Guys, i am looking to buy this 2000 Tacoma PreRunner with 145K miles for $7000 and had a question maybe someone has experienced or can help with. Basically the engine sounds excellent as well as the body/int. But what I noticed is that when I shift into say "D" the little red gear indicator looks like its actually in the slot beneath D or "2". Same goes for any gear actually. It appears to be in the gear below. The gear selector seems to have some play in it. Once it is in the gear though it seems to be firmly in there though. So should this be of concern before buying it or is this something that can be adjusted?

Thanks alot...

 

Sounds like the gear shift linkage might be a little off. Any idea if the current owner has or removed a lift (body lift maybe) recently? If so, that may have left the shift linkage slightly misaligned. What does the shift indicator show when its in PARK??

If it is that, its a easy fix. On the driver's side of the tranny, there's a rod coming down from the gear shift. It connects to a more horizontal, slotted push rod, that actuates the gears. Loosen the nut holding the gear shift rod to the horizontal slotted push rod, and slightly adjust it so the gear indicator is lined up properly. Then re-tighten.

No saying it is that, but it certainly sounds like it....

 

Hey Scott, thanks for the quick reply. Ya know I dont remember what it looked like in Park. If its the linkage though like you say it might be, would Park look like its actually in Reverse? or should Park not be affected by the linkage issue?

 

it doesnt have 4x4 so dont get it

 

X2, here's a pic:

 

If you get the linkage adjust right in park it should also be right in every gear.

 

Awesome information and pictures, doesnt get any better. Thanks guys!

 

Sounds like the price is a bit high for a 2000 Prerunner w/ 145k miles. Does it at least have the TRD package with the rear locker? Also, check for the frame rust issue.

Wait for a 4x4, if you can.

 

what is the point of a rear locker if you dont have 4 wheel drive?

 

Its the next best thing to 4wd. I think some use them for drag racing too. Don't use it on ice though, hurts more than it helps.

 

Same point of having the rear locker with a 4WD. Some of those prerunner guys have gone into some hairy stuff in 2WD and rear locked. The only places that they really struggle is in mud/snow. You'd be amazed what a 2WD can do. Of course, I'd prefer a 4WD any day of the week, but 2WD is not the end of the world.

 

thanks guys.... my vote is get a4x4 lol