2008 Toyota Tacoma Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2008 Toyota Tacoma lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), tightened with a 21mm socket on M12x1.5 studs. Torque in a star pattern in two passes (snug, then final), and re-check after the first 50–100 miles of driving. Use a calibrated torque wrench — not an impact gun — for the final pass.

Lug nut torque: 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) · Socket size: 21mm · Thread: M12x1.5.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma. Use it before any maintenance or repair job where torque values matter — brake work, wheel changes, suspension service, engine teardowns, or oil changes. Specs are pulled from manufacturer service literature, cross-checked against community data, and updated as new chassis variants become available.

Toyota's engineering standard for wheel torque is unusually consistent across the lineup — nearly every passenger Toyota from the mid-2000s onward specs 76 ft-lbs (103 Nm) for the lug nuts with an M12x1.5 thread and 21mm socket. The big exceptions are the Tundra and Sequoia full-size trucks (97-110 ft-lbs), and the lug studs on older Camrys and Corollas (pre-2002) used a smaller M12x1.25 thread that does not interchange. Always confirm by checking the alloy stamp on the wheel hub if you are unsure.

Common fastener categories on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Repair guidance for this model year

For 2008 model-year work: Always use a calibrated torque wrench for safety-critical fasteners, and replace lock washers and crush washers on every reassembly.

Tools you will need

Frequently asked questions

What is the lug nut torque on a 2008 Toyota Tacoma?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), using a 21mm socket on M12x1.5 thread studs. Use a calibrated torque wrench in a star pattern, in two passes (50% and 100%), and re-check after 50-100 miles of driving.

What socket size do I need for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma lug nuts?

The 2008 Toyota Tacoma uses a 21mm socket. A 6-point impact-rated socket is recommended over a 12-point chrome socket — 12-points round off lug nuts under impact-driver use.

Are the 2008 Toyota Tacoma fasteners metric or SAE?

Metric is the standard for this vehicle. Most fasteners on this vehicle are metric (M6, M8, M10, M12, M14). Bring a full metric set; SAE substitutes can round the head. Bolt-head markings are the fastest way to confirm grade and material at the bench.

Other Toyota Tacoma years

Same model, different model year — fastener spec may change. Always confirm against the year for your VIN.

→ 2008 Toyota Tacoma oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2008 Toyota Tacoma suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

→ 2008 Toyota Tacoma engine & transmission mount torque specs

All 66 2008 Toyota Tacoma fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both.

Wheels — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma. For the all four wheels, plan for a 21mm tool on a M12x1.5 stud; final torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) (lug nut).

Brakes — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Brake fasteners on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. Abs wheel speed sensor bolt (brake system) tightens to 71 in-lbs (5.9 ft-lbs) ft-lbs (8 Nm), takes a 10mm driver, runs on M6 threads, located at the see also suspension section. both front and rear abs sensors = 71 in-lbs.. The front caliper slide pin bolts uses a 12mm or 14mm depending on year drive on a M10 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm) at the sliding guide pin bolts (the smaller bolts, not the bracket bolts). apply caliper grease/silicone lube to guide pins before installation.. At the all brake line fittings (flare nut). use flare wrench to prevent rounding. do not use open-end wrench., the brake line union nut torques to 11 ft-lbs (15 Nm) (10mm flare wrench drive, 3/8" flare nut thread). For the backing plate (dust shield) bolt torque for drum brake rear axles. gen1 fsm: 50 ft-lbs (68 nm)., plan for a 14mm tool on a M12 stud; final torque is 48 ft-lbs (68 Nm) (rear drum brake backing plate x axle housing). Brake caliper bolt tightens to 55 ft-lbs, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M12x1.25 threads, located at the caliper bracket. The front brake caliper bracket bolts — gen2/gen3 uses a 19mm drive on a M14 thread, torqued to 91 ft-lbs (123 Nm) at the front caliper mounting/bracket bolts for gen2 (2005-2015) and gen3 (2016-2023). two bolts per side. confirmed for 4wd and 2wd.. At the wheel hub, the wheel lug nut torques to 76 ft-lbs (21mm drive, M12x1.5 thread).

