WHAT SHOULD I KNOw before the plunge

[Bult4mud]

Hey Peoples...

This is a long term project.. influnced a lil bit by TACDOC.

Background: I am a JEEP guy.. Love jeeps for two trackin and rock crawlin. Have a built 99 TJ that the more i build the less EXPO friendly it becomes. I have an F150 that is a nice truck but not an expo rig in my mind.. Does fill the need of haulin around the TJ and my dirtbikes.

Im thinking in my life i need a true Expo rig. something that me and the misses can load up in and make it to Fla ( from MI) with out the concerns of the Tj dying or the ford costing me an arm and a leg to fill up.. I also want the vehilce to be capeable of some two trackin in northern MI

Enter the Yota. Im thinking Yota Dbl Cab Taco with the short bed. and the 6cyl, with the 5 speed auto


anything i should be concerned with as far as options to avoid// years to avoid ect

any problems that you seasond yota guys can help a jeep guy wiht?

Im keeping the TJ for straight Wheeling trips but will likely DD / Expo the Yota.

thanks

 

[007]

Get the off road version for the locker, the sport is only a limited slip

05's had a couple problems with rear diffs and engine mounts.

One thing to keep in mind is that its nice to have a designated Expo rig that stays stocked in the garage for such events or modification projects.

They can get to become so purpose built that they are not the best DD's sort of like your tj but in a differen't way

 

[Bult4mud]

One of the reasons i love this place.. rapid response

thanks

 

[87FoRunner]

They can get to become so purpose built that they are not the best DD's sort of like your tj but in a differen't way

Off road trailers help in this greatly.

I have a very simple setup that helps tremendously on long trips.

 

[Youngunner]

I have an 03 excab and I have to say it is a little under-powered when loaded up expo style. I live at about 4000ft elevation and most of my travels are at high altitude which is where I've found problems. (Yes, a supercharger would probably help greatly). The 4.0 seems like a great improvement over the 3.4 from my limited experience with the newer tacos.

I like the 05+ because they are bigger, if I'm not mistaken they look really close in size to the 04 and earlier Tundra. I also like the fact that the newer excabs have the little door to access the back. If you go for a double cab, then no problems there. Bigger can be a negative though, I can fit my little 03 down quad trails without a problem.

I like having a steel bed more than the idea of a plastic one, but I've heard that they're pretty durable.

Lastly, most aftermarket (and factory) parts are more expensive for the 2nd gen tacos, if that is at all an issue.

Try finding someone near you willing to let you take a test drive of an expo rig.

 

[corax]

What should I know before the plunge?

. . . . that you'll spend less to keep it running than the Jeep? Sorry man, I had to - besides, you already said as much :ylsmoke:

something that me and the misses can load up in and make it to Fla ( from MI) with out the concerns of the Tj dying

Seriously though, I think 007 and Youngunner pretty much covered the basics, look for a rear diff lock button on the dash for the rear e-locker, but also take a glance underneath to make sure it's actually there anyway (look for the big 'ole actuator sitting on the driver side of the rear center section). JUst because it has a TRD sticker on the rear of the bed doesn't mean it has the TRD package since anyone can buy a sticker. Other than that, the basics of used vehicle purchase apply - fluids, noises, test drive, maint history, etc. The Taco does use a rubber belt for camshaft timing which may or may not need replacing depending on mileage, so that would be a good question to ask the seller

 

[Bult4mud]

Still lookin into this.

Ive got the Basic build in my head just trying to find the starter truck

DBL CAB
Auto
6 cyl
255/85's
cap
roof rack
ARB front
I want the Green color

Lookin for a 2000-2007
Just gotta find one in my price range

Found one on craigs list but seemed to be a SCAM.. I was heartbroken but i still have my money

 

[ryguy]

Go for the TRD off road not only for the locker but the tow package has p/s, trans, and oil coolers. Even though I love the fj, i regret letting go of my 08 double cab, they're just great trucks.

 

[tacollie]

I am not sure what the f150 gets for milage but the taco with 255s probably wont do much better than 13-17mpg. Since you have the jeep I would look at the 05+. They are slightly less capable but nicer inside. Everything else has been said. A well maintained truck is better than low milage.

 

[Skim]

Still lookin into this.

I want the Green color

Lookin for a 2000-2007
Just gotta find one in my price range

Keep in mind 2000-2007 covers two different generations of the Tacoma.
Two different bodies and powertrains.

If you are set on green that is only available on the 2000-2004 models and a green/grey mica version on the new 2010s.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Also the 1st gen DC (01-04) was only available with a 4 speed auto. The 5 speed didn't come until the 2nd gen (05 - 10) which also got the much more powerful 4.0l V6.

 

[Bult4mud]

F150 gets between 11-14 depending on how i drive..
Im clear on the less milage ref the bigger tires but i feel it would be a good trade off over towing the TJ to the trail with the 150

Id like the Saller gen however id also like the bigger engine and 5 speed trans

Decisions decisions

thansk