First Toyota in 25 year

Hello,

Well after my brother flipped my 1st Gen 4Runner on its roof in 1998, I finally have another Toyota. Well I didn't have to really own a vehicle for the last 15 years due to work, but that has changed and I am excited to start customizing my new Toy.

2003 Tacoma 4-Door

I don't know much about the truck, been out of the game to long.
Looks to already have some custom aftermarket cosmetics.
Suspension looks like maybe a stock 2.5" with blocks?

Any tips on what should be the first things to check out or upgrade would be awesome.

 

Looks good. How about the part of the frame that goes over the rear axle.

 

I'd start with replacing all fluids (brake fluid, coolant, ATF, gear oils, power steering fluid, engine oil). I'd attack them in roughly that order. Then I'd check brakes and bushings. Safety and reliability first.

Edit: Add lower ball joints near the top of the list. Only use Toyota OEM for these.

 

Like this?

 

Great suggestions. Definitely a good fluid job is a must.

 

Looks acceptable..Nice color. Im sure you have read up on ball joints and tie rods. If not be sure to do it.

 

Id consider a two inch body lift. The tires are fillin up those holes to the point it might bottom out

 

Welcome to TW.

 

I presume this truck has the six cylinder engine?

If so - I cannot be of much help. I know far more about the 3RZ.

Nevertheless, a few things:

- Upgrade your battery cables. The factory battery cables are terribly small. So small, in fact, that I personally regard them as a fire hazard. Check out the "Big 7" kit.
- Invest in an aftermarket oil pressure gauge. It's a crucial metric which you should monitor.
- ScanGauge2, similarly, is also a wise investment.
- Frame rot is a known issue for these trucks. You are in the Pacific Northwest so it is less of a concern. Nevertheless, consider coating the frame with Waxoyl, Eastwood, or something else.

Those are some tips off the top of my head.

 

I surely want to lift it another 2 to 3 inches. I am just not sure what if anything g it already has.

If definitely has blocks in the back so I am not sure if that is considered a 2" lift already.

I been looking at lifts and most are like a 3" coils and leafs. So I'm not sure if that will give me more lift or just replace my height with better equipment.

Lots of options.

 

Yes it for the V6.

Great advice on the battery cables. I'll be sure to take a look and note that this weekend.

 

Something else. You might want to delete that bull bar. Those bars tend to worsen damage in collisions. If you want armor then look into a steel tube bumper instead. Baja trucks use those for a reason. ARB is great but plate steel is less sturdy.

 

I will say it looks super clean with out it!

 

Ok. Off with the plastic steps.... lol

Hope to add a nice bad in future but this looks better for now lol.

 

So much better without the steps.

 

The paint seems to be in pretty good shape at least from the pictures you've posted

 

Much better....Now like some are thinking. buff it out....Maybe Clay Bar