoma is way too much

[@AviatorsGarage]

Load E is way different

[@SuperGunner187]

@AviatorsGarage 20 year Master Tech you're running way too much air pressure it doesn't matter what ratings your tires are do a chalk test

[@danielwagner4609]

Load range E is way too much for that light of a truck.

[@skateinspace]

load E on a tacoma? did you hit your head before buying tires?

[@AviatorsGarage]

HA! Weak sauce comment -cheif. Looks like your video comprehension needs some work. LOAD E is for weight I WILL ADD TO THE TRUCK! LOL. I specifically stated it in the video. Thanks for the interaction. Watch the video again. You may learn something, some peoples kids...

[@overlandnation]

To get a hpbgain it's air volume into the engine then fuel sprayed in then exhaust flow out to support the new volume of air going in. On a cold day it gets more power over a warm one because the air is more dense. The more power usually equals more wear and tear on the engine high performance cars are light thin metal lots of power and not so great reliability. With more compression you might get a headmaster problem or even broken heads-up bolts depending how high you go

[@AviatorsGarage]

Yep- none of these mods did that

[@sawyerbassfishing8875]

I'm thinking about 1.5in wheel spacers for my 2021 sr5, do you notice that much more aggression in the stance or should I go wider

[@AviatorsGarage]

@sawyerbassfishing8875 well I guess it all depends on how big the tires will be. Hopefully, I gave you a great angle and showing you the spacer distance on mine. My KO twos are 265R 7016 I believe. I am getting some slight rubbing when I have the tires completely turned to one side or the other. But I have noticed that the handling seems to feel a little bit better. One way to eliminate the need for spacers is to do complete suspension, overhauls, or buy rims with offsets.. but then again that’s gonna cost some money. I appreciate the comment.

[@KevinLee651]

I have a honey grill for sale came out of my 2023 trd offroad tacoma. Lmk if your interested

[@AviatorsGarage]

Yep definitely interested!

[@solohabano]

My dude, you’re the kind of guy that should never do any kind of upgrades on your vehicles. Stay strictly with all stock trucks.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@solohabano motivation to keep going - take the L “hater”! Judging by your channel you have zero credibility- “my dude”.

[@steelzcollector466]

Barely figured that out huh. From the beginning I already knew not to put any of those mods on my truck.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@steelzcollector466 well you deserve a cookie… (sarcasm)

[@scottgorman7166]

Nope wrong...hood struts for sure. OTT tune makes it a different truck. LED headlights (Diode Dynamics) look at VLEDS for lighting. I added a few thing on a 2022 TRD...w/o the shell cost maybe $1800 max

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@scottgorman7166agree!

[@Jaredius]

What mod is worth the money? Tires.

[@AviatorsGarage]

OTT for sure Pop&lock tailgate lock Rest is all - blah

[@smcjefe]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@smcjefe you missed the whole point of mods….

[@smcjefe]

@@AviatorsGarage Well I’m just telling you my opinion and what I do (or don’t do) with my Tacoma. But you do you - so do whatever makes you happy. But you’re right, I don’t see the point of a lot of the mods that a lot of people do. In my opinion the Tacomas are pretty good right out of the factory. The more people mess with them the more problems they seem to have - from what I’ve seen.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ absolutely!

[@johncart100]

16 tacoma grille like new

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@johncart100 I’m in the market

[@pawcrawlowens8730]

Me to , I traded my 20 for a Tundra

[@AviatorsGarage]

Did you have a first gen taco?

[@pawcrawlowens8730]

@AviatorsGarage I've had them all, I use to rebuild them, I bought a 2020 and it was the lesser of all of them, the 2nd gens are the best. I traded fora 2020 TRD tundra, currently looking for another 2nd gen Tacoma.

[@CraigDowns-g4o]

I gave a grill

[@AviatorsGarage]

Which one?

[@citydifferent4592]

I have a trd grill if you pay the shipping I'll gladly gift to you it's the chicken wire 3rd gen only thing it's Crome

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thad be great! Can you send me an email at [e-mail]? Thanks for the help.

[@citydifferent4592]

@AviatorsGarage sure! I'll get it out of my storage unit tomorrow and I'll email you sir no worries!

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ thanks for the help my friend. I look forward to featuring it on the next video

[@jp.9664]

I would think you would have learned from the first few mistakes. And that exhaust sounds horrible inside the truck.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@jp.9664 nope- just sharing my experiences so others can learn. Thanks for being a Debby downer lol

[@PaulAndYisvanna]

Puts a mod to solve a non-problem or for appearances. Said mod causes one or more unintended problems. Hmm. Seems legit...

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@PaulAndYisvanna not the solve problem to work on my truck and have fun and it is legit. I don’t have time to throw crap out there like many KZbinrs do. But thanks for the view and a boost for the algorithm.

[@laborspy]

i feel like your next mods you will not like either. they are going to be fun to do and people will watch, but do you really need a super charger? ... just being honest

[@AviatorsGarage]

Nope- fun to do though! Thanks for watching!

