TRD Zeb Build Thread

[TRDZEB]

I bought an Inferno TRD Pro a few months back, and I've been inspired by many build threads that have come before me. So, thank you to all those who have taken the time to share what they've done, and hopefully some of things that I do will inspire someone too.

I am now where near completed, but happy with my start so far & have a good vision where I am going with it.

Here is the first pic just off the truck:

I am happy to say that other than the people who loaded it on the ship & on & off the truck, I am the only person who has driven it (well, I let my wife drive one night when I had too many, but that was for a good cause. [emoji4])

The first things I did, nothing major, but looks good imo is the factory bug gaurd and weather tech rain guards

The next thing was to put on some N-Fab running boards. I really like the way they look. They were simple to install and are pretty sturdy. However, I have found some other ones I like better and will be selling these.

The next thing, which is really awesome, is that I upgraded the entire sound system. I kept the factory Entune unit as I really like it, simple interface, and I wanted to maintain a factory look regarding the sound throughout vehicle. I put Rockford Fosgate Power T1 tweets in the dash & I replaced the front door speakers with Rockford Fosgate Power Series 3-way 6x9's and I can tell you that they sound incredible.

I did 6.5" 2-way Rockford Fosgate Power Series in the rear doors and liftgate. The pic below is a side by side vs the factory.

The amps I went with to power the factory replacements were two Rockford Punch 4 channel 300 watt amps. They rate out around 85 watts rms. I went with these because they fit perfectly in the little storage area behind second row to maintain stealthiness of the system.

Also, mounted computer fans with blue LED's under them to keep & look cool.

What amps? Haha

Then, went with the new Rockford Power Series slimline 10" sub in a custom fiberglass enclosure and all super stealth in the back storage area.

What sub? Hahaha

It's powered by a Rockford Fosgate Power 500 watt mono amp mounted under passenger seat. And, I don't have the clean mount pic on my phone, this is with the wires all showing.

Baja roof rack ordered

Then, I'm thinking Proline4wd front bumper with winch.

Then, likely the CBI rear bumper with spare tire swing and container holders.

Here's how we look right now:

 

[TRDZEB]

These are supplemental that I took when it was being prepped in case anyone wants to see it from the underside. No mods here... yet. Fresh off truck.

 

[mcarey86]

Nice thread.

never realized they didn't come with a matching spare. That's interesting.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Well done, you have been busy!

 

[lowcel]

Looks great. I would love to get a sub enclosure such as that. Mine takes up too much space for my liking.

 

[TRDZEB]

Nice thread.

never realized they didn't come with a matching spare. That's interesting.

Yep, I'm gonna have to pony up a pretty penny for another wheel and tire once I do that rear bumper.

 

[TRDZEB]

Looks great. I would love to get a sub enclosure such as that. Mine takes up too much space for my liking.

Thanks! Yeah, the goal was to not use up any available cargo space, and try to be as stealthy as possible. Sounds pretty decent too. Had to have it opened back up to pack sound deadening and foam all over as I was getting some unwelcome vibrations from the plastic around the back. Once, we did that, I got the sound I was looking for. I also had a level adjuster nob installed so I can turn down the sub at will. That helps as different songs have quite different levels of bass.

 

[TRDZEB]

Update on latest...

I purchased the cheap $20 LED interior light kit from Amazon and followed the Precision LED install video for instructions which made the install a piece of cake. Below are some pics:

The color is much better than OEM and the little cheapy kit came with LED'S for the maps, dome, vanity, lower door (1 set), liftgate, license plate, and reverse lights. Really an incredible value and much nicer color than the yellowish OEM. However, not a whole lot brighter and that may be acceptable depending on what you want.

I wanted brighter, and also needed another set for the rear door puddle lights. So, I ordered these:

Alla Lighting CANBUS Error Free Extremely Super Bright T10 Wedge 194 168 2825 175 192 W5W Super Bright White High Power 3014 18-SMD LED Lights Bulbs for License Plate Interior Map Dome Side Marker Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010XZRQCG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_RyBMwbAJXQNSM

RIDICULOUS BRIGHT which I wanted. In the following pick the new one is on right and as you can see much, much brighter but the pic probably does not do justice.

Here’s how it lights up the cabin:

Here’s a direct pic:

Very happy with the brightness, borderline overkill and if you don't like mega bright you wouldn't like them.

Now that I have a little perspective on LED'S I have decided to get brighter ones for the whole ride and once they come in I will update new pics.

 

[TRDZEB]

Scored a Kensun HID low beam kit on Amazon for $39.99 HID Headlight Xenon "Slim" Conversion Kit by Kensun, H11, 8000K - 2 Year Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00802GIW4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_pHBMwbNRJ0GCT

Install was a piece of cake and VERY pleased with results. I took a few pics of the install:

This is the High Beam and Low Beam kits in their nice cases:

Here is a pic of the ballast and the bulb setup:

You need a 1 inch hole saw or drill bit for the grommet on the dust cover. Here's a pic after I drilled them:

I used a little silicone on the grommet to ensure a waterproof fit.

