Did I make a huge mistake?

You're flipping out because 3 things wore out at 140k, that normally are expected to last 100k miles on any vehicle?

That are:
-$25/ea (LBJ)
-$65/ea (Bearing)
-and valve cover gaskets (like $30 for a set of 2, that most people change anyway due to going in there to install upgraded cam gears)


Nevermind the fact that you bought a vehicle in CO where the price is higher, but didn't have to pay that,
and bought it for $14k whereas not long ago (if not still) such trucks are $18k, giving you $4k pocketed to spend on repairs

Could've driven it hard, smacked into some bumps to check for clunks
but hey, took a risk I guess
Your car now. Not really the seller's problem

AND it already came with mods everyone wants like 33', 5100, lift, etc.
Gotta love it. There's always those people "$5 tail light bulb just died can't BELIEVE this shit"

 

A tire shop will usually do a front end inspection for you that involves raising the vehicle and using a pry bar to check for ball joint wear. I sure haven’t heard of the driving in circles method as a professional test.

 

Really jackass?

 

Nothing wrong with that. Being able to fix things, even things you know nothin about, is a great skill.

BTW, if the frame on your truck is rust free, I’d just fix things as they come up.

 

I maybe took it to the wrong shop...came highly recommended from people in that area, but I wasn't super impressed.

 

In my experience working at a tire shop once upon a time, staff is scared to lift a car more than feet above the ground, and does not know anything about cars besides the fact that tires are made of rubber
So No

Truck ball joints are stronger to handle off road
so pushing on them with a pry bar is not a good indicator of play
they can make noise and still not have detectable play with a pry bar or pliers

 

Unfortunately, as the owner of a couple of 1500 Chevys, I’ve had too much experience with bad ball joints. I’ve stood under the truck with them and asked them to show me lol..

 

@Ts77 First, you did your own work. Kudos to you. Second, you're a gal who did your own work. Third, pardon me, but those lacking 2 X chromosomes may think they don't need to tell you anything because "wimmin ain't mechanical." Tell 'em to see comment one. Drop a ball peen hammer on their foot for emphasis and then say "oh, silly me, I just don't know how to hold these things."

I think you will install in the future some modification and then remove it because it doesn't work for you. That mod will cost more than what you think you may have overpaid for your sharp-looking truck. If you are blessed, you'll only do one such mod. If you're like most of us, it's one such mod. Per year. Hopefully.

Use the forum often. Ask. We've all been there. Tie in with a local club, even just the local group on TW. Someone can help you turn a wrench if need be. Few of the TW faithful are in it for the money. Those that frequently respond to posts want to help others. It's why we carry rescue gear and tools.

Welcome to your second Taco. Again, kudos and sharp-looking truck.

 

You need to take a deep breath, brother.

For someone who asks so many questions on here you sure do attack anyone else who is asking them.

I highly doubt "most" people install upgraded "cam gears" and I'm sure you appreciated people answer your numerous questions about gear oil, window controls, battery cables, the weather, wiper blades, wheels, welding, snorkels, control arms, tire freaking size . . . etc.

 

You Right

 

I know that was not necessarily for me, but thank you

 

I have a similar situation , when I got my taco I missed the rear axle seals leaking into the brake drums, took it in for inspection and it ended up costing 1800 to get it all fixed and out . I too paid 13600 for mine and was pissed .

What I’m getting at is get it all fixed up and you will love your truck

 

Thanks Mark I hope I won't have to make use of the droppin the hammer on the foot maneuver, but thanks for the suggestion just in case
Everyone on here has been super helpful (accept one of course), and I truly appreciate it. I think I've just been freaking out due to my naivete both with older trucks and what I should've realized would be the inevitable wrenching on them. I had Tacoma fever because of all the awesome places I want it to take me (do you know how many Grand Canyon adventures are to be had if you can just get to where said adventures begin??? ), where the subie can't, but just panicking a bit. And yeah, I over-paid a bit for sure, but here in CO the listings have been all over the place for months now...some 2006's were going for $16k, but then again, I saw an 08 advertised for $15k which seems more reasonable...for here anyways. So crazy!
But again, thank you, I really appreciate it!!

 

thanks...good to know I'm not the only one too but sorry that happened to you

 

Oh yea then shorty after my Ac went and that was another 1500 . Now 3 years go by and I don’t really care I like my truck and every since it’s been all maintenance items

 

We've all been there bro. I once bought the biggest POS truck on the face of the earth because of the recommendation of some guy I knew who had a reputation for knowing his way around trucks. Huge and costly mistake on my part. Basically I paid for a truck and ended up with a rusty lawn ornament. Live and learn. Unfortunately, it always seems like those expensive lessons most often come when you can least afford them.

I wish you luck with it whatever the outcome...

 

I think that’s bro-ett

 

I stand corrected sir.

 

Yea I’m going out on a limb with my assumption

 

That's because it's not a lesson unless you're in a position to learn it.

That does sound like a good amount of work to do yourself, I'm mechanically inclined and haven't really done anything with CV axles or bearings. Do you have a torque wrench to make sure everything is to spec? I think that's my next tool investment.

Valve cover seep is very common, I'd monitor it but as far as I've been led to believe it's not an emergency. Mine has some too at 170k miles.

Enjoy the truck, or list it for more than you think you can get and see what happens. Don't hold onto it if you will only resent it.