1st gen, common problems?

2001 Tacoma DC 4x4 with TRD package, with 136,000 plus miles, no problems that are major. Seatbelts do not always retract and the dash does rattle, but these are very minor. Been a great truck plan on driving it to 300,000s.

 

It has all pretty much been said. I have only had to do routine maintenance type stuff and I have 188K miles on my 2001. i have done the timing belts and had a tie rod to replace. The rest of the work I did on it was stuff I wanted to do. The 3.4 V6 is making a name for itself as bulletproof. All in all, the 1st gens are what the 2nd gens should be.

 

Over 270,000 mi now on my 97 V6 AC 4x4 and it runs like a dream. Uses NO oil between changes.

 

Hmm...
Rear leafs (solved with OME springs)
Steering rack bushings (replaced with NHOR ones for $20)
Dash rattle (just smack the top and it goes away, or use some composite shims)
Clock location (replaced the clock with a winch switch from 12V Guy & installed an OEM Aussie FJ60 inclinometer under the radio which includes a clock)

 

The clock location was the same from 84 to 04 basically. It has never occured to me that it was a bad location.

 

Anyone have issues with CV boots?

 

Anyone

 

Yeah but only if you lift over 2.75 or so. A boot slip mod helps.

 

Ok so that would be the cause of my leaky boots but it is the inner boots that are leaking not the outte. Can the mod be done on the inner and how would you do it? Hmmmm I think you may need the TC mod to begin having issues with boots, just sayin.

 

Pretty sure I have the TC mod. Unfortunately its usually the inners that get overextended. Search boot slip mod, if not on here I know its on ttora. Basically you put a clamp inside your boot to keep it from sliping on the shaft and then clamp the boot normally. Keeps the fins from touching.

 

TC mod wasn't intended for you lol sorry if was for the guy with the pre-runner. Ok so it is normaly the inners that have issues right and the slip mod shold fix this? Or a diff drop I bet if I had one of those I wouldn't be here with this issue.

 

Diff drop can't hurt but prob won't help much either. however for $30 I will def do the diff drop when I go up another inch.

 

OP, glad you're considering getting a 1st Gen. They're superior in all regards to their fatter, younger brothers, the 2nd Gens.

As far as problems, I think they've all been addressed (though I've only experienced weak leafs and the resulting axle wrap). With regular maintenance, my truck feels bulletproof (sig excepting).

Let us know what you get, and post pics!

 

Yea I wish I would have done that months ago. Ok so I looked into the slip mod a lil and it looks pretty simple you use the old clamp to hold it from the inside and then also clamp it normally right and this is for the inner boots next to the diff? BTW thanks for the info.

 

What? Tacomas, both gen1 and 2 are VERY solid...

 

x2 and welcome

you got it. If you're replacing your inners anyway its simple

 

I guess the only hard part about it will be the I will have to remove the shaft from the diff, not fun

 

WTF is all this hating on the dash clock!!!
I like the placement toyota chose.
Go dash clock!!!!

 

Pig Punisher what do you think about just replacing the front axle instead of dealing with the tear down of the cv boot?