Tacomas: What could go wrong?

[Trainwreck]

Just wanted to get a feel for what everyone thinks might break on different models of Tacomas.

Expedition travel may require bringing extra replacement parts so as not to get stranded.

As far as I know the one thing that might go on my 2001 DC 4x4 is the CV, anything else?-----------I know tires are always at risk. hopefully all those who have made exploratory journeys can chime in with their experience.

Thanks---------Looking to Baja.:campfire: :beer:

 

[BajaTaco]

The 95-04 Tacomas have proven to be incredibly reliable machines. I imagine the newer ones will end up the same way as soon as we start seeing some with really high mileage figures. For all of the traveling I have done in my truck, and the crazy places I have taken it over the last 8 1/2 years, it has never left me stranded. I have had no major failures on a trip or out on the trail except for a CV joint that came apart (which I am 99% sure was my fault due to the way I put it back together after replacing the boots at 100,000 miles) but didn't actually "break", and also a weak battery one time (again my fault for misusing it, but I got a jumpstart). I currently have about 133,00 miles on my '98 xcab.

The Tacoma IFS is actually a very strong and reliable system when you exclude using it for major rock crawling with big tires on it. For all of the crawling I have done with my 32" tires, I have yet to break one (except the mishap mentioned above, which was my error). I do carry a spare because I have a locker in the front differential, which increases the chance for breakage during hard use.

I will skip all of the standard "spares" list that is common with any vehicle, and just mention Toyota-specific items here, which are parts that are specifically made for the Tacoma. Other than a spare CV axle, I also carry the following OEM parts as standard spares:

• Air filter
• Oil filter
• Fuel filter
• Spark plugs
• Belts
• Hoses
• Radiator thermostat
• Alternator brush kit
• Spare clamps for hoses/CV boots. (not really OEM, just stainless clamps)

Of those spares, the only ones I have ever used on a trip were the fuel filter and air filter. I am still using the original clutch, brake drums, and brake rotors

 

[p1michaud]

Spares

Just wanted to get a feel for what everyone thinks might break on different models of Tacomas.

Expedition travel may require bringing extra replacement parts so as not to get stranded.

As far as I know the one thing that might go on my 2001 DC 4x4 is the CV, anything else?-----------I know tires are always at risk. hopefully all those who have made exploratory journeys can chime in with their experience.

Thanks---------Looking to Baja.:campfire: :beer:

You are on the right track! I have had to change a few more items on my truck, but it has over 150 000 miles on it (not all by me). I've changed both front calipers and rotors. If you live in a muddy and salty environment the pistons seem to seize up over time. I've had to replace one CV due to a torn boot, but it was my fault for driving down a real bad trail with lots of cut tree branches on it. One got up and tangled with the CV boot and won!
Otherwise for spare parts, the "Tacoma and 4Runner Spares List" thread was really informative as well.
Cheers :beer:,
P