OWNERS OF THE FIRST GENERATION TACOMA

[WeiserBucks]

Mine failed between 150-175K

 

[Fatcamp]

Mine failed between 150-175K

After I got my 4runner home I parked it until I replaced the LBJ. Did not want to have a similar story to tell. The drive from CO to SD was a little nerve wracking as the vehicle had 133k and a lift kit. Made it no problem but you are correct, it is a weak point and any used vehicle from these years should have them replaced ASAP unless proof of OEM replacement can be verified.

 

[338edge]

What about the upper ball joints. Shouldn't I have both replaced

 

[WeiserBucks]

What about the upper ball joints. Shouldn't I have both replaced

Yes sir.

 

[Fatcamp]

What about the upper ball joints. Shouldn't I have both replaced

Sure, but it's the lowers that can lead to a catastrophic failure. The weight of the vehicle and general assembly will most likely hold the uppers together. Lowers are tough to assess, and for no more than they cost should just be replaced. If they fail the vehicle will lose control as the front wheel will only be attached at one point.

 

[338edge]

Ok thanks guys

 

[338edge]

I know its a stupid question but what about the cv axel. I've had the passenger side replaced so far

 

[PathFinder]

I wonder if anyone is going to post about the ball joints failing and ejecting the tire at freeway speed?

They're fine if you know how to inspect them...I know because I neglected to twice. Factory LBJ are good for 150k+ on typical tire sizes. Swap them every 50k on 33+ inch tires. Takes 20 minutes. The duralast brand joints aren't good for more than 20k or so, found that out the hard way at 3 am cutting for lions.
The black 2004 is gone now, sold it at 262k and it was totaled in an accident soon after. Add a leaf, Fox IFPs, and 5100s in front. I built the bumper. Drove it everywhere for 130k over five years, zero major issues.
The white 1998 is my current truck. Supercharged, extremely clean and well cared for. 198k right now. Frame reinforcements, OME springs, Fox IFPs and Bilstein 6112s, maybe bumpers and rock rails coming in June after lion and bear seasons end. 255/85-16 Yokohama G003s. My favorite tire size for these trucks. Hawke brake pads are a great addition too, night and day vs stock, even with the bigger tires.

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[PathFinder]

I know its a stupid question but what about the cv axel. I've had the passenger side replaced so far

They're cheap and easy, rarely have to replace them if the truck is lifted less than 2"

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[Robster]

I replaced both upper and lower ball joints on my Taco. That was quite a chore, being in the Northeast snow belt where the roads are covered with salt all winter, taking them off was a lesson in patience, sanity, busted knuckles and sore muscles.

 

[Marbles]

Don't take many pictures. So the two I have are not very good. It is pretty much stock, no fun mods.
1997
4x4
2.7 L
Manual (transmission, transfer case, hubs)

Been driven non-stop (well we did stop for gas, food, and a 2 hour hike at Loveland Pass) from Monterey, CA to Augusta Georgia. Has over 297,000 miles on it. Toad a 3500 lb trailer from Arkansas to Seattle. Been driven through Canada to Alaska. Still has factory rubber in the engine compartment. Only non-routine repairs are replaced radiator, replaced clutch slave cylinder, replaced heater valve, replaced valve cover gasket, replaced seat belt buckles, interior and exterior door handles, and all lock cylinders. The valve cover gasket was replaced around 250,000 miles, I've included some pictures of how they looked.

 

[schmalzy]

I had an 03 single cab 4x4 on 33’s. Wasn’t a better truck out there for a late teens/early 20s guy. Sadly I rolled it on a rainy day in San Diego. Wish I still had it. Many, many adventures in that truck.


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[Shaw]

Mine failed at just over 378K. Luckily I was on a road at hunting camp and going about 25 mph. I bought this one new in Feb of 2001. It’s been a good one

 

[Cant hit em]

99 4 runner i bought in 2003 daily driver and 310k , my mom drives it now as I upgraded to a 2019 last October

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[JFK]

I've really enjoyed this thread. I own a Tundra, but have always been intrigued by the Tacoma. What makes the Gen1 Tacoma different than the Gen2? Are there other Tacoma generations?
Thanks.

First gen Tacoma’s were much smaller than the gen 2’s and 3’s. Basically the last real pickup that you could wheel on Jeep width trails. I had a 2000 Tacoma trd with the locker and manual 5 speed. Owned it for 12 years with 200k miles sold for $6500. Incredible little truck. Own a 2017 Tundra now.

The newer ones are nice but just too big to really do much with on tighter keep trails.