'03 Tacoma Health Check

I had my local dealership do a multi-point health check to see what they said...

Overall they said everything looks great for a 18 year old stock truck with 154K and nothing was in need of attention, but (here comes the dealership hook) they did list the following as things that they would recommend doing if I wanted to throw some money at it.

(In no particular order)
1). Drive Shaft Center Support bearing ($0.2K)
2). Steering Rack Replacement ($1.3K)
3). Shocks and Struts, Both front ($1K)
4). Shock Absorbers/Struts, Both rear($0.7K)
5). Valve cover gasket replacement ($0.6K)
6). New tires, BFG KO2 31s ($1K)

I'm sure #3 and 4 would be nice (for comfort) as I do feel like my ride has gotten a bit hard on the bumps at speed, but I wonder if I'm just making that up now that I'm thinking about it more.

I've also been considering stepping up my tires to 33s so the timing might be good to go up in size. If I go that route I'm sure there would be a ripple effect of fun mods that would then follow. I also have a nice set of 33s with TR beadlocks (from my FJ62) sitting in my garage that I've yet to sell. Oh the options,,,

I don't want to throw money at it and I don't think I'm quite ready to start mod'ing this out. If that's the case then should I do #1,2 and 5 and hold off on lift related items?

Any thoughts--What would you all do?
Cheers,

 

Are #1-5 original 150k parts?

What's the difference between 3 and 4?

 

Yes, I'm pretty sure 1 through 5 are original parts (never been changed). Besides the regular maintenance type stuff from the dealership or the local shop it's been easy going. (knock on wood)

Oh, and #3 is (both front) & 4 is (both rear). That's just they way they wrote it on their report card. I updated the OP to show this now.

 

@dpw good info, I know I need shocks and maybe the same other stuff for my '04 142K mi dbl cab 4x4, so that gives me a comparison $. Where are you located, Im in DC area.

 

3 &4

Dude, do those yourself. You can do it for about 400 bucks or less.

 

Unless your known by the Service Writers and Service Manager as a do it yourself person you will always get a list of recommended services of the week. Some places they just show up on the invoice.

It can also be tripped by the mileage on the work order. Gotta be a 4 cylinder or Timing Belt would most likely be on there.

Funny how so many neglect the Blinker Fluid !

 

@Wyoming09, good point.
I only change my blinker fluid with high-quality synthetic blinker fluid. Oh, and don't forget about the hazard light fluid while you're in there.

 

$600 for a valve cover gasket replacement? Wow. You can do that for about $50 yourself

 

$1700 total for front/rear shocks?? holy moly

I would not have the dealership do this kind of work, you'll save 1/2 or more by going to an independent shop.

Dealerships are for warranty work on newer vehicles only IMO, you'll get better quality work and prices outside the dealership

 

I know it's common to think that no shop will know your truck better than a Toyota dealership, but IMO that's just not true especially with older vehicles like ours. Most people don't bring their older vehicles into dealerships for work so they don't see them as often, chances are they don't work on very many 1st gen Tacomas at all anymore.

An independent shop that specializes in Toyotas would be a much better bet and likely wayyy cheaper, too. They can source OEM parts if you request (and pay) for it.

 

If your truck is running fine, then just steer clear of the dealership and press on!

 

not sure about the rest but i am getting #5, valve cover gasket replacement tomorrow on my 01 DC 3.4L. From what i've read these tend to go at about 150K at least on the 5VE although my original gasket lasted 320K before it started leaking. Over the next 20K the leaking oil made a big mess of the engine compartment although I dont think it ever became anything more than annoying. But its not going to get better so its getting fixed for about $600 at a No Cal dealer, same price as a local independent shop quoted although the indy guy said go to the dealer and also have the valve clearance checked and adjusted if needed, which he said he couldnt do as well as the dealer.

Do it yourself? Maybe, seen the video, lots of parts to take off, lots of potential for doing something wrong, lots of time plus you'll probably do it only once on this truck. Hey if the dealer charges $180 for a tranny fluid change, then $600 for this seems (almost) fair.