what to do first and then what else plus some questions

hello...new to the forum...just bought a 2005 tacoma 4wd with the off road package. It is my first 4WD and it has approx 203,000 miles on it and seems to run well as I drove it approximately 60 miles home and have tried out the high and low 4wd and everything seems to work. the interior needs some cleaning up and the exterior is pretty good except for the paint on the hood and the edges of the roof over the doors. The previous owner said he thought it had a 3 inch lift on it, but didn't have much to say about maintenance, but did have receipts for regular oil changes, tires, brakes, etc. I've taken a look at the how to links and guess I will start by changing all of the fluids (coolant, oil, differentials, and transfer case, etc). then will change plugs and various filters (air, fuel, etc).


few questions..

anything I'm missing and anything I should consider doing next?

noticed somewhere that they recommend different fluid if you have a limited slip differential, how do I determine if I have one?

looking at new tires and not sure if truck has TPMS, anyway to tell besides letting the air out?

what is the rear locker for? (I've never owned a 4WD)?

what is the no clutch start button for?

how do you know if it has VSC?

previous owner removed the TRD off road stickers from the sides of the bed, I'd like to replace them. any suggestions on where to get them and how to replace them?

Thanks ahead of time for your responses

 

Check the vent hoses on the transfer case, ADD, and rear locker actuators, if they are cracked or broken replace them.

If it's a true TRD OffRoad you should have a locking rear diff (RR DIFF LOCK button) not limited slip so no additive required.

If it does you should have a TPMS light that comes on for a sec when the key is turned on.

Lock's the rear differential so both rear tires turn at the same speed (only works in 4Lo)

If you press it you don't have to depress the clutch to start the truck (stays active until the key is cycled).

Being a 2005 it probably doesn't, if it does you will have this button.

 

Have the battery checked at a parts store. It is a free service, or if you suspect the battery is more than 3 years old consider replacement. Never had a battery die in the right place at the right time.....

 

E-Bay is a good place for replacement trd stickers.

 

Dude you’ve got a solid truck it seems, besides replacing fluids I’d only worry about the head gaskets 05-06 seem to have had some issues. However if it ain’t blowing smoke I wouldn’t worry.

 

Every 4x4 i start at the ground and work up brakes ,Suspension , steering linkage and inspect all the rubber hoses.

Change all the fluids

There is always going to be areas neglected in maintenance

 

Check the frame for rust

Post a picture of your suspension and someone will be able to tell you exactly what you have

 

I just bought a 2005 myself. I crawled underneath and looked at everything. I got all the service records from the previous owner he loved his truck and took good care of it. Only sold it because of baby on the way. I thought he was going to change his mind before handing me the keys . You can get all the service records from Toyota service lane by entering the VIN I do believe

 

Thanks for all the replies. I've attached some pictures of the dashboard buttons, not sure what the switch is between the mirror and clutch start button? Also included some pictures of the rear and front suspension as suggested so others can weigh in. Rear differential has a sticker on it not sure if it means anything. Also found the drivers side top of rear shock is broken. Can I replace with original OEM shocks even though it's been lifted.

Again thanks again

 

Not sure, it's aftermarket so you would have to trace the wires and track that down yourself, does it have any aftermarket lights that you see?

 

Need to see the front of the rear diff but having the button is a good sign.

 

Cant tell from the pics if the truck has a rear lift. The front looks stock unless it has aftermarket coils. Measure the height from ground to bottom of the fender through center of the wheel and post the results. Someone here can measure similar setup to compare heights. I have a 2.75” lift; my height is 36 inches with 17-inch wheels.
On rear need a clear pic where the leaf springs mount to the axle. I dont recall height in rear on my truck with an inch lift.

 

how is the frame regarding rust? Looks nice though

 

Frame looks good. I spoke with previous owner and he said extra dash switch is for roof light bar. He also said he bought the truck already lifted and he thought the previous owner said it had a 3 inch lift. I've included some pictures of the fender heights appears the front is approximately 38 and the rear is 37 1/2. The tires are 285/70/17. I've also included pictures of the front of the rear differential and a few of the rear suspension including the top of the broken shock... thanks

 

Can't tell for sure but looks like you have a small spacer lift in front with Bilstein 5100 shocks. Can't tell if the 5100 spring perches are set for lift or not, you would need to look at the bottom of the front spring perch and count how many grooves up it's mounted.

Rear looks like Bilstein OEM or 4600 shocks (basically same same). Junk, replace. Leaf springs it's hard to tell what's going on there or what they are. There was a TSB spring replacement that switched them to 3+1 like this but I'm not sure, kinda looks like an add-a-leaf.

For the fender measurements, go from the center of the wheel hub to the fender. Stock front is like 20.5" and stock rear is like 22" if I remember correctly.

 

Hey key-rei.... wondering if these pics of the front of the rear differential tell you anything about the limited slip...thanks

 

That is the e-locker diff, no limited slip.

 

While you are changing the rear Diff fluid, you might consider changing the vent too.
If it get stuck shut, it will vent out through the axle seal. Usually on the drivers side in my case.
Pulling the axle is no fun. It’s a lot easier to pay like 15$ for a new vent.

 

That's a TRD Off-Road OE E-Locker.

 

Hey... just wanted to say thanks and provide an update and share what I have done and what I found. I took advantage of the warm weather here in Colorado and installed sparkplugs, PVC valve, cleaned maf sensor and throttle body, changed oil, transfer case, front and rear differential fluid, rear diff vent, and greased the drive shafts.

I thought I would share pictures of the sparkplugs as I've never seen plugs this worn down. As you can see the electrodes are worn down into the sparkplug body. Just for fun i measured the gap and it was .090 or more than twice the suggested gap. I'm wondering if they have ever been changed since there's 3 ngk and 3 denso which is how they came from the factory. It has 203,000 miles on it. I bought the truck a few weeks ago and drove it 60 miles home and probably another 30 around town and it actually ran ok. Of course now it runs great in comparison.... thanks again.

I also have attached pictures of the rear and front diff magnetic drain plugs showing the amount of metal shavings on both. I would estimate the thickness at 3/16 of an inch. I have know idea if the duff fluids have ever been changed.

Again thanks for all the guidance and suggestions