Four months with Gen1

I've had my Base 04 for four months now and I'm very happy with it. Five speed transmission is cranky for a mile or so, then smooth. Is this normal? My 74 MG Midget is the same.

I bought my Tacoma to be a little useful vehicle. It certainly is that. Dump runs, lumber, etc. Does most things I want it to.

I've had the charcoal canister replaced. My mechanic got it so I could pump gas, but I could not get the pump working automatically, and the check engine light came on whenever I crested a local 1000ft pass. Replacing the canister solved that and I can wash my windows while pumping gas now.

I had a dash light out so replaced a bunch while I had access to them. OEM bulbs.

Replaced the radio and speakers with a simple JVC bluetooth so I can stream ApplePlay.

The big improvement was getting my BakFlip bed cover. Bit the bullet. I love this thing. Just drove from San Jose to LA with a bed full of stuff. No worries getting a bite to eat or parking on the street overnight. Out of sight, out of mind. And I swear the gas mileage was significantly improved. Looks good too. Reasonably dry.

Now I found a washer fluid filler crack, more like a hole. What is a good repair method? I don't need the whole reservoir unit. Can't see this sold separately. Toyota Dealership?

Here is a bench seat hack. I was leaning right due to compressed foam. If you tilt the seat back forward, you'll see a wire grid. I cut a one foot 1x2 board and stuck it between the foam and the wire grid, anchored it with four wood screws, and problem solved. I was more comfortable on the long drive than I was with my 05 CRV.

Here is a conundrum. The truck rides so much better with weight in the bed. All rattles disappear. Anyone throw a couple bags of sand or something back there?

Anyway, I'm so happy with the last of the small trucks. Somewhat surprised at how much money I've spent getting things fixed and improving this endearing vehicle. I mean, it has next to no features not needed to run.

 

Have you changed the gear oil in the trans yet? I have found Redline MT90 to improve shifting quite a bit. It is also GL-5 type oil so no break down of the brass sychros

 

Hard shifting? Yes mine is a little finicky going into second when it's cold, other problems I'd look at the hydraulic clutch, could probably stand to drain/fill/bleed.

If you don't want to actually fix it, duct tape works just fine. It's only to get the fluid into the tank. No you can't get the neck by itself and the OEM is off the hook price-wise. See this recent discussion, same question.

I don't see a mention of lower ball joint replacement. Thousands of threads here why this is so important, do not use aftermarket LBJ's here, OEM only from a Toyota dealer (I've found Ourisman to be the best overall price.)

 

I’ve found 1st Gen 3.4 Tacomas to be cold blooded.