Trade? for a Tacoma

[adam2562]

I don't own a 2nd Gen Taco yet, but they do make a Long Bed version. The composite bed is 73.5 inches. Buddy of mine has a 2012 DCLB and it works great for one motorcycle. He typically puts his toolbox, ramp and gear needed for a weekend of fun, shutting the tailgate. The Taco short bed is easier to park but you can't shut the tailgate with a moto/ATV.

yea but the longbed only comes in the sport model which has auto lsd (not even true lsd anymore) and no locker or Atrac .. so if i bought the sport i'd have to get atleast a rear locker but also i'd get a front.. and another thing.. the longer wheelbase would suck on tight trails

 

[adam2562]

I came from an 07 Taco.

4Runner is a much nicer vehicle, much better ride and handling.

You aren't going to lift the Taco any more than the 4runner without also giving up sway bars, and even with a mild lift, you are going to run into driveline vibes on the Taco.

The 6speed sucks, it is geared too low and has throw out bearing problems.

Having towed 5K+ with 4Runner and Taco, the Taco is only very slightly better.

Buy an 8-10 year old, 2WD, regular cab, long bed, 3/4+ ton pickup with a gas engine and deep gears. Will easily haul an ATV, and will tow 100 times better than a 4runner or Taco. What the hell do you need an ATV for if you have a 4runner, anyway?

What's up with the drive-line vibrations when you lift the Taco? Is there a fix for it? and I wonder if Toyota has updated the issues with the throw out bearings? I've heard about the MT not being good in them..

 

[flyboysgt]

I didn't read your whole thread but here's my insight on a Tacoma. I currently have a 2011 Taco Trd sport double cab with their version of the 4.0. The taco isn't bad. As far as towing, it could use some more gearing. Engine has plenty of power, but if you try to conserve fuel (stay below 2k rpms) it's very sluggish. My 03 Ranger Fx4 easily out towed my taco and had better get up and go when keeping the rpms in the lower range. Also I went up one tire size (265/65/17 to 265/70/17) along with a 2.5 inch lift and you could tell it lost more low end power. Also, make sure you get one with the 4 leaf pack. If not, nearly any weight in the bed makes it sag horribly. Lastly , when lifting, I get driveline vibes at 5 and 20 mph. Very annoying. They have a tsb but those over tacomaworld that have had it done says it does t fix anything. Most either get a o e piece d/s or a double cardan if they are bothered by it too much. Don't get me wrong , the Tacoma is still a decent truck. If I were getting another truck, I'd go full size instead. Better gas mileage, towing, space, and power. The 4runner seemed better to me during my test drive and I wanted more interior room so needless to say I'm about 2 days away from trading my truck in for a t4r trail premium.

 

[Jeremy556]

What's up with the drive-line vibrations when you lift the Taco? Is there a fix for it? and I wonder if Toyota has updated the issues with the throw out bearings? I've heard about the MT not being good in them..

Long, 2 piece driveshaft with center bearing. At the time I was looking into, a Tom Woods 1 piece drive shaft seemed to be the preferred fix.

I think I read a post on this board, recently, about them being pissed that their '13 Taco or FJC had the throw out bearing problem

 

[4Runner42ofus]

I have owned 2 Tacomas and I'm on my 2nd 4Runner.....I love both. It depends what your needs are. The best of both worlds would be to own both. Currently, I am down to 1 4Runner after owning a 2008 Tacoma for 3 years. I loved my Tacoma and waiting until the 2015 models come out before I buy another one. If I don't like it, I'll buy one from 2010-2014 model just becuase of the body style. I like the 4Runner a little more than that Tacoma because of the space and needs for my wife and I. In any event, you cannot go wrong with the reliability! Good luck!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Something to note is that the Tacomas have a different suspension set-up than the 4Runner in the rear (the front is similar, but slightly different) and there are issues with the leaf springs as was stated. There is a TSB that somewhat addresses this issue, but the coverage is only 3yr/30k.

