Nautical Blue Build Thread (Big Blue) - 60K mile review - lessons, regrets, etc.

You might have the coolest build here. I kept scrolling and was like "he did THAT...and THAT ....and THAT" so friggin cool. Well done man.

Any issues installing the supercharger with a winch?

 

Thanks for checking the thread. I got motivation from all of us here on the forum, lots of good info and advice from all.

On the maggie, no issues with the winch. The pump for the air cooler on the maggie comes with a bracket that you can basically mount just about anywhere and get it ouf the way. I have some pictures on that if you are interested. Happy New Year and best in 2026!

 

Sound Deadening by soundskins. This was a long project at least for me but worth it. Take on it? , it is worth it.



I am going to share some of the most relevant pics and reflections.


This up there is just getting the are ready. I recommend a very good cleaning and let this area dry very well.

For the haters....I was able to keep that panel on .

Onto the installation of the material:



The hatch....


The rest....


Got all the 4 doors really good. I love the way they sound when you close these doors. Solid .

The rest of Blue...


Project kicked my behind....this took over a whole week and change. There were some days I couldn't do much and at the end I got help as it was just too many details.

Benefits:

• I can't hear the tires up front
• The magnaBlow muffler...is quiet now
• I can't hear the wind as much
• I actually hear the Maggie whine a little bit more.

I don't think this is a solo project. But then again, I have plenty of time limitations and lack of skills in some areas.

 

Thats the most beautiful thing I've seen in a long time. Looks amazing. Good job dude. Very well done.

How many bulk packs did you use?

 

I bought 3 rolls, each at 38.5 ft2, I used at least 2.5 and got left half of a full one. I gave it to one of the kids that helped me put it together.

 

At first I didn't realize you were referring to your Magnuson Supercharger. I was like "Why is he bitching about his wife, (who I thought was named Maggie)?"

 

That other sound is different

In any event, the project passed the test. I think it is worth it now. I was very skeptical at first but it is quite different inside the vehicle.

 

This is the most impressive thing I have ever seen a person do to their vehicle!

 

Is that an oversized rearview mirror?

 

Thanks bud! I got inspiration and guidance from @Thacrow. He has done it as well and taken it even to the next level. Check his pics and sound system.

 

It sure is. I got one of those autovox things that allows me to see a front camera, but it is too dark for me during the day. I ended up overlaying this giant mirror over it and just left it. Like an old person now

 

Yeah, when I briefly had a ‘25 Tacoma I was not a fan of the digital screen rear view mirror. I left it in the optical position all the time.

 

Dude I look at your build thread and *almost* have the inspiration to do stuff like slap in a supercharger. Glad to got it done man! Looks clean.

 

I would do the regear first and tune. If that doesn't cut it then do the Maggie. But you see it gets $$$ very quickly. This $hit never ends, I'm convinced.

 

Coolant drain and fill after almost 45K. I am trying to get this unit ready for a long trip so decided to do it right away and not wait. This was my first time doing this service:

Last time the shop used the red/pink brand...not the Yota brand. I don't think there is a difference but who knows .


I took a sample of the "new and used" below. The used one was probably ok. I didn't see any issues. The Yota one is definitely pink.

The details.....
Get this one open and ready to

I got a bucket underneath because I wanted to be 100% sure of how much I removed.

The engine block...this one needs a long....long extension to get to it. Make sure you get a hose connected there.

Got it moving...

At the end I collected over 2 gallons...I think


The easy part now....


Go inside and get the heat going and continue to burp the system...

I think we are almost done.

Check for leaks...go for a drive and make sure all is good. And you are done!

 

Excellent write up. Could the 4.56 gears have much to do with gas mileage being low?

 

Thanks! It has been a never ending project.
On the 456's, I honestly don't know what the impact has been on mpg. In theory they should help with mpg as some people have reported some savings on gas after regearing. I think on Blue the issue is around all the other stuff I have added to it. Skids, winch, blower, 33s, panels, the list goes on...
The positive on the gears is the crawling pace and how smooth that is in difficult situations. If I give it a little gas the engine doesn't jerk the system abruptly, it just crawls nicely. Can't win them all.

 

Blue has been idled for sometime with no major action. So decided to install the Meso Customs lights, this was a Xmas present that I got and just got around to install it and they seem pretty well made.

Packing pretty nice and solid. Installation was pretty easy .

The rear door....

I go with red for now. Don't know at night how they would look but will see.

This one was super easy....

The map lights were a bit more challenging, the old bulbs were stuck but got them out eventually by putting a little bit of electrical tape around them and pulling gently.

Going with red for now...

Back inside again.