What else would you do while engine and transmission is pulled from 97 Tacoma?

Hi All,

I am currently having some gaskets and seals replaced on my 97 Tacoma that has 207k miles. While the engine and transmission are pulled can you recommend some other things I should take care of while I have the opportunity.

For example, I plan on replacing the clutch components while I am I replacing the rear main seal.

 

Welcome to TW.

How's the frame look? Undercoating with WoolWax or Fluid film is a good idea, even if you're not in the "rust belt."

When is the last time the lower ball joints were changed out? Read around here for the why, this is a weak point of the first gen's, they should be changed at least every 70K, 30K if you want real peace of mind.

Suspension in good shape? Rubber tends to rot, on a truck over 20 years old it's time. Lower ball joint bushings (way easier to just swap out the control arms,) shocks and coilovers?

Brakes all around? How do the U-joints look?

 

Yes, if she is a 3.4, take the separator plate off and inspect the core plugs in the block, especially the drivers side.

 

Welcome to TW Army and thank you for your service. When I changed out the original clutch on my '97 V6 4x4 at 130K last year for a new AISIN clutch, parts inspection showed that the rear main seal/pilot bearing/throw-out bearing/clutch fork showed the most wear. All was replaced with new OEM parts either from Ourisman Toyota or Partsouq. I have read about a few 1st Gen Taco clutch forks breaking so keep that in mind. The new AISIN clutch & OEM parts made a huge difference on my '97 Taco. It had been so long since I bought the Taco in the '90s that I had forgotten how very nice a new clutch feels. Good luck!

 

Check out where your engine mount perches are welded to the frame.
My driver's side one is broken on my 5vzfe.
I have a ratchet strap going from the engine hoist to the frame for now. Otherwise if I'm on steep hill in low range and need to give it a lot of gas the engine will lift up and the fan will touch the fan shroud.
One of these days I'll pull the engine and do an actual fix on it.

 

You were probably already going to, but just in case don't forget to clean EVERYTHING while its easy. Both on the truck, in the engine bay, underside of the cab, and of course the engine and trans.
If you're going in for gaskets and seals you've probably got caked on oil and dirt everywhere, get it ALL off while you have such easy access to everything.
I've been trying to clean the caked on oil from leaky valve covers left unfixed for a decade, and with such limited access its an absolute pita.

 

I have gunk under my plastic timing cover that I'll never get out. Is something in there still seeping? Who knows. Impossible to tell.

 

Install a turbo. Full access to the exhaust manifolds and crossover piping makes installing a turbo much easier.

 

Rear Main Seal.