Questions about Tacoma 4 door trucks?

[Billinsd]

Hi, I am a new member and am in the market for a new truck. I like the Tacoma 4 door, 4x4s.

I want to buy a used one, preferably a 2002 with about 50,000 miles.

It will not be a daily driver but a truck to take on back country trips and off road.

Is there anything I should look for or look out for regarding this truck? I imagine I should get the TRD package and SRS package....right?

Do the 2003s, and 2004s have much better features than the 2002?

What were the biggest wheels and tires that came stock with this truck and what are the biggest tires I can put on without major modifications or needing to change out the gearing?

Thanks in advance
Bill

 

[Schattenjager]

ditto

WOW! I came here to post the exact same question. I am considering trading my '00 Land Rover Discovery, which I love very much; but the lure of rock solid dependability and useable power tempts me too much.

 

[mountainpete]

Hi Bill,

Welcome to ExPo! :elkgrin:

Is there anything I should look for or look out for regarding this truck? I imagine I should get the TRD package and SRS package....right?

The TRD package is ideal because it comes with a rear electric locker. But really there aren't any specific issues to look out for - other then regular maint items like brakes, tires, etc... If the vehicle is rust free, has low miles and has overall been treated well you should be perfectly fine. The 3.4 L engine is excellent and reliable - as long as it is maintained it will last hundreds of thousands of miles.

Do the 2003s, and 2004s have much better features than the 2002?

There were only small changes between the years but nothing large enough to say that you must get a certain year. Hopefully others will chime in with more details.

What were the biggest wheels and tires that came stock with this truck and what are the biggest tires I can put on without major modifications or needing to change out the gearing?

The biggest tire that came stock was 265/70R16 (31"). The largest tire that can fit without a lift is technically 255/85R16 (true 33"). However it requires some work - check out the details at http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/bfg_mt_km.html And from personal experience, gearing is ultimately required.

The ideal tire for a stock vehicle with a mild lift would be a 265/75R16 (32").

Hope that helps and gives you a place to start.

Pete

 

[Billinsd]

Thanks guys for the info. I understand there is a 2001 model?

Bill

 

[mountainpete]

Thanks guys for the info. I understand there is a 2001 model?

Bill

Yes, double cabs were introduced to North America as a 2001 model. The change to the current design was in 2005.

Pete

 

[Billinsd]

Thanks, so what are the major differences between the 2001 through 2004 models? Are the engines and all the same?

Would a 2004 have much better features than a 2001?

Thanks
Bill

 

[asteffes]

265-75-16 does not require a lift at all.

 

[Wanderlusty]

Thanks, so what are the major differences between the 2001 through 2004 models? Are the engines and all the same?

Would a 2004 have much better features than a 2001?

Thanks
Bill

There are probably some small differences between the 01-04 models, but I don't think any worth obsessing about.

The same drivetrain and suspension throughout.

The main thing you are gaining by going newer is lower mileage.

 

[njtacoma]

Double Cab Tacoma's

If you are going to do a major suspension upgrade - look for one that has the locker but not the TRD suspension, may be able to save a little that way.

If you aren't going to upgrade the suspension definitly get the TRD up front, My truck is a locker equipped non TRD 04 and with bikes on the roof of the shell and camping gear I wish I had better suspension.

Don't know about where you are, but non TRD / locker equipped double cabs were all over the place when I bought mine new in 04.

Hope that helps.

 

[Schattenjager]

can this be right???

Looking around the net i came to think the Tacomas were a little pricey, then this:

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_47_%7CB-20000%7CD-_433_%7CN-N%7CR-250%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-99515&aff=national&paId=212330302&recnum=0&leadExists=true

EDIT Ahhhhh - pre-runner = crap. Just learned som'in...

 

[Wanderlusty]

Looking around the net i came to think the Tacomas were a little pricey, then this:
EDIT Ahhhhh - pre-runner = crap. Just learned som'in...

Yep...been there....done that...

Prerunners seem to be QUITE plentiful. And some ads don't even specify. Best couple of ways to verify for sure is look for interior shots (PR's have cup holders where t-case shifter would be) and look for 5TEH in the VIN.

The DC's ARE pricy. But worth it...

 

[MountainBiker]

According to many sources, including my dealer's service writer, 100% of the 01-04 Tacomas suffer the dreaded dash rattle. If the truck you buy is out of warranty, make sure it has had this fixed, or it doesn't display the rattle.

Here is the TSB:
http://www.customtacos.com/tech/files/tsb/0104-NV00602r-DashRattle.pdf

 

[Clutch]

For the rattle just shove some 1/2" or 1" round foam chaulk backing between the dash and the windsheild.

I got mine from ACE in the window/ screen department.

5 bucks.

 

[mtnbike28]

Dash Rattle fix is that easy

Do not let the dash rattle scare you off.... foam fixed it on mine too!

Jay

 

[Bergger]

I've owned an 03 double cab since 03 and love it. I don't plan on getting rid of it for years and years. You will not be disapointed with the truck. The changes over the years are very minor. In 2002 they added a moonroof option, which you hardly see anywhere, 2003 anti-lock brakes standard and some changes to the childseat anchors, 2004 options include VSC/Active Trac, Electronic Brake Distribution. I'd get the lowest mileage one you can find. I'd also get the TRD for the locker. It's a great feature, unless you want to install your own.