Few questions for you Tacoma experts.

[08TacomaKRV]

Hello all,

I purchased my first Tacoma about two weeks ago. It's an 08 4x4 Double Cab TRD Sport model.

Can you guys tell me if the OEM tube steps in the Tacoma booklet bolt to the frame or under the door panel? I ordered a set today from the dealer but they were a bit unsure. They did tell me it takes upwards of three hours to install these. I thought they were a simple bolt on installation with no drilling required?

I also put on a Lund Interceptor Bug Shield. It's kind of close to the painted area above the grille. Does anyone know of any protective type film I can put on there that ISN'T adhesive backed?

Being my truck is the TRD Sport, does it come from the factory with that cat back TRD exhaust that is advertised in the accessory booklet or is it just a stock type exhaust with a chrome tip?

I have some Lund in channel window visors on order for the vehicle also. Looking at the window channels today, it looks like installation might be a bit tricky as things are very tight in there. Do any of you have any tips or tricks for installing the in channel visors?

I absolutely love this truck. The only real negative thing I've noticed with it is the paint scratches up very easily. The dealership rubbed the few out I had on there today but it seems just the smallest rub against the truck causes a scratch. What are your opinions on this?

Thanks to all who respond!

[johnwill]

Congrats on your new ride!

I am not an expert, but . . .

OEM TUBE STEPS: they do not bolt to the frame. They bolt to the six predrilled holes on the panel. They come stock, covered over with black plastic pop-in "fake screws."

LUND IN-CHANNEL WINDOW VISORS:

I don't have Lund but have installed both WeatherTech and EGR in channels and a I sure your Lund's will be the same -yest very tight in there, but that is by design. Once you get them in everything will be alright. Just take your time.

[TRDSport]

Originally Posted by 08TacomaKRV

Hello all,

I purchased my first Tacoma about two weeks ago. It's an 08 4x4 Double Cab TRD Sport model.

Being my truck is the TRD Sport, does it come from the factory with that cat back TRD exhaust that is advertised in the accessory booklet or is it just a stock type exhaust with a chrome tip?

I have a TRD Sport and it came from the factory with the regular exhaust. From the factory, it does not come with a chrome tip. I replaced my exhaust with the TRD exhaust and I really like it.

I have some Lund in channel window visors on order for the vehicle also. Looking at the window channels today, it looks like installation might be a bit tricky as things are very tight in there. Do any of you have any tips or tricks for installing the in channel visors?

I have Wade in-channel vent visors. As long as you follow the instructions and take your time, you'll be fine. Just FYI, once they were installed, I had to leave the windows rolled up for 24hrs so that the adhesive could fully take hold.

I absolutely love this truck. The only real negative thing I've noticed with it is the paint scratches up very easily. The dealership rubbed the few out I had on there today but it seems just the smallest rub against the truck causes a scratch. What are your opinions on this?

Be careful.

Thanks to all who respond!

See above for my response.

[NATEDAWG3256]

I don't know if they are wanting to install, your boards for you and charge 3 hrs. shop labor , but it took me and a friend about 15 minutes, thats counting unpacking and installing. Very simple install .

[RCBS]

if you've got a socket set or a couple wrenches you can put them (tube steps) on yourself. seriously...holding them up to align the bolt holes will be the hardest part.

i've got EGR in channels...no adhesive or anything. the shop i bought them from had a guy come out and litterally "pop" them in...took him like 1min. 15 seconds to do both.

[WilsonTheDog]

Originally Posted by johnwill

OEM TUBE STEPS: they do not bolt to the frame. They bolt to the six predrilled holes on the panel.

Wrong. They bolt to the frame.

[craigxb]

Originally Posted by NATEDAWG3256

I don't know if they are wanting to install, your boards for you and charge 3 hrs. shop labor , but it took me and a friend about 15 minutes, thats counting unpacking and installing. Very simple install .

exactly! All you need is a screw driver and a 13mm socket with an extension. No need to jack the truck, just a creeper or cardboard. Hand tighten the middle bolts then work your way out. Push the tubes towards the back, then tighten. Thats it, 15 minutes tops!
Also, the tubes can only fit one way, so no need to worry about the driver and passenger sides.

[johnwill]

Originally Posted by WilsonTheDog

Wrong. They bolt to the frame.

Whoops. I was wrong and apologize.

I was thinking of the OEM running boards and the aftermarket N-fabs.

[08TacomaKRV]

Guys, these tube steps did bolt to the underside of the doors, not to the frame! I was a little disappointed by that but they still look nice. The damn tech also took a small chip out of the passenger side door down to the metal while installing them and now I have to take it in to have that repaired next week. You'd think the guy would ask for help holding the steps up while he bolted them on instead of trying to do it all himself.

Thanks to all who have responded here!

[johnwill]

Amen! I have had running boards and the n-fabs bolted to the under the rocker panel holes and they are rock solid.

Good luck.