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Bought a used Tacoma - What next?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by birry, Apr 29, 2013.

  1. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:10 AM
    #1
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oklahoma City, OK
    Vehicle:
    2008 4x4 DCSB
    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    I got a good deal on a used 2008 4x4 double cab from a small dealership. They didn't detail it very well and it has some minor cosmetic issues, but mechanically it is in great shape. No problems on the way home (about a 200 mile trip up some hills with the A/C running. Got about 19.5 mpg, I think.

    Based on the looks of the dealership and talking to the guys there, I'm not confident that the truck has really been brought up to the same standards as a larger dealership that might change fluids and do all that stuff for you. They said they've inspected it and everything, but I want to run through it myself to check levels and conditions of fluids. If the oil looks clean, I'll run with it until I need to change it again and then replace it myself so I know what's in there.

    So, anyone have a good list of things I might check for or just replace to start off with? I'll check the regular motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering. Is the transmission fluid checked under the hood or do you have to check it on the transmission?

    What are the recommended fluid change intervals, and what should I look for when I'm checking the fluids?

    In addition, I plan on changing or at least checking the cabin air filter and engine air filter. Just trying to bring this truck up to speed so I'm confident in the major components. I'll probably check the spark plugs and wires also.

    Anything else?
     
  2. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:14 AM
    #2
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    bay area, california
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    2006 access cab. 4x4, TRD-OR + 2023 TRD off-road.
    back to bone stock.
    congrats on the new truck!!

    exciting!

    now to business. is this a 4x4? how many miles?
     
  3. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:14 AM
    #3
    brettb

    brettb Well-Known Member

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    Laramie, Wyoming
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    Sounds like you have a good grip on things. I think the tranny fuild is checked under the hood, at least it is on 1st gens. If you really want you can change the differential fluid as well. I did on the rear axle and thank god I did because it was murky and needed a change BAD. Helped the locker engage much faster as well.

    Be prepared to mod it A LOT more than you expected.

    And welcome to TW!
     
  4. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:15 AM
    #4
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    bay area, california
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    2006 access cab. 4x4, TRD-OR + 2023 TRD off-road.
    back to bone stock.
    no tranny dipstick on our trucks.

    no traditional spark plug wires. we have individual coil packs.
     
  5. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:19 AM
    #5
    LEX

    LEX --- --- --- - ----

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  6. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:20 AM
    #6
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oklahoma City, OK
    Vehicle:
    2008 4x4 DCSB
    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    Definitely 4x4. See pics in this thread.

    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/275225-finally-got-my-tacoma.html

    Thanks! I'm hoping to mod this just enough to make it mine, but I won't plan on doing a ton to it. I don't really want a lift or bigger tires or all that stuff. Most mods I'd do would be simple stuff to make it more user-friendly (although its already WAY more comfortable than my '86 single cab!). I'll probably do the tailgate lock and washable DIY cabin air filter then get some nice floor mats and a bed mat, maybe a bed cover of some kind....
     
  7. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:26 AM
    #7
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    bay area, california
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    2006 access cab. 4x4, TRD-OR + 2023 TRD off-road.
    back to bone stock.
    that frame looks new!! they change it?

    100k miles? have the tranny flushed (or DIY if you can..i couldnt/wouldnt)

    i would do it all. front/transfer/rear diff...oil change.
    engine oil.
    sparkplugs
    flush radiator
    belts hoses..etc.

    all of it is easy to me, except the tranny flush.
     
  8. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:53 AM
    #8
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2008 4x4 DCSB
    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    I don't think the frame has been replaced. There are other areas that definitely show their age. The carfax doesn't show any major repairs.

    I'll have to do some research on the tranny flush. I've heard its messy and that it kinda sucks, but I might try it myself if it isn't too hard and will save me significant $$$.

    I'll probably also hold off on changing any belts/hoses unless I see some obvious wear or degradation. Its the stuff I can't see (fluids and internal parts) that I'm mainly wanting to investigate. The plugs and fluids might be my first step.
     
  9. Apr 29, 2013 at 8:56 AM
    #9
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    I've already subscribed to about 5 of those threads. I've been reading through that page as well to see which ones, but I'm mainly interesting in figuring out the most important first step(s) since mine is used with 100k miles.

    I'm assuming that none of the routine maintenance has been performed, and I'll try to bring it all up to speed so I know what's in the truck. I don't know the typical maintenance schedule yet, so I'll be doing some reading on that as well. Are there big maintenance items at 60-100k, like a water pump or timing chain or something?
     
  10. Apr 29, 2013 at 10:55 AM
    #10
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    How do you check it, then?
     
  11. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:00 AM
    #11
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    2006 access cab. 4x4, TRD-OR + 2023 TRD off-road.
    back to bone stock.
    it is a sealed system. you dont really check it.

    i tow occasionally, so i had tranny flushed at 70k miles.
     
  12. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:06 AM
    #12
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    Exactly...

    Seriously, though. I have about $1500 worth of mods lined up as we speak, but most of that is in new tires and fluid changes. The only real upgrades I'm planning at the moment are good floor mats and some replacement tie down cleat things for the bed.
     
  13. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:07 AM
    #13
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    How much does it cost to get it flushed?
     
  14. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:10 AM
    #14
    TacoCat

    TacoCat These pretzels are making me thirsty

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    Is it an auto or a manual? Manual transmissions are easy drain and fill. I believe the autos have a DIY somewhere. The front/rear diff and t-case are all easy drain and fill. There are good write ups on these as well.
     
  15. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:13 AM
    #15
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    Mine's an auto. I'll check out the threads regarding the differential fluid changes.
     
  16. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:17 AM
    #16
    rleete

    rleete Grumpy old man - get off my lawn

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    "Bought a used Tacoma - What next?"

    Uh, drive it?
     
  17. Apr 29, 2013 at 11:18 AM
    #17
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    Check.

    Next question.
     
  18. Apr 29, 2013 at 1:42 PM
    #18
    Jetman1979

    Jetman1979 Well-Known Member

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    Gresse drive shaft and u joints.
     
  19. Apr 29, 2013 at 5:35 PM
    #19
    toyotaman29

    toyotaman29 Well-Known Member

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    You may also want to clean the throttle body and MAF sensor...
     
  20. Apr 30, 2013 at 7:52 AM
    #20
    birry

    birry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OME 885, Bilstein 5100's, Wheeler's (single) AAL
    Does this require a grease gun? Just wondering....because I need a list of stuff to steal from my dad when I go home next weekend :D

    Good one. I'll add it to my list.
     

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