Model differences between years for the last gen taco?

[DaveM]

I plan to sell my ’87 fj60 sometime this year and hopefully buy a nice clean 4 door 4wd Taco (previous model). To help me with my shopping I was hoping you guys could enlighten me on any significant model changes through the production years (of just the last gen taco), as well as exactly what years that model was available? Is it 2002 - 2004?

Thanks,
dave

 

[taco chaser]

One major difference is up until 2003 ABS was still optional, so in 02 you had a choice. 03 they took the Ebrake assembly and rotated it from the top of the rear axle with the cable routed over the leaf springs to the bottom of the axle with the cable routed under the leaf springs which makes it easily destroyed by rocks or timber. That's the only differences I've noticed off the top of my head. Remember that they also had a manual T-case, no push button on the stick ,just 2hi, N, 4hi, 4lo and manual hubs option available at the time also, I replaced my elec. T-case with a factory manual T-case. Remember to inquire about all recalls and make sure they have replaced the upper ball joints if the vehicle was part of that era. The manual T-case and hubs was only available in the ext. and single cab models. I read right past the fact that you are looking at double cabs, sorry.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

I plan to sell my ’87 fj60 sometime this year and hopefully buy a nice clean 4 door 4wd Taco (previous model). To help me with my shopping I was hoping you guys could enlighten me on any significant model changes through the production years (of just the last gen taco), as well as exactly what years that model was available? Is it 2002 - 2004?

Thanks,
dave

If you're looking for the dbl cab it's 2001-2004. Majority of the them came with the V6, and they all came with auto trans, 4.10 gears. Taco Chaser pointed out the e-brake & ABS. Of course you know about the TRD option, and in '02 they switched to Tokico shocks, although my '01 had them (but they're long gone). All w/ 16" wheels & limiteds had a sun roof (I think). The manual hub option ended in '00.

I'd have to try pretty hard to say something bad about them. Some have complained about the brakes, but those are easily upgraded. The rear leaves aren't that great, but if you modify it then that problem is solved. Referencing the transfer w/ the button on the lever, it allows you to do the 2LO mod, which is very helpful in tight turns.

Other than that, I've got over 100k on my '01, and still very happy.

 

[Terracoma]

I think the guys above me have covered just about everything... The only thing I have, minor correction, I believe that the lower balljoints are to be replaced under recall; definitely get that done.

 

[DaveM]

ok, so it sounds like there are no really big changes that would make me want one year over another. I'm sure I'll have more questions after I buy. Thanks guys.

dave

 

[taco chaser]

ok, so it sounds like there are no really big changes that would make me want one year over another. I'm sure I'll have more questions after I buy. Thanks guys.

dave

From 96.5 to 2004 was the last years of the somewhat over built Tacoma's, the 05+ are cool for what they are but to many bad changes over the good IMO. I have both a double cab 03 and a ext. cab 02 and they are both stout and extremely reliable.:beer:

 

[cruiseroutfit]

TRD became available in 98', standard with the upgraded shocks and e-locker. However the e-locker was available in earlier trucks, rare but an option. Minor trim changes, specifically on the front bumper and grill. Also the 98'? and later got the fender flares OE, the earler models just had a peice of trim.

Early (95.5' to ~98') models (not sure if it applies to the 2WD?) had a shorter rear leaf spring. If your fitting an aftermarket suspension on these vehicles, you need to cut the rear shackle hanger off of the frame and move it back several inches, easy fix but complicates the suspension install.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

Also in '03 they went to the "Throttle-By-Wire" (TBW) Throttle Body, which a fair amount of people have had problems with.

For this reason plus all the other things listed above I always recommend '02 as the best year Tacoma to try to get your hands on.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Also in '03 they went to the "Throttle-By-Wire" (TBW) Throttle Body, which a fair amount of people have had problems with.

For this reason plus all the other things listed above I always recommend '02 as the best year Tacoma to try to get your hands on.

Yup, my 04' is partialy throttle by wire (has a failsafe cable setup)... it went out ~65k, dealer replaced it with a new supposedly updated one. The issue isn't the throttle body itself, it is the APPS sensor that isn't sold seperately by Toyota Hoping to see an aftermarket sensor pop up so I can carry it as a spare. Even if it does fail, it rarely fails completely... just enough to tell the computer to go to failsafe mode. Reset the ECU and it will run fine again. PITA though.

 

[grillmasterp]

The manual T-case and hubs was only available in the ext. and single cab models.

Both Manual (J-shift) and push button -4 Hi selector were still available for the 01/02 double Cabs-


To OP
1st gen Tacoma Doublecabs were 2001-2004
No major changes from 2001-2002
IIRC- 2001 had 1 OH ******** handle less than the 2002
2003- also had drive by wire available.

Between 2001-2004- If you wanted to get picky-
It comes down presence or absence of
ABS
Drive-by-wire
push-button 4-hi Vs. J-shifter

Depending on how you look at it- by 2004 - you are "stuck" with
ABS, Drive-by-wire & push-button 4hi

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Both Manual (J-shift) and push button -4 Hi selector were still available for the 01/02 double Cabs-...

My 04' has the manual 4WD selector too... AFAIK it was available during the full range of trucks.

 

[grillmasterp]

My 04' has the manual 4WD selector too... AFAIK it was available during the full range of trucks.

Good to know-

 

[DaveM]

Both Manual (J-shift) and push button -4 Hi selector were still available for the 01/02 double Cabs-


To OP
1st gen Tacoma Doublecabs were 2001-2004
No major changes from 2001-2002
IIRC- 2001 had 1 OH ******** handle less than the 2002
2003- also had drive by wire available.

Between 2001-2004- If you wanted to get picky-
It comes down presence or absence of
ABS
Drive-by-wire
push-button 4-hi Vs. J-shifter

Depending on how you look at it- by 2004 - you are "stuck" with
ABS, Drive-by-wire & push-button 4hi

can someone explain the difference between push button and J-shifter and why I might want one versus the other?

Also did any of these trucks come with a rear locker (stock or optional)?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

can someone explain the difference between push button and J-shifter and why I might want one versus the other?

"J-shifter" is an actual shift lever on the floor, manually engaged 100%. The pushbutton utilizes a solenoid to engage the 4WD, theoretically an electrical part that can fail, keeping you out of 4WD. I havn't heard of many (any?) failures with them, but as time grows on the old beasts its a given some will.

Also did any of these trucks come with a rear locker (stock or optional)?

Yup

TRD became available in 98', standard with the upgraded shocks and e-locker. However the e-locker was available in earlier trucks, rare but an option. Minor trim changes, specifically on the front bumper and grill. Also the 98'? and later got the fender flares OE, the earler models just had a peice of trim...

 

[Rexsname]

The 'J-shifter' works through a solinoid as well. The shifter certainly feels like it is moving a set of gears, but it does not. When I had Marlin install my dual transfer cases, there was a 'oooops' and some wires were not installed correctly. There are three plugs and three sets of wires. 2/4 wheel drive. Neutral. And lastly 4 low. I like my 'J-shifter' but I dont know how or if it is better or worse than the push button.

Just my two cents worth...........

REX