Tacoma vs Tundra for International overland travel

[jim65wagon]

Of course, I would also pick a Tundra. No real reason to get the TRD. It comes with Bilstein shocks, and I think the spring rate is different but that's about it. If you're going to put some aftermarket parts, like Deaver springs in the rear, or Icon coilovers up front, I wouldn't worry if it's a TRD or not. Find a Tundra at a good price and buy it.

Certainly, for the transmissions sake, buy the biggest trans cooler you can mount behind the grill. I put a Long Tru Cool (for a 14500#GVW) in mine. Autos worst enemy is heat - keep it cool and change the fluid regularly and it will survive.

 

[01tundra]

Of course, I would also pick a Tundra. No real reason to get the TRD. It comes with Bilstein shocks, and I think the spring rate is different but that's about it. If you're going to put some aftermarket parts, like Deaver springs in the rear, or Icon coilovers up front, I wouldn't worry if it's a TRD or not. Find a Tundra at a good price and buy it.

Certainly, for the transmissions sake, buy the biggest trans cooler you can mount behind the grill. I put a Long Tru Cool (for a 14500#GVW) in mine. Autos worst enemy is heat - keep it cool and change the fluid regularly and it will survive.

Yeah....what he ^ said !

I'm running one as well, but in the (18,000# GWV) flavor -

http://www.importperformancetrans.c...iption&item_id=weHNBv3PFBmxXpjYUZLEJZJ2bvWlCV

Oh yeah.....and I'm gonna have to vote "Tundra" as well, although I've been in the mood for a 2002ish 4-door Tacoma lately..........

 

[deadbeat son]

I have a 2009 Tacoma which, of course, is a bit bigger than the previous generation Tacoma. Personally, if I were buying a truck for the express purpose of installing a FWC, I would buy a previous gen Tundra for the V8 power and extra load capacity, as well as the slightly larger bed (vs Tacoma). Another advantage is it's not overly large so it seems like it would maintain good manueverability. I would love to have an access cab V8 Tundra with a FWC installed.

 

[thecriscokid]

I have had a 2000 Tundra for about a year and a half. I do love it, and only have a few gripes that I am slowly taking care of.
I bought it with a "simple" 2" leveling block on top of the coil over. The lack of aftermarket parts is the bigest gripe. No OME off the shelf suspension, Bumpers are limited. ( actually that;s not very many gripes) I am running into some issues with a 2" lift. Although many people comment that mine rides higher for a 2" block than others??
The UCA's are contacting the spring at full droop, even slightly contacting with Camburg UCA's.
Bottom line is that you can't lift them too much, and get coilovers to fine tune that ride (next step for me). I think I just need to lower my front end a 1/2" or so, whatever it takes.
I have also just put in some Alcan springs that helped the load carrying ability. I went with +500lbs
All in all- Great truck. I just spent 3 weeks in it with my wife and was very comfortable. I am still amazed every time I challenge the truck and my abilities on how well it deals off road.
GET ONE!

 

[Willman]

I'm a Tacoma fan!

But the Tundra is also a great rig!

It all depends on what you want to do?

The Tacoma has more after market parts than the Tundra has.

The Tundra is a lot wider than the Tacoma....be prepaired for some pen-striping

I think what ever you get....you will be happy!

 

[Applejack]

Any idea on whether I should seek out a TRD for the trip?

Suspension aside, on Tacoma's the TRD package nets you the skid plates (Front, diff, t-case). I could be wrong but I would assume the same would be true for the Tundra. They are not up to hardcore wheeling but IIRC that's not what you're looking to do anyway. But to have no skid plates at all is like hiking without shoes, it's good to have something there just in case. And buying after market is expensive.

 

[Borrego60]

Any questions? 6" RCD lift 33's bfg procomp 16x8 rims Ya you can lift em.

 

[Borrego60]

I have had a 2000 Tundra for about a year and a half. I do love it, and only have a few gripes that I am slowly taking care of.
I bought it with a "simple" 2" leveling block on top of the coil over. The lack of aftermarket parts is the bigest gripe. No OME off the shelf suspension, Bumpers are limited. ( actually that;s not very many gripes) I am running into some issues with a 2" lift. Although many people comment that mine rides higher for a 2" block than others??
The UCA's are contacting the spring at full droop, even slightly contacting with Camburg UCA's.
Bottom line is that you can't lift them too much, and get coilovers to fine tune that ride (next step for me). I think I just need to lower my front end a 1/2" or so, whatever it takes.
I have also just put in some Alcan springs that helped the load carrying ability. I went with +500lbs
All in all- Great truck. I just spent 3 weeks in it with my wife and was very comfortable. I am still amazed every time I challenge the truck and my abilities on how well it deals off road.
GET ONE!

Look into RCD lift systems,pricey but worth it and can be done in your garage in 3 days or less,have a shop do the berings press worth the 30.00. All work done on this truck was garage work at home by myself. 6" lift with 33's.

 

[bluedog]

D-Cab Tundra. For everythng I do, my Tundra can handle it. This truck makes me question my Land Cruiser (not for long though). I think this spring I will start some suspension mods.

B

 

[sami]

Buy this rig and be ahead of building one from scratch!

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1438144594.html

Toyota Tundra expedition camper, 4,7 engine , auto , 4x4, 2,5 in lift OME, 150 K miles, new timing belt, water pump, spark plugs , starter, axles seals, filters , fluids.has 2 gas tanks, front and rear winch bumpers , new tires 285 75 16 goodyear mtr, pop up roof, snorkel. As you can see it is unfinished,asking 15000 $ as-is obo. 720 276 6697 Oleg.

 

[rockandroll]

Thanks for all the help!

I landed a 110k mi 2003 TRD 4x4 Tundra for $10,200 here in California :smiley_drive:. We're set on leaving in 6 months. Now it's time to hunt down a FWC Hawk to top it off.

What slight mods should I do to accommodate an FWC for a long trip like this? stiffer shocks, air-bags, rubber mat? I don't want to over-build, but don't want any surprise issues down the road.

 

[kcowyo]

What slight mods should I do to accommodate an FWC for a long trip like this?

good LT tires
airbags
satellite radio


Be sure to check the forums over on Wander the West. Lots of 1st gen Tundra & FWC Hawk owners there, and a great thread with classified ads for used campers.

Congratulations! :beer:

.

 

[jim65wagon]

I would add a set of Skid Row (or similar style home-made) skidplates underneath.

Three plates to protect the vitals underneath. With a trip that long, they may bring a lot of peace of mind....reducing worry and stress....well, that's the thought pattern used to convince oneself the necessity of modifications.....

 

[john101477]

you know every time i see that Green tundra above I double think what i was thinking in the first place. how are the tundras on semi difficult trails? turning etc.
right now I am at a cross roads between a tundra/taco/80 series LC for my wife kid and I. Mine would have to be a double cab no matter what so...

Not to steal the tread but since it is in the same train of thought...

 

[freeze]

The nice thing if you're going abroad with the Tacoma is parts are interchangeable with the Hilux. If anything were to go wrong with the Tacoma, you'd be able find a part which would be similar to fix. The Tacoma platform is quite nice because it is widely used and you'd be able find a large selection of aftermarket parts.