OK, we're going to come clean: we nearly screwed this one up. Our goal for this month's Fantastic Four was to lower an '04 Tacoma and improve the performance of its 3.4L V-6. We called up a local shop, Department of Customz, to handle the build. Since they are known for complete car restorations, custom metalwork, and paint, we knew they were more than capable of handling a little bolt-on makeover. We were all ready to get down to business when we realized that the 2WD Tacoma we were starting with was a PreRunner. We didn't know because the owner didn't tell us. The owner didn't tell us because we didn't ask. We completely forgot that 2WD Tacoma PreRunners use 4WD running gear, minus the transfer case and front axle, so we never thought to specify with the owner. Oops. That meant that our lowering kit was a no-go. After some calls and parts runs, we were able to salvage our Fantastic Four. Since the truck owner used the truck to haul parts and motorcycles, a lift was out of the question, as we didn't want to make the owner buy new ramps or pull a muscle wrestling a 400-pound bike into the bed. Instead, we focused on other means to improve on the looks. A few phone calls to ICCE Wheels and Continental Tires were made and our new parts were on their way. We also ordered some dress-up items from ANZO USA and a complete detail kit from Mothers to really make the truck look great. In the meantime, Matt and Tom at Department of Customz put the Tacoma on the lift and got to work giving the 3.4L V-6 some better breathing with a K&N FIPK and a MagnaFlow exhaust.
From The Driver SeatFor all of you Tacoma owners out there, we made a big mistake so you don't have to. If you have a PreRunner, we hope you enjoy the stock suspension, because you're pretty much stuck with it, unless you want to lift it. That's what we're here for, to spend money and waste time so you don't have to.
 The K&N FIPK includes the...  The K&N FIPK includes the filter, tube, hardware, and a heat shield with weatherstripping. |  Here's the Tacoma's 3.4L V-6....  Here's the Tacoma's 3.4L V-6. You can see that the factory intake has baffles and accordion-like bends that reduce the inside diameter and decrease flow. |  Matt used a screw gun to loosen...  Matt used a screw gun to loosen all of the hose clamps before he unbolted the airbox, then the whole assembly lifted out. |