Engine — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. The main bearing cap bolts — 12-point head (crankshaft bearing cap) uses a 14mm 12-point drive on a M11 (12-point) thread, torqued to Step 1: 45 ft-lbs | Step 2: +90° ft-lbs (Step 1: 61 Nm Nm) at the 16 main bolts in this spec. additional 8 bolts (12mm head): 19 ft-lbs (26 nm). after tightening, verify crankshaft rotates smoothly.. At the front engine mount brackets to block., the engine mounting bracket front x cylinder block (rh and lh) torques to 38 ft-lbs (51 Nm) (14mm drive, M12 thread). For the apply loctite. tighten in star pattern in multiple passes., plan for a 14mm tool on a M12 stud; final torque is 61 ft-lbs (83 Nm) (drive plate x crankshaft (a/t flexplate)). Oil drain plug tightens to 30 ft-lbs, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the oil pan. The camshaft timing gear x camshaft (vvt-i gear / cam sprocket bolt) uses a 19mm or cam holding tool drive on a M14 thread, torqued to 74 ft-lbs (100 Nm) at the applies to both intake (vvt-i actuator) and exhaust cam sprockets. critical: use cam holding wrench. do not allow cam to rotate. same for no. 1 and no. 2 chain sprockets.. At the engine, the connecting rod bolt torques to Stage 1: 18 ft-lbs, Stage 2: +45° (13mm drive, M9x1.0 thread). For the thermostat housing bolts. use new o-ring., plan for a 12mm tool on a M8 stud; final torque is 13 ft-lbs (18 Nm) (thermostat / water inlet housing). Cylinder head bolts (12-point main bolts) tightens to Step 1: 27 ft-lbs | Step 2: +90° (Turn 180° per Toyota Repair Manual EM spec) | Step 3: +90° more (total 180° after initial) ft-lbs (Step 1: 36 Nm Nm), takes a 12mm 12-point deep socket driver, runs on M11 (12-point) threads, located at the critical: tty (angle torque) method. toyota fsm rm1005e specifies 36 nm (27 ft-lbs) then turn 180° (not 90° like 5vz). some sources split this as 90° + 90°. shorter auxiliary bolts (14mm head): 22 ft-lbs (30 nm) — no angle method. always replace head bolts if reusing after angle torque.. The thermostat housing / water inlet x cylinder head uses a 10mm drive on a M6 thread, torqued to 7.4 ft-lbs (rear bypass joint) ft-lbs (10 Nm) at the water by-pass joint = 7.4 ft-lbs. water temperature sensor = 14 ft-lbs.. At the cylinder head, the valve cover bolt torques to 8 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the tty 3-pass method. same angle sequence as 5vz-fe. 10 main bolts in this engine. tighten in specified sequence (start from center, work outward)., plan for a 12mm 12-point socket tool on a M11 (12-point) stud; final torque is Step 1: 29 ft-lbs | Step 2: +90° | Step 3: +90° ft-lbs (Step 1: 39 Nm Nm) (cylinder head bolts (main bolts)). Camshaft bearing cap bolts tightens to Step 1 (Bolt A, 10mm head): 80 in-lbs (6.7 ft-lbs) | Step 2 (Bolt A, 10mm): 7 ft-lbs final | Bolt B (12mm head): 18 ft-lbs ft-lbs (Bolt A (10mm head): 9 Nm | Bolt B (12mm head): 24 Nm Nm), takes a 10mm and 12mm driver, runs on M6 (10mm head) and M8 (12mm head) threads, located at the per toyota fsm: camshaft housing x cylinder head = 21 ft-lbs (28 nm). then bearing cap bolts on housing: 10mm head = 80 in-lbs; 12mm head = 12 ft-lbs final. tighten uniformly in sequence.. The main bearing cap x cylinder block (crankshaft bearing caps) uses a 14mm drive on a M11 thread, torqued to Step 1: 29 ft-lbs | Step 2: +90° ft-lbs (Step 1: 39 Nm Nm) at the 5 main bearing caps. after tightening, verify crankshaft rotates smoothly.. At the the 1gr-fe water pump mounts to the timing chain cover (internally driven by chain). use new o-ring., the water pump x timing chain cover torques to 8 ft-lbs (11 Nm) (10mm drive, M6 thread). For the electronic throttle body (etcs). four bolts., plan for a 12mm tool on a M8 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (21 Nm) (throttle body bolts). Crankshaft pulley x crankshaft (harmonic balancer) tightens to 184 ft-lbs (250 Nm), takes a 19mm (use crankshaft holding tool SST 09213-70010) driver, runs on M20 x 1.5 threads, located at the same spec as 5vz-fe. use crankshaft holding tool. this is not a tty bolt. clean threads, apply engine oil to thread and underside