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What are the most common 1st gen weak points?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by SpaceTimeRipples, Jan 23, 2015.

  1. Jan 23, 2015 at 6:29 PM
    #1
    SpaceTimeRipples

    SpaceTimeRipples [OP] Active Member

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    I was wondering if any mechanics or people with some experience out there could fill me in on what is it on the 1st gens that fail. Any particular part of the vehicle that we should keep an eye on? Engine, transmission, or electrical. Are both the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engine bulletproof?

    I have a 4x4 V6 with 75xxx miles that I've had since it had about 40xxx miles so I want to make sure I'm doing everything right so that the truck can last a long time.
     
  2. Jan 23, 2015 at 7:28 PM
    #2
    68dave

    68dave Well-Known Member

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    Toytec Boss kit & OME leafs, 231mm tundra brakes SCS wheels...
    Frame rust is the main thing to keep a eye on. 75k on a 3.4? You haven't even broke it in yet!
     
  3. Jan 23, 2015 at 7:45 PM
    #3
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Leaf springs are weak. Look for frowning (upward arch)
     
  4. Jan 23, 2015 at 7:52 PM
    #4
    SpaceTimeRipples

    SpaceTimeRipples [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks, I already took care of the frame 2 years ago. Toyota undercoated it due to a recall(chassis was in great condition due to low miles). Also there was a recall for the ball joints so I got that taken care of. I'm pretty anal with regards to auto maintenance so I've been following the service manual pretty well. Regular oil changes (mobil 1 syn), lubing the 8 grease zerk fittings, transfer case, 5-speed tranny, front and rear diff oil change, drive belt replacements, etc.

    The truck is solid, however it has a salvage title so that's a big turn off to any potential buyer(tree fell on the cabin back in 2005). For that reason I want to keep this truck until it breaks. My pops purchased it back in '05 for cheap(since it was salvage), and its been in my hands for the past 3-4 years. I've been maintaining it since then.
     
  5. Jan 23, 2015 at 7:52 PM
    #5
    SpaceTimeRipples

    SpaceTimeRipples [OP] Active Member

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    I definitely have that problem. Now what? new leaf springs?
     
  6. Jan 23, 2015 at 7:58 PM
    #6
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    Ball joints, especially the lowers, need to be changed out at regular intervals, don't skimp on this. Steering rack is weak and prone to leaking. Alternator doesn't like mud/river crossing. Wheel studs can break if over tightened. CV boots can tear with lift if not addressed with diff drop of boot slide mod. Interior clips break easily.... that's all I can think of just coming from experience.

    Oh, the valve cover bolts can loosen. So watch for that. I'm at 150k and it's weeping a little around that area. Bolts need to be re-torqued.


    My friend recently swapped the spark plugs and wires on his 03 3.4L 4Runner he just bought with 175k because it was running rough. He told me "this dumbass put in two different kinds of spark plugs on each side, Denso and NGK," I told him those were the original spark plugs. :eek: He says it runs like a top now.

    Water pump and timing belt should be changed every 90k, it's getting about time for me to get that done again.

    Other than that you should be golden, just keep the fluids fresh.
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2015
  7. Jan 23, 2015 at 7:59 PM
    #7
    2stroketrush

    2stroketrush Well-Known Member

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    So many people hate this leaf spring mod. Some for good reasons, some just because it turns them off. Its really more of a " Old School Toyota" trick. Jeep Tj coils between the bumps. Called a "ZUK Mod" and actually works fine. I did this to solve my sag until I got new packs.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:05 PM
    #8
    SpaceTimeRipples

    SpaceTimeRipples [OP] Active Member

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    Just wanted to add a pic of my truck for those curious.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:08 PM
    #9
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Although not cheap, probably the best solution in the long run. Somewhere like wheelersoffroad would be able to help with which leaf pack would suit your needs/budget.
     
  10. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:11 PM
    #10
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    You could probably get away with throwing an add-a-leaf in there to help rearch the springs, but it will probably create a small rake. I honestly would not worry about the negative arch unless you plan on lifting the truck. Even brand new first gen Tacos had flat leaf springs.


    I want those tires so bad!
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2015
  11. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:18 PM
    #11
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    If the leafs are already frowning an add-a-leaf wont help much. Might give a little support but it would be short lived.
     
  12. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:21 PM
    #12
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    I've never messed with AALs, I went straight to Deavers, but wouldn't an AAL help reinforce the spring integrity and give them a longer life/correct the arch some? At least flatten it out (like they looked from the factory)?
     
  13. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:26 PM
    #13
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Problem is when the leafs are already shot and sagging upside down the AAL isn't strong enough to compensate. If you put an AAL into a newer oe leaf pack you would probably get a much better result but if you are going to buy a new oe leaf pack + AAL you might as well just buy a better pack. Like you did with the Deaver and I did with OME
     
  14. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:38 PM
    #14
    SpaceTimeRipples

    SpaceTimeRipples [OP] Active Member

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    I probably will just buy a leaf pack. Is it a DIY type of job or would you bring it to a mechanic?
     
  15. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:52 PM
    #15
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Depends on your mechanical ability and cash-flow I guess. I'm poor so to me everything is DIY haha
     
  16. Jan 23, 2015 at 8:58 PM
    #16
    SpaceTimeRipples

    SpaceTimeRipples [OP] Active Member

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    I've done brakes, thermostat, replaced clutch master cylinder. I've never touch suspension components before. They store a ton of potential energy so they intimidate me a bit. Sort of like large capacitors.
     
  17. Jan 24, 2015 at 10:56 AM
    #17
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    The only worry you need to have is with the front suspension. If you upgrade that, just pay someone to assemble the coil to the strut. The rear suspension doesn't really have anything that will mess you up if you go slowly and support the axle when changing out the leaves.
     
  18. Jan 24, 2015 at 11:32 AM
    #18
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Yeah, no stored energy in the rear. Just heavy
     
  19. Jan 24, 2015 at 3:26 PM
    #19
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    If you're going to replace the leaves, jack up the truck and undo the bottom rear shock bolts, pop the shock out, then loosen the ubolts. Then jack the truck high enough to get the springs at full sag (you'll know when they stop sagging) and then undo the u-bolts on one leaf pack only. Then you can remove the front and rear bolts and take the pack off. Reinstall and repeat this process on the other side. It's important to only completely remove the u-bolts on one side at a time so your axle doesn't try to run away on you.
     
  20. Feb 1, 2015 at 2:58 PM
    #20
    TheCatInTheHat

    TheCatInTheHat I'm the most wanted Cat In My Hat

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    too many mods to list
    I've had my first gen since I drove it off the lot in May of 2003. Here are the issues that I've had with it:

    1. The influence of TW making me modify the hell out of it.
    2. The availability of sooo many modifications.
    3. Normal maintenance issues described above in other posts.
    4. Separation anxiety when I have to drive my wife's car while my Tacoma is under the knife.

    Basically if you treat your truck right and maintain it, there are few problems you'll run into. If you start modifying it, those mods can cause other issues. For instance, I have enough crap strapped onto mine to make it produce about 275-280 horses. I can break the cups of a universal joint in half (problem that currently has my truck in my garage) if I do something stupid like WOT take off while towing a trailer uphill.

    Enjoy your ride!
     

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