Schattenjager's 2006 Tacoma

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
Back in the Tacoma arena again. Found a solid deal on an '06 4 door TRD Off Road with topper and new BFG AT's - too bad they will soon be replaced with a set of 5 Discoverer ST in 255/85/16. Color is reminiscent of my last Land Cruiser. After 20 hours of ownership, I couldn't stand it any more and painted the wheels. De-badging to be done this week!!!

I can't find my 05 build thread, dang it, but this will mirror it to a degree: tint, hood black out, OME lift, ARB front bull bar with winch, sliders are all that is likely to happen to this rig. Some may remember my '05 of which I loved, but was underwhelmed with it's off road comfort. Compared to a Cruiser, anyway. This will be perfect for Atlas and I over the next couple of years. It's nice to have a such a well made, comfortable, and useful vehicle again. 90K on the clock and I'm sure we will add a bunch in the coming months.

Minutes after I got it:
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First mod!
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Clutch

<---Pass
congrats on the new ride, but i thought you didn't like the tacos?


those desert sand tacos look good when the emblems are blacked out (or are you going to remove them altogether?)

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Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
You had an access cab before, yes? Looks nice - 6 speed or auto? IMO the DC is more versatile for everything except being able to sleep in the back with the tailgate up (and IMO that's overrated anyway.)

As far as this platform goes, I have to say that after a year I'm very impressed with the 4 liter/auto combo in my 4runner.

IIRC your 05 was your first foray into the IFS world after coming out of your Disco? I'm guessing that after spending multiple years with SFA rigs (your Lexus, FJ80 and Cherokee) you've finally made peace with the limitations of IFS.

Welcome to the dark side. ;)
 

Clutch

<---Pass
You had an access cab before, yes? Looks nice - 6 speed or auto? IMO the DC is more versatile for everything except being able to sleep in the back with the tailgate up (and IMO that's overrated anyway.)

I dunno, I might be bias ;) seems less versatile to an Access Cab... besides sleeping in the bed of mine (which is Totally Awesome IMO, was nice to have the option of sleeping in the bed if the weather got too wicked with the Wildernest), i like using those 6' plastic tables with the folding legs for a multitude of things, like the small tile job yesterday, they make a great portable workbench, or alice does holiday fairs with an ezup and several of those tables, get the tailgate and topper hatch closed. When the parking is tight at some of the downtown events, nice not have to take my trailer and just use the truck keep everything locked inside when we are running back and forth unloading things.
 

DaveInDenver

Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Congrats.

Curious what about the 2006 is going to be more overwhelming offroad than your 2005? Same wheelbase and IIRC you had OME on it. Or is it more just a realization that Tacos are what they are?

No doubt Kermit, a 6' bed is barely long enough but I make it work. I vacillate between my favorite Hilux, XtraCab or long bed despite the regular cab. I've never seen the attraction of a double cab. If you want a wagon, get a wagon. I suppose the reasoning is the bed is still functional for wet dogs and muddy boots. But I have a trailer because a 6' bed is often just too short.
 

Clutch

<---Pass
No doubt Kermit, a 6' bed is barely long enough but I make it work. I vacillate between my favorite Hilux, XtraCab or long bed despite the regular cab. I've never seen the attraction of a double cab. If you want a wagon, get a wagon. I suppose the reasoning is the bed is still functional for wet dogs and muddy boots. But I have a trailer because a 6' bed is often just too short.

I do like lx450landcruiser's UTE bed custom flip pac SBDC....though a wee too "sticks out like a sore thumb" for me to have one, though a cool "option" for stumpy beds.

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Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
Its an automatic.
I guess I'm growing up a bit. If I wanted a fantastic off roader I would not hesitate to get another 80 LC. Finest vehicle ever and I love them a lot. However, life requires more practicality than a LC alone can provide. *sigh*

Having had the 05 access cab, I find the double much better for my requirements. I doubt i'll miss the extra bed length. The access cab is in fact convenient since it makes for one large opening and removes the second door obsticle when loading. The double is much larger in the back and that is important for Atlas.

The ifs is an off road limitation I will accept. Many argue their ifs whatever brand is 'just as capable' and that may be true, however they do bob and bounce much more and are not as level off road. I'll deal since on road manners are nice.

I'm happy to have a car like 4x4 with a giant trunk again. Let the mods commence!
 

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
Here she is sans badges and with painted wheels. The color is, however slowly, growing on me.

housepic-1.jpg
secret camp site #3

No performance mods at all and this is one of my benchmark trails for a rigs capability. Had to use the locker twice and the IFS was no where near as smooth as a solid front, but she got me there with little drama. Wondering if 255/85/16 would fully work on a stock suspension...
 

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
Dupli-Color day: over all was not super impressed. You have to be quick to remove the edging and tape or else it skins and you can pull the whole project off. I like that it is temporary - till I get the Line-X done anyway!

IMG_1024.jpg IMG_1028.jpg IMG_1026.jpg

The Desert Sand goes nicely with the black effects, yes? Wasn't at all sure of the color at first. But I'm liking it more each day. I'm sure it will look even better with an ARB bumper and ladder rack over the topper.
 
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Plannerman

Wandering Explorer
Nice truck; really like that color. I was quite disappointed when it was cancelled in 2009


Sent via fat thumb
 

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