Brand new tacoma owner

So, I just got what I think is a smoking deal on this little truck that I'm going to use as a hunting rig and just looking for a little guidance. Its a 1996 SR5 with 150K miles. Runs great but needs a little cosmetic love. Just wondering about parts either new or used and what years and models are compatible... Seems like there are a lot of options.


Specifically looking at a drivers side fender, I want to upgrade the headlights and the seats need something done with them but I'm not in a hurry. Id also appreciate any general advice you guys have picked up along the way.

 

That Pabst on the bumper come with it?

 

A great way to upgrade the headlights on the cheap is to switch to H4 conversion housings and add a relay harness and brighter bulbs.

 

That's on my list. Results look promising.

 

It was one of the first things I did. I used Autopal housings because they were a steal but people prefer Hella or IPF ones.

 

Congrats on the purchase!

 

Sorry. I misread your post. I was thinking you did the "ultimate headlight upgrade." You're talking about swapping the entire headlight, right? Maybe both could be done for those 1st gens.

 

I bought some fenders from Carid.com for my 97 Tacoma for about $40 each.

 

ah, 95-97 trucks had sealed beam headlights (which was basically a bulb/housing combination that you would have to replace completely instead of just changing a bulb) instead of the plastic housings that 98 and up did.

Swapping to a H4 housing gives a better light pattern and means you only have to change a bulb if it burns out.

If you have a later model truck then the H4 conversion isn't really possible

 

Change the oil every 3000 no exceptions

 

Welcome
Nice truck

 

May want to check the ball joints. My uncle bought a 99 4wd a few months back and this happened today.... we checked them last Saturday and were going to replace them soon....

 

Are there any right-ups to this?