Newbie

I have a 2007 V6 4wd, 157k mileage. Finally starting to have some time to do my own work, kids are growing up and leaving the house. I have a few questions as I get going here:

Are factory service manuals needed/worth the $? Are there any other good learning tools? I have basic auto knowledge, random stuff my dad showed me, done simple maintenance and some random repairs over the years.

What's the best lift solution? I typically just slide under my truck as needed, I have some ramps but typically don't mess with getting them out.

Any other tips or info on tools I need to get as I'm starting up would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

The FSM might be nice to have, but really you can find just about anything that has ever gone wrong with a Tacoma discussed in posts here on TW. Use the search function, switch to using Google search if you don’t like the kinds of posts that are coming up from the site search. And a few long-time members are very helpful with questions, often posting some relevant sections of the service manual as debug progresses on your specific problem.

Personally, I’ve been fine with working under the truck without any lift but I’m sure that would change should I for instance need to drop the tranny or something like that. And of course a jack plus jack stands give additional clearance when needed.

There’s a maintenance thread in the sticky post section at the top of the 2nd gen forum page, as well as another that discusses tools needed for various tasks.

One thing I’ll suggest right off the bat, take a look at the vent line on your transfer case actuator. It’s prone to splitting/cracking and will eventually fall off, allowing water intrusion into the actuator. On my 2011 it was ready to let go, was easy to cut off 1” and patch in a new piece using a right-angle vacuum line adapter. Look at the one on the front actuator as well, but it doesn’t have the same nasty 180 degree bend so it isn’t as prone to failure.

 

Sounds good, thanks for the info!

 

Welcome to TW! As @Leomania said, lots of good input here from some very knowledgeable folks. I also use google which I prefer over the TW search and then of course youtube. I'll read and watch a lot of videos before starting a project, while weeding out the bad and taking in the good info. So far at 67, I have not had to use a lift. Just a creeper, floor jack and jack stands for rotating tires, changing fluids or suspension and brake work. The only thing I wish I had would be an AC for the garage.

 

Welcome to TW