Tacoma Tribulations

[XL Bar]

Howdy all. I've been lurking for a while here, reading through old posts, and just basically doing some research. I would like to know from those of you who have owned or have considerable experience with both the 2001-2004 and the 2005+ models of the Tacoma double cab, which vintage you would favor for hard use on rough, unpaved gravel roads, and unmaintained washed out two tracks. No rock crawling. I understand each model would have to be suitably customized but I would prefer to keep things as close to stock as possible. I must have room for driver +2 passengers, a moderate amount of gear and a few dead critters. This vehicle will be used for domestic duties for 10 months out of the year, and 2 months of very hard usage guiding hunters in Montana and hunting public land in Wyoming and Utah.

I have driven both models and have some reservations about their efficacy. I have used numerous domestic full sized trucks and suvs for ranch work and hunting but would like to try something a bit smaller and more efficient. I just don't want to run into the trap of sending a boy to do a man's job.

Thank you all for any help you may provide.

Brian

 

[Desertdude]

I've been driving the '04 extra cab quite hard since new - 90K miles now - Upgraded the suspension to Donahoe coils/Deaver leaf springs - all through Baja, AZ, CO, CA, UT washboard roads, dunes, rocks, dirt tracks, mud, rivers.

Changed the front brake pads at 40K and 80K, regular oil changes and filter changes, second set of tire - thats about it. Very reliable vehicle.

 

[Dave Bennett]

For the type of use you have described, I would recommend an 05 or newer Tacoma TRD Sport 4 door. The new gen is much roomier inside and drives nicer IMO. I have owned both an '03 and an '05 and the difference in creature comfort is substantial. With coilovers and some Dakars or Deavers this model is hard to beat.

The TRD Sport version will get you the full 6 foot bed and the rear LSD.

.02

 

[Desertdude]

I have driven both models and have some reservations about their efficacy. I have used numerous domestic full sized trucks and suvs for ranch work and hunting but would like to try something a bit smaller and more efficient. I just don't want to run into the trap of sending a boy to do a man's job.
Brian

 

[Willman]

I've been driving the '04 extra cab quite hard since new - 90K miles now - Upgraded the suspension to Donahoe coils/Deaver leaf springs - all through Baja, AZ, CO, CA, UT washboard roads, dunes, rocks, dirt tracks, mud, rivers.
..........Very reliable vehicle.

DD and i have very similar rigs with suspension setups which make for a great ride!

Love my truck!

She gets the job done and some! A lot of options for mods!

 

[XL Bar]

I have to admit that my knowledge of Toyota vehicles is sadly lacking as I grew up in rural Montana where Ford, Chevy, and Dodge rule all and Toyotas are (or were, things are starting to change) driven by latte sipping, NPR listening pantywaisted school teachers.

The 2007 Tacoma TRD Double Cab that I drove was very nice and car like. And that is part of the problem that I had with it was that it was too nice and car like. It just didn't seem like a truck. It is darn near as big as some of the full size trucks that I have owned and didn't have that nimble feel that I am seeking. Also I am suspicious of the poly bed even though it is probably just fine.

The 2004 Tacoma TRD Double Cab seemed like a real truck, just smaller. I thought that the visibility was much better than the 2007. Power and comfort of course was on a much lower level. Though the power of the 2004 seemed adequate.

The reason I am considering a Toyota is effiiciency. I want the smallest vehicle which will serve my needs adequately. I have owned and driven Ford F-250 crew cab turbo diesels, Chevy 3/4 tons of 3 vintages, Suburbans, Blazers, and a 1983 CJ-7. The big rigs were wonderful when I actively worked our Montana cattle ranch and grain farm. Now we live in a city and I detest comandeering our Suburban through traffic at 10 mpg. The vehicle I am seeking is a union of the fuel efficiency and passenger capacity of my '99 F-250 crew cab powerstroke and the spryness of my '83 CJ-7. Perhaps this vehicle does not exist.

My only fear (most likely unjustified) is that Toyota's new lineup has become "Americanized" and has lost that overbuilt quality upon which they have built their reputation. My co-worker owns a 1996 Landcruiser that just seems to be brutally strong and confidence inspiring. Why can't Toyota give us a truck that is built like the old Landcruisers yet with the modern power plants?

Sorry for the disjointed rant...

Brian

 

[4Rescue]

Why can't Toyota give us a truck that is built like the old Landcruisers yet with the modern power plants?

Sorry for the disjointed rant...

Brian

they make them, they just won't give'm to us Yanks... Import yourself a 79 Series Cruiser and you'll be plenty happy

If you liked the 04 Quad cab, then I'd say go for it and try to find one with the locker. the 3.4 is no Cummins ISB, but it's pretty nice in our Toyotas (obviosly coming from my 22RE I find almost anything to be more powerfull HA).

