New Member 2001 SR5 4wd 3.5L V6

My journey as a Tacoma owner started when I totaled my RAV4 on a deer headed to work. I wanted to purchase a first gen Tacoma to replace it thinking since my commute 35 minutes across the tip of the Northern lower peninsula of Michigan was a gauntlet of deer and snowy weather, A Tacoma would be just the vehicle for the task. I got a decent insurance claim from my RAV4, more than I paid for it a few years prior, so I was feeling pretty confident I could find the perfect Tacoma. I guess I new that Tacomas held their value well but I didn't fully comprehend how hard it was going to be to find a decent first gen Taco for under $8000. I ended up buying a less expensive project and enjoying working on the repairs myself. After the first winter I drove it as my daily winter driver, I was power washing the salt off the frame and the washer blew through a spot in the rear frame. I new I was in trouble and parked the truck and decided to tackle the rear frame repair with little auto repair experience and welding knowledge from an art class in college. It's not perfect and I would do a lot of things differently in retrospect but I successfully removed the rust and reinforced the frame and then sealed the whole thing up with KBS Rust Seal. I removed every flake of rust I could, cutting out some portions and blowing through a dozen wire wheels. I also did the Load Sensing Proportioning Valve delete, resealed the gas tank, replaced the muffler and rear shocks, and both rear crossmembers on the frame.

I recently signed up for a TW account because I referenced the threads for advice during my frame repair and because I'm now working on rebuilding the front end of my truck. I want to do a complete frame repair for longevity but also there is a worsening wobble/pulse when I brake that I'm guessing is the front right bearing. I got some fresh hub assemblies but then realized I was going to have to really dig into the front end taking the steering knuckle off to get the old hub out so I ran down the rabbit hole of other things I should do while I was going to the effort of tearing apart the front axle hub. I went deep into the rabbit hole but came to my senses and am now executing a pretty minimal rebuild replacing top and bottom bearings, hub assemblies (including bearings), dust covers, and the shock assemblies. While I have it apart, I'm going to treat the rust and seal up the front half of the frame. I might even throw a little KBS Rust Repair treatment on the steering knuckle and control arms (I'll be inspecting all of these for wear but I'm hoping I don't have to replace or rebuild them.). I thought I'd eventually have to ask for some specific advice but so far I've found the information I've needed by searching the threads. Thanks for all the helpful knowledge.

Enjoy the photos. Like I said, I know it's not perfect. I should have left the bed on to keep the frame perfectly straight and my welding is sloppy (it's strong though). I just drove this truck as my daily commuter through a terrible winter here in Northern Michigan and it performed perfectly. Often the roads were not plowed when I headed to work and I never had to think twice about if the truck could handle it. The only times I had trouble were when visibility became an issue. I have left the idea of ever selling this truck in the rear view and am going to keep it going as long a possible trying to not spend too much money but make sensible repairs with longevity in mind. The current mileage is 190k.

 

Welcome to TW! Quite the project you have!