DC or AC ?

[xjaugie]

I've begun to look around for my next project truck and was pretty much set on getting an access cab, but yesterday I ran across a '04 double cab with 137,000 miles Auto V6 in the right color and at a good price.

The truck is for exploring, extended hunting and fishing trips and the like. For the most part it will be me solo or one other partner, and I'm not sure I want to give up the longer bed for a full rear cab?

Should I bite on the DC or stick with the AC plan?

 

[washington taco]

If only one or two people I would stick with a AC. More bed space with a bed cap = more load capacity, a sleeping area and generaly cheaper to purchase.

 

[Schattenjager]

I looked at both when I bought my 05 Tacoma. Like you, I was solo with a pup or just one other person. For this reason, I chose the Access Cab because, as the name implies, it is very easy to open both doors to make one large path to load, access and unload your stuff. The four door models require you to move around an open door, and while manageable, is not as elegant nor as quick to get to your stuff. I had a topper (dog house - only - never really stored gear with Max) but a pretty awesome ladder rack on top for extra storage if needed.

 

[xjaugie]

Yep, I think you guys are right, but the DC last night in the lot had me thinking.....Better to wait and build the truck I want, not rush and settle something close.

But man am I ready to give up on the Jeep and climb into a 'yota.

 

[gfiero]

I bought the DC to meet some work requirements, then had a job change wish i had the AC. I camp alone, kids are gone and if it isn't major hotel or Vegas the wife is not going.

I have removed the seats and put in a carpet covered platform so I have both 'clean' and 'dirty' storage areas which is nice but the AC would have worked out better I believe for all the reason already listed.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Another issue to consider might be drivetrain. On 01-04 DC your only choice was an auto, whereas with an extra-cab you can get a 5 speed manual. Having owned 3.4 Toyota 4x4s with both the manual (my '04 Taco) and auto (current '99 4runner) I can tell you the manual is more fun to drive and also gets noticeably better MPG. The 4 speed auto tranny in these trucks is a real "slushbox" and it feels like it takes quite a bit of usable power away compared to the 5 speed.

I've heard that the 5 speed autos in the 03 - up 4runners (I think it's 05-up for the V6's but all the V8's got the 5 speed) is much better in terms of both power and fuel economy. Did the 05 - up Tacos get the same 5 speed? I know they have the same 4.0l V6 so it would make sense that they get the same auto tranny.

Of course if you're going 05 - up with a Taco you'd also have the option of a 6 speed manual. :drool:

 

[hilux30]

the 05+ 4.0 trucks came with the 5speed auto, and I'm a stick man my self but for this truck I opted for the slush box. I liked the auto 'cause it has five gears then lock-up, and the converter lock up happens in 3rd, 4th and 5th, so makes good with the torque and ratios are nicely spaced. Besides Yota's are having too many issues with the six-speeds

IMO, the auto is better suited for me in wheeling and any kind of "non-pavement" driving...

 

[xjaugie]

Interesting perspective concerning the trans. I've always been a stick guy, until I got an auto in my current ride, a '96 jeep XJ. I'm thinking about a manual in the next project, but have liked wheel'n with the auto.