My First Truck! '01 Tacoma Sr5 4x4 || 293k Miles || Whats Needed?

Hey everyone! Just picked up my first car (truck) as I'm only 15. It's an '01 SR5 Tacoma 4x4 Manual Transmission, Manual locks/windows, 2.7 I4 engine. Runs perfectly with no issues to speak of. It has 293,000 miles on it. What kind of things should I look at (as far maintenance things). So far I've only changed the oil. It came to me completely stock and I've put late-model wheels on it and a 42" light bar. Is there anything I should keep an eye one? The frame is super clean and engine seems to be making good power. Below is a pic of it. Thank you!

 

Keep it maintained and enjoy it. Nice truck for a 15 yo. Take care of it.

 

This is what it looked like when I bought it

I had to put a new carpet in it. The guy left the windows down in the winter so rain got in it and it was nasty. And I pulled 3 dead mice out of it. Many hour of hard work later, got it all cleaned up. Interior feels brand new. Super clean and doesn't smell.

 

check and replace your lower ball joints, first gens lbj's are known as a pain bro.

 

You recommend any particular ones?

 

Stick with OEM for lower ball joints.

They are not that had to do yourself if you have a little mechanical ability and of course, access to the right tools.

 

Nice looking for 21 years old. It really cleaned up nice.

Check the frame. I know you said it was clean but check it really well. They rust from the inside out so get a heavy pointy object, like a pick hammer an poke all around.

 

I'll do that

 

replace everything that is rubber or greasable. only use OEM parts

oh and take that light bar off

 

Nice job

 

Thank you!!

 

I always tell young people don't fool with it if its not broke. These trucks are hard to diagnose when they have a problem. So. Dont take stuff apart that you shouldn't. Ball joints, oil change, and check throttle body inside and clean good. Check vacuum lines. After that drive carefully especially in the rain. They slide

 

Congrats on the new truck! Mine is much the same - an 2003 with 295K, purchased when it had 17 years of wear.

I agree with Figgys - if the lower ball joints haven't been replaced, put that on the top of your list. If the ball joints go out the wheel suspension flattens out and the front end of the truck is on the ground...and if you've traveling a high speed that could mean body damage or worse. They are trouble to replace - I ended up purchasing the parts and having a mechanic install them after I spent several hours and shouted many expletives while trying to swap them.

Follow the advice of Andrew and Digitratus...go back with OEM parts. The parts that came with the truck have lasted 21 years and the new OEM should be similar. Inexpensive aftermarket parts will deteriorate quicker than you want, and then you'll be replacing these things again.

On mine I rebuilt the front suspension - new upper and lower a-frames, ball joints, tie-end rods, shocks, etc. While you're in there, replace everything you can that is rubber.

Also, replace all the fluids - differential fluids, transmission fluid, brake fluid (it picks up moisture over time), coolant, etc. Check the carrier bearing - if it's worn, replace it with Spicer (Toyota OEM). Check the brakes - pads, shoes, discs and drums. If the spark plugs are several years old, I'd replace them as well.

If you go to https://www.toyota.com/owners/my-vehicle/vehicle-specification and enter your VIN you can see what it came with from the factory.

I can post a list of the recommended fluids if you like. I think I cobbled it together from threads on this forum.

Enjoy your Tacoma!!

 

If you had a complete list that would be amazing!

 

came here to suggest changing ball joints. completely disagree with the LBJ being a PITA. They are super easy to do, its the uppers that suck because they are pressed in.

 

You have a link to the correct ones?

 

i dont off hand, but you can call the parts dept. at your local dealer and let them know you need upper and lower ball joints on each side. Uppers are more expensive (I think around 90 per side? and lowers are maybe half that per side?) I have always had good luck with Moog lowers, but did the uppers with toyota ball joints.

Also look into polyurethane steering rack bushings, if your bushings on the rack are original, they are definitely worn out by now

 

My steering is definately loose. New bushings would solve this? And is this a pretty easy install? I do lots of mechanic work so im not too worried about it

 

it will help for sure, it could also be inner and outer tie rods are worn out. None of it is too hard to replace, there are youtube videos that you can check out to see if you think you can do it, but if you have the tools and not scared to give it a try, it shouldnt be an issue. Almost everything ive done on my truck has been done by myself and learning to do it through youtube videos

 

Ok! I'll probably order some bushing soon and get those installed. Thank you!