Picking up an 04 tonight

Getting an SR5 4wd tonight. 2 owner 158k on the clock. Frame has been checked out by the dealer twice according to service records. What should I do first for maintenance other than changing all fluids?

Thanks

 

balljoints.

 

i have an '01 4x4 ext. cab - why do you say ball joints? is there a known problem with them? how do you tell if you have a problem?

 

just a few threads on this topic
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lower-ball-joints.476593/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lower-ball-joints.493193/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lower-ball-joint-failure.456057/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/check-your-ball-joints.374853/#post-10275647
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/shit-day.476079/

 

yes...yes it is.

for your viewing pleasure...

1st gen tacoma ball joint failure

Checking is easy, this is a good way to do it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rteeAOQlrKY

It's a 4runner but same concept. Look at the boots where the LBJ is and if you see a bunch of grease leaking out then they're probably on their way out.

 

is this because of a faulty design? I just called the dealer and they ran my VIN and said it didn't apply, so should I be worried?

 

Yeah, if you look into those threads that @99SuperTaco4x4 posted you'll read about it I'm sure. Basically with the 1st gens, the ball joint is constantly under pressure to be pulled apart. Toyota corrected the design in the 2nd gens.

On top of that, there was a range of model years (early 2000s I think) where the ball joint itself was compromised from the factory, that's why many 1st gens got them replaced under recall.

Basically you just want to keep an eye on them and make it a point to change them out with new ones, most people recommend doing it around the same time you would do your timing belt. Every 90-100k or so. If you do a lot of off-roading then be even more aware of it.

 

Congrats, I had an 04 TSS SR5 doublecab, bought new in 04...my dad is now the proud owner of it.....the first thing that went out on me was the water pump, then I changed out spark plugs...other than that, she ran like a champ, I didn't do too much to her except change out all the exterior bulbs to LEDs.

 

I'm concerned that the guy has no clue how to use a dial indicator and calls himself a mechanic.

 

harsh.

@Timmah! has been a helpful TW member, taking the time to post videos explaining things to others. How about you post a video showing us how to use a dial indicator.

 

I can't do a video right now but for the ball joint I'd attach the dial indicator's magnetic base to the lower control arm and put the dial indicator's plunger on the spindle. 0.020" is a pretty big for a dial indicator should be easy to see. I don't have a video camera send someone over with one and we can record it.

 

I didn't expect you to make a video on this issue. I was mainly just making the point that the TW community would benefit from more respect toward other TW members, especially those members who take the time to make how-to videos (even if not perfect or up to others standards), for no money mind you, to help others on here. Shitting on others should be strictly reserved for the 3rd gen section. kidding. anyway, carry on.

 

The guys filled you in on the balljoint issue. I hope you head the warning signs. Would be pointless to ask the PO if he replace them, just do it. Doing the same.

 

As a matter of fact, I don't know how to use a dial indicator because I don't own one. The point of the video is to give people a way to check for gross balljoint play with basic tools. I'm guessing there's tons of paid mechanics who don't even use a dial indicator to determine if a balljoint is worn out or not. The FSM specifies a maximum of .5mm of play when you push up up and down on the hub using 66 ft-lbf of force. Good luck measuring the up and down force. No clue how you would do that.

I don't claim to be anything that I'm not. I'm a DIYer mechanic like a lot of dudes on these forums and I'm just trying to help people out. At no point in my videos do I try to portray myself as a paid journeyman mechanic with automotive technician certificates. But, what I do definitely point out is DIYers can do just as well and even better than a paid mechanics much of the time because we're taking our time and are not in a rush to get to the next job. We take our time and do it right the first time because it's our rig, our family's rig or our friend's rig. I don't need a shop getting paid $150/hr to screw up my rig anymore. Been there, done that.

Like @99SuperTaco4x4 mentioned, if you can make a better video for balljoint inspections, go for it. Now, whether or not some of these balljoint failures actually had detectable play, even with a dial indicator instrument is unknown. The best advice is to just replace them as preventative maintenance. How many people are going to break out a dial indicator on a regular basis to check for balljoint play? I'm guessing next to none. I plan on replacing mine every 100,000 miles.

 

Oh my, that escalated quickly.. thanks for assist. Will get the ball joint replaced

 

I fix my own cars/trucks if I can, if its something major than yeah I'll take it to toyota. Balljoint replacement? Not a problem. Dial gauge? da fuq is that?

 

Basically a dial indicator is an instrument used to measure things the naked eye can't detect, like the .5mm of play the FSM states is the maximum allowable play for the balljoints. Here's a link for a better description:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indicator_(distance_amplifying_instrument)

Sounds like @cosmicfires is maybe a paid mechanic or possibly a mechanical engineer type to bring up the use of a dial indicator. Ol' David summed me up by watching one video and made some inaccurate conclusions about me. I think David should visit the YouTube channel my buddy Sean and I started together and take a look at the 45 other videos we have made to benefit other DIY mechanics (mainly owners of 3rd Gen 4runners and 1st Gen Tacomas). He might have a different opinion afterward when he sees the wealth of knowledge we've shared at the cost of hundreds of hours of wrenching and video editing, and thousands of dollars of tool purchases. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9EMiD9KPy61kJ6hdXcbjxA

Enough said. Happy Wrenching Fellers and thanks for the support.

 

Well, I do know what it is. Was just poking fun.

 

Tim, I've watched many of your videos, and will take this opportunity to say that they are about the best auto repair guides available. As a some times videographer, I can appreciate your (and Sean's) time & effort. I've watched the LBJ video a few times, as I'm getting ready to do mine.

Devildog, good luck with the LBJ R&R. (I'm an OEM convert for these parts)

 

Basically go over the thing head to toe. Look for play in anything that moves, or oil/grease leaking from parts like the ball joints or steering components. Steering wheel feel loose?

Wouldn't be a bad idea to just throw a wrench on any bolt you can get to, make sure they're tight.

Assume that if it's not in the service records it didn't happen, and look at the service intervals to see what is due or overdue. No mention of a timing belt? Do that, too.

Also, take care of any minor surface rust you see. Sand it down and repaint.

Oh, and just for kicks, you'll want to throw on a total chaos long travel kit and a 4link rear, just to be safe...