of bolt head.. The spark plug uses a 5/8" spark plug socket drive on a 12mm x 1.25 (iridium) thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm) at the 12 plugs (2 per cylinder, coil-on-plug). access from top after removing valve covers or coil assemblies.. At the also called ocv (oil control valve). one per intake camshaft. same spec for vvt sensor., the vvt-i oil control valve (camshaft timing oil control valve x cylinder head cover) torques to 80 in-lbs (6.7 ft-lbs) ft-lbs (9 Nm) (10mm drive, M6 thread). For the primary chain tensioner (bank 1 / rh head). reset tensioner before installing. no. 2 and no. 3 chain tensioners (secondary chains, lh bank) = 14 ft-lbs (19 nm) each., plan for a 10mm tool on a M6 stud; final torque is 7.4 ft-lbs ft-lbs (10 Nm) (timing chain tensioner (no. 1) x cylinder head rh). Cylinder head bolt tightens to Stage 1: 40 ft-lbs, Stage 2: +90°, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the engine. The connecting rod bolts uses a 12mm drive on a M9 thread, torqued to Step 1: 18 ft-lbs | Step 2: +90° ft-lbs (Step 1: 25 Nm Nm) at the tty plastic region bolts. replace after removal. apply engine oil to threads.. At the front no. 1 engine mounting bracket to cylinder block (both sides)., the engine mount bracket x cylinder block (front rh and lh) torques to 32 ft-lbs (43 Nm) (14mm drive, M12 thread). For the front mount-to-frame., plan for a 14mm tool on a M12 stud; final torque is 28 ft-lbs (38 Nm) (engine mounting insulator front x body (frame)). Exhaust manifold x cylinder head tightens to 15 ft-lbs (21 Nm), takes a 12mm driver, runs on M8 threads, located at the both lh and rh manifolds = 15 ft-lbs. use anti-seize on studs.. The crankshaft pulley x crankshaft uses a 22mm hex (use crankshaft holding SST) drive on a M22 x 1.5 thread, torqued to 192 ft-lbs (260 Nm) at the slightly higher than v6 spec (192 vs 184 ft-lbs). uses timing chain, not belt. clean threads, apply engine oil.. At the use new crush washer each change. the 1gr has a lower secondary oil pan; drain plug is on this lower pan., the oil drain plug (oil pan drain plug x no. 2 oil pan) torques to 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm) (14mm drive, M14 x 1.5 thread). For the 24 bolts and 2 nuts. tighten uniformly in several steps. housing bolts (4): 27 ft-lbs (37 nm). note: uses timing chain, not timing belt., plan for a 12mm tool on a M8 stud; final torque is 17 ft-lbs (23 Nm) (timing chain cover x cylinder block (main bolts)). Camshaft timing gear x camshaft (cam sprocket bolt) tightens to 58 ft-lbs (78 Nm), takes a 17mm or cam holding tool driver, runs on M14 threads, located at the vvt-i cam gear. apply engine oil. hold cam with wrench or sst.. The oil filter housing cap uses a 64mm drive on a M64x1.5 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the engine block. At the intake air surge tank x intake manifold (via hex wrench): 13 ft-lbs. surge tank bolt: 15 ft-lbs; nut: 12 ft-lbs., the intake manifold x cylinder head torques to 15 ft-lbs (21 Nm) (12mm drive, M8 thread). For the 19 bolts and 2 nuts. tighten uniformly in multiple passes., plan for a 10mm tool on a 6mm stud; final torque is 80 in-lbs (6.7 ft-lbs) ft-lbs (9 Nm) (valve cover (cylinder head cover x cylinder head)). Oil pan bolts (oil pan x cylinder block) tightens to 10mm head: 7.4 ft-lbs | 12mm head: 16 ft-lbs | Nut: 16 ft-lbs ft-lbs (10mm head: 10 Nm | 12mm head: 21 Nm Nm), takes a 10mm and 12mm driver, runs on M6 (10mm head) and M8 (12mm head) threads, located at the upper oil pan (main pan). lower oil pan bolts: 7 ft-lbs (9 nm) for bolts, 7 ft-lbs for nuts.. The camshaft bearing cap x cylinder head uses a 12mm drive on a M8 thread, torqued to Bolt A: 9 ft-lbs | Others: 11 ft-lbs ft-lbs (Bolt A: 12 Nm | Others: 15.5 Nm Nm) at the tighten in sequence. 5 bearing caps. sohc engine — single camshaft.. At the rh and lh covers both same spec. nut and bolt a slightly different; all other bolts = 80 in-lbs., the valve cover bolts (cylinder head cover x cylinder head) torques to 80 in-lbs (6.7 ft-lbs) for nuts; 7 ft-lbs for Bolt A ft-lbs (Nut: 9 Nm; Bolt A: 10 Nm Nm) (10mm drive, 6mm thread).

