Tacoma going to a farm up north?

I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma, V6 Quad Cab, 4-wheel drive without the TRD package. I bought it in 2003 in the Pacific Northwest. The frame never rusted out, but I did address two small spots back in 2020, so the frame never qualified for recall... and it isn't a problem.

It had 43k miles in 2003, and I am the second owner. I've done the basics, like the timing belt and water pump at 90k, and one round of shocks and brakes as needed. I don't drive it all that much; it has 180k miles on it today. I love the truck, and I've had it longer than my wife, but I'm trying to decide how I'll know when it's time to move on.

Except for a slight pull to the left (likely needing some attention to the steering or bushings), the truck is 100% stock and in good shape with no body rust.

What should I do with this truck? I always said I'd drive the wheels off it, but it probably needs some overall attention and upgrading. Advice?

 

I'd just give it the attention it needs. You obviously own it outright, so pumping even $5-7k in repairs (refreshed parts, etc.) will net you a far nicer vehicle than that same $5-7k can buy you on the open market. And that $5-7k is me aiming way high in costs and going through absolutely everything.

All that being said, if that frame rust you mentioned remains a problem and is spreading, then maybe don't dump money into other repairs unless you have plans for further frame repairs.

 

If you're able to do the work or can afford to pay someone to fix it, then keep it. With proper care these trucks can go 3-400k miles with very little problems. You know it's history, and fixing this truck is way better than buying somebody else's(Problems) used vehicle, that you really know nothing about. Good luck with. your decision.

 

Thanks Red_03Taco... the framework was done with the frame shop that has done hundreds if no thousands of tacos so I trust them that its in good shape, to my eyeballs and hammering around on it I feel its solid. Yes, this truck has paid for itself many times over so 5-7k doesn't seem like a bad investment, plus I know everything about this truck. The truck has been off-road in sand 1 time in its life, the best 2 days of its life. My list is: Shocks, brakes, steering (though not sure what that all should be) lights (polishing them again may punch through the plastic) what else should I put on the list?

 

Donate it to the @Moonrman needs a new hobby fund

 

I have a similar dilemma -- 180k, rusty but repairable frame, sunk $3k into the truck in the past year. Sell, part out, or continue to sink money...? It's a winter truck for me so not critical to keep (or let go of), but very helpful in the fleet and owned for 15 years.

My latest realization is I'm reaching saturation on "thought and decision making." In other words, I'd like to stop thinking about this truck, researching into issues and repairs (keeps me on TW a lot), and thinking about what to do with it. I'd like to put my mental bandwidth someplace else.. Like the other truck Lol...

Thinking I'll list it high $, and see what happens. Maybe a good move for you as well.

GL~

 

After going through all the bushings, LBJ's and coilovers/shocks, mine turned out to be the steering rack. Drives like new now though.

 

Could be a frozen caliper causing your truck to pull one way. Let’s see some pictures of the frame. The truck is worth saving. Either that or I’ll give ya a grand for it

 

What is your daily driver right now? There are many, MANY, stories of people on the board having the same dilema and they choose to sell there 1st gen and get a newer Tacoma and regret it. They are that good.

 

Just do a whole front end (suspension/steering) refresh:
- Steering rack bushings
- Outer tie rod ends
- Lower ball joints
- Sway Bar End Links
- Upper Ball Joints
- Lower Control Arm Bushings

Replacing all of the above and getting a fresh allignment will make a world of difference

 

@Red_03 thanks again for a great list.

I don't even want to get into the great frame debate, but i'll post the fix pic from 2019... it was a kit for the right and left for the two spots in front of the rear wheels for the rot. I drive this truck, I don't off-road it... so it works for me. As I understand and can see it they chop the section, slide these on and weld.

 

If it hasn't gotten far worse since, it's definitely worth keeping around. But fair warning, those lower control arm bushings are probably going to fight tooth and nail to come out, given the rust. But those LCA bushings will likely be one of the most impactful repairs you can make to make the truck ride better