Tundra Taco ?'s

[landtoy80]

Thinking of replacing the 80.
I like the newer 4dr Taco other than the head room. I look through the tinted sunscreen when I am driving.
Can you get a new windshield without the tint?
Seats, anyone make seats that sit lower?

My other option is the Double Cab older Tundra, can they work well as a Colorado Utah trail rig? Can they go where a 80 can go?

[highlandcruzer]

My other option is the Double Cab older Tundra, can they work well as a Colorado Utah trail rig? Can they go where a 80 can go?

......I would'nt say they can go where an 80 can go .

IFS,no fact. lockers[LSD starts in 03',rear only]. How do you define trail rig?

I use my Tundra for a hunting truck, and have found it to be very comfortable offroad on our leases.[moutainous,muddy,rocky,rutted,logging type roads]

Good DD,Possible tow rig [marginal] As well as being alot more spacious than a Taco.

And IMO,in the used market, you can get a lot more truck for your money with the Tundra vs. the Taco. I was actually looking for a Tacoma when I bought my Tundra. Used Taco's were often more expensive for similer mileage/ condition.

But if you decide on the Tundra,go w/ 03' and up. The first years had some brake issues and new model bugs.

[Jacket]

There's no way a Tundra will go where an 80 or a Taco will go without major modifications to the Tundra. You've got size issues, and no (factory) locker on the Tundra. I'm surprised you're having seat height issues with the Taco, but I've never heard of anyone making seat modifications that allow it to sit lower. I've got more seat range in mine than either my wife's car or my previous DD.

I'm obviously biased toward the Tacoma, but I think its pretty darn capable. The long wheel base can be an issue (high centering) with hardcore wheelin on the rocks, but then again, it can be an advantage for some obstacles. The IFS doesn't flex much, but the rear axle with locker does a pretty good job of pushing the truck through just about anything.

You won't get the interior space of the 80, but it's decent for traveling with 4 people, and the bed storage is really great. I've been really happy with mine for a DD, weekend getaway truck for the family, and a moderate wheeler.

[landtoy80]

I got my ass kicked on a very rocky trail by an older extra cab Tundra.
I just got my OME lift and had 285 tires. He had a lift and 35" tires and no lockers.
I had my lockers locked and got hung up on rocks that he just walked right over.
I couldn't keep up with him and at one point had to let pass as I couldn't go fast enough for him.

[Mars]

Originally Posted by landtoy80

I got my ass kicked on a very rocky trail by an older extra cab Tundra.
I just got my OME lift and had 285 tires. He had a lift and 35" tires and no lockers.
I had my lockers locked and got hung up on rocks that he just walked right over.
I couldn't keep up with him and at one point had to let pass as I couldn't go fast enough for him.

I wouldn't let that be the major selling point. Sounds like a very good driver there who knows his truck. That extra 2" of tire likely made all the difference. I'd still put my money on an 80 or Taco before the Tundra.

They all excel in their own arenas. Tundras are great trucks IMO. I would still rather be in a Taco myself, just for the smaller size than anything else. Makes the 80 (and I can only imagine a Tundra) feel bulky and heavy. I like the feel of a lighter truck.

[Jacket]

^ I agree. I wheeled with an open Tundra on 35's this summer, and that one spun its wheels on every off camber obstacle we came across. There will always be exceptions....

You asked this:

Originally Posted by landtoy80

My other option is the Double Cab older Tundra, can they work well as a Colorado Utah trail rig? Can they go where a 80 can go?

I'd have to say no. The wheel base is too long, and the truck is too long. Not sure about the width; they may be comparable since the 80 is a pretty wide truck as well.

I like the older Tundras, certainly more than the new ones, and I'd guess they are not that much bigger than the new Tacomas. But the aftermarket support for the Tacomas is way better than the Tundras, and you get handy things like a factory e-locker on the tacoma that you can't get with a Tundra. 2 cents....

[TundraSkyline]

Originally Posted by Jacket

I like the older Tundras, certainly more than the new ones, and I'd guess they are not that much bigger than the new Tacomas. But the aftermarket support for the Tacomas is way better than the Tundras, and you get handy things like a factory e-locker on the tacoma that you can't get with a Tundra. 2 cents....

I have an older Tundra- an 01 Access Cab that I started exploring trails with and have to agree with the above. A lot of where I've driven through I get a symphony of scratching/scraping noises from desert brush (because of width) allover the front/sides (with mirrors folded). It does have good clearance for minor obstacles but you have to pick lines carefully- the 4WD has worked great so far but haven't run into anything where a bit extra momentum didn't work. I do love it though and have loads of fun exploring. Something smaller and with less rear overhang would be a lot better if I were shopping all over again.

[freeamerica]

While anything is possible, I don't recommend a Tundra DC as a trail rig. I have an 06 and love it - as a "full" size truck. It replaced my 04 X-cab Taco.

Offroad the extra size becomes immediately apparent. 3-point turns are more like 30-point turns. Tight spots in the trees I never used to think about, become show stoppers. And don't get me started about high-centering the extra lenght... Get the picture yet?

While anything is possible with enough money and modification, it will take a hell of a lot to get a Tundra there, and at that point, you really won't have much "Tundra". If you need a truck, particularly the bed, then get the Tundra and find money for a 40 or an old Mini to wheel with. If you primarily want a wheeler that will haul a bunch of people, get at wagon (60-80 series).

[cackalak han]

Unless you need the space or V8 towing power, go with the Tacoma. As far as the headroom issue...did you sit in one with a sunroof or without? My 4Runner had a sunroof and I'd occasionally brush my hair against the headliner. But in my Tacoma (no sunroof), I've got plenty of room. You could modify the seat brackets to sit lower, too. Shouldn't be that hard.

I love the 4.0L V6's in the 5th Gen Tacoma's. Great MPG's and good power (plus timing chain!). And like someone said, they hold their value better.

[bustanutley]

My Tundra is the tow rig, and you don't wheel the tow rig!