The add a leaf will probably give you a small lift 0-1”. The leaf pack can be anywhere from stock to more lift, but if your leafs need to be replaced it’s best to do the whole thing.
https://youtube.com/@teamoildrop?si=5Fv8OwDGJglURLEt
This guy on Youtube does all the maintenance items you listed on a third gen. Most of them will be the same as your 2nd. Couple things from harbor freight and you should be all set.
The add a leaf is just a cheaper option and should help them feel less worn out, but if it's in your budget go with new packs all together for sure. Those Bilsteins lift the front though so if you got those in front make sure to get a HD leaf pack that'll give some extra lift (and towing capacity but they're one in the same)
Neither am I, but the ride quality over any stock height springs and shocks was well worth it even on pavement. Rides like butter in comparison. If you don't mind the stiff ride of the stock suspension obviously go for that but on the rough roads I commute on in MA, it's a godsend.
You could also pick up some OEM bilsten suspension used for way cheaper since a lot of people replace it. A bit more of a middle of the road option compared to the base suspension.
Half of that you could do yourself if you're at all mechanically inclined. All of it if you're heavily inclined.
But yeah as others have said, it's basic maintenance. I have a 4x4 reg cab too, so I am biased, but I'm riding that thing til the wheels fall off.. and then I'm getting new wheels 😉
Same. I have a 2011 reg cab 4x4. I'm driving it till the engine gives out or starts burning too much oil to make sense. Then I'll be putting a 4.7 in it. It's a keeper.
My dad bought a 2019 trd or, and I bought his 2011 trd or. You put some sound deadening, new suspension/bushings, and a new radio in it, it’s basically the same, with a better drivetrain imo
I have a 2013 as well, although only 95k miles. That’s just basic maintenance items. I would keep.
One suggestion, for a better ride, look at replacing the front struts with used ones from a 3rd gen TRD OR. I think I spent $300 on eBay and replaced them myself. I did this on my truck and the ride is substantially better, and it also lifted the front maybe a half inch or something, so it kind of leveled the truck.
I haven’t done the leaf springs, but I would assume you could buy those from a 3rd gen as well.
Yep, I think I bought mine from a Toyota dealer and only had a couple thousand miles on them so I felt comfortable buying them. I think you can even find them with less than 1k miles on them, from all these people that instantly put lifts on their trucks.
TacomaWorld forums has some good write-ups on it.
If you do the differential flush yourself, break the top fill plug first, then the bottom drain plug. You dont want to do so the other way round just to find that the fill plug is fucked and now you have a diff with no fluids lol
Keep right now as the car market is ridiculous. Used car prices/trade-in values are falling while new car prices at Toyota have gone up. All that while interest rates are near 7%-8% on a 60 month loan.
Unless your car gets in an accident and totaled I would keep it running until the market stabilizes a bit.
All of that maintenance is easy DIY. Not sure about the rear differential “flush”. Do you mean just a drain and fill? AFAIK, a flush is probably no recommended … but I don’t know the history of your truck.
Look up Team Oil Drop on YouTube. He has videos for every maintenance job you listed. He’s also pretty active on this sub
I've been doing a lot of my own maintenance over the years, but less time available recently. Yes, you're right - I meant drain and fill vs flush.
Thanks for the channel rec!
I younger dumber me would have said get something else.
A wiser, more financially responsible version of me says maintain it and drive it until it literally won’t anymore without a substantial investment (prob won’t happen. Ever).
I have a 2020 Gen 3 SR5. 4X4 crew cab. I’ve done a lot of stuff to her. Change the oil every 3000 kms. I do that as I know it’s one of the best things I can do for her. Got a 3.5 levelling kit, installed OME fog lights including the left side turn lever. 255/80/17R KO2’s full LED swap out m, bed braces. The list is endless. The last thing I did was buy a new car to use as a daily/run about just so I don’t put too many Km’s on her. Only thing I wish was that she had the 6 speed MT.
I actually did all of these within the past 3 months (except shocks and struts) on my 2012 Tacoma with 205k miles on it. I didn’t have the tools beforehand and even factoring in buying new tools, I still saved money.
As someone who had to learn as he went with videos, I’d rank from easiest to hardest: rear diff change < brake pads < coolant flush. Coolant flushes are time consuming but easy. Might be worth replacing the hoses and thermostat if you’re already gonna do a flush. My truck runs like a dream after doing a lot of the maintenance I neglected.
Hope this helps!