I agree on the car like/non truck like feel of the 5th gen Trucks, They're nice, and I'm sure they're great on long trips, but I feel bad abusing them and getting in them all dirty and such. The 4.0 is nice no doubt, but the 3.4 was a good motor in a smaller rig so it's nearly the same power to weight ratio.

 

[Desertdude]

In the 04 I would like better seats - for the longer hauls and a bit more room inside the cab. The '04 Tacoma was the last of its "get up and go pony looking" breed. That culmination of years of perfection made it a great truck.

I feel they are different vehicles - The newer Tacoma's are the future breed. I wouldn't compare the two, even though the name is the same.

 

[Bergger]

Both are great trucks. I've had an 03 Dbl Cab TRD since I bought it new and I don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon if ever. I have a buddy that has an 06 and don't let the smooth ride fool you. It is a very capable truck. As far as comparing it to the 05+ Tacoma, it's narrower, has less power, and is not as smooth a ride. However I think it's size is actually a plus and the engine matched with the 4.10 gears and rear locker do just fine. I constantly load mine down and tow a trailer and it does great. I've never gotten it stuck. Even though it is slightly smaller the pre 05 trucks actually have an inch more leg room in the back seat. It may not seem like much but when you are 6'2" it is noticable. However the new model can be had with a long bed which would allow more room for animals and gear. Personally if I was going to be guiding hunters on back roads I might look at an 06 Tundra Dbl cab. With a few mods it'd be a great truck. It'll have a lot more room and the mileage is not that much different than the Tacoma.

 

[Desertdude]

Personally if I was going to be guiding hunters on back roads I might look at an 06 Tundra Dbl cab. With a few mods it'd be a great truck. It'll have a lot more room and the mileage is not that much different than the Tacoma.

ditto

 

[RHINO]

Toyotas driven by latte sipping, NPR listening pantywaisted school teachers.



Brian

hey i resemble that remark you leaf chewing, goat roping, homeschooled redneck

eepwall:

haha, toyota is gonna be smaller than your used to but try it, you'll like it. my .02 on some of your concerns,,, i dont think modern toyotas are dead tough like the older ones, but thats mostly due to plastics and other modern materials,,, toyota has to compete and they do a great job with what they have to work with IMO. and also, if you find the taco too small as mentioned there is the tundra, landcruiser and a few imports that are bigger and diesel powered.

 

[tacollie]

I have an 02 and even in stock form it was very capable. With a little money they can be an amazing truck. It still runs like it did when it was new even though it has 145K miles on it. I expect it to be good for another 145k. I share your reservations on the newer ones, but don't be fooled they are a great truck they just drive like a car. Bigger tires and stiffer suspension can change that. I expect them to be the same quality as the older ones. My brother had a 01 Tundra for 190k miles that ran great. He got 15mph around town with his tools in it. I get 17. Either way I think you will be happy. Just remember you are sacrificing some power from the full size vehicles.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I have to admit that my knowledge of Toyota vehicles is sadly lacking as I grew up in rural Montana where Ford, Chevy, and Dodge rule all and Toyotas are (or were, things are starting to change) driven by latte sipping, NPR listening pantywaisted school teachers.

hey i resemble that remark you leaf chewing, goat roping, homeschooled redneck

 

[Ridgewalker]

Having owned a ranch in East TX (I went broke) and driven all full size (mostly 3/4 T) trucks until this last year, I can empathize with your desire for a smaller hunting vehicle. 2 years ago I was hunting in my '99 F250 TD (by myself) when I realized what a pain it was on Forest Service roads covered in snow.
Issues were:
1) no traction due to too much low end torque,
2) too big to fit between trees even folding the mirrors in,
3) noisy,
4) virtually impossible to turn around in tight woods,
5) having had a Suzuki Samurai for years to hunt in which I could easily hand winch out, dig out, push out, etc.- the F250 was just too much to man-handle by one's self
Anyway I purchased an '03 Taco DC SR5 TRD and I really prefer it to both the Sammy and the F250 for hunting and fishing trips.:wings:
It has a SnugTop, but still it does need more weight in the rear for traction in snow. My F250 is great in the snow with the Lance camper on it, but that makes it even worse on back roads.

Just my opinion at 60 yrs old, 5'8" and 150 lbs.:jumping:

 

[XL Bar]

hey i resemble that remark you leaf chewing, goat roping, homeschooled redneck

Hey, I have never roped a goat in my life...I don't even have a goat, you can call home and ask my wife!