Advice on full maintenance for 143k 2004?

So I’m not new to Toyota, but to the Tacoma I am. 2004 Corolla, 98 4Runner, 98 Tercel, 96 Tercel, 2008 tundra. So. A few questions…. What are some common problems with the 04 2.4l automatic xtra cab 2wd tacomas? It’s had 1 owner, maintained by the dealership. Do these have the pink milkshake problems like in the 3.4l 4Runner? Truck has 143,000 miles give it take a few. Anyone on here throw on the hellwig rear sway bar? It’s my daily commute truck to and from work and work is a whopping 1.2 miles from home. I’m about to do full maintenance on it… spark plugs, engine oil, trans oil, rear diff oil, new belts, and in the future a plethora of new parts. I always try and stick with Toyota OE parts when applicable including oils/fluids just to be safe. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

First time owner, also a 2003 extended cab Tacoma, 3.4L, 2WD. Interested in the most common issues. Thanks

 

There's a place for sticky threads at the top of the forum here. It's full of great ideas from tips to upgrades to maintenance. Pretty sure that engine is nigh unbreakable. Welcome, both of you.

 

One thing to be aware of: There are some pretty major differences between the 5 lug (4wd) trucks, and the 6 lug (4wd and PreRunner) trucks. When doing research or buying parts make sure that you're looking for parts for the 5 lug truck. There are tons of writes up and knowledge out there which kind of gloss over that. I also suggest adding that to you little blue profile area so that others here can give you advice about your truck, and not a 6 lug truck.

 

Other than being under powered the 2.4 is a reliable motor, good for your use of you want a truck to commute in.

We have a 5 lug forum you might find useful.

Just remember that our 5 lugs are very different suspensions (and some other things) than the 6 lugs, and most online parts are 6 lug focused.

 

Valve shim clearance check and adjustment. Shouldn’t be overlooked/ignored as part of normal maintenance.

 

I just bought about $800 in front suspension parts off rockauto. I noticed a lot of the parts are for the 6 lug/4wd. I’ll post pictures when I’m off work. I appreciate the advice and I’ll look at the stickies and wander around looking for some good knowledge. I plan on keeping this truck till I die. I love it. Like you said clearwater bill it’s perfect for my use.

 

When you want to tag someone you do it like @j.gunther so they get a notification.

Of course if you get quoted as I did you here, that gets notification too.

 

I gotch you @Clearwater Bill tha k you for the knowledge

 

Yeah the lower ball joints are a ticking time bomb on these.....
....do em sooner, than later....


And dont ever let it over heat.......hopefully the heads in the later ones got thicker over time.....
always be watching your coolant and watch this guy....@ 17:20


(95) Why Do Toyota Water Pumps Leak? How to Prevent Them From Leaking? - YouTube

 

@O’Silver_Taco this is exactly why I love forums! Because of little tid bits like that from people like you! Thank you it’s funny I just watched another video of his earlier today. Looks like I’ll be getting some coolant too. Just ordered a Toyota fuel filter, sensor spark plugs… this thing is getting an overhaul. yea I’m still waiting for my complete order from rockauto, they split the order. Upper/lower ball joints, inner outer tie rods, control arm, sway bar bushings/end links…. Everything.. oh and I went with the bilstein shocks over the kyb’s. They’re only $80 a piece.

 

The fuel filter on the 2.4 and 2.7 is under the intake manifold. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7l-fuel-filter-replacement-diy-in-6-easy-steps.308395/ I know this thread says "easy", but be prepared.