New guy first question

I just bought my first Tacoma, a silver(Artic Mist?) 2000PreRunner SR5 extended cab, 176,000 miles. It is a sweet truck. My wife isalready jealous. However, it will need struts and tie rods in the nearfuture. Which brings up my firstquestion, is there a recommended repair manual? And any strut & shockrecommendation. I will be 100% on thepavement and am looking for a comfortable ride. I already blew the budget on the truck so I will most likely be buying mid-range.

Of the three versions of this truck, the late 90s, early2000s and mid-2000s. I find the headlight-grille design on mine (mid 2000s) the least attractive. Is there a bolt on/minor mod alternative? I particularly like the 1996 grille in whichthe top of the grille is smaller than the bottom. Or maybe a 4Runner?

Rich

 

For shocks and springs, most people go with the Bilstein 5100 shocks and Eibach springs. The shocks that come stock on our trucks are Bilstein's, but they're lower-quality that the 5100.

Are you wanting to stay at stock height or lift a few inches?

As for the grill stuff, this may help:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/95766-how-95-5-97-grille-swap-onto-01-04-a.html

If not, with zip ties, anything is possible

 

I have heard that several people like the Haynes repair manuals for the Tacoma. I have a business, so I use AllData for their service manuals, which are the same as those for the dealership techs, but it is not cheap, even for a single user. To be honest if you browse around on this forum you will find photos and procedures for most every repair you would want. lol.