My first Toyota Tacoma (Long thread intro)

Introduction-

Hello everyone, Im from NC and I just bought a 1st gen 2004 Tacoma which happens to be my first Toyota and my first Tacoma. This is my first Toyota and first truck and so I'm new to the Tacoma World both this website and literally. I plan to use this site to increase my knowledge of my Tacoma and show off the build I plan on doing. I plan to learn a lot and make this my project truck.

Truck History-

Last April I bought a 2004 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner 3.4L V6 with 269,000 miles for $4,000 off of someone from Facebook Marketplace. The truck was definitely well-loved (used) and will continue to be used as my daily driver. The truck appears to be completely southern owned with no rust underneath which was the main reason I bought it. Before I finalized the purchase I had a pre-sale inspection done to know exactly what I was getting into as the seller had mentioned some issues along with the high miles. The pre-sale inspection alerted me to worn belts, leaking valve cover gaskets, bad breaks- front and rear, leaking radiator, and recommended fluid changes. Not noted by the shop but noticed by me was a loose/shaking shifter and key stuck in ignition. The body of the truck was in relatively good condition minus various scratches, worn paint, and a noticeable dent/hole in the passenger side rear truck bed body. The interior was well-used to say it plainly and looked as if it had never been cleaned. The overall condition was rough and I knew I would have to put work into it but I was ready and thought it was worth it. One plus was that the seller had replaced the tires with brand new wrangler good-year off road tires 2 months before.

Repairs done as of today (05/16/23)-

Repairs done by mechanic shop- replaced all belts, replaced valve cover gaskets, replaced front pads and rotors.

Repairs done by me- removed/ replaced stock radio with Boss BV800 ACP, replaced font door speakers, replaced air filter, replaced air intake hose, replaced vacuum hoses, replaced radiator, replaced spark plugs/ wires, replaced shifter bushings, replaced headlight housings/ bulbs, restored fender flare trim, and heavily detailed interior of truck.

Planned future repairs/ modifications-

Here is a list of planned future modifications/ additional repairs I would like to do. Some of the things listed are for increasing the longevity, reliability, and durability of the truck and others are cosmetic. I apologize if I don't use the correct terms for parts or things.

Replace/ rebuild entire front and rear suspension system, replace stock exhaust, replace/ repaint bed of truck, replace stock rims, replace tail lights, replace front and rear bumper assemblies, and eventually have the truck repainted.

If anyone can recommend the best parts for the front/ rear suspension I would greatly appreciate it. I am looking for new upper control arms, struts/ springs (preferably pre assembled), lower ball joints, rear shocks, and anything else that I may have forgot or need. For the parts I am looking for quality performance and durability but something that is also in the mid range for price. I am a 20 year old college sophomore and so I don't have most money right now.

Thank you for reading all of this and welcoming me into this community. I have can't wait to learn more about my truck. Please offer and recommendations along with suggestions for additional repairs and comments. Thank you.

 

Welcome to TW!