In need of some advice- 2005 tacoma 6ft

HI,

I am looking for some advice, I have a 2005 black Toyota Tacoma long bed with 212,000 miles and it is in need of a lot of work. It was not my primary vehicle(4runner) and I had lent the truck to my nephew as he went off to college for the past few years, it is now a complete mess. The main issues are the front differential needs to be replaced, the front driverside wheel bearing needs replacing, the lower controls arms need replacing, and the drive belts need replacing. In addition to all of that, it has a check engine light and is throwing a p0420 and p0430 code. I am assuming this is a CAT issue. When they went to do further diagnostics they realized the computer was having issues communicating with several of the sensors and recommended it also be replaced. The mechanics estimated the cost to do the needed repairs would be 5-6k before they even address the codes it is throwing. There are several other smaller issues but I am comfortable doing that work.

I have no idea what to do.

Is it worth it to put the money into it or is it better to part it out or flat out try and sell it?

What would it even be worth in this condition?

If I do go ahead with the repairs, what would the best order to tackle these issues? I do not think that financially I will be able to do everything at once.

Also, several threads on here recommended getting a used computer and just swapping it out, has this worked well for anyone?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

 

I highly encourage you to not do business with parts changers. There’s always a reason behind the issues. Always ask for proof when they say “x” or “y” is not working. Everything things has parameters, resistances, etc, etc. That will show if a component it’s working or not. If physically possible I would encourage to do as much as you can yourself. There’s a big epidemic of parts changers that won’t make themselves responsible when shit doesn’t go as planned. Cheers!

 

Btw, what’s wrong with the front diff?
Left lca:

$116 dorman 522719 dorman 522-719 front driver side lower suspension control arm and ball joint assembly compatible with select toyota models

dorman 522719 107$
Right lca: dorman 522720 98$
Seals are easy to replace and Napa stuff will do the trick and you can get a lot of miles out of the skf bearings, to replace all those components you need some basic tools a pair of jack stands and a jack.

 

Unless his diff looks like this one, had this 2010 come in awhile back with a locked up power steering pump.

 

still sell for 38k lol, cheers!

 

That truck was pretty well used up lol, radiator support was totally wasted, hood was held down with a ratchet strap, oil leaks everywhere, steering & suspension components were shot, etc.
Interior was in decent shape but the rest of the truck not so much.

 

correction, that sounds like 45k in current market. Has to have ditch light though!