Just got a 2001 4WD TRD OR with 214k on it...how do I get this into solid stock shape?

Just bought this (my first pickup) last week. Want to get it into solid stock mechanical shape. Auto transmission. No idea how neglected it was or the maintenance history. Dealer inspection said frame is straight with no rust and there are no leaks. Initial known problems were:
1. Significant reverb when braking.
2. Skipping/hiccuping/hesitation during acceleration
3. Check engine light went on about 500 miles into the 800 mile drive home in western AZ at about 6kft elevation.
4. Bodywork needed

Drove it straight to the mechanic. Work done so far:
1. Rotors and pads replaced
2. Check engine light showed misfire in cylinder 6 so he cleaned the spark plug. No more check engine light but still skipping/rough accelleration especially noticeable at freeway speeds. Feels like going over a small bump when it skips. Until I can get it back to him he suggested using high octane gas, guess he suspects a fuel flow problem.
3. Synthetic oil change
4. Windshield replaced. More bodywork to come at the body shop...

My mechanic does good work for reasonable prices but is not big on pushing maintenance or anything not critical to do. What are the important maintenance items for this truck and what should I scrutinize to make sure I shouldn't be doing more? How do I know if it is a stock configuration? I can provide info/pictures if that helps.
Thanks in advance to the knowledgeable Tacoma Enthusiasts out there!

Chris in the Mountains

 

I'd drain the fuel tank and inspect it for rust. If it's clean great! If not, replace.

Then change the fuel filter. I would change the fuel filter without checking the tank because IF the tank is badly damaged inside, you're just throwing away that new filter...

 

Best thing you can do to tell the condition of the motor is a leakdown test. Your mechanic will have the tools to do this. It is worth the $. You could also send out an oil sample for analysis.

 

You can do all the following your self: clean MAF, flush brakes, change front and rear dif fluid, change transfer case fluid. New PCV valve. Air filter. Also...I would do power steering fluid as well AND grease the drive shaft.

 

Spark plugs, coolant drain/refill, check valve clearances.
And don't forget, that toyotas use ATF Dexron II in the PS system.

 

Thanks for the good advice; looks like I will be doing some work myself. Does anyone know where I can get a service/repair manual for this truck?
Thanks again,
Chris in the mountains

 

I would change out the coils and spark plugs all around as well. Coils are expensive but your truck wouldn't be missing anymore when your driving down the highway. I would do it real soon as well, this can damage your engine.

 

How much do coils run? Apologies for the noob question but can you point me to a thread that talks about coils? Sounds like you don't suspect a fuel flow problem. Is that right? If so can you help me understand why?
Thanks, Chris

 

Agree with all of this. I recommend exchanging all of the fluids, plugs, air and cabin air filter and clean the MAF and throttle body. Congrats on the new rig.

 

Initially, get the Haynes manual for your truck (~ $25). Check the local parts houses. Even the dealer might have it.
It has 95% of what you need to repair and maintain the truck, including torque values, wiring diagrams, etc.
I would never work on a vehicle without at least a Haynes.

If you are planning to keep your truck 'forever' and do most of your own work, then its worth the investment to get the factory manual set. I got my used set on Amazon, for about $200. 3 volumes in total

 

Around $60 a piece. Not cheap but for 214K I'm sure they will need a changing, plus spark plugs wires. As for fuel does your truck take a while for it to start? It's better changing out your plugs and wires before you suspect a fuel problem compared to the miles you have and needing to change the wires almost every 100K. Spark is what ignites the fuel and air into your cylinder thus creating power. If your truck is skipping like you said I would be looking at ignition. Sorry if this is all confusing just typing as I go but as you drive spark tends to get weaker.

 

First thing you do is open the hood at night, start the engine and look for sparks from bad plug wire's. At least it is a cheap start.

 

I do have to crank the starter about a second linger than my other car to get the engine to start. if that is definitely plugs/wires sounds like I should start there, maybe fix the skipping .
Thanks!
Chris in the Mountains

 

Hopefully it fixes your problems with when it's missing on the interstate and your truck trying to start. When I changed my wires I noticed me cranking the engine for it to start was greatly reduced. Report back when you have this done, would love to hear the results

 

Ok, decided to tackle the plugs/wires/boots first. Plugs were really worn down - gaps looked like .065 on average. Significant grey arc attachment and cracking of insulator especially in the case of the one in cylinder 6 that threw the misfire code. If I could figure out how to post the pictures you would probably all be aghast.

Performance observations:
1. Time it took to turn over when we starting somewhat less but still longer than it should be.
2. Driving it felt like a different truck. Acceleration was smooth and there was a lot more power. Didn't notice any skipping. Felt nice.

Based on the condition of the plugs I should get into all the important maintenance items soon. Thanks to all for the useful suggestions. Guess I really need to get that shop manual. The only one I found for 2001 was on ebay and had only two volumes. Is that enough? If anyone knows where to get one cheap please let me know.

Thanks, Chris in the Mountains

 

http://web.archive.org/web/20080731033603/http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/

 

Thanks for the link . i had seen that one before but I guess I don't know how to get the file.

 

Just click on the link you need for your engine they are in pdf file so you can save them and even print them. http://web.archive.org/web/20080915160814/http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/2003/index.html

 

Wow that is a lot of links! thanks for explaining that . looks like i will be downloading a lot of files. looking forward to working on the truck !
Thanks again,
Chris in the Mountains

 

That's great that you got a lot of power back. Glad your truck isn't skipping anymore either, as for starting good lucking trying to find your solution even though it might be a possible fuel pump that's getting old (that you said earlier), happened to my friend's truck to where it'll take at least 10-15 seconds just to finally start. But I wouldn't worry about that big for now until everything maintenance wise is finally done. Keep up the good work