Questions about Tacoma 4 door trucks?

[njtacoma]

clarify my earlier locker statements

On the Double Cab Tacoma's 01 - 04 you could get the locker factory installed without getting the TRD package.

My truck is equipped as such, when I was looking (and purchased new in 04) there were 7 or so sitting on dealership lots equipped that way.

If your going to buy the truck and order some Donahoe's than it might be worth finding a truck like mine and not paying extra for the TRD stickers (since you'd be ditching the suspension pieces)

Make sense?

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have an 03 DC TRD. I would recommend if you can find one to get it with a trailer towing package. It adds safety to the auto tranny if nothing else with the tranny cooler (if you add about $65). If you tow a hitch runs about $150 and wiring harness (a pain to install!) adds another $140. I also believe the fan clutch is probably heavier duty.
I like my double cab a lot. 19-21 mpg highway (in mountains of CO) and 17-18 in town with cap, small lift, ARB bumper and winch + all the other stuff I carry.

 

[Willman]

Welcome to the ExPo!!!

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.

You hit the nail on this one!!!!

I love my rig! I would not sell it for anything....The DC taco's make a great ExPo rig to build off!

Good luck finding a rig.....their out there!

 

[Schattenjager]

makes my point

Thanks fellas - in two pages about "what to look out for" re: a Tacoma, the ONLY problem thus far is dash rattle. That inspires confidence.

It's not that I don't love my Rover, it is just that I love the idea of ZERO problems - as much as that is possible.

It also seems that the Toyota is also easier, and less expensive to modify. ARB / OME makes a ton of stuff.

 

[Billinsd]

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...

What are DC's? The 4x4 Tacomas? Thanks

Thanks everyone else for the replies. I really appreciate it. My 94 Nissan 4x4 Truck was in an accident and is totalled and I am going to put the payout towards a down payment. I know that Toyotas are more reliable than Nissans and have much, much more aftermarket parts, too many it is dizzying, hahaha

I have a daily driver Honda and the Tacoma will be for trips and stuff and be a third car for my wife and me.

That is great info on maybe not getting the TRD option if I want to upgrade the suspension etc.

How difficult would it be to install a rear locker on a Tacoma? I mean would it be better to only get a Tacoma with a rear locker?

How much does it cost for the upgraded suspension?

Thanks
Bill

 

[Billinsd]

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

So, the difference between the 265/70R16 and 255/85R16 is 2 inches or the one gives basically 1 more inch of ground clearance. Is that 1 inch worth all the extra expense and all?

Thanks
Bill

 

[Billinsd]

Oh, DC is double cab.......

 

[Martinjmpr]

What are DC's? The 4x4 Tacomas?

DC= Double Cab, the 4-door cab version (as opposed to XC = Extra Cab.)

 

[Schattenjager]

4 door vs three door

Is there much advantage in the four door over the three door? I understand that only one seat can come out of the three back area and overall space is limited, but it seems that the slightly short wheelbase would be an advantage off road and the truck would weight less. Later in life would the 4 door be easier to sell / more value than the three?

Thoughts?

 

[Bergger]

What are DC's? The 4x4 Tacomas? Thanks

Thanks everyone else for the replies. I really appreciate it. My 94 Nissan 4x4 Truck was in an accident and is totalled and I am going to put the payout towards a down payment. I know that Toyotas are more reliable than Nissans and have much, much more aftermarket parts, too many it is dizzying, hahaha

I have a daily driver Honda and the Tacoma will be for trips and stuff and be a third car for my wife and me.

That is great info on maybe not getting the TRD option if I want to upgrade the suspension etc.

How difficult would it be to install a rear locker on a Tacoma? I mean would it be better to only get a Tacoma with a rear locker?

How much does it cost for the upgraded suspension?

Thanks
Bill

If you intend to offroad I'd get the locker. That alone makes the TRD package worth while, unless you can find one with only the locer option. I've used mine on a number of occasions and it is great. It is an electric locker and I've always liked factory installed options if available. The vast majority of the DC trucks come with the TRD package anyway. If you found one w/o the TRD package I believe your only options are and ARB locker or a Detroit locker. I'm not a fan of the Detroit locker and while the ARB is very nice (air locker), it will cost you a pretty penny. As far as the suspension costs, depends on what you want to do. You can spend a couple of hundred dollars on a spacer/ add a leaf or close to a couple of thousand on a donahoe/Deaver set up. I have SAW 2.0 coils up front and a complete OME lift in the back. Parts, including the brake line, cost about $1400 and I did the labor myself (very easy). The good thing about this truck is the number of options out there for lifts. And don't worry about the dash rattle. Mine doesn't even have it and if it developes it cost about a nickel to fix.

 

[Bergger]

So, the difference between the 265/70R16 and 255/85R16 is 2 inches or the one gives basically 1 more inch of ground clearance. Is that 1 inch worth all the extra expense and all?

Thanks
Bill

I would go with a 265-75R16(32") tire. You'll get a little more ground clearance and won't need any mods. The drivers side tire of mine rubs the frame slightly at full turn. If you go up to a 33" you will most likely feel a loss of power. A lot of guys who go with this tire end up re-gearing the truck. If you don't plane on doing that I'd stick with a 32".

 

[Ridgewalker]

Is there much advantage in the four door over the three door? I understand that only one seat can come out of the three back area and overall space is limited, but it seems that the slightly short wheelbase would be an advantage off road and the truck would weight less. Later in life would the 4 door be easier to sell / more value than the three?

Thoughts?

Since you stated "three door", do you mean the new Access Cab? If so, check out Toyota's website for capacities and dimensions. It will give you what you are looking for on the new Tacomas. http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/index.html?s_van=GM_TN_TACOMA_INDEX
I believe you will find the Access Cab and 4 door with short wheel base are the same (within 1") of each other.
Advantage of Access Cab is a bed large enough for most to sleep in. 4 door bed is only 5', but if you ever plan to carry more people for any distance forget the Access Cab and get the 4 door. Several here removed their back seats in the older 4 door versions to fill with Engel refridgerators, computers, stuff, stuff, stuff.
I have an 03 4 door and mine is full of my German Shorthair Pointer. Needless to say he is spoiled.
Best of luck in your decision.
Oh yes, if you check out Edmunds.com I believe you will see the 4 door versions are a little costlier than the extended cab versions. That may or may not change with the Access Cab.