Calling all Tacoma gurus - What are some major issues with Tacomas after 2006?

I have a 2005 Access cab 4wd v6 227,000mi that has run into the head gasket problem that the 05-06 has. Does anyone know of major problems or design flaws that 2007s or later run into? I know of the front diff bearing and replaced it with the ECGS bushing, I know the wheel bearings go pretty easy. Im looking at a 2007 DCSB 4wd 6sp. Thanks for any input!

 

they are vehicles blessed by a higher power, if you avoid turd gen.

 

Only “major” ones I know of is the timing cover leak, and maybe frame rust if you’re in a salt state.

 

God. Damn. Sun. Visors.

 

Yes sir. Didnt know about the turd gen but Im sticking with 2nd Gen as long as I can. Losing my 2005 is breaking my heart; I love that damn truck. Head gasket is cracked (05-06 design flaw) and clutch/tran is worn out though and I just cant come up with a formula to justify replacing/repairing all that in a 2005 with 227,000.

 

Be aware since your looking at a 6 speed, they can have their own quirks... do some research on the throw out bearing issues in particular (steel bearing riding on an alluminium quil over time starts to wobble and gaul the quill which can in some cases lead to a broken quil. Some people get lucky though and they never have problems with them. (My 2013 throw out bearing starting giving me issues around only 35k requiring replacement with an oversized bearing and steel quil sleeve) Otherwise they're pretty solid trucks.

 

Hey thanks for the quick reply. Do you know if this happens on most of them (gasket design flaw)? That timing cover isnt exactly easy to get to but Im guessing from reading the manual, its a damn sight easier than replacing the head gasket.

 

Ah yes, the throwout and quill. I have read about that and until my head gasket, I was actually going to check that out when I replaced my clutch. I read on here somewhere that someone has fabricated and is selling a fix for this. From what I read, it seems to be a solid product. Is that possibly what you had done? Thanks man!

 

I wouldn’t say it’ll happen to most of them, but it’s common enough for it to be mentioned frequently here. It’s not an actual gasket, but rather some rtv type stuff, I’m guessing vibration over the years eventually forms a leak, some people say it’s caused by the power steering pump being in that area... not sure though.

As for the truck you have, if you like it just put a used lower mileage engine in it, there’s plenty of wrecked donor trucks in the salvage yards.

 

Scarcity.

 

You messed up when you came to this site. Only major issue is becoming obsessed with mods and spending all your money on truck parts.

 

Ha! Thats going to happen to a guy like me regardless!

 

URD makes the kit here. I think if you stick with 07-11, you'd be fine.

 

Thanks brother!

 

There are issues with the secondary air pump that runs on a cold start. If the foam filter on it starts to degrade, it gets sucked into the pump impeller and destorys it. Engine goes into limp mode and you have to either bypass or replace the air pump. The air pump does help that cats last longer

 

Do you know if the filter is replaceable? How hard is it to replace the filter or pump? Thanks man!

 

FYI - I believe only the 2012 and newer models have this filter.

 

I think there is a V6 engine in the 2gen parts out of an 08-or 09 with 95,000 for 850.00 in the Dallas area. You have already probably thought thru that route but just in case look it up. Rick

 

So...it needs a head gasket and a clutch after 227k miles?

Fix it. It ain't dead yet. Clutches wear out, head gaskets let loose. These things happen. Toss in new timing chains while you're in there, and be done with this for at least another 227k.

Are you mechanically inclined, at all? These aren't difficult jobs IMO, but I've been doing it for ~25 years.

 

Hey I like your style! I am strongly considering that because I love this truck. I have done all the maintenance and repair on this rig and even though i have never done a head gasket and timing chain, I would really like to take a shot at it. Ive done CV axel, wheel bearing, belt and pulleys, center bearing and u-joints. I feel like i could take a crack at this and fix it. What about rods and valves? Should i try a rebuild?