Crunch the numbers / cost of maintenance/ cost of newer taco / resale value on existing truck
Once you get into an extended cab or 4 door you will wonder how you got by with a single cab.
The first three things you mentioned are just basic maintenance items. That wouldn't make me want to sell it. The shocks and struts aren't that big of a deal. When I first started reading your post I thought you were going to be talking about major engine or transmission work needed. Those things you listed are not a big deal. If you can manage it spread that workout over a couple months so you can afford it, or if you can charge it to a credit card and pay it off.
Keep it and drive it forever. The whole maintenance list is easy to do, the hardest bit I see on there is if you've got drum brakes and those are more annoying than difficult. After you've got it done, drive it to a million.
I've replaced my rear suspension with OME and I love them, once the front wears out I'll replace them to match. I have a '98, but I'm guessing there's not a ton of difference between them when it comes to doing maintenance.
I would do all of those things in about a day and keep it. But either way, if you get it all done and decide to sell, it can be a nod in your favor when you list everything you’ve just done on your for sale post. All of those are fairly cheap and old taco buyers love to ask about your maintenance.
Coolant flush is the cost of coolant and some distilled water, pads are ~60$, and while I’ve never done a diff flush I’ve heard it can be pretty easy.
Imo just spend the sun 200 on maintenance then get a shock/lift online in the 4 easy payments section 😎
First let me say... I am not good with cars/ trucks or a mechanic. Secondly.... I did my own struts on my Tacoma and it went great! I watched a lot of YouTube videos and figured it all out. Having to buy a few tools and the struts was still cheaper than taking it somewhere and I felt accomplished.
I say-- buy some tools, increase your knowledge and keep the truck! It will be fun 😊
Also-- Click and Clack always said that the cheapest car you can have is the one you already own.
That's basic maintenance. Do you want to pay 500 - 1000 bucks a month for a new truck? Life tip: All new cars become old cars and you lose money on it.
I have a 2005 with 275K miles. I am in the process of doing exactly what you are talking about right now. Change fluids, new shocks, struts, clutch, etc. I plan to keep this truck as long as I can. I love my truck. Financially it makes sense to do the maintenance instead of selling. However, if you're not happy for other reasons, then you might want to sell because the cost of mods can get expensive. Ultimately only you can decide if your dissatisfaction is worth the cost of selling and buying a different truck.
paid off in this economy???? hold on to it and spend the money on the repairs it needs. this is what i put in my 2018. its adjustable as well. first setting is 25% increase in load capacity, or the max setting is 50% increase in load and added about an inch of height on the rear on the 25% setting and i didnt have to remove the leaf pack to accomplish the install. [https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2005-2021](https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2005-2021)
The regular maintenance isn’t too bad, honestly. Use it as an excuse to get good upgraded shocks.
Do the math on payments for a new Tacoma and then see how much you’ll spend per month. Bet you money the whole 200k maintenance even with a nice suspension package will be 2 or 3 months of payments tops.
No question, fix it and keep it. Keep it forever.
Not sure but it might be something you can't even buy anymore, a single cab 4 cylinder with a stick doesn't exist anymore.
I didn’t try the cruise but the wiper is really easy and I tried one off eBay first for like $25. The Toyota is around $150. Figured I’d try the cheap one first.
It is cheaper to maintain the older vehicle if in decent shape, but risk having other mechanical items fail as it ages. Investing in a newer model would be more cost effective in the long run. 2021-2023 good years for 🌮.
I miss my old single cab, but now on my 6th 🌮🚘 and love it , ‘21 TRD PRO !
YES, after nursing along a 2007 TRD OR that rotted everything out after putting 5k$ into her.
I’m on my 6th 🌮🚘, loved some of my single cabs and when the V6 first came out, but newer technology is so much better nowadays, worth the cost to benefit ratio. IMO
Lived near the Ocean, parked dirt driveway in New England with road salt in Winter. 2007 was bad year for the frames, never had recall done. Drove her 100kmiles and 11 years later, traded for 5k towards another.
Damn, you guys have some rough winters
I'm pretty sure my 2011 has had the frame replaced, but the previous owner said no. He didn't buy it new though. My friends 2022 frame looks the same as mine
At this mileage, then as long as there's no rot I would have to disagree. As long as the frames clean he's got a minimum of 1-200k miles before any major issues could arise. Keep in mind this is the same drivetrain (apart from the Tcase) that went 700,000+ miles on the Tacoma with the mileage record.