The 1GR-FE in the 2010+ 4Runner/FJC is the Dual VVTi variant, while the Tacoma continues to use the older Single VVTi 1GR-FE hold-over from the 120 Platform. I also believe the automatic transmissions may be slightly different as are the transfercases. Don't quote me on that too heavily, but I vaguely remember that being mentioned somewhere.

Bottom line, the 4Runner is a nice SUV and it is going to be cushier and more comfortable in many respects to the Tacoma. The Tacoma is a great pick-up truck if you don't want a full-sized vehicle like a Tundra, F150, 1500; but it drives and feels like a truck.

Its up to what you need the vehicle for, I wouldn't go for a Tacoma if you already have the 5th gen JUST for a trailer as the Tacoma really won't do too much more than the 4Runner.

 

[flyboysgt]

Something to note is that the Tacomas have a different suspension set-up than the 4Runner in the rear (the front is similar, but slightly different) and there are issues with the leaf springs as was stated. There is a TSB that somewhat addresses this issue, but the coverage is only 3yr/30k.

The 1GR-FE in the 2010+ 4Runner/FJC is the Dual VVTi variant, while the Tacoma continues to use the older Single VVTi 1GR-FE hold-over from the 120 Platform. I also believe the automatic transmissions may be slightly different as are the transfercases. Don't quote me on that too heavily, but I vaguely remember that being mentioned somewhere.

Bottom line, the 4Runner is a nice SUV and it is going to be cushier and more comfortable in many respects to the Tacoma. The Tacoma is a great pick-up truck if you don't want a full-sized vehicle like a Tundra, F150, 1500; but it drives and feels like a truck.

Its up to what you need the vehicle for, I wouldn't go for a Tacoma if you already have the 5th gen JUST for a trailer as the Tacoma really won't do too much more than the 4Runner.

You are exactly right. Very well explained.

 

[Jerryrigged]

I got the best of both worlds. I have a 2006 Tacoma Double Cab and a 2010 4Runner SR5. Use the Tacoma as my daily driver and the 4Runner for weekend/family trips. Couldn't be happier!

That's a great setup... I'd like to do the same!

 

[Canazes9]

If you don't get the long bed forget hauling a 4-wheeler in the bed - won't fit. I trailer my 4wheeler in a 4x8 behind my Tacoma DCSB or the 4Runner. A 4x8 tucks in neatly behind the either and is quite agile. When I had a lease in Tennessee I made numerous drives from Texas to the Tenn Mts hauling the 4wheeler on tight roads no problems. A 4x8 trailer tucks away easy at the house, is the perfect size for a 4wheeler and an ice chest and best of all, tows really well behind the 4wheeler. We frequently used the trailer behind the 4wheeler to move stands, haul firewood, etc.

David

 

[adam2562]

If you don't get the long bed forget hauling a 4-wheeler in the bed - won't fit. I trailer my 4wheeler in a 4x8 behind my Tacoma DCSB or the 4Runner. A 4x8 tucks in neatly behind the either and is quite agile. When I had a lease in Tennessee I made numerous drives from Texas to the Tenn Mts hauling the 4wheeler on tight roads no problems. A 4x8 trailer tucks away easy at the house, is the perfect size for a 4wheeler and an ice chest and best of all, tows really well behind the 4wheeler. We frequently used the trailer behind the 4wheeler to move stands, haul firewood, etc.

David

With a bed extender, an atv DOES fit in the shortbed and I'm not worried about tn mtn roads.. I'm worried about MY short street with 2 tight high grade turns with a 2-3ft drop off on both sides and no turn arounds (parking spots)if ppl are home at the 3 other houses on the street.. to put it in terms you might understand.. my friends f150 struggles getting up there without backing up at least once.. when it's wet, the tires skid going up the steep hill with the 4runner.

 

[Canazes9]

With a bed extender, an atv DOES fit in the shortbed and I'm not worried about tn mtn roads.. I'm worried about MY short street with 2 tight high grade turns with a 2-3ft drop off on both sides and no turn arounds (parking spots)if ppl are home at the 3 other houses on the street.. to put it in terms you might understand.. my friends f150 struggles getting up there without backing up at least once.. when it's wet, the tires skid going up the steep hill with the 4runner.