I mounted the ballasts under the plastic cover on side:

Here is a pic of the side by side with new HID on right:

Here is a pic of how they look on the road which was a tremendous improvement in visibility:

Here is straight on:

The High Beam install is not going so well at the moment. I can't get the bulbs to seat in the housing. I'm currently seeking a solution and if you have one please speak up. Here is a pic of of my issue:

It just doesn't fit right. Once I figure it out I'm looking forward to seeing how they work.

 

[chudiddy]

Looks like you're off to a good start. Can't wait to see ur build progress. I'll be subscribing. Well done!

 

[TRDZEB]

Looks like you're off to a good start. Can't wait to see ur build progress. I'll be subscribing. Well done!

Muchas Gracias!

 

[AlblineStar808]

how r u liking that sub setup? i have that sub in a slim box for my tacoma and its ok, not really happy with it as i like tight deep bass. I'm getting my pro soon and I've been try to plan my mods as we own a stereo shop back home and i can get whatever i want as far as brands go. Ive always went with rockford for my power and sub and used focal for my kids and highs. i wonder if the sub is cancelling out those rear hatch speakers u installed......

 

[TRDZEB]

how r u liking that sub setup? i have that sub in a slim box for my tacoma and its ok, not really happy with it as i like tight deep bass. I'm getting my pro soon and I've been try to plan my mods as we own a stereo shop back home and i can get whatever i want as far as brands go. Ive always went with rockford for my power and sub and used focal for my kids and highs. i wonder if the sub is cancelling out those rear hatch speakers u installed......

I'm glad you ask. And, it's interesting what you said about liking deep tight bass as that is where I think this sub does its best work. This sub goes deeeeep, much more than I would have thought with the size and size of enclosure. Where it has a hard time is the higher, lighter bass notes. I do believe that the enclosure and the operating space will dictate the perceived sound very much. If it's behind a seat back for instance it will not have the same ability to move air which results in the creation of its sound. The 4Runner has all that open space, so it's ideal for that. The biggest thing I had to overcome was all the vibrations at different frequencies at different parts of the vehicle from the plastic which seems to be an unending project towards perfection.

What is the cubic space you have for your enclosure? Are you sure it's tightly sealed? What amp are you running to it? Are you using a sound processor? Factory deck? And, where is it positioned in your Taco?

 

[Rendorseg]

TRDZEB,

Nice looking 4Runner!!!! I just bought a a TEP last week and I noticed the headlights are not very bright. I like what you did with all your mods.


PM sent on N-Fabs.

 

[TRDZEB]

TRDZEB,

Nice looking 4Runner!!!! I just bought a a TEP last week and I noticed the headlights are not very bright. I like what you did with all your mods.


PM sent on N-Fabs.

After the issue I had with the HID bulb not seating for the High Beams and starting a thread on the issue which led me to change course entirely on the HID'S for the high beams. I found that my high beams are also the DRL'S that run at a lower voltage. This will not work w/ HID'S. SO, I'm going to do the 9011 bulb mod and try the philips as that seems to be the best one (at least that I've found based on my reading, if someone knows of something better PLEASE do tell)

UPDATE on my interior LED mod:

So, as mentioned previously I purchased the cheapy LED kit on Amazon and although it was a significant upgrade to the OEM not-bright-at-all-and-lame-yellow - - I took a chance on these: Cutequeen Trading 10pcs LED Car Lights Bulb White T10 2835 20-smd 400 Lumens 194 168 (Pack of 10) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H1ES6S6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_GddNwbKDQF2W2

For 10 of them they cost about the same I spent on the 2 nice ones I put in the map lights. AND, I'm VERY pleased with them. They are nearly as bright & appear to be of decent quality.

Here is a pic of them in package:

Here is a side by side with covers on the new one on left vs more expensive one on right:

Hard to tell in pic, but they are awfully close in output and for the money these win. I also put them in the vanity slots above visor, & puddle lights at bottom of all 4 doors. Speaking of puddle lights, these were slightly long so they are kind of cramped in the housing and a little crooked in there but they work fine. As to the longevity of these LED'S only time will tell and I'll update if I have an issue.

I had 2 pair left so I gave my wife's 15 Rav4 Limited it's interior light mod and SHE IS PUMPED. She was meh about it when I told her what I was doing to her Rav4, but once she saw the difference she was thrilled. I used a couple cheapys in her vanity mirrors and I had a few of the dome ones that I did for her rear dome and hatch area.

