Thinking about spending some $$$$ on my truck, how long do they last . . .

So the truck is a 2004 Tacoma, reg cab, 5 speed, 2wd, 2.4 4 cylinder, base model. Options include carpet, cloth bench seat, clock, a/c, power steering, power brakes, not much else. Dad bought this truck new in 2004 for $12,000. Now I have it with 182,000 miles, original TN truck so ZERO, I mean ZERO rust. Dad was always careful, all those miles were racked up commuting on the interstate between Nashville and Franklin, about 50 miles a day.

Anyways, the truck runs great, drives great, has zero mechanical problems, but I'm thinking about spending some $$$$ on it.

Just wondering if it is worth spending about $1000-1500 to kind of make this my own truck. I know these trucks have a great reputation for durability, but at what sort of miles should I expect to be replacing the engine???? Clutch??? Gearbox, is that good for the life of the truck???

Anyways, these are the mods I had in mind . . .

#1 Replace shocks. Ride seems a bit bouncy, what brand would you recommend??? I'm all about improving ride quality, I am NOT going to slam this thing into the ground.

#2 Replace bumpers. Front bumper is a painted grey, its all chipped to hell, starting to surface rust in some places. Rear bumper is aftermarket, this truck was hit in the rear, bent the stock bumper, it was hit a second time, now it has a dent. Thinking about replacing both front and rear bumpers with chrome ones.

#3 Install some sound deadner. Main thing that drives me nuts in this truck is the road noise. Recommend me a brand, I will put it on the doors, floor, firewall, and back side of the cab.

#4 Install a kick ass stereo system. Right now I have an aftermarket Pioneer headunit, its a 2016 unit, does all the modern tricks like Bluetooth, USB, Aux In, built in equalizer, 3 sets of preamp outputs. Door speakers are stock with tweeters, rear speakers are some alpine 6x9's in reg cab truck boxes. It bumps pretty good right now, but I'd really like a sub behind the seat and some good quality components in the front doors.

Main questions I have about the stereo are:

Can I fit a sub box behind the rear seat, along with the 6x9 rear speakers??? I really want a 10" sub, 8" would be okay, but IMO a single 10" would provide the best sound.

What sort of front door speakers should I buy??? I notice there are ones with and without crossover connectors, I'd prefer the ones without the additional wiring.

Can I buy an amp that powers the sub and the front door speakers??? Is there one that powers the sub, front speakers and rear speakers???? I know I can rig a traditional 4 channel amp to do the sub and front speakers, but I'm a bit out of the game on the newest tech. BTW if I have really good front door speakers and the sub, do I even need those old 6x9 rear speakers I have now????


Sorry if this thread went on forever, but I guess my main question is, do you think its worth sinking some money into my rather basic, higher mileage, but great condition truck????? I mean its $1000-1500 on a truck maybe worth $6000 on a good day. This reg cab/4 cylinder/5 speed body style is popular, but only with the miser type crowd, who will be happy to drive a shit-box for $2000 all day long, which my truck IS NOT.

 

I just hit 100k on my 2004. I will run it to 300k. My previous went to 300k. The wife has 140k on her 1998.

I think its a very intelligent thing to do. that is a very small amount of money compared to 60 months of car payments.

Even if you put no money in it, it will take you 200k no problem.

Shocks-I usually buy what is cheapest at Auto Zone or similar place. You get a lifetime warranty. Once you change them the first time, I's pretty easy. My last Tacoma had 7 sets of shocks on it. I'm pretty fast, since all fasteners get antisieze.

I can't answer you on the sound systems. I'm a stock person.

 

Do preventative maintenance. Keep up on the little things. Fix things as they break. Or your truck slowly turns into a pile. Yes its worth investing in the little things. All vehicles cost. Invest a small amount in this truck here and there or have a monthly payment and a vehicle that will still cost you extra here and there. Don't think of it as throwing money into a 6000$ truck, although there is a time where it probably makes sense to replace rather than fix but you're not there yet.

Save your money on the sound system, youve got a nice head unit, the speakers work. Run it.

Thats my .02

 

How long do they last? Forever. This guy has 998,000 on his. I have a friend who just rolled over 400,000 on his Double Cab. These trucks are worth their money even with high mileage. I regularly see them being resold with upwards of 200,000 miles on them. As long as you do the maintenance and take care of them, they will last you forever.

