02 Tacoma Daily Driver

Just sold my other vehicle, so for now my 02 Tacoma will become my daily driver. It's almost hit 100k miles. Luckily, my commute is very short (a mile from my house). I do live in a rural area, though, so trips to the nearest Walmart or hardware store (45 miles) are common.

Here are my ideas to get it highway ready. Please add anything else you think is necessary.

- Replace lower ball joints
- Replace original spare and have tires balanced
- Possibly an alignment
- Cruise control (it has the Rostra cruise control installed, but it isn't working)

I bought it six months ago, and it was meticulously taken care of before it sat for a few months. I know the fluids have been maintained. As far as I can tell, the LBJs are factory so replacing those is a must. Tires are 7 years old but are in great shape (aside from the spare). It does shake a little around 60-70mph, so I'm starting with balancing the tires to try and solve that issue.

Am I missing anything?

 

Those tires are past their lifespan due to age. I would get new tires.

 

I understand that the recommended maximum age on tires is 6-10 years. The tires have no cracks or signs of dry rot, and the tread is healthy so my plan wasn't to replace them quite yet.

I guess it is better safe than sorry though.

 

I commute my 04 Tacoma daily with no issues.

 

What a beauty. If there is one thing I could change on mine, it would be to change the paint color from the Mystic Gold to white or red. The clear coat around my rear fenders and bed is shot and peeling, so that doesn't help the look either.

 

Nonsense. I rocked bald MTRs for 10 years…kidding. But I did though.

 

I get it @TashcomerTexas, Im sure I have too.

But, if he wants this truck to be a reliable daily driver for the countryside......

 

You’re absolutely right though. I’d say 6-8 years max depending on tread.

 

White holds up well, no clear coat.

 

winter car

 

summer car

 

I personally found installing larger mirrors a huge benefit for highway driving. Also in the colder months, the shorter drives may kill your battery off faster than you think. A NOCO jump pack is never a bad thing to have on hand.

 

Check your tie rods while doing LBJ’s. Inner and outer are pretty easy to do. You will have to get it aligned anyways.

 

See pic below. After replacing all of the above AND a steering rack, mine would not align due to the worn bushings in the shocks. Replacing shocks/coilovers is a few hours project but usually goes with all the other stuff (LCA's, UCA's, TRE's . . .) The wear shown wasn't really visible before removing them. Here is what I run, closest to stock you'll get preassembled, best price I found.

When I bought mine tires had at least 3/4" of thread. Michelins too. I went to top off the air and the valve literally blew out. Tried to get it repaired and they wouldn't do it, state law wouldn't allow a tire repair past 10 years. Your mileage may vary.

I wouldn't go new on a spare, have them dig up a decent used one. The vibration could be anything from worn suspension parts to driveline issues. Go from least expensive to most, like you say balance, align, try to ignore some of the stuff they'll tell you is wrong.

 

Could look at driveline (rubber donut thing in middle.) For tires I just replaced my 2011 Michelins last week. Tread was still good and had passed Texas safety inspection twice. I was nervous about driving on highway after I noticed the 2011 date. Had driven truck from WA to TX in 2022 (11 years old then.)

 

Any ideas in mind for larger mirrors? Never would have thought of that.

 

My '96 had very small mirrors that didn't fold in. Was a huge pain readjusting them whenever they got bumped. I bought these from Amazon, they were like $80. Surprisingly high quality!

 

Vacuuming my floorboards last night, I noticed that there is daylight coming in through the hole of the steering column. Surely there is a gasket or cover that is supposed to go here, right?


Also, had a floor jack handy so I raised the front of the pickup and checked for play in the front wheels. Significant play from the 12'oclock and 6'oclock positions, and even more from the 3'oclock and 9'oclock positions. Lower ball joints are already ordered, but now I am thinking tie rods needs to be replaced, too, and possibly upper ball joints(?). Money doesn't grow on trees around here, so I am trying to balance replacing the more critical suspension components without putting myself into a financial bind. Plus, I still need tires and an alignment.

Does anyone have any suggestions on other parts I should replace while I am already at it?

 

My 02 double cab has been my daily driver since new, great reliable vehicle. It replaced a 1985 Toyota 4X truck bought new. Recently picked up a 01 Sequoia so Tacoma will be leaving eventually.