Found a used TRD supercharger - what should I be watching out for?

Hey,

I recently found someone who is parting out their 1st gen Tacoma and are willing to sell their trd supercharger. Is this even a good idea ? What kind of things should I be looking for when looking at a used supercharger? He’s asking around 2000 for it.
Thanks !

 

Bearings.
Wear on the rotor volutes.
Damage on the discharge port.
End play.
Gear backlash.

 

Plan on having it rebuilt =1000.00 plus or buy it and take a chance

 

Assuming since you asking here, you might not be able to assess it without help. No offence intended. If you know someone who can, that's option 1. His price may be good if it's in good condition.

That said,...if he had paperwork showing recent rebuild - bargain. If not, I offer $12-1500 (your call on negotiating) and tell him you have to assume the $1000 for rebuild.

 

You are correct I’ve never dealt with a supercharger before so I really have no idea what kinds of things to look for. I rebuild old motorcycles so I have some mechanical understanding of vehicles but I have yet to dive into doing any work on my truck. If I were to have someone inspect it would thst be a Toyota dealership or would any decent mechanic be able to take a look at it ?

 

X2,
This is so true, there are plenty of people that have spent the long money on a used supercharger 2-2.5k
only to find out the supercharger needs to be rebuilt for another 1000.00.
My last rebuilt cost my 1500.00 with shipping because my rotors were damaged

 

You have to have it running on the truck to hear the bearings and it needs to be opened up to see
the rotors and wear, no Toyota will not do this.

Your better off planning on a rebuilt,
For a little more you can buy a new one with a warranty,

2000.00 for an as is supercharger is not a deal unless you know the history

 

2k is scam dude even if it was just rebuilt

 

Thank you for all the advice ! What do you think is an acceptable offer on it ?

 

Whatever you decide and add 1000.00 because more than likely it will need a rebuild sooner than later

 

Buy it for $2000 and spend $1000 on a rebuild kit, or spend $3500 for a brand new Magnusson SC kit.

 

Also is it a gen 1 (gray squarish less aftermarket support harder to get parts less efficient) or gen 2? (Standard sleek black sometimes has the raised TRD casting in it more boost more options.)

 

Yes, the grey ones parts new will be harder to find except bearings, those are available.
Standard power is the same. The early grey models all have raised TRD in the castings.
The early grey supercharger can be ported because it’s a two piece casting and you can
get more potential power with the smaller pulleys.
The newer supercharger is not a two piece casting and can not be ported inside the rotor upper housing section.
If you have the extra money go new with a warranty,
People ask too much money for used superchargers with no history or guarantees.

 

Thanks all! I offered 500 probably most I’m willing to pay based on all your advice and the fact that he has no history for it and it’s a gen 1

 

Some rebuilding shops depending where you go we’re at one time this year 3 months or more behind for work to be done because of parts not available,FYI