 

These trucks run for a very long time, nothing wrong with putting money into a truck and making it your own.

#1. Everyone recommends the Bilstein 4600's for stock trucks, I'm gonna put some Bilstein 5100's in mine soon (small lift), so I don't have personal experience but they are supposed to be really good.

#2. I would go with some sort of aftermarket, tube, plate, etc bumper, but that's just preference. Do you.

#3. Look up Frost King duct wrap, it's at Lowe's or Home Depot, supposed to be only slightly worse than dynamat but much, much, cheaper. I would also go down a dirt road with the stereo off, listen for creaks and rattles and such, find them and fix them. I had this ANNOYING rattle that turned out to be coming from my dash, I got a folded up piece of paper and jammed it inconspicuously between the windshield and dash, bingo. Gone.

#4. Do you, personally the cab is small enough that just replacing the stock speakers with some quality ones, plus the sound deadener, should give you great sound.

Also, I've heard that replacing the timing belt and water pump is a good idea. Planning to do that myself soon. I also plan on getting an energy suspension bushing super kit and going through and replacing all the bushings one by one...

 

He has a 5 lug. 5100's and bumpers would be overkill.

 

Hi Taco lovers,

I thought this thread might be where to put my question, as I think I'm in a similar position as Aron9000.

I just drove home today with my new Tacoma!!!!! 1998 extended cab, 5 speed manual 2.4, with the SR5 package: It has air conditioning!! (unlike my 1996 2.4,with only 130K miles, but that's another story) It has been garaged and is just perfect, and though I bet the former ONE owner maintained it, I have no records. I was thinking of doing the following, and I would appreciate any comments or additions. I believe as Bartmaster said above, the truck will last forever if I maintain it!

How about this menu:
oil change and the usual fluids
new plugs n wires
flush the tranny
flush radiator

Inspect before possibly replacing:
timing belt, brake pads, tires

I'm going to have this done by a mechanic, but a picture, I can do. I'll work on that now. Thanks

 

Your 2.4 has a timing chain; no need to replace under normal circumstances.

The work lists (both cases) look good otherwise. With a solid frame under it, it's worth the investment. Certainly worth the maintenance items, and then you know where you stand with those.

 

If you are not experiencing miss fires, no need for the wires to be changed. The plugs, it would be good to change them just know they are good for another 100k.

I wouldn't waste time doing a cooling system flush, just change the radiator. New radiator and coolant will be about the same price a shop would charge you for a flush alone. Should be under a $100 and its an easy job. Its a good job for someone starting out on caring for their own vehicle.

 

I wouldnt change radiator unless required. If it starts leaking or overheating then its time to look at the radiator. Coolant flush isnt a bad thing.

 

Thanks for the responses.
ghs 57,Timing chain duly noted!
Koditten, you have got me thinking, I do have a friend who knows cars real well, and has offered to help: I will proceed do do what I can with his help.
Still working on the picture.

 

I consider radiators replaceable items. 19 years on the original? Its gotta go.

 

Change the water pimp, too

 

Because pimpin' ain't easy.

































































Oh, you meant to write pump.

 

I bought mine a year ago with 288000 miles. Its in great shape. Not very many problems yet.

 

Yeah if these trucks are well maintained they'll go for a super long time without major breakdowns. The issues are easy to see coming especially since there's so many first gens on this forum w/ all the info you could almost ever want! Post some pics here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/98-00-tacomas-only.421186/

 

Oh totally. Im at 301K now. So far I've replaced;
E break assembly
Steering Rack + Tie Rods
CV axles
Oil changes
Drivers Side Handle
Starter Contacts

Only starter contacts, drivers handle and e break really needed to be done.

 

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am planning a cross-country trip in a month, so it seems cautionary fixes would be wise. Better safe than having to make repairs when I am way out there.

 

Was debating buying a new truck, but decided to just invest money in my 04" Tacoma. Cost of a new truck these days is just out of control. 30K-40K to start, versus 3K-4K for upgrades and repairs....No brainer (for me) I just hit 100K, and this truck should take me to at least 300K. Buying some new parts, needed repairs, and upgrades. Now I have a new love for my rig again...

 

Regular maintenance and they will last long long long time