Advice needed for new 2010 Taco conguration

[Redline]

Doesn't a long-bed mean no factory rear locker? I think the locker is worth the short bed.

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!!

 

[peepers]

Thanks for all the feedback!

I have never been an auto transmission guy. The problem is that I can't find a 6 speed to test drive. If ANYONE in central Texas has access to one can they please let me know?

I saw that truck over on MUD. The problem is that I just can't justify a 3 year old truck when it costs only $3k less than a brand new one. Also on that note, I will not be getting an ARB for the front as I want my airbags to still deploy properly.

Now you really have me considering the auto tranny but I always felt that they sucked up too much power?!?!?!?! - Not the case?

Long bed = no selectable rear locker so I am sticking with the short bed.

And yes... I will add lots of tasteful mods, post here often. I look forward to being part of the community.

 

[Redline]

peepers;574329]Thanks for all the feedback!

I have never been an auto transmission guy. The problem is that I can't find a 6 speed to test drive. If ANYONE in central Texas has access to one can they please let me know?

I saw that truck over on MUD. The problem is that I just can't justify a 3 year old truck when it costs only $3k less than a brand new one. Also on that note, I will not be getting an ARB for the front as I want my airbags to still deploy properly.

I agree. Although it's nice and may be a good value, I would prefer to start with a new truck and build it ‘my way' even if I cost more money in the long run.

Now you really have me considering the auto tranny but I always felt that they sucked up too much power?!?!?!?! - Not the case?

Surely the A/T sucks some power, but the variable lock-up torque converter seems to work well in the top gears. My test drive experience back in 2006 was that the AT felt quicker, better. I drove a V6 Tacoma 6-speed then a V6 FJ Cruiser back-to-back. The FJC engine/trans combo felt so much better, really seemed to wake up the engine compared to the 6-speed (I know it's strange). I think this may have much to do with the very low first gear ratio in the 5-speed A/T, 3.52:1. They launch very well.

Of course like most A/Ts the top gear (5th) is pretty tall 0.716:1, which can be good for economy depending on how you drive it. Like with any platform/build, just be careful about adding too much weight or tire and making the stock 3.73 gears feel too tall. But maybe in central Texas that won't be as much of a concern as in the mountains/altitude?

Long bed = no selectable rear locker so I am sticking with the short bed.

Good call.

And yes... I will add lots of tasteful mods, post here often. I look forward to being part of the community.

 

[peepers]

The truck will be used on mild offroad trails, more like rough dirt roads. It will haul at most 2 dirtbikes, gear and some dudes.

Family long weekeds... Wife, kids, dog, stuff...

Home improvement - lumber, tools, stuff...

I won't be towing a camper or anything... Oh the struggle! Posted over on Yota Tech as well to see what they have to say.

The other nice thing is that I think there are auto transmissions available, um, NOW!

 

[Cackalak Han]

peepers, just FYI, on the ARB bullbar:

AIR BAG COMPATIBILITY
With an air bag equipped 4x4 it is essential that the vehicle's crush rate and air bag triggering is not altered when a bull bar is installed. To ensure compatibility, ARB assesses each vehicle's frontal crush characteristics and replicates the crush rate into the design of each air bag compatible bull bar and its mounting system. This method enables engineers to achieve maximum possible vehicle and passenger protection without affecting the crash pulse. ARB has invested heavily in vehicle crash barrier tests to validate the performance and compliance of its air bag compatible bull bars, and as a consequence, our bars offer a far greater level of protection than most standard brush guards and grille guards.

But I guess if you're only going to be doing mild off-road trails, it's not necessary anyway.

I don't think you'll have any problems with the power from that 4.0L. I've got a 3.4L auto and it's enough for me.

 

[peepers]

peepers, just FYI, on the ARB bullbar:

AIR BAG COMPATIBILITY
With an air bag equipped 4x4 it is essential that the vehicle's crush rate and air bag triggering is not altered when a bull bar is installed. To ensure compatibility, ARB assesses each vehicle's frontal crush characteristics and replicates the crush rate into the design of each air bag compatible bull bar and its mounting system. This method enables engineers to achieve maximum possible vehicle and passenger protection without affecting the crash pulse. ARB has invested heavily in vehicle crash barrier tests to validate the performance and compliance of its air bag compatible bull bars, and as a consequence, our bars offer a far greater level of protection than most standard brush guards and grille guards.

But I guess if you're only going to be doing mild off-road trails, it's not necessary anyway.

I don't think you'll have any problems with the power from that 4.0L. I've got a 3.4L auto and it's enough for me.

So the ARB bumpers are air bag compatible? Oh then, that is a must have!

 

[southpier]

peepers, just FYI, on the ARB bullbar...

thanks for that; i couldn't figure where the above post was going!

 

[BeachBoy]

I would choose long bed before a selectable locker.

the VSC does a wonderful job and worse case, just add an air locker...

 

[BeachBoy]

the air bags will work with any front bumper, there is not a single sensor in the bumper, and the airbags are activated by rate of deceleration. it's bullcrap saying that a front bumper would be airbag compatible or not!

you can add a bullbar, run without a bumper or a full steel bumper, or even stack two bumper if you want, and the airbag will go off no matter what if you decelerate fast enough.

 

[jim65wagon]

Now you really have me considering the auto tranny but I always felt that they sucked up too much power?!?!?!?! - Not the case?

Back in the day, sure, they called them slushboxes, powerslides, turbojunks, for a reason....but today's modern automatic is a different beasty. There is a little loss of power but not nearly as much as you'd think, gas mileage will be almost no difference at all in the real world (your EPA estimate will vary).

Things about automatics I tend to say constantly:
Order the tow package to get a trans cooler, if you don't buy the biggest aftermarket cooler you can mount in front of your radiator.
Change the fluid and filter regularly.
Offroad, left foot brake, right foot gas....

 

[tacollie]

I am still sad I wasn't able to get you 80.

I would strongly suggest the auto. I hate autos but the newer ones are a lot better like redline said. I really miss the power in my 05. I didn't like the feel of the 6 speed. Definitely drive both before you purchase.