Taco long term storage

In July I'll be putting my '03 Taco in long term storage (3 years). The place I'm storing it does a monthly start up and move around so the tires don't get flat spots. They're only going to let me have 1/4 tank of gas when it goes in.

Outside of fresh oil and some fuel stabilizer, does anyone have recommendations on what to do to prep the truck before hand?

On the plus side, in 2017, when it comes out of the time capsule, it'll be 14 yrs old with only 80k miles on it.

 

Can i ask why you wouldn't just sell it? Guys like me would pay a premium for a truck like yours and in three years the 2nd gens will be in a really good price range.

 

I'm afraid I'd be asking too much money to sell. I just finished all the cheap mods and also upgraded the suspension to Fox 2.5 COs/2.0 shocks. I spent quite a few years waiting to find the right 1st Gen and at this point, unless the wad of cash overwhelming I probably wouldn't sell it.

 

the place you're keeping it in will run it once a month for 3 years? make sure they will be driving it long enough to get the engine and exhaust up to temperature for a bit maybe even get it on the highway to make sure you don't get water collecting in your engine.

my car is in my garage at home in storage (hasn't been started for 6-7 months) and this is what i did:
- got cheapo used wheels that don't matter if they get flat spots
- disconnected/removed the battery
- fresh oil and filter, plus fuel stabilizer
- keep the windows cracked a bit so moisture doesn;t build up inside and mold, some baking soda in open containers inside the car also help with that

some people put in moth balls or bounty dryer sheets to help keep rodents out. if someone is going to be driving yours that often then some of that would be overkill especially if you're in a warm/dry enough climate. another thing you could ask them to do while its running is run through all of heater/fan/etc settings (anything motor/servo driven) so nothing seizes up. also a good clay bar + waxing before would keep your paint happy

 

I'm assuming this is military storage.

You can rest easy, your rig will likely be indoors in a climate controlled environment and the operators of these facilities (advertised) practice is to run the vehicle to steady state operating temp once per month as well as move a few feet.


I wouldn't sell it. Folks like 1st Gens because they are NOT like 2nd Gens. That truck will likely appreciate in value while it sits there.