2nd gen weaknesses?

Test drive and make sure it doesn't have a shudder at takeoff.

 

06 here, Power steering rack at 120K. Pricey and fiddly to do. I have not had a head gasket issue as yet. Tends to use front brake calipers. Better since I started flushing the brake system each summer. Calipers where sticking after 40K or so. Pistons hanging in the bore. All quiet for the last 70K or so. Frame thing worked out OK for me, lot's of new parts for free. Seal tranny takes some care for service, but it seem bulletproof.

Yea, my clock is slow too, putting on Craigslist...

 

I have an 09 and only real things I’d add was the head unit freaking out and needing replaced soon after I bought it (used) and as I understand it, this was common in certain years.

also the rear axle seals seem to plague some folks but mine have been fine so far. Knock on wood.

Front wheel bearings.

some talk of the AC drain needing relocating because it was designed in such a way as to drain onto the frame promoting rust.

everything else has been mentioned- frame, leaf springs, DRL’s melting lenses (only an issue with the 09s)

 

↑
Your wallet becomes the biggest weakness once you’re on this site.
Omg how true. I could drop several nuts on some of the stuff I've seen here.

This.
You can do sooo much to these trucks. Adaptive to your every need . . . gonna be opening the wallet and digging deep into pockets to satisfy your wants.
On the flip side of cost . . . you will have an awesome vehicle that will look good, and you enjoy so much for a long time.

 

‘05-‘08 have the fold forward rear seats which makes a nice flat platform for hauling stuff. ‘07-‘08 gets you out of the early head gasket and motor mount problems. ‘09-‘15 have the goofy fold rearward rear seats.

 

I'd say the biggest weakness is the head gasket issue in the 4.0L during the first few years. Beyond that, nothing super terrible. The LBJ design was fixed after the 1st gens.

If you live anywhere near a salt-belt state, you're foolish for not doing some sort of rust proofing treatment

$0.25 Hose clamp solves that issue.

 

I didn’t realize this. Sure would be nice if my seats folded forward, but no big deal I guess.

 

This TW member swapped the early seats into a later Taco.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/access-cab-retro-rear-seat-install.388170/

 

Left foot rest too....

$11 Toyota Genuine Parts - Rest Assy, Fr Floor (58190-04022)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TNNRKVW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I lived with mine for over a year, then just thought "ah hell...I'll look. I'm SURE they don't have it, or it's a Franklin for the damn thing...but I'll look" but lo-and-behold.....8 bucks...holy shit. And it even fit lol

 

Rear springs are crap. You will need after market replacements or airbags if you plan on hauling anything heavier than a bag of mulch.

 

All the previously listed items above

on 2012s the secondary air pump can fail and leave you with a $1200 bill and a truck stuck in limp mode

Your alignment cams bolts will seize to the bushings and they will have to be replaced at some point in the salt states. Not a matter of if but when. Keep them lubed and it will delay it.

 

I don’t know why I haven’t even googled the damn thing yet, it’s been broken since I’ve had my truck. Thank you!

 

The radiator core support is prone to cracking beneath and behind the headlights. This is caused by heavy items hanging off the front end: batteries, steel bumper, winch, and Wheeling hard.

 

No problem brother.

Just a side note: If you have the little push in connectors still in the holes, naturally they have to come out. I spent (I'm not gonna say, but too damn long) trying to take one out with...pliers, screwdriver as a prybar, breaking into pieces, etc...only to find out they will screw out pretty easy. Not sure if they're supposed to or if the little barbs are just flexible enough to slip up to the next one as you turn it, but it works.

The new foot rest comes with new push in "rivets" or whatever you wanna call em.

 

Hahaha sounds exactly like something I would do, I’m pretty sure the tabs are still in there so thank you for that!

 

Do the early models not have storage under seats then? Or thinner cushions or some other difference? My '10 cushion folds forward, and the back folds down for a flat platform.

 

Everyone about covered everything I can think of. There are enough very high mileage 2nd gens to prove their longevity.

 

You have the double cab. I was referring to the access cab. All of the AC and DC have storage under the seats.

 

How about you give us some more info as to what you plan on doing with it.

Getting groceries: none
Hauling light loads: none
Going to work: none
Light wheeling: none

Outside of that you are buying the wrong platform unless you want to spend what the truck is worth on upgrades.

How about some more pics of stock trucks. Or maybe red access cabs with 2" of lift and aftermarket control arms. Or maybe some cool mods like painting the engine cover.

 

I doubt it, he's been dead since '73