Does your bed extender come with reinforcements for the tailgate/tailgate cables? If not you can expect to dump that 4wheeler somewhere on the Highway.....

The Tacoma tailgate is NOT heavily made and will not stand up to use like that for long. Sorry the trailer doesn't seem to be an option for you, seems like if you've got tires skidding on steep wet hills that might be the time to engage 4wd. You better look into this a little more - a DCSB Tacoma will NOT haul a standard ATV for very long. Also note we haven't begun to discuss how easy it is to break the back window out of a DCSB Tacoma with a 4wheeler due to the shallow bed or the lack of sturdy ties to secure the 4wheeler in the back.

It might just be that this isn't a guess on my part. I might even have owned a few 4wheelers and tried to load 'em up in the beds of my two DCSB Tacoma's and subsequently purchased a trailer. Feel free to learn in whatever way seems best to you.



David

 

[adam2562]

Does your bed extender come with reinforcements for the tailgate/tailgate cables? If not you can expect to dump that 4wheeler somewhere on the Highway.....

The Tacoma tailgate is NOT heavily made and will not stand up to use like that for long. Sorry the trailer doesn't seem to be an option for you, seems like if you've got tires skidding on steep wet hills that might be the time to engage 4wd. You better look into this a little more - a DCSB Tacoma will NOT haul a standard ATV for very long. Also note we haven't begun to discuss how easy it is to break the back window out of a DCSB Tacoma with a 4wheeler due to the shallow bed or the lack of sturdy ties to secure the 4wheeler in the back.

It might just be that this isn't a guess on my part. I might even have owned a few 4wheelers and tried to load 'em up in the beds of my two DCSB Tacoma's and subsequently purchased a trailer. Feel free to learn in whatever way seems best to you.



David

I'm not trying to have a pissing match here.. many do it and they make aftermarket straps for the tailgate to strengthen them.. and I've loaded atv's in trucks b4, I know the risks.

 

[Canazes9]

I'm not trying to have a pissing match here.. many do it and they make aftermarket straps for the tailgate to strengthen them.. and I've loaded atv's in trucks b4, I know the risks.

Enjoy!

David

 

[hamburglar210]

There are down sides to the 4runner.. i need to buy/store a trailer to carry my ATV around.. the A/C takes FOREVER to cool down the cabin and I feel like I always have it on a mid to high blower setting..

I just got some good but expensive tint put on my windows Huper Optik Ceramic 70 on the windshield and the 40 everywhere else... it's only been a couple days but my TE has stayed cooler and it cools off faster now. If you don't have tint maybe look into it, only possibly solves one of the problems but lets be honest if you want a Tacoma no one here will be able talk you out of it haha.

 

[flyboysgt]

Does your bed extender come with reinforcements for the tailgate/tailgate cables? If not you can expect to dump that 4wheeler somewhere on the Highway.....

The Tacoma tailgate is NOT heavily made and will not stand up to use like that for long. Sorry the trailer doesn't seem to be an option for you, seems like if you've got tires skidding on steep wet hills that might be the time to engage 4wd. You better look into this a little more - a DCSB Tacoma will NOT haul a standard ATV for very long. Also note we haven't begun to discuss how easy it is to break the back window out of a DCSB Tacoma with a 4wheeler due to the shallow bed or the lack of sturdy ties to secure the 4wheeler in the back.

It might just be that this isn't a guess on my part. I might even have owned a few 4wheelers and tried to load 'em up in the beds of my two DCSB Tacoma's and subsequently purchased a trailer. Feel free to learn in whatever way seems best to you.



David

You sir, are very wrong. When I had my atv, I would drive it up my ramps that were sitting on the tail gate and haul it anywhere from 45 mins to 3 hours and then back. Yes this was in a DCSB. the rear tires would sit on the tail gate, but the majority of the atv is in the bed. The amount of weight that is actually on the tail gate is maybe a 1/4 of what the atv weighs. Never any problems. This is also going down the highway and on trails with it loaded up. You do have to be careful of your back window, but depending on how far the front tires stick forward of the atv bumper, the normally stop it from hitting. If not, have the atv in gear and strap it down. Problem solved. In fact, there is a thread on TacomaWorld with many others doing the same thing. Never a problem that Ive seen.

