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When to upgrade?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Inmand09, Dec 3, 2014.

  1. Dec 3, 2014 at 9:02 AM
    #1
    Inmand09

    Inmand09 [OP] ArkLaTex Offroad Vice President

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    David
    Granbury, TX
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    ‘18 White TRD Offroad
    3" Suspension Lift, Skids, Sliders, Ditch Lights, Rock Lights, CB, etc.
    i have a 2004 base model non PreRunner with 285k miles on it I use as a DD. I need to put more money into the truck just to keep it running.

    Should I keep patching her up or look into buying a new(er) truck? If I do purchase another one what type of tacomas should I be looking at?
     
  2. Dec 3, 2014 at 9:56 AM
    #2
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    first off we need info like what does it need and why?

    next the condition means a lot so what is the body and paint condition and frame rust situation?

    in general you have one of the best trucks in one of the best year versions out there so you have a true gem.

    these engines can run for an expected average of 300,000 miles and some even go 400-500k miles so while you "might" need a replacement engine or rebuild in the future it is very much worth it and desirable to keeping the truck.

    if mileage is your concern forget about it and wait until you have engine problems and then get a replacement engine with around 100k miles on it from the salvage yard places or parts brokers for around $1k-$1500

    if there are no real issues with your truck, even with that mileage you might be able to get $9500 or even as high as $10,000 for it today.

    in my opinion you would be a fool to even consider getting rid of it unless it becomes unsafe for driving on the road due to frame rust or accident.
     
  3. Dec 3, 2014 at 11:42 AM
    #3
    dark tangent

    dark tangent Well-Known Member

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    Madison, WI
    Rigid Dually D2 Amber Driving LEDs mounted on CBI Offroad ditch light brackets.
    ^ Yes, more info would be helpful.
    Now, when you say 'non PreRunner', do you mean it's a 4WD then?
     
  4. Dec 3, 2014 at 12:32 PM
    #4
    Inmand09

    Inmand09 [OP] ArkLaTex Offroad Vice President

    Joined:
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    David
    Granbury, TX
    Vehicle:
    ‘18 White TRD Offroad
    3" Suspension Lift, Skids, Sliders, Ditch Lights, Rock Lights, CB, etc.
    It's not a prerunner or a 4wd its a bare bones base model single cab 5 speed manual. It has body damage but the frame is rust free. (Only driven in Louisiana and Texas). The whole front suspension needs to be replaced except the control arms, the rear leaf springs also at flat as boards and need to be replaced. It's hard to justify putting the money into the truck when I don't know how much longer it will drive for.

    I keep getting a P0505 code after troubleshooting for a month it's killing my mpg and it idles high.
     
  5. Dec 3, 2014 at 3:52 PM
    #5
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    I just replaced all upper and lower ball joints and both outer tie rods and the back shocks myself for right at $150. (all from http://www.rockauto.com/)

    replacing the two front struts will be about another $200 ($98 x 2) (get the monroes from http://www.rockauto.com/)

    the rear leaf springs will run you about $75 for add-a-leafs http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...t.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=101&t_pt=5488&t_pn=FABFTS200

    if you are not happy with the truck then sell it but the money to get it all fixed (about $400-$500 if you can do the work yourself) is a lot cheaper then any other brand of truck would cost and when you are done it will last another 15 years and outlast any brand new truck you replace it with.
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2014
  6. Dec 3, 2014 at 4:09 PM
    #6
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    I think he means its a regular base model 5 lugger that sits at car height level like mine
     
  7. Dec 3, 2014 at 5:39 PM
    #7
    Inmand09

    Inmand09 [OP] ArkLaTex Offroad Vice President

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    David
    Granbury, TX
    Vehicle:
    ‘18 White TRD Offroad
    3" Suspension Lift, Skids, Sliders, Ditch Lights, Rock Lights, CB, etc.
    This is probably the cheapest way to go. Thanks for the feedback. Yes it is a 5 lugger, when I first got it fixed up the last time I wanted to put a spindle lift on it and raise it up but the gear ratio is just not good enough for the larger heavier tires.
     
  8. Dec 3, 2014 at 5:44 PM
    #8
    ARB1977

    ARB1977 It’s a beaut Clark

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    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    15 DCSB Prerunner 4.0L Blue Ribbon Metallic
    Black TRD Fj Cruiser wheels, TRD catback exhaust.
    If you still enjoy driving the truck and it fits your needs it's worth upgrading parts.
     
  9. Dec 3, 2014 at 7:13 PM
    #9
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

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    Tacoma is stock and staying that way, Pickup is TBA as of now.
    With that many miles, it justifies why it needs front end work. But as long as the engine and transmission are solid, you should be good to go for a lot of miles yet. The code it is throwing is probably for a O2 sensor gone bad.

    Good luck!
     

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