Used 2nd gen w/“Back-end” problems

Looking to buy a 2005 V6 manual transmission from a friend. Apparently the rear differential lost all its fluid (?). Anything else to look for?

Also…any recommendations on an off-road rear bumper?

A member posted that the differential I'm looking for is:
8.4" open diff with or without electronic limited slip aka electronic brake control, 3.73 ratio

How do I determine if I need the electronic limited slip (aka electronic brake control)?

Many thanks!

 

Frame take hammer all over it to make sure no rust.!!!! Start there , anyone else ready to chime in?

 

Axle seals. While you're under the truck banging on the frame with a hammer as suggested by @Tiedie look at the rear wheels to see if one of them is coated with oil. Is so, most likely that's where the dif oil went to. Then pop the cover on the dif to see what (if any) damage has been done to the gears.

 

Don’t buy the trans if it’s the older version. I’d get one from an 08+

 

Toyota trucks don't have covers you can pop. You need to pull the 3rd member from the driveshaft-side to inspect gears.

Unique to Tacomas is frame rust (already mentioned). If the frame checks out, the rest of it is inspecting everything you would when buying any used vehicle. Service history and accident history are a good starting point, too.

Some 2005's are also known to have head gasket issues that often show up later in the truck's life (at around 200k miles). For that reason and a few others, 6 Gear is right: I would at the least avoid 2005 and early 2006 trucks. 08-11 seem to be the most reliable 2nd gens

 

It better be a smokin' deal.... If the owner trashed the rear end by running it dry, it would make me question the condition and upkeep on the rest of the truck.

 

Very good deal but a valid point about the maintenance. The inside is filthy but the seats are in great condition. Everything else is nothing a very deep cleaning and some new carpet can't cure (I don't think this guy knew what floor mats were for)

I've never heard of losing fluid out of the differential but didn't seem to faze my mechanic (he's see a lot of stuff in his days). Right now he's looking for a salvaged diff for a 2005 Access-cab, long bed, 4x4 6-cylinder, manual transmission Tacoma. He's a little flumoxed by all the choices available on his salvage websites so if you guys have any info that I can pass on to him PLEASE let me know. His stuff comes with a warranty and I trust him but he's not a Tacoma expert....

As I fix this puppy up, I promise to post pics and story (I'll also probably be asking for advice since you guys know more than anyone else.)

 

Judging by your name Im guessing you live in NY? I think Id pass on this one without even seeing pics: salt belt truck, very obvious lack of maintenance, possible head gasket issues, etc

 

$73 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Rear Differentials:

TRD Off-Road: 8" ring gear, electronic locking rear differential, 3.73 ratio (the diff housing/axle is different than all others to accommodate the locking rear diff)
2005-2007 TRD Sport: 8.4"ring gear, mechanical limited slip, 3.73 ratio
All other years V6 models: 8.4" open diff with or without electronic limited slip aka electronic brake control, 3.73 ratio
4-cylinder: 8.4" open diff, 4.10 ratio

Good luck!