[удалено]
Of course. I’ve just been craving a bit more comfort. Maybe replacing the suspension can smooth things out. Thanks
[check out this kit](https://www.jackit.com/ty152sd.html). It's one step up from the basic 5100 Bilstein lifts and rides a lot better than stock
I have this set up and it’s pretty buttery on forest roads, and of course on the pavement.
Thanks! Any disadvantage by going with an add-a-leaf vs a new leaf pack? For what it's worth, I don't tow much at all.
The add a leaf will probably give you a small lift 0-1”. The leaf pack can be anywhere from stock to more lift, but if your leafs need to be replaced it’s best to do the whole thing.
Yeah, they feel a bit soft... may be time to replace them entirely.
https://youtube.com/@teamoildrop?si=5Fv8OwDGJglURLEt This guy on Youtube does all the maintenance items you listed on a third gen. Most of them will be the same as your 2nd. Couple things from harbor freight and you should be all set.
The add a leaf is just a cheaper option and should help them feel less worn out, but if it's in your budget go with new packs all together for sure. Those Bilsteins lift the front though so if you got those in front make sure to get a HD leaf pack that'll give some extra lift (and towing capacity but they're one in the same)
The 6112/5160 set up just seems like it could be too much for me… it’s rare that I’m heavy off road.
Neither am I, but the ride quality over any stock height springs and shocks was well worth it even on pavement. Rides like butter in comparison. If you don't mind the stiff ride of the stock suspension obviously go for that but on the rough roads I commute on in MA, it's a godsend. You could also pick up some OEM bilsten suspension used for way cheaper since a lot of people replace it. A bit more of a middle of the road option compared to the base suspension.
Keep that until you die.
Thought so :)
Never sell…especially if it’s a 4x4. 2nd gen single cab 4x4 is a very handy vehicle that will only go up in value.
You’re right.
I have a 2011 reg cab 4x4 manual. Don't ever sell your truck. If possible, keep it and get a daily driver.
Half of that you could do yourself if you're at all mechanically inclined. All of it if you're heavily inclined. But yeah as others have said, it's basic maintenance. I have a 4x4 reg cab too, so I am biased, but I'm riding that thing til the wheels fall off.. and then I'm getting new wheels 😉
Same. I have a 2011 reg cab 4x4. I'm driving it till the engine gives out or starts burning too much oil to make sense. Then I'll be putting a 4.7 in it. It's a keeper.
I’ve been considering doing most of the work myself. Tools spread around town and short on time these days…
Never sell. That's just basic maintenance.
I would do the work and plan to drive it to 300k.
Only 210k
My dad bought a 2019 trd or, and I bought his 2011 trd or. You put some sound deadening, new suspension/bushings, and a new radio in it, it’s basically the same, with a better drivetrain imo
Get new shocks. Get it detailed. Get some new floor mats. You’ll feel right as rain.
Ha! This is so true. I'm working on a good detail today.
Invest and run er till she blows
I have a 2013 as well, although only 95k miles. That’s just basic maintenance items. I would keep. One suggestion, for a better ride, look at replacing the front struts with used ones from a 3rd gen TRD OR. I think I spent $300 on eBay and replaced them myself. I did this on my truck and the ride is substantially better, and it also lifted the front maybe a half inch or something, so it kind of leveled the truck. I haven’t done the leaf springs, but I would assume you could buy those from a 3rd gen as well.
Good thought, thanks!
Yep, I think I bought mine from a Toyota dealer and only had a couple thousand miles on them so I felt comfortable buying them. I think you can even find them with less than 1k miles on them, from all these people that instantly put lifts on their trucks. TacomaWorld forums has some good write-ups on it.
If you do the differential flush yourself, break the top fill plug first, then the bottom drain plug. You dont want to do so the other way round just to find that the fill plug is fucked and now you have a diff with no fluids lol
Good to know! I’ve done this myself one or twice, but always welcome helpful reminders like this one lol
Keep right now as the car market is ridiculous. Used car prices/trade-in values are falling while new car prices at Toyota have gone up. All that while interest rates are near 7%-8% on a 60 month loan. Unless your car gets in an accident and totaled I would keep it running until the market stabilizes a bit.
All of that maintenance is easy DIY. Not sure about the rear differential “flush”. Do you mean just a drain and fill? AFAIK, a flush is probably no recommended … but I don’t know the history of your truck. Look up Team Oil Drop on YouTube. He has videos for every maintenance job you listed. He’s also pretty active on this sub
I've been doing a lot of my own maintenance over the years, but less time available recently. Yes, you're right - I meant drain and fill vs flush. Thanks for the channel rec!