 

[Seatown]

I didn't read all of the responses, but I've owned 3 2nd gen Tacos (07 AC, 07 DC, 12 DC...all 4x4) and if you lift it you'll have driveline vibes. That two piece drive line is a deal breaker for me until the next generation hopefully remedies the issue. It drove me crazy!!! I've done the following lifts: OME, spacer, and RCD 4.5"...less vibes on the RCD due to the drop bracket and blocks.

I will also say that the Taco has an AMAZING turning radius, almost like a forklift.

They're sexy trucks that's for sure, but so is the 4runner. You need to truly consider your own lifestyle and needs then go from there. Good luck!

 

[Canazes9]

You sir, are very wrong. When I had my atv, I would drive it up my ramps that were sitting on the tail gate and haul it anywhere from 45 mins to 3 hours and then back. Yes this was in a DCSB. the rear tires would sit on the tail gate, but the majority of the atv is in the bed. The amount of weight that is actually on the tail gate is maybe a 1/4 of what the atv weighs. Never any problems. This is also going down the highway and on trails with it loaded up. You do have to be careful of your back window, but depending on how far the front tires stick forward of the atv bumper, the normally stop it from hitting. If not, have the atv in gear and strap it down. Problem solved. In fact, there is a thread on TacomaWorld with many others doing the same thing. Never a problem that Ive seen.

Enjoy.

David

 

[adam2562]

I just got some good but expensive tint put on my windows Huper Optik Ceramic 70 on the windshield and the 40 everywhere else... it's only been a couple days but my TE has stayed cooler and it cools off faster now. If you don't have tint maybe look into it, only possibly solves one of the problems but lets be honest if you want a Tacoma no one here will be able talk you out of it haha.

yea, i already did that, i had high quality tint at 15% put on all the windows except the windshield. so essentially the back ones are 5% or so and the front 2 are at 15%. it's just the big cabin


ON A SIDE NOTE.. after weighing out my options, i think i'm gonna keep the 4runner and when it's paid off i'll buy a 2002-2004 taco

 

[hour]

ON A SIDE NOTE.. after weighing out my options, i think i'm gonna keep the 4runner and when it's paid off i'll buy a 2002-2004 taco

Chiming in on an aging thread... but I'm pretty convinced that I'll be trading my 2012 tacoma in on a new 4runner-

I'd probably just upgrade to a double cab v6 auto 4x4 (I have a 2.7L manual 4x4) but I'm pretty disappointed that the Tacoma still hasn't seen the new and improved 4.0L that the 4runner and FJ use. It's kind of a slap in the face. They even have a much improved 2.7L that they have neglected to put in the 4cyl slug tacoma. Obviously the power is nice, but the fuel economy would have to increase a little in putting these engines in. Plus, if the Tacoma is more suited for towing and truck/hauling duties, why does it have the weakest 4.0L?

That, and the body style (as nice as it continues to be) hasn't seen anything more than a new grill and headlights since 2005. They just add some new electronic item, like entune, bluetooth, something else... but no significant changes. 2016 *HAS* to be the year for a major revisit to the Tacoma. As far as manual transmissions, the one mated with the 4cyl is a pretty lousy one. In my countless hours of searching tacomaworld for others in the same boat, I found just as many complaints about the 6spd manual on the 6cyls. Obviously you don't buy a manual truck and expect it to be as smooth and willing as a sports car transmission, but it's pretty terrible. Test drive if curious, and read up on some of the issues that arise after logging some miles.

Anyway, good idea on getting an older Tacoma. If you just need something to haul the ATV on weekends you could also defect from Toyota and find something for 1/3rd the price. I'm still amazed that 2004 and under Tacomas fetch 13k frequently. I'm obviously pretty biased, but looking forward to what they do with the truck when they finally do some significant changes. A lot has changed since 2005 and they're going to have to offer some pretty good incentives to compete with what Ram is doing. Not everyone is willing to buy a midsize truck just for the form factor, especially when the competition is delivering much better fuel economy, power, and creature comforts.