Apologies for the lengthy first post… I realize it’s a long one

I got my ‘05 Taco brand new, and shortly after moving to DC I loaned her out for a several years to family (not much need for a truck here). I’ve moved further out (now in Loudoun County) and recently got my taco back and quickly found she hadn’t been taken care of. The road to restoring her is just starting – which means I’m just now learning what’s required.

Aside from basic maintenance and some cosmetic enhancements over the years, the only big items she has are:

• Suspension: Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Kit (Heavy Load)
• Exhaust: Flow-FX Cat-Back
• Intake:
  $318 63-9025 K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing: Compatible with 2005-2011 TOYOTA: Tacoma, 63-9025
  63-9025 K&N
• Catalytic Converter: Magnaflow HM Grade Direct-Fit

The major updates happened just a few months ago and, after ~400-500 miles or so, I realized the wrong cat was replaced (I said learning right?). Since then, I’ve found other items that need attention – e.g., frame, prop shaft, more exhaust, etc.

Considering she has ~350k miles, I’m sure plenty of y’all will say she’s not worth the expense and that I should replace her. Let me get ahead of you and say that I have too much sentimental value in her (she was my actual home for the first few years I had her) and she’s a 6-speed standard (which is nearly impossible to find these days). So no, I will not be getting rid of her.

I’m at the point where I know she needs a rebuild, which I’m justifying as make up for the lost maintenance she should have been given over the years. While she won’t be a primary vehicle or used for show, I’d like to keep her around for many years to come as a good weekend / farm truck. Figured I’d finally join the TW after several months of scouring the many forums.

If anyone knows where I can learn, shops for parts, shops for labor (I’m definitely not experienced enough to do most of what needs to be done), or just plain old advice, I’m all ears.
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Here’s what Old Blue looks like now:

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome like those wheels