Just got a Tacoma Have Some Questions

I got the truck used and just have a few initial questions:

Is there a way to check that the 4 wheel drive and rear diff work?

It's high mileage and the owner has used regular oil for a long time. OK to switch to synthetic?

I plan on glasswork fenders, suspension and wheels in phases. Should I do suspension before wheels? If I get suspension and wheels done...then get fenders would I need new wheels to make it look right?

I plan on going with a 3" lift with Icon coils, Allpro leafs paired with some Icon shocks...will 285/75 on 16X8 with 5" back spacing work well? No rubbing? Once I put the fenders on, will it look wrong?

Thanks.

 

Welcome to TW, dues are $2 a post.....jk

If you drove it home, the rear diff must work, unless it was noisy or shook. Go to a gravel road or lot and try the 4wd, shifter etc..... don't do 4wd on dry pavement.

No idea on what year you have, high miles on modern dino oil can go either way, try a synth blend first maybe.

On wheels and suspension. take the next 2 weeks or more and digest threads here for ideas n problems. I'm not lifted and a lifted older truck I had doesn't qualify me to opine much.

 

I think he means rear diff lock. You'll have to be in 4Lo first to engage it. Just test it when you test the 4wd.

I think 5" backspacing will be too much and will result in you rubbing on the coilover, swaybar or UCA, but I'm not positive. It will also make your stance really narrow and will probably look odd with the glass fenders. Try checking out the Long travel threads and their builds to see what fenders and tires they are running and what looks good to you.