Questions about our trip in the Tacoma

So... 17 more sleeps till the daughter and I hit the road!!! I would be lying if I didn't say I was a "tad" nervous... good to know there are nomads all the way down!

The 98 Tacoma is a new purchase for Kirsten (91,000 miles with immaculate service records). The Toyota dealership has been less than helpful. Dad is changing the oil... recommendations for weight would be appreciated (he always uses Penzoil for the Westie ... same brand??)

Also, are there any replacement belts etc. we should be travelling with???

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

I have 150,000 on my 1996 Tacoma. I replaced the belts at ~130,000 even though they showed very little wear, I carry the old ones as spares, just in case.

I still have all the original hoses, original fuel filter, original starter.

I have had to replace the alternator bushings, sometime after 100,000, a transfer case seal around 110,000

Tacomas are great vehicles. You 1998 is just getting broken in

I use regular 10w-30 oil, whatever is on sale Castrol, Shell, Chevron, Texaco...I do check the API (American Petroleum Institute) rating to be sure it is as high as possible, and it always is. I change it once every 5 to 6 months, or ~4,000 miles (3 month or 3,000 mile oil changes are a myth sponsored by Jiffy-lube et al. With modern detergent oils it is a waste of time, money, and resources link ).

The viscosity of the oil is dependant on where you will be driving the vehicle. 0 weight oils are better for cold climates, where it gets below freezing, 40-50 weight for hot. A 10W-30 is a good all around “average” climate.

I use Purolator oil filters, many of the filters out there are pure cr@p Oil filter study .

I do not burn a drop of oil, and have no leaks.

Remember to lube all the zerk fitting in the drive train.

If you have a V-6, consider changing the timing belt, big $$ if it breaks. The 4-cylinders gave a timing chain that shouldn’t break

If you have any Tacoma related questions you can also check out a great Tacoma/Toyota website http://www.ttora.com/. It’slike Baja Nomads for Baja lovers

Thanks guys... timining belt has been done. Sounds like we will be ready to go