Drivetrain — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. At the updated spec for gen2 — higher than gen1. use new cotter pin and adjust lock cap. install cotter pin without reducing torque., the front axle hub nut (4wd) — gen2 2005-2015 torques to 203 ft-lbs (275 Nm) (35mm socket drive, M22 x 1.5 thread). For the rear differential cover bolts for gen2 tacoma 4.0l v6 (1gr-fe). tighten in star pattern., plan for a 12mm tool on a M8 stud; final torque is 26 ft-lbs (35 Nm) (rear differential cover bolts — gen2 4.0l). Front cv / birfield joint hub bolts (hub x steering knuckle) — gen2 tightens to 60 ft-lbs (81 Nm), takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12 threads, located at the four hub-to-knuckle bolts. tighten in cross pattern. note: gen3 hub bolts = 91 ft-lbs per service data.. The differential cover bolt uses a 12mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 23 ft-lbs at the differential.

Suspension — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. For the outer tie rod nut = 67 ft-lbs. can advance up to additional 60° to align cotter pin. applies gen1 4wd (90 nm = 67 ft-lbs), gen2, and gen3., plan for a 22mm tool on a M14 stud; final torque is 67 ft-lbs (90 Nm) (tie rod end to knuckle nut — gen1 4wd, gen2, gen3). Lower ball joint — gen2 2005-2015 tightens to 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm), takes a 19mm driver, runs on M14 (knuckle bolts) threads, located at the lower ball joint mount bolts (2 bolts attaching lower bj to knuckle) = 118 ft-lbs. confirmed for 2005-2015 4wd.. The leaf spring u-bolt uses a 19mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 85 ft-lbs at the leaf spring. At the front and rear abs speed sensor bolts to steering knuckle/axle housing. also sensor wire harness clamp bolts = same spec., the abs wheel speed sensor bolt torques to 71 in-lbs (5.9 ft-lbs) ft-lbs (8 Nm) (10mm drive, M6 thread). For the gen2 lower control arm pivot bolts. lower shock bolt: 101 ft-lbs., plan for a 24mm tool on a M16 stud; final torque is 96 ft-lbs (130 Nm) (lower control arm x frame — gen2 2005-2015). Trd strut brace bolt tightens to 29 ft-lbs, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the strut tower. The lug nuts — all generations gen1/gen2/gen3 uses a 21mm (13/16") drive on a M12 x 1.5 thread, torqued to 83 ft-lbs (113 Nm) at the 83 ft-lbs for all gen1/2/3 tacomas (1995–2023). thread size: m12 x 1.5 for all years. flat-seat washer-type lug nuts. 6-lug pattern on 4wd, 5-lug on some 2wd models. tighten in star pattern. note: gen4 (2024+) changed to m14 x 1.5 at 103.5 ft-lbs.. At the gen1 and gen2. upper mount (shock to suspension support): 22 ft-lbs (gen1 4wd). gen3 lower shock = 61 ft-lbs; upper = 14 ft-lbs (strut top nut)., the front shock absorber lower mount x lower control arm torques to 101 ft-lbs (135 Nm) (21mm drive, M14 thread). For the oem u-bolt torque: 90 ft-lbs per adventuretaco.com oem data. some fsm versions cite 37 ft-lbs — that appears to be an early/outdated value. use 90 ft-lbs with oem u-bolts at ride height. re-torque after 100 miles., plan for a 19mm deep tool on a 9/16" (OEM U-bolt size) stud; final torque is 90 ft-lbs (123 Nm) (rear leaf spring u-bolt nuts — gen2/gen3 oem). Rear leaf spring front hanger bolt x frame tightens to 116 ft-lbs (157 Nm), takes a 24mm driver, runs on M16 threads, located at the front leaf spring eye bolt to hanger bracket. with suspension loaded at ride height.. The upper control arm x frame — gen2 2005-2015 uses a 21mm drive on a M14 thread, torqued to 87 ft-lbs (115 Nm) at the upper suspension arm to frame bolts.. At the rear shackle pin nuts = 89 ft-lbs. front hanger = 89 ft-lbs. tighten at ride height., the rear leaf spring shackle — gen2/gen3 torques to 89 ft-lbs (121 Nm) (24mm drive, M16 thread). For the tighten to 81 ft-lbs then advance up to additional 60° to align cotter pin slot — do not back off. use new cotter pin., plan for a 22mm tool on a M14 stud; final torque is 81 ft-lbs (110 Nm) (upper ball joint nut — gen2 2005-2015).