[@MrBillDaBear]

Do not put LED bulbs in halogen projector or reflector housings. You’re reducing your usable light output, reducing range, and blinding everyone else because the extra light you do emit is going the wrong direction If you’re a douche and don’t care about blinding others, at least install the LEDs to point left-right and not up-down. That way you get decent spread without shooting light upward

[@AviatorsGarage]

So the problem with even before installing LED bulbs with the taco- people would think my brights were on anyway. Yes - with halogen bulbs… the LEDs that are installed are adjusted as you mentioned. People still think the brights are on. It is what it is. Thanks for watching. Stop looking into people’s head lights while driving. - that’s poor technique…

[@MrBillDaBear]

@@AviatorsGarage sounds like the original halogens weren’t properly adjusted. And looking “into” light has to be deliberate… human jerk reaction is to look away, like if someone shines a flashlight in your face. You may not be looking directly into the light, but it’s blinding nonetheless. You seem to think looking at headlights is an intentional “technique” but let someone shine headlights directly into your eyes and see how you react. Mirrors are adjusted to have light go directly into your eyes, so if you’re behind someone then you’re blinding them. Over 50% of fatal accidents happen at night, and 30% report reduced vision due to glare. Forget the fact that it’s a courtesy issue… it’s a safety issue that needs to be taken more seriously. People in general don’t realize their headlights should be adjusted low enough to not blind people. That’s not your fault, but I’m just pointing out that encouraging others to put LED & HID bulbs in halogen housings exacerbates the problem. Good video otherwise, thanks for posting

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ most fatal accidents have nothing to do with lights-- they are mostly DUI related. People need to stop being irresponsible and reckless. Lots of alcoholism in our streets… Not buying LED lights won’t save that. And yes it’s poor technique. Combat pilot here. Enemy would try to blind us with military grade lasers at night. Easy fix- DONT LOOK INTO THEM. Rant over. You speak like I’ve never driven at night- fly a helicopter in combat “Cheif” But I appreciate your opinion. Thank you for watching.

[@garywinkel1831]

Unless you're sizing up your tires significantly, I would skip the 5.29 gears. You'll be spinning a lot higher RPMs running down the highway and your mileage will take a significant hit. I think that's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@garywinkel1831 then let’s do it! I need more torque for Go power for the slide in camper I will be putting in.

[@jefflancaster6587]

Yep..you wasted a ton of money..I got an '18 Pro and just drive it..

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@jefflancaster6587 lol great comment. Straight to the point. Thanks for watching.

[@vernon207]

Get rid of air cleaner

[@AviatorsGarage]

Do you have an extra stock set up laying around?

[@vernon207]

@ nope

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@vernon207 @ great comment (sarcasm)

[@seanstenberg1559]

Lol! It took me about 10 minutes, feeling bad for the dummy, before I realized it’s a Benny Hill parody! Lol!

[@AviatorsGarage]

Thanks for the comment- I think 🤔

[@Kickthelighter]

Just cut the tube down.....

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@Kickthelighter good call! Thanks for the advice.

[@Mach141]

2 minutes in and you it turns out you dont even know how to buy a proper grille. Get a new hobby bro. Modding cars is not for you. And no, nothing you did is worth it, I dont even have to watch. It adds no resale value and you will get bored of it

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@Mach141 tell me how you really feel… don’t hold back. Trolls are out! Hope you are smart enough to understand sarcasm 🤔 good job on all your expert tutorials on your channel… (more sarcasm). Bless your heart.

[@useryggfdcc]

50 PSI in the BFG KO2?????? You crazy. The tire pressure is 30 PSI.

[@AviatorsGarage]

80 PSI max 50 is standard at normal weight … load E range is different… check it out

[@bogusfranz1503]

I run 35 - seems right - 50 maybe if towing or hauling a large load

[@AviatorsGarage]

@ 35psi feels way to loose for me

[@useryggfdcc]

35 PSI is ok for the summer time. In the winter here in Canada the best pressure for the KO2 are 30 PSI. Never inflate tires to the pressure indicated on the tire wall. Those pressures are for mounting the tire. So towing increase the pressure .

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@useryggfdcc you guys run load E?

[@jrig92]

Yeah definitely spent a lot for nothing and headaches. From the looks of it you just wanted to spoil the new toy with new toys. Lol I’m guilty for spending too. Because of the inventory shortage in 2022 I had to wait 6months. While waiting for the truck I already had Gears, Wheels, Tires, lift and BD fogs sitting in the garage.

[@AviatorsGarage]

Yep. 6 years strong and a great truck. Maggie next with 529 gears to see if that is worth it. RIPP coil video coming soon and why to avoid them! Thanks for commenting!

[@franz7671]

3500 that's it I'm up to 25k😂

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@franz7671 what cha got?

[@peterdaniel66]

3500 is a lot? Uhm. Ok.

[@AviatorsGarage]

@@peterdaniel66 damn fancy pants…. Send me some of your money then… Jeeze