T100 questions

[Little_bear]

I am looking at purchasing a t-100 to replace my 86 4runner and was wondering what I need to look out for when looking at t100's. If anyone has any ideas or a linking to a thread that addresses issues with these trucks that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[2025 deleted member]

I don't know much about them, but I do know a guy who bought a regular cab long bed new, and he still has it today. Things looks beat to hell, they always run it overloaded, and he says it just wont quit. They plan on keeping it forever.

 

[Arclight]

They're great trucks - I have one. The build quality is excellent, and considering the cost of new Tacomas and Tundras, they are a good value if you can find a nice one.

The most desirable years are those that have OBD-II (1996+) and the 5VZFE engine (1995+). The SR5 adds a variety of upgrades, like nicer front seats and such. The 6.5' bed is just the right size for sleeping.

Since you live in the Southwest, there's not much to worry about in terms of rust. In the rust belt, the top of the gas tank is a known problem area.

Other than that, the main trick is finding one in good shape. I bought mine with 200K miles and a very clean interior and body 2 years ago for $6,500. It has no rattles or leaks. I rebuilt the engine last year, but everything else has been solid. Prices range from $2K for a beater to $10K+ for a really nice one.

The definitive source for T100 info is here:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/60-t-100-forum/


Feel free to post or PM if you have specific questions.

Arclight

 

[austintaco]

I think, and I might be wrong on this, you can get a single cab 4wd manual with a 3.4. I don't think you can get a single cab 4wd tacoma with the 3.4.
kind of a niche.

 

[tanglefoot]

Yes, the 1995 model year had the availability of the 3.4 with the reg-cab and long-bed, either in 5-speed or auto. They're pretty rare though.

In the early 1st-gen of the Tacoma, the reg cab was available with the 3.4L but it was phased out pretty quickly.

I agree to look for a 1995+ with either the 2.7L (2wd only) or 3.4L. The Xtra cab-short bed is the most common configuration for those years.

The T-100 was a pretty cool product, even though it didn't sell well, but that had more to do with the marketing, competition and pricing. They had the heavier frame than the newer trucks and the simple, torsion bar front suspension.

You can check out the product brochures here:
http://www.toyotareference.com/t100

 

[Skinny]

T100's are quite the bastard child of Toyota...that is why I like them

Expect near zero aftermarket support in terms of bumpers, armor, etc. since not enough exist to create a market for them. I think TJM was the only company to offer a decent off the shelf bumper, good luck finding one in stock. I think for a wheeler, you probably want to have decent fab skills if you want any of these items, or just be willing to pay for custom. The good news is that a 4wd T100 has the same frame dimensions as an 86' to 95' Yota, just slightly wider. Rear axle is different (Taco style diff) and the leafs are different IIRC. For the most part everything interchanges frame wise. Note that for what it is, the suspension has all the great aspects of the IFS yota of its day, rebuildable bearings, ability to add locking hubs, etc.

Powertrain, I agree...stick out for a 5VZ. They are far superior and you have lots of room in a T100 engine bay for all the goodies if you want an extra battery or OBA. I would avoid the RZ engine, even though its one of the best engines ever made it is just too small in this application. Absolutely avoid the 3VZ unless you plan on doing an engine swap. You can get one blown up for a song but the 3.0 is probably the worst thing ever made.

The T100 is a great mix of solid Toyota dependability, slightly roomier dimensions so you aren't banging your head on the side glass while wheeling, yet small enough to fit anywhere the mini trucks go.

 

[Arclight]

The rear axle is a Toyota 8.4. There was no factory eLocker available, but you can get an Arb, Detroit, or Truetrac. There is a company in SoCal that will make a nice front skidplate for a reasonable price:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/60-t-100-forum/911490-skid-plate-s-here.html

Arclight

 

[Little_bear]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to look for a 95 or newer 3.4, manual, xtra cab. I read some where only certain years can be adapted with the TRD supercharger, is that something I should hold out for?

 

[Little_bear]

The rear axle is a Toyota 8.4. There was no factory eLocker available, but you can get an Arb, Detroit, or Truetrac. There is a company in SoCal that will make a nice front skidplate for a reasonable price:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/60-t-100-forum/911490-skid-plate-s-here.html

Arclight

Arclight, can I adapt a factory e-locker from a tacoma to fit?

 

[2025 deleted member]

I think the e-locker is on the 8" axle. Not sure if they work on the 8.4

 

[bkg]

Arclight, can I adapt a factory e-locker from a tacoma to fit?

IIRC, no. You cannot. Could be wrong, buy I've never seen an elocker into an "8.4" housing. BTW - it's not really an 8.4... long thread on PBB and Bryan (Diamond Axle) goes into good detail.

 

[Arclight]

Arclight, can I adapt a factory e-locker from a tacoma to fit?

You can't. I went with a Truetrac on mine, no problems.

Arclight

 

[SC T100]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to look for a 95 or newer 3.4, manual, xtra cab. I read some where only certain years can be adapted with the TRD supercharger, is that something I should hold out for?

Probably not, at least I wouldn't personally...the TRD S/C only works with 97 and 98 3.4s, and from what I understand not particularly well unless you also pick up the URD 7th injector kit and some other stuff (think of the early Tacomas that would run lean with the S/C). It wouldn't be hard to spend as much on the S/C, labor, parts, and aftermarket support as you would for the truck unless you're pretty handy and can find good parts for cheap. They aren't speed demons, but they'll do pretty much whatever you ask. They are fantastic trucks, and the perfect size in my opinion.

Ps. Arclight's link to the TN forum is spot on...lots and lots of great information over there.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to look for a 95 or newer 3.4, manual, xtra cab. I read some where only certain years can be adapted with the TRD supercharger, is that something I should hold out for?

Just get a 1st gen Tundra, no supercharger needed.

 

[SC T100]

...Expect near zero aftermarket support in terms of bumpers, armor, etc. since not enough exist to create a market for them...The good news is that a 4wd T100 has the same frame dimensions as an 86' to 95' Yota, just slightly wider. Rear axle is different (Taco style diff) and the leafs are different IIRC. For the most part everything interchanges frame wise. Note that for what it is, the suspension has all the great aspects of the IFS yota of its day, rebuildable bearings, ability to add locking hubs, etc.

Powertrain, I agree...stick out for a 5VZ...The T100 is a great mix of solid Toyota dependability, slightly roomier dimensions so you aren't banging your head on the side glass while wheeling, yet small enough to fit anywhere the mini trucks go.

Yes, get the 3.4 if you go 4WD and/or Xtracab...the 2.7 only came in the regular cabs. As for the size, they are wider and longer than the pickups by a good bit...they are almost exactly the same size as the first-gen Tundras (excluding the double cab). In fact, the Xtra cab camper shells interchange between them, and the rear axle is the same as was used on the first-gen Tundras. While I don't think they'll fit anywhere the pickups would go (I've had both and the size difference is appreciable), they are a great size for all-around use. They are essentially a true mid-size+ truck. And ditto on the maintenance and hubs...you can re-pack and re-torque the front bearings and bolt on the IFS Aisin hubs in a weekend and the overall suspension is easy to work on. And the stock ground clearance on the 4WDs is amazing; even more so with 31" or taller tires. This is a good thing since aftermarket lifts are rare and come with some drawbacks.