New to me 2004 Tacoma TRD 3.4l 5spd

Hello Everyone,

I recently purchased a 2004 Tacoma SR5 TRD 3.4l 5 spd ext cab from the original owner. I had been looking for a long time and went to look at this one because it was only an hour away in my state. Unfortunately I overlooked some of the rust issues. I bought it with 157k miles. The frame was replaced by Toyota in 2011. It has 10 year old 265/75r16 goodyear wrangler duratracs on it that I will be replacing. The previous owner installed Toytec Ultimate Coilovers in the front. Then the rear has Bilstein 5100 with OME Dakar Leaf Springs.

Here is when I bought it.





So far I have replaced both front and rear bumpers. I replaced the gas tank strap. Fixed the exhaust leak with a new o2 sensor.
In the next week I will be doing the lower ball joints and 4 new tires. I was planning on sanding the frame and rear end little by little using rust remover and putting some fresh farm and implement paint on it. My plan was to return to more of a stock height and replace all suspension components since most are rusted out, but I am struggling to figure out if it is worth doing all this. I love driving the truck it is a blast and my goal was to keep it long term and fix and repair as money and time allowed.

Here are some pictures of how it looks now.



The wet spot underneath the bed is water.

Some people have said the truck isn't in as bad of shape and others have said don't waste your money fixing it. Thought I would share here and hopefully find some words of encouragement or tell me to just sell it lol. I think I will also post this to the 1st gen group as well. Thanks for reading.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome @04lunarmist

Thank you for joining the forums and introducing yourself!

Looks like you have done a great job so far getting this Tacoma restored.

We wish you luck in this process and look forward to seeing more updates!

 

Looks mint to me! Although I will mention that your leaf springs look like mine- sagged. I suspect that due to my completely rotted frame and sagged leaf springs- my passenger side rear axle shock absorber bottomed out and broke through the top of the frame, making for a very bouncy ride. I'm also new to the forum but I'll try to post updates as I rebuild my frame.

 

I'd say that a lot of that rust looks to be surface rust. I'd still do a closer inspection, and I'd be sure to wire-wheel off as much as possible, evaluate, replace parts as necessary, apply rust converter, and get everything coated with paint and then maybe some fluid film on a regular basis.

Front spindles and UCAs look like they might need attention. And be sure to check the frame with a hammer. It's probably still OK, but you'll know with a little tapping. Oh, and check the rear brake proportioning valve (on the driver side frame above the rear axle). They seem to rust more quickly than other components.

 

Welcome and one of my favorite tacoma mix. Pictures dont look too bad but definitely dig deeper and soak all parts with PB the night before any serious wrenching.

 

I have tried Bilstein 5100 on rear with OME lift. Ruined 3 of them. They aren't rated for a lift. I just bought Bilstein 5125 9.25" on my 2000 with the OME. They are recommended for that lift. Hoping they work out. I have the 5100 on fronts and no problems there. I'd say keep it for sure.