2009 Tacoma TRD new member

Hey everybody, I work and travel around the country as a freelance Arborist aka tree doctor with my wolf pup (featured in the taco photo). Though I am a man of the road I do not know a ton about the mechanical side of my vehicle. I just got my hands on a 2nd gen Tacoma Trd V6. I hope to find some good build out threads on here and discover some additions I didnt even know I wanted haha.

First off I am looking at replacing the exhaust system. I currently have a leak at the manifold (hasnt been properly assessed yet) and after hearing it could be around 2k to fix I hit the forums. Id rather install performance exhaust then pay so much to replace the old. Any help/suggestions is greatly appreciated! Thanks for having me.

 

Welcome and nice truck and pup! "Performance" exhaust really wont do much for you, unless youre trying for a different sound. The exhaust on these trucks are pretty straight forward and herein lies your issue: OEM exhaust lasted for 13 years or so....aftermarket exhaust may be made of substandard material and NOT last you 13 years but be half as cheap, but you get to do it twice! If youre truly looking for BORLA or PREMIUM exhaust kits or something, then you'll be paying for the quality of that as well..just some thoughts.

 

Welcome aboard matey, I recommend the TRD performance exhaust, OEM, stainless steel, sound good (subtle, not obnoxious sounding…), and looks great.
Also, this may help you along the way. This is automatic transmission specific but I’m sure you can still use a lot of the info.

 

Appreciate the insight guys. Would love to hear some opinions on this quote haha. As a professional Arborist I am a fan of paying people for their skills so the labor is fine. I assume there is a bunch of upcharging going on otherwise but maybe not. Main concern is if when fixing my exhaust leaks I can upgrade to parts that are better for off-roading/clearance for similar money then Id like to. I assume I could replace my entire system for 2 grand let alone the repairs I got quoted for and that still feels like alot. Maybe inflation is that bad already or Im just inexperienced with part prices, but that's part of why Im here!

 

It’s a relatively easy job, two spring bolts at the flange and wiggling off all the rubber hangers. I know time may be a factor but I’m sure you would have no problem doing this yourself. There’s even a few step by step YouTube videos out there for 2nd gen exhaust install. What I used when I did mine.
And you could replace the entire catback with a TRD performance for less than $500.00, hardware included. Now if you have problems before the catback, then maybe consider other options, and maybe someone else would be able to guide you on that.

 

The cat is the question i have. why are they replacing it? do you have CEL(check engine lights?) is is the truck performing poorly? and are you SURE its a leak at the manifold? and that quote has NO pipes, just gaskets and cat, no muffler, none of the other exhaust piping.
also a quick run down of those parts:
17150-0P140 is the entire converter priced at 735 from https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/...ated-Exhaust-Manifold/3902651/171500P140.html

17119-0P010 is the lt bracket priced at 15.30 at https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-exhaust-manifold-stay-171180p010

17118-0P010 is the rt bracket priced at 20.30 at https://www.oemgenuineparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-stay-manifold-no-2-171190p010

and all those prices are higher than what you can purchase them through Toyota for! So, to sum it up. its the manifold and brackets, no other exhaust parts in that quote. I wouldnt take it to them. Where are you located? exhaust is pretty easy(as long as its not SUPER rusted)
was that a toyota dealer???

 

Check out the The Car Care Nut channel on YouTube. AMD is a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician, with 15 years at a dealership, who recently opened his own shop (and maintaining his certifications and training at his own expense), while he and his wife produce videos to help Toyota and Lexus owners DIY. His playlists include the Tacoma, and understanding Toyota vehicle systems. Invaluable advice for working on Barcelona Red. I'll be installing LC Engineering's Street Exhaust Header kit to help out the 2TR-FE 4-cylinder engine this summer. If you can find a copy, the Haynes manual that describes the complete disassembly and reassembly of a vehicle can be helpful, too.
We're all brothers on this road... I'm still hangin' on, enjoying the ride. Have fun every day!

Late news: Powell's Books of Portland, OR has a copy of the Haynes Manual for 2005-2011 Tacoma: https://www.powells.com/book/toyota-tacoma-2005-2011-9781620920879
LC Engineering, Lake Havasu, AZ makes great parts fpr Tacomas and more. I was quite impressed with their ceramic coated exhaust header kit that included OEM gaskets and other hardware, shipped well-packed to prevent movement within the box. You can always call them to explain what you need. https://www.lceperformance.com/category-s/17241.htm