SR-5 "Body Kit"

KCcarguy

KCcarguy

New member
Hey everyone. After lurking on the forum for a while I decided to trade my '05 Tacoma for a SR-5 4WD. I'm really liking it so far, but while I was washing it today I noticed some of the "body-kit" components seem a bit flimsy.....especially the rocker moldings. And what's with the tow-hooks being hidden behind the front and rear pieces??? What happens if I need to use the tow hooks (esp. the rear)?
 
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Hi,
I popped the plastic on the front tow-hooks during the last snow. It may have an effect on mileage but only minimal. If you have to pull from the back, I suggest you use the trailer hitch (strongest pulling spot place on the vehicle). Did you get a ball for your vehicle?

KCcarguy said:
Hey everyone. After lurking on the forum for a while I decided to trade my '05 Tacoma for a SR-5 4WD. I'm really liking it so far, but while I was washing it today I noticed some of the "body-kit" components seem a bit flimsy.....especially the rocker moldings. And what's with the tow-hooks being hidden behind the front and rear pieces??? What happens if I need to use the tow hooks (esp. the rear)?
Click to expand...
 
KCcarguy said:
And what's with the tow-hooks being hidden behind the front and rear pieces??? What happens if I need to use the tow hooks (esp. the rear)?
Click to expand...

The general consensus is that they are not true 'recovery hooks' but more so 'tie down' hooks for transport, say on a flat bed. If you were stuck the angle someone would have to pull you out from would most likely do damage to some part of the front, however they are perfectly fine for downward access.
 
I do have the ball mount. I wasn't sure if that was a safe connecting point for recovery. I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. I'd like to be able to go off road without worrying what about tearing the hell out of my truck if I get stuck. I'm thinking a TE body kit conversion might be the answer, but that looks like big $$$.
 
I took off the entire front spoiler a few weeks ago along, with all the plastic scoops and box hooplah. I gained in approach angle, and easy access to the front tow hoops. Looks better too IMO. Haven't noticed any decrease in mileage, surprisingly. I took a trip to Philly this past weekend and averaged 22 mpg. I love my Runner!
 
Antman said:
I took off the entire front spoiler a few weeks ago along, with all the plastic scoops and box hooplah. I gained in approach angle, and easy access to the front tow hoops. Looks better too IMO. Haven't noticed any decrease in mileage, surprisingly. I took a trip to Philly this past weekend and averaged 22 mpg. I love my Runner!
Click to expand...


Cool. Can I see some pics?
 
My camera is a POS- won't work. Here are some crappy cell phone pics... First is the all the stuff I took off and my spacer kit B4 I installed it. In the 2nd you can see the tow hook clearly (and me in the bumper...shiney!)
 

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Antman said:
My camera is a POS- won't work. Here are some crappy cell phone pics... First is the all the stuff I took off and my spacer kit B4 I installed it. In the 2nd you can see the tow hook clearly (and me in the bumper...shiney!)
Click to expand...

Hey hackman, I was screwing around on the beach today and I smashed that plastic shield (its the middle square one in your pictures). Is it important or is yours still off? Got a bit off air without intending to and cracked it all up at the same time so was my son and wife. Just wondering if I should replace it or just finish off the entire front end and remove all that plastic stuff.
 
Take that sucker off! Mine has been off ever since with no ill effects. Looks much better without it! :)
 
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After working with this truck for a good number of months, I have decided that as far as the bumper trimmings and bumpers themselves go, this truck is built much more like a car than a truck.

Luckily though there are aftermarket companies out there chasing down these OEM misfortunes with a vengeance. We developed a solution for the rocker panel covers on the SR5 & Limiteds so that your dont have to spend $300+ for more plastic. And well, there is always our bumpers as well....

I just miss when a bumper was a bumper, and less of an extention of the body.
 
TxBxSx said:
After working with this truck for a good number of months, I have decided that as far as the bumper trimmings and bumpers themselves go, this truck is built much more like a car than a truck.

Luckily though there are aftermarket companies out there chasing down these OEM misfortunes with a vengeance. We developed a solution for the rocker panel covers on the SR5 & Limiteds so that your dont have to spend $300+ for more plastic. And well, there is always our bumpers as well....

I just miss when a bumper was a bumper, and less of an extention of the body.
Click to expand...

What's your solution on the rocker panels for the SR5?
 
I'm interested in solutions as well. I'm not a fan of the unfinished look when people just take them off.
 
Antman said:
Take that sucker off! Mine has been off ever since with no ill effects. Looks much better without it! :)
Click to expand...

Do I have it or not? Recovery hooks seems to be not too obstructed but I didn't remove anything. Where's that thing you're removing?
 

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Well, the pictures I took last week went AWOL...:smashputer:

So, I'll have to take off the sliders, reinstall the trim, reinstall the slider and take some more pictures. Then, repeat all steps in reverse order....
 
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