Creating the immortal truck

Hey all, got a question that has likely been done to death before. My search skills are probably failing me, so please post links to any relevant threads.

I got a Taco for only one reason: superior engineering. They are excellent trucks with long lifespans. Of course, even the best vehicle will fail without the proper maintenance and maybe a couple neat mods to keep it running right. I have gathered that the following are pretty smart:

Regular oil changes, just like with any other vehicle
Don't over-stress the drivetrain by driving like an ass
Use 4WD once a month for... reasons?
Apply a Fluid Film-type undercoat to protect the frame from rust
Don't murder the aerodynamics with add-ons (like roof-mounted spare tires) so the engine can run at lower rpm's at highway speed
Don't lift the truck more than 3 inches, because the drivetrain boogeyman will show up
Relocate the rear differential breather in case of sudden submersion

My question is this: what would YOU recommend to keep your truck running past the 300k, 400k, or 500k mile mark?

 

Daily praying.

 

Now that the clergy have had their say...

Anyone have some pointers?

 

1.) Don't get into a wreck
2.) If it breaks, fix it.

I really wouldn't put too much thought into it. A lot of vehicles will last if you take care of them.

 

I kept my old 2004 F-150 running for 323k miles, so I hear you there. I was curious if there were any particular things I should look out for, or mods to avoid.

 

Im an ordained minister if you want a Zoom exorcism

 

Stay off TW. Half the advice is expensive, the other half is just as expensive.

 

I try to follow the recommended intervals for fluids, filters, etc that are listed on this thread.. I track the intervals on an excel sheet with dates and mileage it was changed at and the suggested date and mileage it should be looked at.

 

You mentioned proper maintenance but you only include one maintenance item - oil changes. Relevant preventive maintenance includes all fluid changes (ATF, diff, PS, coolant, brake, etc...); plug changes; hoses and belt; thermostat; idler pulley bearings; brakes; clean MAF; air filter. Consider adding a voltage meter (a simple cig lighter plug in will do) to monitor battery and alternator status. These are off the top of my head; I'm sure I missed a couple ...

 

I understand that there's more to maintenance interval tasks than oil changes. I'm still muddling through the link below...

... to make my own maintenance tracking spreadsheet.

@Chuy, I also have an UltraGauge installed to monitor battery voltage.

 

With enough money you can easily keep your truck past 400k, regardless of your luck. That may involve some serious engine work, but only if you get unlucky.

You may want to monitor your LTFT (long term fuel trim) on your scanner, it’ll give some helpful data on your performance.

Other posts hit the main things (fluids,belts, u-joints etc.). I think how you drive/how often you tow is a huge factor in engine life.

 

Personally I think cleaning and waxing make a huge difference too. My Wife and Bother-In-Law both bought vehicles months apart in 2011. I wash my Wife's car bi-weekly with nothing really special. Wax it ever few months and except for the rock chips in the hood the car looks almost brand new.

My BIL is a different story. Monthly washing and probably has never seen a coat of wax. His roof and hood are rusted out and the car looks beat. Doesnt have the money to keep up with regular maintenance because he doesnt know how to or care to learn to do even oil changes. (Paid 1200 for brakes)

A few things that I have done and feel will make my truck last longer

AreoSpace 303. Use it on all the plastics and rubbers. From dash to coating everything under the hood.
Scotch Guard. All interior fabrics.
I buy everything in bulk. Its much easier to complete or do things when you have them on the shelf. IE Case of Oil Filters, Case of Air Filters, Case of Cabin Filters.
Buy Tools that you actually like to use and make the job easier. For me its been Fumoto Valve, SpeedBleeders, Jack and Jack Stands, Battery Impact and for my Wifes car a Filter Socket.

 

I’m still looking for information on spark plug and suspension component longevity. Changing spark plugs every 30k miles sounds like overkill, and I don’t know if there’s a recommended number of miles for spring and shock replacement (front and rear).

 

I have iridium plugs in all the Toyota products in my sig list, and all, except the RX350; have Denso Long Life iridiums. I’m on my 2nd set in my Taco; the first set were changed at 110k. I pulled them at 80k to check them; they were clean and they had no noticeable lack of engine performance. The gap was excessive but i re-gapped them and they performed as expected another 30k. The current set, I will do 60/100 - regap at 60k, and replace at 100k. I will note the first set were NGK iridiums; the Long Life’s have a harder ground electrode, so I expect the gap to be closer to spec than NGK’s at same mileage.

 

Maintenance is huge but also your driving habits play a big role in how long your tuck will last. Beat the shit out of it and it won’t last. It’s a modern vehicle made with modern materials that focus on light weight and cost savings. It’s not an Abrams tank.

 

Keep it in a garage, avoid water crossings and don't slam it into gear and floor it as soon as you start it. And avoid short trips, of course.

I have a start up procedure born and adapted from my occasionally driving a 35 foot rescue type truck for work. Lots of people over look this. It starts with a 360 of the vehicle. Just a visual check of the tires and to ensure there are no unseen objects in the way or fluid puddles. Start and actually watch the gauge cluster while everything beeps and blinks. I at least let the idle settle before driving off. I pump the brakes and turn the wheel a little during this time to check pressure. Seems like it takes less than 30 seconds for the idle to come down. Then just stay easy on the throttle until everything- engine, trans, diffs and tires have a chance to warm up.

Most people seem to totally skip these things, just crank and floor it. The whole process is less than a minute and will absolutely make your car last longer.

 

Yep, I agree

 

I've heard varying reports about iridium plugs. Do the Denso Long Life plugs fix the issues that others have reported?

I drive like an old man. I never exceed 2k rpms, even when accelerating or passing someone. The only time it'll take a beating is if someone decides to hit me. I haven't been at an at-fault accident since I was 16 years old (16 years ago), so I doubt it'll be the other way around.

I'm gonna start doing this. Good thinking.

 

All I can tell you us I bought iridium plugs, gapped them then installed them. The next day I replaced them. They made the truck run like shit.