So, my cheapy kit did not go to waste. However, you can score a set of cutequeens for around $12 and do your maps, vanities and puddle lights.

I'm still in the hunt for a dome LED that I'm happy with for cheap and will update when I find one.

 

[AlblineStar808]

I'm glad you ask. And, it's interesting what you said about liking deep tight bass as that is where I think this sub does its best work. This sub goes deeeeep, much more than I would have thought with the size and size of enclosure. Where it has a hard time is the higher, lighter bass notes. I do believe that the enclosure and the operating space will dictate the perceived sound very much. If it's behind a seat back for instance it will not have the same ability to move air which results in the creation of its sound. The 4Runner has all that open space, so it's ideal for that. The biggest thing I had to overcome was all the vibrations at different frequencies at different parts of the vehicle from the plastic which seems to be an unending project towards perfection.

What is the cubic space you have for your enclosure? Are you sure it's tightly sealed? What amp are you running to it? Are you using a sound processor? Factory deck? And, where is it positioned in your Taco?

i believe it require 1 cubic ft and thats where I'm hoping it was built correctly and sealed. I'm running a 1000w power rockford so it has more than enough power and i changed everything out so nothing factory. its in a single box behind the driver rear quad cab seat, also no processor

 

[TRDZEB]

i believe it require 1 cubic ft and thats where I'm hoping it was built correctly and sealed. I'm running a 1000w power rockford so it has more than enough power and i changed everything out so nothing factory. its in a single box behind the driver rear quad cab seat, also no processor

I use this sound processor http://www.audiocontrol.com/car-audio/factory-system-upgrade/lc2i/

It cleans the signal from the factory deck to deliver clean signal to amp. It also prevents bass roll off built in to factory decks to try and prevent them from blowing out the crap stock speakers. I'm thinking that is possibly why you are not getting the bass you are looking for. This thing is fairly cheap > $100 and should help. Also, make sure your crossover & gain is set proper on your amp.

Hopefully that helps. If you try it be sure to let me know about your results.

 

[TRDZEB]

Today I replaced the back up LED'S that came with my cheap LED interior light kit with these:

LUYED Newest!2 x 850LM 12-24v Super Bright Hight Power T15 5630 12-smd+1.5w Canbus Lens White 906 912 920 921 LED Bulbs only used for back-up light,*reversing light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018LWOWJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_j5eNwb9YEXXV1

I took a chance on them over the Philips that everyone else gets cuz they looked to have great potential especially for the price. Of course the longevity is yet to be determined but they are cheap and now I have the OEM & cheapy LED's for backup.

Here's a few pics:

They came very nicely packaged which is a good sign:

Here is a pic if the bulbs to and side view:

Here is a comparison vs the cheapy:

Notice they are quite a bit longer and I'd advise if you tried them to remove wiring harness from socket.

Here is a pic of brightness:

Also, notice how bright my puddle light is and how well the ground is lit up from that and the map lights [emoji4]

Here is a pic of light output, and take note that the back of my 4Runner is covered in snow and I made no attempt to wipe snow off the light:

AND, cuz I've gotten a lot of feedback on my choice of super cheap Kensun 8000K HID low beams I took a few shots.

Same position here but with high beams on as well:

It's snowing pretty good and others have mentioned that 8000K does not do well in rain or snow and so I took some pics while driving so if it's not a perfectly clear pic that's why:

I flipped my brights on and snapped another pic immediately:

My HID'S in this particular instance seemed to cut through the snowfall very well.

Here is straight on as people have said that I would be blinding others on the road:

And another just a little closer:

From this location I also did a beam shot first one is just low beams and the second with the high beams:

I don't think they are blinding at all. I do think they are quite easy to look at. I passed several people tonight and didn't get one flash. I don't think they are the greatest either. However, considering I spent a staggering $39.99 and 20 minutes of time, I'm happy with it for now.

 

[AlblineStar808]

I use this sound processor lc2i - AudioControl

It cleans the signal from the factory deck to deliver clean signal to amp. It also prevents bass roll off built in to factory decks to try and prevent them from blowing out the crap stock speakers. I'm thinking that is possibly why you are not getting the bass you are looking for. This thing is fairly cheap > $100 and should help. Also, make sure your crossover & gain is set proper on your amp.

Hopefully that helps. If you try it be sure to let me know about your results.

i have one of those i was gonna use in the 4runner but i didn't need it for the taco since i had a double din a/m player

 

[TRDZEB]

Finally took the time today to find a little vibration in the back that occurs at certain frequencies from my sub. So, I shut myself in the back, and using a tone generator app, found the culprits. It was the access panels on both sides. So, I took some weather stripping, and solved it. Not sure why I didn't do this month's ago.

Finished product looks great, you can't tell that there is weather stripping back there at all. And, most importantly sounds great.