What to fix next

I got my taco in 2021 and since then I've been fixing it up from its neglected state so far I've:

• Replaced rusted gas tank
• Replaced rusted power steering line
• Power steering pump
• New valve cover gasket
• Added aux trans fluid cooler (previous owner added bigger trans fluid cooler)
• New radio
• New Trans gasket
• New battery
• New spark plugs
• Replaced air hoses with silicone hoses in engine bay
• Replaced fluids: Engin oil, diff oil, ATF, break fluid
• Replaced Air intake filter
• New AC blower fan
• New wheels and tires
• And some lights inside the cabin

I feel like I am getting close to the end of the extremely necessary repairs. The last thing on my list is to replace the timing belt, water pump, and coolant all at the same time as I'm not sure the last time that was replaced. Also drivers door is stuck locked. Still a lot of work I want to do like:

• Replace breaks with tundra breaks
• Upgrade electrical wiring
• Maybe get a dual battery setup
• Fix the body rust
• New front grille
• New back bumper
• New exhaust(starting to get rust holes)
• New headlights? (I kinda like the old ones, anyone else?)
• All new suspension (its probably due for it)
• Hood struts
• Roof rack
• Add back TRD stickers that the previous ower took off

Is there anything super urgent that I have missed? I bought it around 200k miles was from New York/ Midwest so a decent amount of rust underneath but I've been covering it in fluid film. I've put about 10k on it and it's been the best car I've ever had (and ever will cause I'm not getting rid of it)

 

I'm curious about this cabin filter; these vehicles don't have one from the factory.

 

I keep doing this lol. I meant to say the AC blower fan

 

Before putting any more into it, reassess the frame.

You mentioned using fluid film and though it helps, it would be wise to make sure the frame is fully intact all the way around. The problem areas stem around the front leaf pack mount, and surrounding area.

I say this because you mentioned having replaced the gas tank and that thing had a skid to protect it.

 

Thanks for the advice Ill need to get some more pics from underneath

 

My new to me Truck .

I always start at the tires and work up .

It comes down to what is important to you.

In my case a working drivers Door would have topped the list . Crawling in the Window does look interesting but tends to get old.

 

I am surprised not to see Lower Ball Joints on that list, or within the first few posts. If you are at all unsure of their age, they need to be replaced with OEM ball joints.

 

You said "Replaced fluids:" but I don't see coolant. I'd do that and throw in a new thermostat.

It's an easy to get to item on the 3.4 and overheating is a bad thing as a head gasket sometimes will blow pretty quickly.

 

A little bit down the road, once things like the frame, timing belt, and lower ball joints are addressed would be to check and adjust valve clearances. I believe they are supposed to be done every 60k miles but nobody does that. Nonetheless they're worth doing eventually and with your truck being at 200k, and presumably never having had it done, they're likely due. Overly tight valve clearances can necessitate a top end rebuild much sooner than it would otherwise be needed, so its a job that can save you some big money in the long haul. Also add the youtube channel "Timmy the Toolman" to your list of resources for this new-to-you truck. The guy does great how-to videos on almost every major maintenance job [valve clearance adjustment included] that these trucks require.

 

Agree on the ball joints at the very least, apparently these have a tendency to shear off sometimes. You mentioned entire suspension, that would get it but you're talking some serious dough to do it all at once. Lower ball joints first, LCA bushings (or new CA's,) swaybar links and swaybar bushings, rack bushings, shocks/struts, upper ball joints bushings if needed. That's my current list, parts 1 & 2 are done lol.

 

I would replace the radiator, thermostat, and hoses. PCV valve, grommet, and hose
Then drive like it’s stolen!

 

I was planning on replacing the coolant when I do the timing belt but should I top it off before then?

 

Topping it off implies you're low, and if you are, don't ignore it and find out why you are.

 

Thanks I'll add that to the list

 

Your thread looks really helpful! And yeah it'll need to be part by part I think, unless I win the lottery

 

I don't think I've ever actually checked the coolant level (oops) But I've had no overheating issues. Do you recommend I replaced it before I get to the timing belt? (Not sure when I can get to the timing belt done)

 

Thanks for the advice I think this is the first time I'm hearing about needing to adjust the valve clearneces so thanks for letting me know. And yes Timmy the Toolman is an amazing resource!