Maintenance Adventures

Okay y'all... My new truck is almost through its first tank of gas, and I've already started my crazy amounts of research on preventative maintenance. I'd really like some input from you guys on what I should do here... Truck is 2004 DC PreRunner V6 TRD with only 77,000 miles on it. It had a timing belt done at 55,000, but that was 5 years ago. I'm assuming the belt is fine. It also just had an oil change and brand new tires. From the dipstick, the ATF looks pristine, but I don't know how good of an indicator that is. Here are the things that I was considering doing at 100k miles, but let me know if I should do some sooner, later, or not at all...

• Disassemble and clean throttle body
• Visually inspect spark plugs and whatever else gets pulled while I do that (coils/wires?)
• Maybe drain and change ATF (not flush, unless recommended here)
• Potentially look at power steering fluid and brake fluid
• Once I learn how, drain and refill differential fluid

I'm super new to doing maintenance myself, but I've now done an oil change and am eager to do more when the time comes. I'll be doing the deck plate this week, which will allow me to look at the MAF sensor, and I really want to upgrade the headlight wiring harness/relay ASAP. Open to any and all suggestions, or you guys could just point me to another thread/maintenance list if one exists.

 

Spark plug wires are a must if the wires are still original. If you still have Toyota wires you can actually find the production date of the wires stamped on the wires themselves. I suggest only OEM or NGK wire replacement, same with spark plugs, don't get fancy.

Another maintenance item that is often overlooked is brakes, check your rears, clean out the dust and adjust them up. The front's on your truck are famous for seizing, check the sliding pins and pads condition.

Rack and pinion is another high wear item, check the boots see if they are "wet" and full of oil. Also check the bushings on the rack as well as the tie rods by simply having someone shake the tires side to side while up in the air.

Check all your rear breather as well. Simple things can prevent big problems.

 

Thanks for the reply. When you say wires are a must, do you mean I should just replace them now, or am I good to wait for 100k? One of my main questions is are things like plugs and wires things that I can take out, visually inspect, and then put the old ones back if they look fine?

 

I'm a firm believer that ignition wires "expire" and should be replaced every 10 years. They can extend the life of the much more expensive coil packs by simply replacing them.

This is just my experience, we have more severe weather up here, but they are pretty cheap to do.

https://www.yotashop.com/spark-plug-wire-set-ngk-5vzfe-te66/

Like I said though, NGK blue, or OEM only. I'm sure others will agree.

 

I was just telling my dad that you can always tell when a taco has had wires done because they will be bright blue. No need to find fancier ones. I'll do NGK when I do it.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/am-i-doing-too-much-preventative-maintenace.487470/ A lot of info here

 

I've read this thread. Thanks. I might just have to make a trip to @mechanicjon if he's willing to help me out. I think meeting up with a TW member and giving my truck a once over would be awesome.

 

? What's your thoughts?

 

You're just the first local guy that came up when I posted a question about mechanics in the regional forum. I have no idea what your schedule is like, but it would be great to learn some electrical stuff and do some maintenance with you if you're ever down.

 

I can look it over. But mechanic work here at the house I have to keep to a minimum. HOA has a fit. But light stuff thats quick and easy I can get away with.