Just got a used 2007 Tacoma 4cyl, 5speed, 4x4 - How did I do? Here's what I have planned for it!

Hi,
On Saturday I purchased this Tacoma. It met most of my requirements except its rather high mileage (217k), but figured I'd take a chance with it.
It has a lift, aftermarket intake, and some decent tires. I'm planning on using it for "farm" work and occasional off road camping trips.



Looks like I got a 2" block lift in the back, which I understand to be not so good.


Can anyone tell me more about this UCAs?


I'm planning on doing the fender washer fix for this door catch failure.



I paid $11.9k


I'm really curious about the lift and the quality of the components there. If anyone can report back, I'd appreciate it. (I know its subjective!)


Here's what I have planned next:

1. Replace all gear fluid with

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 Synthetic, Rear Diff, Front Diff, Transfer Case, manual transmission.
2. Put on a Valvomax quick drain plug and do an oil change and oil filter change.
3. See if I can eliminate or minimize the side to size clutch pedal movement
4. Coolant flush, PS fluid flush, Brake and Clutch fluid flush.
5. clean and oil the volant cold air intake filter.

 

I think you did beautifully. Congrats and welcome to TW!

 

Looks pretty good, how’s the frame? Start spraying the front diff plugs now and get a good 10mm hex sock to break them loose. Hopefully the drain plug doesn’t strip.

 

I'll give you $12,100 as she sits!! Seriously, that seems like a great deal, especially in today's world.

 

Looks a lot better than the 2009 I bought 3 years ago, so great find and welcome to TW!
Block lifts on the front struts are bad, I think blocks on the rear are OK just watch for axle wrap.

 

Oh man, really appreciate the positive comments. The mileage really had me bummed out, but I've been shopping for awhile. Frame is all good. Been a California and Nevada car its whole life.

I'm going to run it off road as is! See what breaks!

I hear the rear block lift is not so good, any recommended better products to achieve a 2" lift in the back?

 

With the truck idling, is the tach needle steady or bounce a little bit? If so and if it hasn’t already been done, replace the valve cover but more importantly the spark plug tube gaskets… like tonight.

 

The tach is steady at idle.

Can you tell me more about this valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets please? is there a sticky? What's the issue?

Also sitting overnight in my driveway, not a drip. I noticed some evidence of oil at the transmission. I'll investigate and report back after I am under there poking around.


Good idea on the PB blaster, I'll get on that before the day of the flush.

Thanks for the welcome all!

 

Start now, do it daily and tap it a few times before you break it loose.

 

Just got 'em PB blasted and ordered my first torque wrench after wrenching on cars for like 20 years, lol.

Just pulled the relevant repairs from the carfax:

Front Brakes, rotors, fluid flush, 119,775
Differential Fluid Flush 123,469
Valve Cover gasket 214,874
Rear Leaf Springs replaced 186,417
Unknown Transmission Service at 200,808 miles
Exhaust Manifold replaced 186,674
PCV Hose repaired 186,698
Clutch replaced, and flywheel resurfaced 196,031


Looks like the spark plug tube gaskets are part of that valve cover gasket job, so I'm set.

 

Good deal, if they were serviced once hopefully they won’t give you an issue. It’s mainly the front diff drain plug. I had to use a hammer and cold chisel on mine after stripping it. It came right out though.

 

NICE!

 

Didn't see anybody say anything about the upper control arms. They are icon ucas. They are good ucas. I'd just check the bushings and delta joints. They might be greasable also. I've never ran icons but I haven't heard anything bad about them. Good looking truck.

 

You did really well !

 

Thank you guys,
Getting a grease gun as well to start maintaining these U-joints and other suspension components.

Appreciate all your feedback and positive encouragement.

Thank you!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=menVUvvL-3s
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/maintenance-on-icon-delta-joints-ucsa.663570/

 

Your truck looks great, you did good. Underneath looks really good, definitely never in a salt state. My only hesitancy would be the lift. If not quality, not done correctly or not done by someone who knows what they are doing you can have some major problems. But overall looks good.

 

Thank you very much.

The lift is where I have the most questions. I now understand how the front lift was done. The rear uses the blocks which i see why they are not ideal. I'm wondering if any driveline modifications are needed to accommodate the lift. I saw a video where someone had a shim between the frame and the clamp that secures the driveshaft... done to maintain driveline alignment. I just need to read more on what is needed.

I'm trying not to go crazy with this truck, but would like to take an affordable step up with the rear lift like different leafs, or add-a-leaf to achieve that 2"? I'll just need to immerse myself in the topic.

 

Are you experiencing vibs/shudder? I had faint take off shudder and the carrier shim took care of it. As far as the rear check out the Icon RXT leaf pack... 3 load/height options.

 

no vibes or shudder.
I'll check out those RXT leaf packs! Thank you! Looks like what I need.