Body — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Body fasteners on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma. Bed mounting bolt tightens to 37 ft-lbs, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the frame rail. The cab mount bolts (body-to-frame) uses a 22mm drive on a M14 x 2.0 thread, torqued to 50–60 ft-lbs (OEM spec not formally published in FSM) ft-lbs (68–81 Nm Nm) at the no explicit torque value found in gen1/gen2/gen3 toyota fsm. community consensus and toyota technician guidance: 50–60 ft-lbs with blue loctite. use anti-seize on threads to prevent corrosion bonding (especially gen1 older trucks). apply in a cross-pattern from center outward.. At the no specific fsm torque value. per toyota technician and forum data: 50–60 ft-lbs with anti-seize or blue loctite. gen2 and gen3 share same bed mount design. 4 to 6 bed bolts per side. check for corrosion on older trucks before removal., the bed mount bolts (cargo bed x frame) torques to 50–60 ft-lbs (OEM spec not formally published) ft-lbs (68–81 Nm Nm) (19mm or 22mm (varies by year) drive, M14 x 2.0 thread). For the frame, plan for a 14mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 29 ft-lbs (trd skid plate bolt). Transfer case skid plate bolt tightens to 29 ft-lbs, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the frame.

Transmission — 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Transmission fasteners on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The transmission pan bolt uses a 10mm drive on a M6x1.0 thread, torqued to 7 ft-lbs at the transmission pan. At the transmission pan, the transmission drain plug torques to 29 ft-lbs (24mm drive, M20x1.5 thread).

New to torquing wheels? Read our How lug nut torque works — the complete guide for star-pattern sequence, re-torque intervals, and how to read a lug spec — then use the 2008 Toyota Tacoma numbers above.

Loading the interactive 2008 Toyota Tacoma fastener lookup with per-bolt filtering, part links, and torque tools…