What mods/maintenance should I take care of while replacing my motor?

Motor is off being rebuilt, truck has 300k on it. What additional things should I take care of while its in my shop?

I'm new to 2nd gens and picked this up as a project.

 

How’s the frame?

Lower control arms/cams/tie rod ends...suspension in general?

 

Very cool project to have. I would also recommend for you to inspect the suspension.
Off topic, how easy or difficult is it to move the truck around on those wheel dollies?

 

if 05/06 V6, check motor mount area for cracks. Consider re-enforcing.
See Post #11, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-motor-mounts-failed-failing.21849/
https://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/1107or-dmz-cure-fixing-broken-toyota-truck-motor-mounts/

Replace steering rack bushings.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-v6-tacoma-steering-rack-bushing-replacement.289436/

 

Is that a 4x4 or prerunner? I always liked the access cab sport package. Did it need a rebuild, or you doing doing it just because?

 

Once you get it up and running, change transmission fluid/filter. Ignore those who say your transmission filter is a screen and does not need to be changed. Change out all other fluids - differential front(if you have it) and rear - brake/power steering fluid - air filter - clean or replace MAF - spark plugs - all of the usual maint that can be done.

 

Is there a secret to ordering from DMZ? I can't find a way to add the reinforcement gussets to a cart to buy them.

 

TRD sport 4x4. I wish it was a double cab but the price was right.

 

Its pretty easy as long as I sweep in front of them before hand. They don't like going slowly over the expansion joints in the concrete but thats only an issue if I stop on one.

 

Frame is mint, I have yet to see frame issues in a washington/oregon/idaho rig from salt.

When I was in Nebraska the rust was so bad that I saw a dodge Durango with the chrome on his plastic bumper was rusting away.

 

Here’s the secret.

https://dmzfab.com/contact/

 

Replace the power steering rack and bushings.

 

I’ve never tried. Any competent weld shop can weld some metal plates. A buddy’s FJ developed a crack on driverside and a local weld shop fixed it up.

 

The DMZ gussets are NICE. I bought a set to reinforce my frame, but before I got around to installing them, I found out I was approved for a new frame, so I sold them here on TW.