r/2ndGenTacoma

I have a 2012 double cab, PreRunner V6, 2WD. I purchased it about 9 months ago from the original owner. He had rebuilt some of the suspension with new shocks and springs all the way around, new upper control arms on the front, inner and outer tie rods and installed a leveling kit all within the last 20-30k. Back in April I had it at my regular mechanic to do new brakes and rotors. He noticed that the sway bars on both sides had torn boots and recommended they be replaced. He didn't do that kind of work, but suggested I take it a local suspension shop.

The suspension shop I took it to, I had never done business with, confirmed the need and I had complete kit installed on both sides. While I was checking out, the mechanic said, "everything under there looks great, most everything has been replaced except your lower control arms. They are still in good shape, ball joints look good, but they are the original equipment. If you replace those, you will be set for a long time." He worked me up a quote of ~$1k and I told him I would need a few weeks to get the money together.

The Truck drove great and I was not having any issues and about 8 weeks later I was in a position to have it done. I took it yesterday and I picked it up as they were closing. I start driving home and noticed it was pulling to the right pretty strong, something it had not done since I bought it, nor did it after they aligned it from the sway bar fix.

They are open on Saturdays, so I was there first thing this morning. I told them what it was doing and they spent close to 2 hours on it this morning. I drove it, still pulling. I turned right around and brough it back. He asked me if there was ever a "steering extension done with the lift kit." I had no idea, but I do not understand why that wasn't an issue before. Then he said, "well, when everything gets pulled apart like that to replace the LCRs, thing can change. We align to the steering wheel at the correct position and I can show you our machine says it is aligned."

So am I being told the truth here? I don't understand how it can be new parts and drive worse. Keep in mind, the LCRs were not bad, I did it preventive.

I bought my 2012 Tacoma SR5 V6 4x4 automatic transmission about a year and a half ago, so I'm still getting to know my vehicle.

I bought some brewing equipment, and I'm planning to haul it from Colorado to Albuquerque. I have never towed anything before, so I'm kind of nervous. Any tips for towing? Any services I should get before I go? What gear? Ect.

Looking to tow about 1500lb of equipment in a 900 lb 5x9 trailer.

Any advice would be great, thanks!

A buddy has a single cab 2.7 4x4 MT up for grabs for $2.5k. It has 164k on it but it needs a head gasket and the truck is originally from Massachusetts. The frame was recalled in 2012 (it's in Colorado now). The rest of the body has some rust spots but nothing structural. I have yet to actually look over the truck but, assuming the frame is solid, would this be a decent buy for the asking price?

I'm able to do all the work myself and actually just got done with this job on my 1st gen. As far as the rest of the truck goes, the steering rack and clutch were recently replaced.

I recently met a guy who was selling his 1999 Toyota Tacoma. The truck has 261k miles on it, and he is asking for $5,600. I currently own a 2011 Ford Ranger, and am adamant about a small truck that is reliable and very simple to maintain.

Is it silly to purchase a truck at that mileage? If not, what sort of things should I look into to ensure it is running smoothly (i.e transmission, engine, suspension, etc).

Any other advice?

I’ve recently bought a bone stock 09 off-road. The upper control arms need to be done, so front struts would be done as well.

I’m toying with the idea of just lifting it right away. I’m not in the mood to ball out on a crazy priced lift but not going to go cheap on a shitty rough country either.

Recommendations?