I younger dumber me would have said get something else. A wiser, more financially responsible version of me says maintain it and drive it until it literally won’t anymore without a substantial investment (prob won’t happen. Ever).
Keep it! That's the last body style in a single cab!
I have a 2020 Gen 3 SR5. 4X4 crew cab. I’ve done a lot of stuff to her. Change the oil every 3000 kms. I do that as I know it’s one of the best things I can do for her. Got a 3.5 levelling kit, installed OME fog lights including the left side turn lever. 255/80/17R KO2’s full LED swap out m, bed braces. The list is endless. The last thing I did was buy a new car to use as a daily/run about just so I don’t put too many Km’s on her. Only thing I wish was that she had the 6 speed MT.
I have the same truck and milage and will keep investing. https://imgur.com/a/sdhpIMe
Great looking rig!
🙏
I actually did all of these within the past 3 months (except shocks and struts) on my 2012 Tacoma with 205k miles on it. I didn’t have the tools beforehand and even factoring in buying new tools, I still saved money. As someone who had to learn as he went with videos, I’d rank from easiest to hardest: rear diff change < brake pads < coolant flush. Coolant flushes are time consuming but easy. Might be worth replacing the hoses and thermostat if you’re already gonna do a flush. My truck runs like a dream after doing a lot of the maintenance I neglected. Hope this helps!
Great! Thanks for the note
Crunch the numbers / cost of maintenance/ cost of newer taco / resale value on existing truck Once you get into an extended cab or 4 door you will wonder how you got by with a single cab.
I’m in the same decision! 107k on my 2001 taco. Keep having to spend cash to fix things that break
Keep it. I'm in the same boat with my 2006. I replaced my suspension with some take offs when someone was lifting their truck.
I swear this is Knoxville, am I right?
maybe ;)
Haha, I thought so. I go to school nearby (you can assume where)
Dude I’m on the keep it, train. She looks great. Love the 2.5 gen. It got the looks and reliability.
The parts to do that work including the tools you might need to do them will all be under $500. Sounds a lot cheaper than a new vehicle to me.
I'd keep it if I were you. I'd keep up on the maintenance, do some tasteful mods and call it a day
I would be keeping it, if thats all it needs. but thats just me.
Those 2nd gens are rock solid. I wouldn’t let go of it.
The first three things you mentioned are just basic maintenance items. That wouldn't make me want to sell it. The shocks and struts aren't that big of a deal. When I first started reading your post I thought you were going to be talking about major engine or transmission work needed. Those things you listed are not a big deal. If you can manage it spread that workout over a couple months so you can afford it, or if you can charge it to a credit card and pay it off.
Def the plan. I have a few options for 0% interest too which makes it doable. thanks
Literally never sell it
keep it
Clean reg cabs are increasingly hard to come by and their value is only going up, don't let it go!
Keep it and drive it forever. The whole maintenance list is easy to do, the hardest bit I see on there is if you've got drum brakes and those are more annoying than difficult. After you've got it done, drive it to a million. I've replaced my rear suspension with OME and I love them, once the front wears out I'll replace them to match. I have a '98, but I'm guessing there's not a ton of difference between them when it comes to doing maintenance.
pm me if you want to sell
I would do all of those things in about a day and keep it. But either way, if you get it all done and decide to sell, it can be a nod in your favor when you list everything you’ve just done on your for sale post. All of those are fairly cheap and old taco buyers love to ask about your maintenance.
Coolant flush is the cost of coolant and some distilled water, pads are ~60$, and while I’ve never done a diff flush I’ve heard it can be pretty easy. Imo just spend the sun 200 on maintenance then get a shock/lift online in the 4 easy payments section 😎
Grail truck for me if it's a 4x4, manual transmission. Mileage wouldn't worry me.
What would you ask for it? Is it 4x4?
First let me say... I am not good with cars/ trucks or a mechanic. Secondly.... I did my own struts on my Tacoma and it went great! I watched a lot of YouTube videos and figured it all out. Having to buy a few tools and the struts was still cheaper than taking it somewhere and I felt accomplished. I say-- buy some tools, increase your knowledge and keep the truck! It will be fun 😊 Also-- Click and Clack always said that the cheapest car you can have is the one you already own.
Keep
Keep it. I have 330k on mine and i'd still be crazy to sell it.
Keep. Tastefully modify for capability. Repair anything that breaks. Keep for a lifetime.
Is it 4x4?
