Doing a refresh and TLC on a 410k mile Taco!

Hey fellas, was wondering if I could pick yalls brains about some ideas on doing some TLC and maintence on my Taco. She's got 410,000 on original engine and transmission (5 speed manual) she's on her second clutch, first one got replaced at around 200k and even that one was in good condition. I don't think the diff or transmission fluid has ever been changed so was thinking about doing that, also need to grease the U Joints. What else would you do if it was your truck? Probably needs lube and grease wherever it can use it. Im pretty sure I did the fuel filter about 2 or 3 years ago too but will have to double check, wouldn't hurt to put a new one in though . Thank you for your time sirs/ma'ams

 

Everyone is going to say lower ball joints. So unless you recently did those, I'd say definitely put those at the top of the list (and use OEM Toyota ones).

Timing belt - probably worth doing.

There's probably loads more wear and tear items that should be replaced, but I'd prioritize things that deal with safety first. So things like brakes, and ball joints.

I'd do brake fluid, oil change, power steering fluid flush and coolant flush before messing with the trans and diff fluids. Those fluids do far more harm if they're neglected than the trans/diffs.

Lastly, I'd consider engine mount, trans mount, and either leaf springs (or at least new leaf spring bushings). I've done those 3 things over the past 3 months, and the whole drive line feels more connected to the truck, in a way that really makes it ride nice. When I bang through the gears, there's no noticeable shifting sensation, where it felt as if the frame and the driveline had tons of "slop" between them. Hard to describe, but really makes my 290k mile truck feel much newer and more enjoyable to drive.

 

I’d check valve clearances and do a compression test to start.

 

Yessir, did timing belt about 25k ago, I do it every 100k and also did water pump with new coolant, definitely will update brakes and brake fluid and also power steering fluid. Pretty sure that's all original too ha. But yeah front steering components could use some love, a few years ago I did the whole front end but with the Detroit brand or whatever (the non oem) and now my steering squeeks loud when I turn left or right at slower speeds. But yeah I bet with new mounts and bushings she'd feel a lot better.

 

The OEM steering rack takes ATF, so be mindful of that when you work on that system. The reservoir has a filter which needs to be cleaned as well.

 

I did replace the steering rack about 2 years ago also... Was bein cheap and didn't use OEM though, but yeah I have a squeeks now, mostly sounds like it's coming from driver side.... Most likely is the lame steering rack, I wonder if it might be low on ATF, I did kinda notice the steering got a little stiffer