First Gen upkeep & new owner questions

Hello, new tacoma owner here,

I recently purchased a 2004 tacoma regular cab 2.4L V4 with 255,000 miles on it. I’m putting together a list of important items to address for this truck. Such as:

• Replace Steering rack bushing & other necessary parts for steering assembly
• Replace power steering lines (it leaks a little)
• Transmission fluid
• Replace Front & rear struts
• Possibly replace Leaf springs
• Spark plugs
• Air filter
• belts (if needed)

I know the suspension definitely needs to be replaced as it rides very squishy. I think i’m going to put new bilstein front and rear struts on. However i’m not sure if the leaf springs need to be replaced. They don’t appear to be in bad shape and look pretty good but they do seem to sit almost flat in the front but not all the way flat towards the back. All though i’m not really sure what is considered normal. I’ll attach a photo.

I'd like to do my due diligence on keeping this truck in good running order. If anyone has any thoughts on the condition of the leaf spring or any other items. I’m all ears!

 

Welcome what do the ignition coils, rotors, disc pads, brake shoes, upper and lower control arm bars look like? Have you been able to look at the axle fluids, O2 sensors, fuel injectors?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Haven’t looked at the ignition coils. I’ll check them out when i replace the spark plugs.

I’m gonna rotate the tires on the next oil change so i’ll take a good look at the brakes and rotors but they feel fine for now. No wobble or squeaking.

The control arms seem fine as far as i can tell.

I haven’t looked at the differential fluid or transmission fluid but i’m thinking of just replacing them to be safe.

I probably won’t be tearing in and inspecting the fuel injectors myself but I’ll see if the shop can take a look.

 

I add a bottle of either Gum-out, Sea Foam, or Lucas Upper Cylinder Fuel Treatment to the tank monthly for maintenance. I had the first injector replaced which stopped the CEL (P0420) code from coming back on again. Sounds like you've got the bases covered. Keep us posted on how things are progressing.