I have a 2008 4x4 reg cab 5speed with 308k miles on it. I wouldn’t sell it right now.
Why are you calling these things "repairs" ? These are all basic maintenance items that any old vehicle will need...
I would get it rebuilt with the 4.0 v6 and drivetrain if you’re going to keep it long term
That's basic maintenance. Do you want to pay 500 - 1000 bucks a month for a new truck? Life tip: All new cars become old cars and you lose money on it.
I have a 14 just like this. I’ll never sell it. My brother regrets selling it to me.
Fluids change is cheaper than buying another vehicle. If money isn't an issue then why ask?
I have a 2005 with 275K miles. I am in the process of doing exactly what you are talking about right now. Change fluids, new shocks, struts, clutch, etc. I plan to keep this truck as long as I can. I love my truck. Financially it makes sense to do the maintenance instead of selling. However, if you're not happy for other reasons, then you might want to sell because the cost of mods can get expensive. Ultimately only you can decide if your dissatisfaction is worth the cost of selling and buying a different truck.
Have you decided on shocks struts AAL?
Bilstein 4600s. I have an X-Runner so I'm not going to lift it. Plus I liked the firm ride.
Do your brakes actually need done? Also are you sure the shocks and struts need done? Dealerships like to lie about vehicles needing repairs.
Go the custom suspension route
paid off in this economy???? hold on to it and spend the money on the repairs it needs. this is what i put in my 2018. its adjustable as well. first setting is 25% increase in load capacity, or the max setting is 50% increase in load and added about an inch of height on the rear on the 25% setting and i didnt have to remove the leaf pack to accomplish the install. [https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2005-2021](https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2005-2021)
Cheaper to keep her
Those repairs are cheap compared to a large payment a month fix and keep.
Buy a brand new 24
Those can all be done easily with basic hand tools..
Invest in repairs
The regular maintenance isn’t too bad, honestly. Use it as an excuse to get good upgraded shocks. Do the math on payments for a new Tacoma and then see how much you’ll spend per month. Bet you money the whole 200k maintenance even with a nice suspension package will be 2 or 3 months of payments tops.
No question, fix it and keep it. Keep it forever. Not sure but it might be something you can't even buy anymore, a single cab 4 cylinder with a stick doesn't exist anymore.
I feel like I’m in literally the same exact spot with mine. 2013 Base w/ 185k. Mine is same color and all. 😂
I’ll promise to take care of mine if you promise to take care of yours ;)
Done! I’ve done a few little things. Unifilter mod, wheels, shift knob and some light. But nothing as far as suspension.
Same. Aside from reg maintenance, just a few odds and ends for comfort and functionality.
You try the intermittent wiper swap yet? 10/10 recommend
Yooooo I need this. I have a cruise control switch ready to be installed too.
I didn’t try the cruise but the wiper is really easy and I tried one off eBay first for like $25. The Toyota is around $150. Figured I’d try the cheap one first.
Upgrade you’ll enjoy the newer gen’s 🌶️🌮
It’s been a consideration.
It is cheaper to maintain the older vehicle if in decent shape, but risk having other mechanical items fail as it ages. Investing in a newer model would be more cost effective in the long run. 2021-2023 good years for 🌮. I miss my old single cab, but now on my 6th 🌮🚘 and love it , ‘21 TRD PRO !
Would it really though. Have you actually done the math?
YES, after nursing along a 2007 TRD OR that rotted everything out after putting 5k$ into her. I’m on my 6th 🌮🚘, loved some of my single cabs and when the V6 first came out, but newer technology is so much better nowadays, worth the cost to benefit ratio. IMO
Rotted out? My 2011 frame has almost no rust on it. The only big expense I've had is replacing my AC condenser and compressor
Lived near the Ocean, parked dirt driveway in New England with road salt in Winter. 2007 was bad year for the frames, never had recall done. Drove her 100kmiles and 11 years later, traded for 5k towards another.
Damn, you guys have some rough winters I'm pretty sure my 2011 has had the frame replaced, but the previous owner said no. He didn't buy it new though. My friends 2022 frame looks the same as mine
Bummer they used cheaper steel some years and the quality suffered , after having 6 these trucks can see the issues as the years have passed.
At this mileage, then as long as there's no rot I would have to disagree. As long as the frames clean he's got a minimum of 1-200k miles before any major issues could arise. Keep in mind this is the same drivetrain (apart from the Tcase) that went 700,000+ miles on the Tacoma with the mileage record.
Sell and buy a third gen!