New to the Tacoma (04)

Hello

Just picked up my first Tacoma after being a long time Jeep driver (1996 XJ).

My partner and I decided on a Tacoma after making a list of our requirements:

• 4 wheel drive for beach, snow, and mountain roads
• ability to sleep inside (I am 6'2" so this really narrowed down the search)
• towing capability
• ability to haul kayaks
• reliable (I was interested in Tacoma's and Frontiers for their reputation)

So yesterday we pulled the trigger on a 2004 Tacoma SR5/TRD with 101,000 miles. We paid what I think was a fair price, but boy these things are pricey! It has a Raider Vanguard Shell and some fairly aggressive Goodyear tires 275/75.

So, what do I need to know about my new truck? What is this short squeal I hear when I start her up? The fan clutch seems ok because the fan moves smoothly with even resistance. I figure/hope I just need to adjust a belt.

The inspection at the dealership went fine, they tried to scare my partner by telling her the brakes passed by a hair. They feel fantastic to me but maybe I'm just used to the heep. The previous 2 owners kept all maintenance records and the brakes were replaced 3 years ago.

I want to mount a roof rack. I have a Thule 480R set for the cab, but how do I go about installing a rack system on a fiberglass shell? I know it will void the warranty on the shell but I need a rack...

Maybe I will update this thread as I customize the rig. We plan to set up the bed for camping. We are wanting to add red and white LEDs in the shell. I was thinking of getting some strips off Amazon.

Thanks,
Evan
Here is a picture:

 

Congrats on choosing an awesome truck!

You probably just need new belts, cheap and easy.

 

Evan,

Congratulations with purchasing your new truck. The first thing I would check for is frame rust if you have not already done so. The next thing I would do is go through and change all of the fluids. Then I would tune it up.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

Read your manual if it came with one. If you don't have maintenance records, it's always good to change all the fluids. Timing belt kit will becoming up soon. Even though some people claim to go way over the suggested mileage. I usually do it every 90 - 110k miles. Last time I did it, was because the water pump started leaking coolant everywhere. I'd fill the radiator back up and the next day it would be all out on the ground so I just did the whole timing belt job. It was time. 2.7 or 3.4? If it's a 4 banger NVM about the timing belt. Congrats by the way! 04 is the last year of the 1st gen.

 

Its a 3.4 v6. I have all maintenance records from both owners.

Why do I disregard the issue with the timing belt? The V6 requires timing belt to be changed less often?

 

The Toyota 3.4 liter V6 uses a timing belt, and the 2.7 I4 uses a timing chain. Change your timing belt on your 3.4 every 90,000 miles, and you will be fine.

 

If the timing belt is still the original, change it (and the water pump, and drive belts at the same time).

The front brake pads are probably pretty thin (" passed by a hair "). That you can do yourself.
Its super easy on a Tacoma (no special tools needed).

 

Hello, welcome and congrats on the truck hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

 

Your squeal is surly a loose belt. A slightly loose belt on start up will totally give that symptom. Each of the 3 belts there are very easy to tighten up a bit. Press on each belt in the middle between each pully and it'll be a fair estimate that the one with the most movement/slack will be the squealer! Loosen the set screw deal then there will be a bolt to tighten or loosen the accessory, like the alt or power steering pump, ect, give the affected one or all of them a spin or two to tighten the belt then retighten the set screw/bolt to secure everything and i bet your start-up squeal will disappear!

Most times an adjustment will fix the issue but in the case the belt is toast(which will be obvious if the belt is really in bad shape) obviously change it or them out. Fyi if u do a belt change the fan dosent need to be taken off! Just work it around the fan itself and work it through the fan shroud you'll figure it out. Sometimes without really lookin things over well guys will think things need to be dismantled to get the 3 belts off.

Sorry if im posting shit you completely understand and know, dont mean to assume you dont know any of this stuff. If you do, atleast maybe others will benefit from the info?

Good luck with the new rig! You certainly picked a much prettier ride than stickin with a jeep! Especially an old Cherokee.

 

You should be pretty set. Adjust the belts and probably water pump and timing belt will be next up on your repair list. Then maybe ball joints depending on wear. I did my first timing belt/water pump at 206,000 miles. Hehe

 

Welcome and Enjoy your Taco!

 

Welcome

What does it mean "partner and I?"

Is that mean business partner or does it mean same sex partner ?

 

Evan= male
Her= female
And why does it matter again?

 

Really???

 

The little that I know Lotus, I imagine it was a sincere question about language and verbiage, not any kind of a 'statement' at all. If this is not accurate @lotuscupcar, feel free to correct me.

 

You're gonna love the difference in quality of build and components, OP, as compared to the Jeep. I picked up a Cherokee to daily drive as my 40 series cruiser just wasn't happening with my Seattle commute almost 20 years ago(holy chit, time flies). Sold it after 6 months, didn't feel well built or near as solid as I expected. Very disappointed with it. Got into a Nissan Hardbody and stayed Japanese ever since. Mostly Yotas.

 

Thanks for the welcome and the advice guys! It's safe to assume I know nothing and you're not going to offend me so I appreciate any words of wisdom.

What's everyone's favorite source for parts? Is the consensus that I should proactively replace my water pump? I'll check out the belts shortly and report back.

So the list of to dos has grown a bit:

• K&N Air intake
• LED camper lighting
• New front brake pads
• Mounting the rack to the fiberglass shell (is this a good idea?)
• Building out the bed with storage and sleeping area

It's such a cool rig I am loving it. Smooth ride and a much more solid handling feel than the Jeep.

For anyone who's curious partner does mean life/sexual and hell business/Tacoma partner too. We are hetero but I hope that doesn't really matter. I just don't really care for the term girlfriend.

We are located down in Austin Texas if anyone is around this way.

 

Don't do the K&N air intake. It's a waste of money! Deck Plate mod is better or at least as good and costs way less!

 

No need to explain or worry about personal sexual preference on this site.

I think your first post was literally "lost in translation" for one member.

 

Yeah no k&n!! You would just be tossing your true cold air intake and replacing it with a hot air intake. Im not a fan of the deck plate mod either as it also allows hot under hood air to be sucked into the intake...if you want more air flow just get an aftermarket stock replacement. K&n makes a stock replacement drop in that would allow more air flow.