Finally got a truck and now I've got a ton of questions

What's up everyone?

I'm a 24 year old college student/part time worker that has been wrenching on cars for the last 9 years. I've always wanted a truck (either a Tacoma or a diesel), but for some reason never bought one.

I just picked up this a few days ago for a killer deal:

It's a 96 with the 2.7L
I bought it from my buddy and know that he rear ended a comcast van a good while back, which is why the front end looks like that.

Anyways it has 3" blocks in the back and 1.5" spacers on the top of the front struts...it definitely needs new struts though. I was looking at the Bilstein 5100's, but wasn't sure if I could use them since the back has 3" blocks and read that they shouldn't be used for trucks lifted past 2". Does anyone have any feedback? I know nothing about trucks and have been looking throughout this forum and a few others.

(I have no intention of rock crawling and stuff. Just daily driving it and taking it camping, to the snow, etc)

I'm trying not to spend too much since I am still a student. Currently the rear struts on it are Rancho 5144's I believe. The fronts Are all black so I can't tell if they're oem or what.

Anyways I'm a Chico, CA resident and am definitely going to enjoy this truck for hauling scuba gear, going camping, hunting, mountain biking, snow boarding, climbing, etc.

 

5100's will work you just have to get the right length, iv never been a fan of lift blocks makes the truck handle bad in the rain, snow, ect. i would swap them out for some aal's or a 3'' lift spring just my opn

 

well if the front is only at 1.5" (looks like 2.5 honestly) then it will be no big deal to just get the 5100s. they actually lift it about 2.5", which will be fine with a 3" block. the better option would probably be to ditch the blocks and get a good AAL. nice score on the truck!

 

This is how I measured the front...I was only looking at the spacer.


First I'm going to replace the cracked manifold. Then down the road I'll replace the struts and go with AAL and use the Old Man Emu springs up front to replace the spacers.

EDIT: And those nasty bushings

Here's a pic of the rear for the hell of it


Also the truck has about 200k on it. Is there any maintenance I should try and get out of the way?

 

Compression test change plugs wires if you have them drain and flush all the fluids change filters

 

this^

drain the transmission, transfer case, and front and rear diffs, and change the oil and go through and top off your power steering fluid, brake and clutch fluid reservoir and replace your antifreeze. be sure to fix any leaks while you're at it.

 

nice ride man.

 

Hmm the oil doesn't need to be changed yet. I'll definitely do the plugs and wires though. Powersteering I'm going to wait...I think it's the culprit for squealing crazy loud when the truck is cold. I just never remember to get a friend to start the truck when it's cold so I can listen for it.

Are those front spacers I have 1.5" like I think or do you measure more than just the spacer itself? It looks like it could be 2"?

 

Welcome to TW! Since this forum is for introductions only, recommend you spend some time perusing the 1st Gen. Tacomas forum and Tacoma Garage section. Both contain a wealth of information about our trucks and potential mods, including maintenance requirements and Suspension.