Another new guy question

[3 DOGS]

I am getting ready to purchase a 2004 Taco Double Cab with the TRD package. I am looking to slowly upgrade my truck. It will be used 90% of the time as a daily driver. The rest of the time would be little adventures to Colorado and the likes. No "heavy duty" wheeling such as rock crawling or anything. While in Colorado there are some trails we take to get to our hunting spots that are narrow and should put the locker to good use. Otherwise the Nebraska winters might be more of a challenge than the wheeling I might do.
Eventually I would like to do more traveling and hit the trails- but with gas so friggin high I can't get there without spending my life's savings. Which brings me to my next question. What is the avg. gas milege I should expect? I know the right pedel tends to be a major factor but in reality what do you think. I was only getting 13-16 with my 03 Silverado Z71 - which is going to be traded in for the Taco.
I appreciate any help/advise/thoughts/comments you all have.
Thanks

 

[erin]

Welcome, I'm getting around 19-20 mpg in my 04, with a 5 speed, 33's and 4.88 gears. I had lost about 1 1/2 mpg after the tires and before the gears. Now I'm pretty much back where I was stock. Oh yeah, I have the v6.

 

[Scott Brady]

Hi, and thanks for stopping by.

Keep the tires stock or near, and the mileage will do well.

 

[3 DOGS]

Thanks

Thanks for the response. I know the "new guy" routine gets old for those of you who have done this for a while.
I think keeping things close to stock is a good idea.
Does anyone know what I can fit under a stock Taco. Again it's a 2004 with the TRD package. I'd like to go as big as possible without having to trim stuff right now.
Also for a front locker is ARB the best? Are there any electronic lockers that work "better"?
Thanks again for your help.
3 Dogs

 

[robert]

I had 31s under my 95 Tacoma- before and after I lifted it. I was going to go with 32s after the lift but it got totaled before the 31s wore out (stupid punk kid ).

 

[BajaTaco]

I think keeping things close to stock is a good idea.

...I'd like to go as big as possible without having to trim stuff right now.

32" tires is kind of a happy-medium between stock and modified. 33" tires will require clearancing, re-gearing, speedo correction, more cost for the tires, and more rolling resistance (although that last aspect is probably negligible over a 32" tire). With only a bolt-on suspension lift, you will likely have to put up with some rubbing of the 33"s when on the trails.

Also for a front locker is ARB the best? Are there any electronic lockers that work "better"?

I am unaware of any electronic lockers for the front. ARB is the best option because it is selectable.

To sum it up - the further you stray from stock height and weight, the more you will impact the fuel mileage.

 

[BajaTaco]

Oh yea, and WELCOME to ExPo :wavey:

 

[oly884]

Thanks for the response. I know the "new guy" routine gets old for those of you who have done this for a while.
I think keeping things close to stock is a good idea.
Does anyone know what I can fit under a stock Taco. Again it's a 2004 with the TRD package. I'd like to go as big as possible without having to trim stuff right now.
Also for a front locker is ARB the best? Are there any electronic lockers that work "better"?
Thanks again for your help.
3 Dogs

Just like expeditionswest, I have 255/85/R16's which measure out to be just a hair over 33" tall and 10" wide. I don't have a lift either. I did have to do some trimming in the front and rear, but it was worth it IMHO. Here are some pictures:

Stock on the right, the 255/85/R16's mounted

 

[flyingwil]

Just buy Becky's truck. http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1570

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Trainwreck]

How is your MPG holding up??

 

[Scott Brady]

What do you think of the Coopers? Road noise? Ice/snow performance?

Thanks

 

[bigreen505]

What do you think of the Coopers? Road noise? Ice/snow performance?

Thanks

x2! They look like my ideal tire (somewhere between AT and MT), but no one seems to have any personal experience with them, especially in snow and ice.

 

[Scott Brady]

I like the STT's Baja has on his truck too.

 

[BajaTaco]

I like the STT's Baja has on his truck too.

I just posted an update on those over at MUD (sorry this is drifting OT)