Advice needed for new 2010 Taco conguration

[peepers]

I am a scoach away from pulling the trigger on a 2010 Tacoma. For years I had a really well built 80 series. The problem for me is that is was overbuilt. Dual lockers, 35s, 4.88s... It was just too much truck for what I was using it for. So I sold her and a scant 6 - 8 months later and I need to get back into some sort of truck.

Primary uses:

• Haul around my CRF450X, mountain bike, home improvement crap
• Be able to take me, my wife and our youngster + the dog on long long trips - this is where the 80 fell short. 10 hours in the 80 on the highway with 35s was just not that reasonable.
• Be a good daily driver. Not too many mods, only those that make sense for the truck it will be
• To be wheeled on very mild trails. Not huge rocks by any stretch. More like nasty dirt roads more than anything else. I get my serious offroad fix on the CR.

So this is what leads me to the Tacoma. I have my mind made up on the following:

• Color - Metallic Grey
• Configuration - Double cab short bed
• Transmission - 6 speed manual
• Options Package(s) - TRD Offroad, V6 towing

I was originally not going to go with the factory roof rack, I was wondering if you all could help with the pros and cons there? Most specifically, can I find a nice aftermarket rack to put on if I dont go with the factory rails?

Thanks in advance for your help, more questions to come I am sure...

 

[frobuster]

Welcome, I would personally go with Thule inserts to fasten a custom made rack. Definately go with the dbl cab to fit the kid and dog. Don't worry about the bed being too short ($700.00 trailer fix). Then toss some spacers in the front (if you must) and keep the tires 285's or smaller.

 

[peepers]

tried to edit the subject to spell configuration correctly...

 

[JPNCA]

I was upgrading my Tacoma for the 4 door model but ended up with a Tundra. It is comfortable and has plenty of room. I now have the oprion to tow the Jeep insted of driving it
Just what did, And I will say the Tundra is too big for most trails

 

[peepers]

Yeah, and its too $$$$$. I love the Tacoma.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Not sure on this, but I've heard of issues with the 6sp transmissions and that the auto is actually stronger and better for towing.

 

[jim65wagon]

, And I will say the Tundra is too big for most trails

2010 Tundra, maybe, but the first gen access cab Tundras are only a stitch wider than a new Tacoma.......of course if you're needing a brand new truck that doesn't help much....

 

[JPNCA]

2010 Tundra, maybe, but the first gen access cab Tundras are only a stitch wider than a new Tacoma.......of course if you're needing a brand new truck that doesn't help much....

Sorry I was refering to the '07 and up. My bad:smiley_drive:

 

[bat]

I have looked at Tacoma's a couple of times and the wife and I just can't give up the space of my big truck. If I was by myself I would do it in a heart beat, my friend has one with a shell and it is perfect.

 

[JPNCA]

my old set up If it a was a DC I would still have it

If and when you get it be sure to update often:coffeedrink:

 

[yeti_in_ga]

I have a tacoma double cab TRD and I love it but miss the 80s LC. The Tacoma is a bottom end truck and is missing some items that I would expect on a new truck. My 2006 Double cab is no where near what my 96 LC was. I am thinking of switching for a 1999 100s LC, not over built, just lift and tires no bigger then 33inch, sliders, slee rear bumper...... o wait I said not over built...

The nice thing about a Tacoma is that it is cheaper to mod then a LC.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Hey Peeps, did you see this one? I know it's not a 10, but it only has 16k on it and its finished...


http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-tr...-10k-modifications-16-500-miles-wa-state.html

 

[Applejack]

Good luck with your purchase, I doubt you'll be disappointed. I just recently sold my '05 D/C TRD and miss it a lot. I got the the truck for nearly the same reason as you (wife, kid, big dog, hauling stuff) and it worked perfectly for us. We used it as our primary trail duty truck and it is quite capable despite it's size. But I too would suggest going for the auto rather than the manual. Toyotas' 6sp is not very good. Had a couple of friends who had problems with theirs but they may have fixed the issues by now.
I've

 

[Redline]

x3

Background

I'm a manual tranny traditionalist, so much so that several years ago I considered a 4Runner (not my current ride) and quickly discounted them when I learned they were no longer offered with a manual box. Fast forward to three years ago when I decided to sell my Jeep Rubicon with a 6-speed manual and buy a Toyota, possibly a DC Tacoma with a 6-speed.


I have no knowledge as to the reliability or strength of the Toyota 6-speed. Maybe they are not so robust or maybe they are fine, but that is not my issue with them. Being a skilled/trained driver of many types of vehicles, owning only a few A/T trucks in the last 20+ years, my test drive in a 6-speed Tacoma was an eye-opener. The way the gearbox shifted, and most importantly, the manner in which the clutch engaged/disengaged offered very poor feel and control in my opinion. I was very disappointed. A test drive in a few 5-speed A/T equipped Toyotas convinced me it was a better combination and that's what I later purchased. Validation came in the following years when I heard and read accounts from other manual tranny fans who didn't care for the way the Toyota 6-speed works in the new mid-sized trucks.

If it works for you, great! I'm just suggesting (x3) you be very critical about how the gearbox works if you are at all particular about how your trucks drive.

However, you said you have decided so I assume you have driven both enough to prefer the manual? If so, I'm glad someone is still buying manual tranny trucks before they disappear from the USA :victory:

snip............But I too would suggest going for the auto rather than the manual. Toyotas' 6sp is not very good. Had a couple of friends who had problems with theirs but they may have fixed the issues by now.
I've

 

[Outbacktacoma]

Peepers
I know you didn't ask but I would still like to add that you consider the long bed. I know people think it looks too long, but I have one and have been on many long road trips with the wife, no kids, and we fill it up. Also you cannot lay down in the back of the short bed ( tail gate up, camping). Sorry, don't have experience with racks on the cab, mine are on the shell. I agree, the long bed looks long, but I have eventually come to find that the short bed looks weird......i.e. too much cab, not enough bed, not well proportioned. Like the others have said, go auto!!