I need a better title, smh

Hey guys, I am a new member to the TacomaWorld Forum here! I have a 2007 Tacoma and I am embarrassed to report that I have not been giving my truck the attention that it needs. I have a few squeaks and other noises that I would like to work on as well as do a much-needed maintenance update. I am not sure what all needs to be done so that is why I need you guys' help. I know I should change the transmission fluid but can i do that myself or does that need to be done by a shop?

Feel free to ask me any questions about what I have or have not done. I know there is much to learn that I am not even aware enough to ask the questions yet. So I take your questions and advice as a source of information. Thank you in advance!

 

Welcome!
Could of used a better title though.

 

How long have you had it and how many miles?
Did it set for a long period time thats why no love!

 

This...

It's TW.

Hi!

 

i thought it was prison based off the title

 

I'd say ban him.

 

Some Good links for the trans.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

I would start with a tune up
Plugs
Air filter
Oil Change
Coolant flush
Trans flush or Drain and fill
Belts
Lube U-Joints
Differential Fluid

 

Check out your glove box for a owners manual. If it doesn't have one, I would definitely get one from online or a dealership. This will have all of the maintenance items as well as the intervals.

Start going down the list based on milage.

Search TW for how to's on performing such tasks. If you don't feel comfortable in doing something, don't do it.

To search TW a little easier use Google. A trick I use is to type searches into Google like this. Say you want to search how to change your differential fluid. Type this into Google... (Without the quotations)

"Differential fluid change site: Tacomaworld.com"

This will limit Google's search to ONLY Tacomaworld.com

Many things can be performed on your own with the right tools and parts. That being said, research parts to find out if OEM or aftermarket are better. For instance, Toyota oil filters are among the best compared to many aftermarket filters.

But something such as a needle bearing in your front diff (drivers side) is known to be bad straight from Toyota, as well as it's replacements. A better route to go would be an aftermarket solid bushing from East Coast Gear Supply.

The information is here, just need to find it. Good luck.

 

From pic, has you driven on pavement yet?

Has you checked/changed engine oil?

 

Welcome to TW!What @TXpro4X4 said!

 

I have had the oil changed every 3k miles, just recently had it changed but then I drove 1600+ miles after this past weekend. I have had Meineke change my oil for the past year or so but I am done with them. I have nothing but bad service and experiences with them. I am going to start doing it myself from now on. This is what has led to my post on here.

I purchased it used from Big Two Toyota in Chandler, Arizona in January of 2013. It had 58,800 miles when I drove it off the lot. After the long drive this past weekend I have just under 116k miles. The first weekend I purchased my truck I drove it up to Washington.

I changed the rear differential fluid and put the additive in with it 2 years ago.
I changed the air filter this past springtime.
I had my rear u-joint replaced about 2 months ago.
My brake calipers are about a year old along with the front rotors.

I will get an updated photo of my truck, this one is the week I got the tires and the lift put on.
since then, I had the leaf springs replaced for the recall that was on them. I was able to keep the old springs which have the "add-a-leaf" portion of the lift kit. They would not put the extra leaf back on the new springs since it was after market. I am pretty sure I can do it myself but I do not know what to do and I don't want to mess anything up in the process haha.

I have been looking at wheel spacers but there are so many I have no clue what to get. I have been leaning towards the 2" but other than that I'm not sure what I should be looking for.

I am a full-time student and this is my only vehicle so this is my daily driver. Starting in January I will be switching schools and will have a 20-mile drive to school during the week. That is why I decided to go with these tires since they had the extra tread but it also had grip. The last tires I had were good tires but there were street tires and I was sliding all over the place and it only got worse as the tires wore down.

About a month ago, I was able to take my truck out on the beach out on the Washington coast, Long Beach. Drove it in the sand and yes, in the salt water. Sinc e then I have had some squealing going on. It sounds like something needs to be lubricated. I am 95% sure it is somewhere in the drive shaft assembly. The sounds only change with speed, not with the transmission, brakes. So I am thinking either drive shaft or something in the wheels or brakes. I did have my brakes checked and they said they were good shape.

 

Just out of curiosity, have you changed the wheel bearings yet? Sorry if I missed it in one of the posts.

Because with over 100k miles on it, I imagine they're ready to be replaced.

 

Welcome...

 

802coma, I thought it would be the bearings too when I first noticed an issue with the u-joint. The toyota dealership and the tire shop that did my brakes, tires left, they said the bearings were fine. How can I check to see if the bearings need replaced or should I just assume they should be replaced when I reach over 100k miles?

 

This video explains it better than I can over text.

Also, I didn't mean to say that your wheel bearings are the cause of the noise. I only mentioned it because you've got 116k on your truck. The wheel bearings are known to go around 60k-70k.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvKWGjmPKoc