OWNERS OF THE FIRST GENERATION TACOMA

Fatcamp

WKR
Joined
May 31, 2017
Messages
5,659
Location
Sodak
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.
 
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3

338edge

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 8, 2014
Messages
219
What about the upper ball joints. Shouldn't I have both replaced
 

Fatcamp

WKR
Joined
May 31, 2017
Messages
5,659
Location
Sodak
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.
 
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338edge

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 8, 2014
Messages
219
I know its a stupid question but what about the cv axel. I've had the passenger side replaced so far
 
Joined
Sep 8, 2014
Messages
1,737
Location
Front Range, Colorado
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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Robster

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
255
Location
NW Montana
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

WKR
Classified Approved
Joined
May 16, 2020
Messages
3,686
Location
AK
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.
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schmalzy

WKR
Joined
Oct 1, 2014
Messages
1,328
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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Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
3,615
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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

WKR
Joined
Sep 13, 2016
Messages
696
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.
 

bbrown

WKR
Joined
Mar 9, 2012
Messages
2,849
Location
Laporte - CO
2BFE874C-B240-4BAB-94FE-15C17117ABAD.jpegOnly vehicle I regret selling. 5 speed with the factory locker. Supercharged with all the goodies. Picked up the color matched topper complete with matching peeling clear coat of CL for $100 bucks! Bought it at 178k put another 50-55k on it and sold it for what I paid
 

thinhorn_AK

"DADDY"
Joined
Jul 2, 2016
Messages
10,341
Location
Alaska
2003 Tacoma. 2.4L, standard, 2 wheel peel. 187000 miles. Your most basic of basic trucks. No cruise control, but at least it has AC.
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It's my Bad A$$ hare and cottontail hunting rig!!, fortunately the dog box fits in my Sierra for winter weather.

I used to have one just like that but it was a different color. It didn’t even have a tachometer, just a speedometer and a fuel gauge. It was great. I ended up getting well over 300k miles on it.
 

Robster

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 14, 2016
Messages
255
Location
NW Montana
Your right, no tachometer, no clock, manual windows and locks, no cruise control. Your most basic vehicle around. It's standard, which makes it fun to drive! At least it has AC.
 

snarpezal

FNG
Joined
Oct 10, 2014
Messages
21
Location
Colorado
View attachment 272769Only vehicle I regret selling. 5 speed with the factory locker. Supercharged with all the goodies. Picked up the color matched topper complete with matching peeling clear coat of CL for $100 bucks! Bought it at 178k put another 50-55k on it and sold it for what I paid
 

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snarpezal

FNG
Joined
Oct 10, 2014
Messages
21
Location
Colorado
Brian

I still have the Tacoma, Shot it with Raptor basalt grey, front and rear bumpers, winch, rock sliders skids. . Had supercharger rebuilt, still runs good. Love the truck. Thanks

Craig
 
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