My 2004 Tacoma X-Cab PreRunner

i have a 2004 Tacoma Extra Cab PreRunner. It’s 4x2 has the locking axle and an Automatic transmission. When I bought it off my friend in November (for $4K) it had about 117k miles. Before I could do anything I installed a new water pump and timing belt (myself) and a new radiator (because I ruined the other one accidentally.
I’ve replaced the transmission mount and center support baring. The front brake pads and all the rear brake (shoes, springs and drums)
I completely sanded the clear coat off the hood because it was horrible and primered it. Looks a lot better but I think that has not been compromised from the sun. Doesn’t matter to me though (at this point) I’ll dig up the pics of my work and post them (I don’t have water pump or timing belt pics though)

 

I installed new sway bar bushings tonight.

 

Looks good man, welcome!

 

I did also restor the headlights. That’s not that exciting though.

 

Bear Down!

 

Not exactly Discrete. Hahaha. Probably the only Taco in San Diego county like this.

 

Can anyone recommend a leaf spring bushing kit?

 

I've had pretty good luck with the energy suspension ones. You have to hammer out the existing metal sleeve in the eye though

 

Thanks

 

Greaseable shackles would be ideal but of course more $$

 

First, welcome to TW, nice looking truck and pretty sure you got a steal of a deal, good work!

Being a Cali truck rust doesn't seem to be an issue so that's a positive.

I think I have a set of the ES bushings for the leaf springs, I'd have to check. You may be due for new leafs though as I see "helper springs" are installed already and you are starting to get a negative arch.

 

It was used as a work truck for a DIRECTV installer for about 50k miles maybe more. The springs have had a rough life. I’m looking at just replacing them now. Not sure if I should go with the regular of heavy duty. A previous reply says the heavy duty add some lift. Not sure that’s what I need. It does have a 3+1 pack on it though.

 

yeah, 3+1 is the norm. the overload spring is the +1

here is a very reputable site that some Tacoma owners have used

https://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Toyota_Tacoma_2001_2002_2003_2004_s/1932.htm

they sell standard and HD for reasonable prices. the HD will hold more but a little stiffer ride.
keep in mind you will be going from a worn out leaf pack to new so if you don't plan to haul anything you should probably stick with the standard.

 

I recently replaced the rear brakes. When I went to use the e-brake it was very very loose. It’s odd because before the replacement it was tight and I probably only got 3-4 inches of pull on then brake lever.
I adjusted the e-brake properly and even adjusted the brake cable. Does anyone know why there would be so much slack after installing new parts?

 

did you adjust the star wheel when you replaced the brake shoes? you can do this from the backing plate, there is a rubber plug that can be removed

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f16/adjusting-rear-drum-brakes-easy-way-43741/