New Toyota owner question!

Hi guys, first post in here, hoping for some answers!

2 weeks ago I traded out of a diesel to my 2021 TRD Offroad.. I thought I’d miss my diesel, but wow I love this truck so much it’s unreal lol. I’m used to having diesel trucks & working on them, but this is my first Toyota (wish I jumped in the bandwagon sooner lol).

With that being said, are there any things you guys recommend I modify, or “fix”? Like is there something known to wear out and I should upgrade. For example, my last trucks year was known for cracking the cold side intercooler pipe so it was best to upgrade. Is there anything mechanically I should be doing to this thing?

Thanks I’m advance, can’t wait to throw some money into making this truck mine!

 

if you dont like the gear hunting get a tune, i suggest OTT, others will say Kdmax. maybe change out driver side needle bearing to a ECGS bearing if you plan to lift it. some bilstiens 5100 make it ride nice. really you got to drive it more to find out what you need, everyones so different. its really endless with the mods on these trucks.

 

Welcome to TW and congratulations on your new (to you) truck! The good news is the Tacoma is known for being a reliable vehicle so there aren't too many preventative measures to take. The bad news (good to some) is that there is a lot of aftermarket support for modifications to make the truck to your liking. You will love it, your wallet will hate it!

 

First thing I bought was a bed mat. Keeps things from sliding around.

Here is a good place to start for Mods. Welcome to TW.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-mods-tips.428840/

 

Bed mat, and seat covers are pretty much a must. If living in the rust/salt belt, get the the chassis/frame coated with a decent rust inhibitor. Cosmoline RP-342 is a good choice on new chassis.
Oh yeah, welcome to tw...a tacoma forum that has the most whiners.

 

Bed mat, cat shield, dashcam and seat covers. I also got air80 ceramic tint on the front to keep the truck cooler.

 

Having the truck's exterior professionally ceramic coated is a good idea also if wanting to keep it looking new with little, or no other maintenance needed.

 

If it doesn't already have a remote tail gate lock get one....Or at least put some kind of theft prevention on it.

 

- 2" Bilstein Lift will eliminate the OEM Brake dive.
- Upsized tires will give you a tad more clearance under the pumpkins....
- If your into music, the Tweeter upgrade is a world of sound stage difference. Adding a Sub doesn't hurt either.

Welcome to the Club!

 

Welcome toTW.

 

I’d recommend the VLED taillight conversion.
Brightens up your reverse and brake lights and makes the turn signals more pronounced.

 

Welcome to the forum

1) Regular maintenance and rust protection will get you a long way with these trucks.
2) OEM bed mat is worth the money
3) Kicker/Subaru tweeter upgrade is easy, affordable and is a nice sound improvement.

 

Thanks for recommendations!! I’m coming from a new gen powerstroke where the frames are coated very well, are the Tacomas known to rust? I have sprayed many frames so no issue, I’m glad that you brought it to my attention!

 

The Tacoma frame rust issue is well known enough to be considered legendary -- and also somewhat of a disgrace to modern manufacturing...

The best defense is a good offense in this case, spray early & spray often!

 

Just change the oil and filter at least every 5,000 miles and enjoy it! ...and don't go crazy modifying it. An OEM bed-mat is a good start, maybe a pair of fuzzy dice on the rear-view mirror and some top shelf all-terrain tires.

Then just leave it alone. (YMMV)

Welcome to Tacomaworld!

 

I appreciate everyone’s answers so far! What I’m really wondering is if there are any known things to get upgrade

i saw the tips thread for gen 1 & 2 but couldn’t find it for our years, so thank you so much!!

 

Here is a list of TSBs.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/list-of-t-sbs-etc.562671/

 

Welcome to TW

 

There is nothing like Gotta-do-it-now on these trucks. I know what you are asking, as I always going into purchases knowing there are things I will have to do. On the Tacoma, it is more about what you want to do.

My list I think everyone should do:
1. Bed mat;
2. Tune (OTT was my choice for my use);
3. Ceramic tint (in hot weather places).

Things I did because I wanted for my use (and in order of importance for me):
Aluminum skid;
Ride Rite airbags for towing;
Bilstein 6112/5160 with ECGS bushing;
Roof rack (plus 55" awning, plus shower ensuite, plus Waterport shower);
DIY bed bars for RTT;
Wet Okole seat covers (reused from my Gen2);
Front bed rail with hi-lift mounts;
Bed molle panels with quick fists for shovel/ax/etc.;
DS18 tweeter swap;
Chalk bag holders on center console;
Net between front seats (storage and to keep the goddam dog in the back);
Rear attic.

 

I did a bed mat to start , then an auto tailgate lock and hood struts from redline.i think that's a good starting point. Then drive it for awhile to figure out what you miss from your old truck or feel like you can't live without in your new truck.