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Tips for owner of a 2013 Tacoma 4X4?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by abuseguy, Oct 16, 2013.

  1. Oct 16, 2013 at 2:34 PM
    #1
    abuseguy

    abuseguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Neil
    Massachusetts, USA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tacoma Regular/Manual/4WD
    Hello,

    About six months ago I sold my '93 Toyota 4X4. A friend and his son wanted the project, and after twenty years I sent it to a good home. I did most of the work myself over the years, but I didn't have time to be chasing body work and other issues on a regular basis. Honestly, it was a good truck but not a great one: Two head gaskets, a broken timing chain at 58K, leaky gas tank, multiple fuel sending units, ball joints, other stuff when it was relatively new. I also could never get the valve chatter to quiet down, but I got used to it.

    But I started missing it as soon as it left the driveway. I spent months looking for used only to find crazy high prices for trucks that were many years old -- so I sold some other stuff and bit the bullet: I purchased a 2013 Tacoma, regular cab, standard transmission, 4X4. I found a used TunnoPro cover on Craigslist, but that's my only addition.

    Here's my question:

    Like my last one, I want to have this one for twenty years. Many people on this forum are way more experienced than I am. What would you recommend to someone with a new Tacoma? What habits, add-ons, or changes will help me keep this truck forever? I'm already looking into FluidFilm as a rust preventative, but what else? I tend to depend on my trucks like good tools, so don't hold back.

    Thanks for any insight.

    Neil
     
  2. Oct 16, 2013 at 2:41 PM
    #2
    kirkofwimbo

    kirkofwimbo Well-Known Member

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    Clayton
    Wimberley, TX
    Vehicle:
    ‘21 Tundra SR 4x4
    IMO Keep the oil changed, grease your driveline zerks, and follow your manual for service schedules on diffs and transfer case fluid changes. When it comes time to change fluids, try and go with a synthetic. FluidFilm is a great idea! Keep up with those and I have no reason to think you wouldn't see half a million miles :)
     
  3. Oct 16, 2013 at 3:37 PM
    #3
    Sparky73

    Sparky73 Well-Known Member

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    Drew
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB 4x4
    Famous Fabrication Sliders, Duratracs, Painted Grill, BHLM, Devil's Horns Emblem, Derp'd Badges, Wet Okole Covers
    OP, welcome to TW!!!

    My recommendation, as a fellow 2013 4x4 owner, is to never again visit this website....it'll save you thousands of dollars! :D

    Seriously though, all you need to do to make this truck last 20 years is regularly change the oil and perform the recommended maintenance. I recommend putting Mobil 1 in at the first oil change and sticking with it.
     
  4. Oct 16, 2013 at 5:16 PM
    #4
    ChuckDe

    ChuckDe Member

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    Chuck
    central KY
    Vehicle:
    '13 DCSB V6 AT TRD 4X4 OR
    Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs (2407)
    I'm new here too, and new to Toyota and Tacoma. Most of these trucks are not setup to carry much weight or do any serious towing (though mfgr.'s ratings would lead you to believe they are). I've added and so far, happy with Firestone Ride-Rite air helper springs. They will allow the back-end to be raised back to normal height when carrying varying loads (should help prevent bottoming on the stops too). Normal disclaimers about not overloading apply! But, with stock springs, , , some kind help is needed. Some opt of stronger springs, and some for lifts; but the "air bags" are infinitely variable (5 to 100 psi) depending on the load. SD Truck Springs, as a source, has done right by me.

    The owners' manual contains a lot of good info about loading and towing, although some serious studying may be necessary to determine exact limits for your particular truck. Don't know if yours has the towing package, but, even if it does, you may need to add a trailer brake controller. My research lead to the Tekonsha P3. It seems very popular, highly rated, and seems solidly built.

    Again, welcome to TW! See Ya 'round :D Chuck
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2013
  5. Oct 16, 2013 at 6:19 PM
    #5
    toyotaman29

    toyotaman29 Well-Known Member

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    Darrell
    North Carolina
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    2021 SR Prerunner Silver
    LED upgrades, Husky weatherbeaters, Black 16’’ wheels
    I would also do the regular maintenance and only use OEM Toyota oil filters with Mobil 1, OEM air fitters are the best in filtering out the dust and welcome to TW.
     
  6. Oct 16, 2013 at 9:17 PM
    #6
    Konvict KROG

    Konvict KROG Live Free or Die Trying

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    Louisiana
    Vehicle:
    Old Toyota's, Power Wagon, and a Tacoma
    Traded the 2015 TRD Pro 6spd Supercharged on a PowerWagon and could not be happier. My 2011 Tacoma with the TX Baja package (Added by me) is still treating me great. My 1985 Toyota never skips a beat.
    If you plan to haul, upgrade the rear springs.

    If you dont plan to abuse it offroad then a 2 inch leveling kit, daystar makes one thats 1 inch preload and 1 inch on top so that you can add a good add-a-leaf, i like this one but i have tried many others.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-2011-Toyota-Tacoma-Add-a-Leaf-Spring-2-Rear-Leveling-Lift-Kit-/250958042967?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ATacoma&hash=item3a6e43d757&vxp=mtr
    and if you dont plan to offroad it, the diff drop kit is good.

    If you dont want to lift it at all then the ride-right or other load helping things.

    Mobil 1 or Castrol full syn oil and ONLY OEM oil filters.

    Lifetime firestone alignment $150 and you can take it in every 6 months if you want forever and not have to pay again.

    Bed mat, OEM or aftermarket doesnt matter. the plastic bed is way slippery without one.

    i cant think off hand of anything else..

    Oh, if you have any feeling your throwout bearing is crappy out. Jump on it and get it fixed, mine failed multiple time mainly from offroading but the first time set the stage for the next 2.

    Dont shift into 4wd over 60mph, i dont know why you would but it does say it in the manual.
     
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    #6
  7. Oct 16, 2013 at 9:17 PM
    #7
    Konvict KROG

    Konvict KROG Live Free or Die Trying

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2013
    Member:
    #110115
    Messages:
    3,466
    Gender:
    Male
    Louisiana
    Vehicle:
    Old Toyota's, Power Wagon, and a Tacoma
    Traded the 2015 TRD Pro 6spd Supercharged on a PowerWagon and could not be happier. My 2011 Tacoma with the TX Baja package (Added by me) is still treating me great. My 1985 Toyota never skips a beat.
    ^also welcome to TW
     
  8. Oct 30, 2013 at 1:17 PM
    #8
    abuseguy

    abuseguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Neil
    Massachusetts, USA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tacoma Regular/Manual/4WD
    Thanks to everyone for the solid tips. Much appreciated. The only upgrade I anticipate at this time will be suspension.
     
  9. Oct 30, 2013 at 1:37 PM
    #9
    RearViewMirror

    RearViewMirror Saw things so much clearer once you... were in my

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    Craig Christ
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    Probably the best advice given so far :D

    This site will suck the money right out of your pocket. I've got things that I didn't even know I needed until I stumbled on this site. Run... Run as fast as you can.

    Now all that said, what most of the others have said here. Keep up with the maintenance schedule and as for me, I get under the truck and clean it from front to back once a month and look for anything out of the ordinary. Some members say I'm OCD but I don't believe it. I don't believe it. I don't believe it.... What was I saying? Oh... yeah. If you can do your own maintenance and use synthetic when possible.

    Welcome to the forums by the way. I think I saw some dirt on my frame I need to clean off. Be back later.
     

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