2003 3.4 good and bad for first gens

im gonna trade in my 2008 2.7 for a 2003 3.4 double cab trd, what are the ups and down for the first gens.

 

dependable. if you already have your mind set on trading your truck in for a first gen, nothing we say will make you change your mind. i love my 03 dc trd and there are no problems.

 

1. weak leaf springs (solution: replace/add-a-leaf/traction bar)
2. frame rust (solution: replace frame)
3. tokico shocks and struts, but yours may have billies (solution: replace)

These are all I'm aware of and, fwiw, they're easily identified. '03 DC TRD, ftw!

 

pretty sure the recall for the frame rust recall has expired. all these issues though are ones that come with any vehicle you buy at this age.

 

i thought frame rust was 15 years from production? for a 2003 wouldn't that mean 2018?

 

if you had already had it inspected prior to 10/31/10. they then guarantee it after it is inspected.

 

3.4l is very dependable. That is why I love this truck. I never had to worry about it breaking down. I am OCD on maintenance so I change the oil every 3k miles with full synthetic.

In a year I will be selling it though. Will be buying a 2012 Toyota 4runner TE.

 

it'll have tokicos if it still has stock suspension (all first gen TRD DCs (maybe SR5s too?) came with tokicos)


OP, there really isn't much to go wrong. theres only one tsb for them, which is lower ball joints. you can look up the vin on the toyota owner site to see if it was done.

other than that, the frame recall is really the only common problem with them.

 

Well for the frame rust, ask the owner if the frame has been sprayed. If not then go to a Toyota dealership and get it sprayed yourself.

Power wise, you'll probably see a little increase, not much due to the mods you've done to your 2.7.

The biggest pro is that the 03 will most likely be on the road years longer than your 08 will. Just because of the quality that the 1st gens are made with.