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Tune-Up Time!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by JRMURRY17, Jun 15, 2015.

  1. Jun 15, 2015 at 1:34 AM
    #1
    JRMURRY17

    JRMURRY17 [OP] Member

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    Jeff
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2003 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab SR5
    None yet.
    Hey guys, I recently bought my first Tacoma a couple weeks ago! Her and I have a pretty good repore so far, and I'd like to keep it that way. She's a 2003 SR5 3.4L V6 with 130k, by the way. I am looking to do a tune up this weekend, but would like some of your input since you all have more experience with Toyota's than I do, I'm sure. First of all, what spark plugs would you recommend? I have always used NGK double plats on my Honda, never had single complaint with those, but I know based on prior research, Honda's run the most efficiently with those. I've completed several tune-ups on various cars I've owned over the years but never a Toyota. Also, the dealer did an oil change so that's something I won't need to worry about right away but when that time rolls around, should I convert to a synthetic? Possibly high mileage synthetic? Thanks!
     
  2. Jun 15, 2015 at 9:06 AM
    #2
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
    louisiana
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    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    ok, trucks and cars are different, trucks dont have performance engines in them and those are the only ones that benefit from those fancy platinum plugs so stick with the stock dual electrode plugs in denso brand then get NGK wires if you need them but "only" if you need them because they last a long time,

    the main "tune up" for these trucks is cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body then your other maint item is its time to replace your timing belt and there is a kit that gives you everything you need at a good price seen here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/180729034728?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

    all that stuff has to come off to replace the belt so you want to put it all back new when you do it and its good for another 100k miles
     
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  3. Jun 15, 2015 at 7:30 PM
    #3
    JRMURRY17

    JRMURRY17 [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Jeff
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2003 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab SR5
    None yet.
    Yeah I already had the timing belt and water pump service done. That was the first service to cross off the list. I've never replaced a set of wires, I wouldn't know what to look for to see if they needed to be replaced. If I replace the wires will I have to replace the contacts as well?
     
  4. Jun 15, 2015 at 7:35 PM
    #4
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
    louisiana
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    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    you don't need to replace the wires unless its running rough and the engine is running bad or you have good reason to believe they might be bad.

    3 plugs on the passenger side has ignition coils that sit on the valve cover that plug directly onto the plugs on that side and each one has a plug wire plugged into it that runs around and in front of the engine to the drivers side to fire those plugs so the plug wires plug in on each end so there are no contacts to mess with
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2015
  5. Jun 15, 2015 at 9:20 PM
    #5
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    Magnuson S/C w/12TRDTacoma's Qwikchange Hub & 2.5" RIP-Modded Pulley, Roostfactor's Pulley Wrap Mod; FPR Mod; JustDSM Tune via HPT MPVI2; mightytacoman Intercooler Tank; aFe POWER Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S Air Filter; OME Suspension Lift (885 Coils, Dakar Leafs, NitroCharger Sports); TRD Quickshifter w/TRD 6-Spd Knob; TRD Exhaust; NSB-AGM27F Battery w/HKB Adjustable Voltage Booster & Coupe's TRD Battery Hold Down; Goodridge SS Brake Lines; Trident904's MT ADM; BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2s on FJ SE Anthracite Rims; N-Fab 6-Step Nerf Bars; BPF TRD Skid, Tow Hook, & Cooling Panel; jsi's Locker Anytime, Up2NoGood's 2Lo Module; ramonortiz55's Always on Power Outlet Relay, ND4's Fog Light Anytime, & Crom's Speed Bleeder Mods; crashnburn80's Ultimate Headlight & Fog Light Upgrades; ThreatLevelMidnight's Wireless Charger; 4Runner 4X4 & FJ Fog Light Switches; redtaco2007-inspired LED License Plate Lights; AudioControl LC2i LOC, JL Audio XD200/2v2 Amp, Focal PS165V1 Spkrs, Sound Ordnance B-8PTD Sub, Hushmat & Noico Sound Insulation; loginfailed-inspired Speedhut Boost & AFR Gauges in a Lotek Pillar Pod; Ltd Auto-Dim/Compass/Temp/Backup Camera/Homelink mirror on ImMrYo's Mirror Lift Bracket; TacomaBeast Glove Box & Console Organizers; Husky Floor Liners; UltraGauge EM; mesojdm's Ultimate LED Dome & Map Lights & GASSHOLE; Redline Tuning QuickLIFT Elite; Mobtown Offroad Locking Bed Storage Doors; Toyota Bed Mat; Cali Raised Led Bed Stiffeners; Pop & Lock Power Tailgate Lock w/TacomaTruckParts Support Bracket; ARE Z-Series Cap, SolarGard Tint; BlendMounted & MirrorTapped Uniden R3; CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna; Amsoil Lubricants; Adam's Detailing Supplies
    Spark plugs - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-truth-about-spark-plugs.152726/

    Oil - I recommend converting to synthetic, since it lubricates, cleans, and resists breakdown better than dino oils. Others will recommend you stick with dino oil, primarily from a cost perspective. Both are reasonable answers, as long as you change your oil at least as frequently as recommended. In the end, it's about whatever brings you peace of mind for your truck.
     

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