Search for a Tacoma

[jage]

I'm starting the search for an automatic, double cab 4x4 Tacoma. I'll be letting both my F250 crew/longbed and my built Jeep TJ go and I feel like the Tacoma is the perfect mix of size, truck and offroad for our needs at the moment.

However, apart from knowing the Gen2 is a larger double cab, I know NOTHING about Toyotas.

What do I need to know when searching? Common problems/years/models to avoid? Anything I should absolutely get (e.g. TRD package)?

My Jeep is on a 4" long arm with 35s, I'm not looking to go quite that big, but... well, what are common lift and tire combinations that give a good stance? Are long arm kits available? What is the hood scoop that are on some (and is it vanity or actual performance)?

 

[Vantage]

2-3" lifts are common, and range from cheap spacers to high end long travel setups.

I find my OME lift to be the best lift for the price. I also prefer 32" tires to 33" tires. 33's just rob way to much power and MPG unless you regear.

The hood scoop is only on the TRD sport and is purely aesthetic.
If you wheel a lot, go for the TRD offroad package which comes with a standard locker. I recommend 2009+ as it comes with Atrac, led tails and a rear view camera.

 

[enzo]

You might want to check out Tacomaworld.com.

 

[jage]

Hmm, I have a line on a 2008 with 23K but I'm just not sure about the color.



Tacomaworld is pretty good, but they're drinking the Tacoma koolaid pretty hard over there... I feel like exPo is going to be a little less biased.

So, how do I verify the TRD Offroad package on a used truck?

 

[Vantage]

Off roads have the TRD offroad sticker, black door handles and the coveted RRlocker button left of the steering wheel, and the Atrac button under the stereo. A google search will show you what they look like.

As for the Tacoma koolaid, it exists for a reason. Tacomas are insanely reliable, this is my 2nd Tacoma and I have had 3 4runners and none of them required any work but regular matience.

 

[Brian Schoenbaechler]

I found a truck with 6" Pro Comp lift on a TRD. What are the opinions on Pro Comp? It appears every one is using 3" OME on this forum. Why is there so much love for this setup?

 

[enzo]

To verify a tacoma has the OR package check for the rear locker button to the left of the steering wheel. I've had 3 Tacoma TRD trucks and loved them all. You can't go wrong with a Tacoma. Stick with OME and forget about the Bro Comp 6" lift.

 

[Vantage]

Pro Comp suspension is not advised. It is meant more for big mall crawlers than any real 4 wheeling.

OME setups are relatively cheap, and work awesome.

My last truck ran Icon suspension which ran me around $3000. My OME setup cost $700 and works the exact same for the type of offroading I do. Unless you do high speed stuff, OME is hard to beat.

As for the Speedway blue truck above. It is my least favorite Taco colour, but it is all personal taste. Just do it right the first time and get a truck you like, otherwise you will regret it everyday after.

 

[PaintRock]

Tacos are great, but they are expensive for what you get. Tundras retail for quite a bit more, but, around here, they are usually cheaper out the door, which is why they are more popular. Good luck with your decision, I am looking for a new rig as well.

 

[bat]

Pro Comp suspension is not advised. It is meant more for big mall crawlers than any real 4 wheeling.

This is just wrong but with the install I think they do have to cut some frame away.

 

[ReadyForAdventure]

This is just wrong but with the install I think they do have to cut some frame away.

This is true. You have to cut away at the crossmember. I advise against it (buying Pro Comp).

Also, have you taken a look at Icon's stuff? Though I can't attest for their products myself, other users on this forum seem to fancy em.
-RFA

 

[GTABurnout]

I have a 2007 Off Road. I bought the truck with OME suspension on it. I changed over to Icon after about a year. The Icon rides much beeter on higher speed dirt stuff. It was well worth the up grade in my opinion.

I went with a low mileage 2007 because price and lack of intrusive electronics. I like that my truck has no traction control or hill stuff. I do with it had ATRC but I have lived with out it.

Avould larger lifted trucks because they usually do require cutting to be installed making the return back to a OME or Icon kit more difficult.

 

[upcountry]

I found a truck with 6" Pro Comp lift on a TRD. What are the opinions on Pro Comp? It appears every one is using 3" OME on this forum. Why is there so much love for this setup?

Because suspension isn't everything. I for one would rather spread it around for a wider range of upgrades.

OME just works....that's it. Simple I know. Are there better options I drool over....yes!

But, I would rather put something on that is maintenance free easy to install reliable and easy on the wallet than something that requires a rebuild after a few short years, is likely to blow a seal, and wont really do me any better in my measly 4x4 pursuits.

I may make a 6 figure income but that does not mean I want to dump 4 of those figures into springs and dampeners!

I have heard, but have not verified, that OME is made by Monroe and is nothing more than a Monroe gas charged strut/shock with some yellow paint, but I love it just the same!

 

[upcountry]

BTW....nothing wrong with the procomp setup. Its just too much lift. If setup properly and upgraded to perform well it coils be a really good investment. But, it reminds me of something I would have run in my high school and college years.....fun as hell but not terribly functional.

But, I hail from Hawaii-ne where lifted Toyota's with 35s are a dime a dozen so for me its a question of why not.....well.....because my wife wont let me or I'd be driving (and sleeping) alone. Since she makes more money than me ill have to accept that.

If you want to go big, get a long travel kit or take a look at the RCD 4" kit. Either way, its your setup who cares what anyone else thinks. If they don't like it they can buy their own.

 

[Crom]

The Tacoma is a great choice for a vehicle.

I say try it stock for a while. The TRD Off-Road stock suspension works just fine too. I have the factory 4-leaf pack and I've been to the same trails as the guys with the $2,000+ suspension setups and my truck makes it through the trails just fine every time and rides perfect on the street.