60 guy needs tacoma advice

BlueBoxFJ60 · 10-09-08, 09:34 PM

Hey guys i usually hang out on the 60 forums but i have wandered over here in a search for some Tacoma advice.

2 years ago i almost got a Tacoma but changed my mind at the last min. now there has been a nice Tacoma show up here at one of the used car lots, that im looking at for a better DD than my 60.

It is a 2004 (ID plate say Sept/03?) Black,ext cab, 4wd,4cyl,5 speed manual with 67,000miles on the clock. It is in great condition with new tires, nice interior and body.

They are asking 13,800 which sounded i little high, but what do i know.

School me on Tacoma please. Gas mileage, common problems, offroad capabilities, is the 4cyl sluggish, appropriate price etc......

Thanks

Kyle

SAR_Squid79 · 10-09-08, 10:39 PM

Actually - I'd say that price is pretty fair.

The 2.7L 4-Cyl is not "sluggish" It's a very torquey engine with a lot in the low end. It's not going to win you any races, but is VERY reliable, and good on gas. That engine is a great engine on the trail! With that engine on stock tires, I would say that you'll probably get around 24 MPG. One of my wet dreams has always been to build up an FJ40 and swap in a 3RZ-FE.

There are not really any common problems with those trucks or those engines. A stock Tacoma (especially one with the TRD e-locker) is extremely capable off road. Many people are suprised at where a good driver can take a stock Tacoma.

There's not a whole lot else I can tell you, unless you have more specific questions.

BlueBoxFJ60 · 10-10-08, 11:54 AM

gt a chance to get under the hood and inside it today. Turns out the dealer thought it was a i4, Its a v6, he said he had no idea

At this point i figure if i wanted a v6 a should find who with the trd pack

cackalak han · 10-11-08, 09:49 AM

BBFJ60 - You really can't go wrong with a Tacoma, no matter what trim. However I will add in my 2 cents. I have experiences with both the 4-cyl and 6-cyl. The 4-cyl is not bad at all, and actually has a lot of pep. Very reliable, as well. However, when towing at all or hauling a heavier load, you WILL feel it. So definitely get the 5-speed. The MPG seems to be around 24MPG on the freeway.

I have had 3 3.4L V6's. ALL have been super reliable, and one was even supercharged. They have very good power and good towing capacity. You can run the A/C, and don't feel it bogging down the engine. The MPG is at 21MPG, so not that much difference. And if you tow or haul, that gap will virtually be eliminated, because the I4 will have to work much harder to keep up. I would highly recommend going wth a V6 over an I4. I will never go back to an I4 in a truck again.

Also, what trim level do you want? Single, extended or double cab? For me, I am married, so I had to get the double cab. I love the versatility of this truck. I've got all the room for 4 passengers and a truck bed. Even when I am just with the wife, I am glad I have the double cab. The bigger space in the back makes me less claustrophobic. If you have family, or going to have a family in the near future, I would definitely consider the double cab. I have seem them come up on classifieds for not that much more than extended cabs. They were only made from 2001-2004 and all auto. With the V6, the auto is a good match up.

Oh, and definitely get the TRD. You will like the stock rear e-locker.

czenkov · 10-11-08, 09:44 PM

I had a 1992 I4, 5 spd Xtracab that struggled here in 4500+ altitude - never towed with it. I now have a 2004 V6, auto, Xtracab (no kids), with cap that, while having owned it only about a month is a large improvement. Plenty of power and no lag with A/C running. I concur with cackalak. I am very impressed and this is one I will own a very long time. BTW it isn't a TRD and the only thing I would want from that is the locker.

cackalak han · 10-12-08, 12:34 PM

Yeah, the only thing I don't like about the double cab is the short bed (5'). I kind of wish it came with a long bed, but then, it would be one loooooong truck.

Happy Trails · 10-12-08, 11:34 PM

Sounds like a fair deal. I've sure been happy with mine!

slow95z · 10-13-08, 03:14 PM

if you ever plan to wheel it DO NOT get the TRD. the rear is weaker than the stand truck rear end. for some stupid reason they put a smaller axle in the TRD than the standard truck.

T-Tom · 10-13-08, 05:53 PM

I've had both the 4 and v6 and I have to say the V6 is a much better motor. I got better than 18mpg most of the time on my 98 v6 trd. Plus I never had a problem. My ex was driving the tacoma, was hit head on at 55mph and she walked away with only a few bumps and bruises.

BlueBoxFJ60 · 10-16-08, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

if you ever plan to wheel it DO NOT get the TRD. the rear is weaker than the stand truck rear end. for some stupid reason they put a smaller axle in the TRD than the standard truck.

Why would toyota do that? Seems to contradict the idea of TRD

slow95z · 10-16-08, 10:59 AM

why would the take a good truck with a solid front and put IFS in it... why would they then take that idea and move it over to the land cruiser... its because they can sell you something you think is better for more money.

T-Tom · 10-16-08, 02:21 PM

No they put IFS on the trucks so they wont ride like a chevy, you have to remember that 95% of the trucks they make will never see off road use. My 89 4runner with IFS was a much better riding truck that my 86 4runner

Happy Trails · 10-16-08, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

if you ever plan to wheel it DO NOT get the TRD. the rear is weaker than the stand truck rear end. for some stupid reason they put a smaller axle in the TRD than the standard truck.

I have the TRD and wheel the hell out of my rig up in the High Sierras.
With the TRD I have a little switch on my dash that's my secret weapon,
a factory locking rear differential. I have NEVER had a problem with my
rear axle and rarely need to "hit that switch" but I'm glad it's there. My 2c.

slow95z · 10-17-08, 07:42 AM

i dont agree with the IFS riding better. my LX450 rides like a dream with a solid front axle. my taco has lockers front and back, that switch is no secrect weapon... its there to sell you something you dont need 99% of the time. if you do real wheeling an aftermarket locker is much stronger. do your research, the stock taco rear is an 8.4 while the stock TRD is 8.0 but has a locker. lots of good that locker will give you when the rear bust. just my .02

Happy Trails · 10-17-08, 07:54 AM

Enough of your B.S. My rear locker with what you call "inferior" 8.0 axle ain't gunna break. I've seen plenty of jeeps lose theirs, but not one Tacoma. I've done plenty of research, I own 4 Toyota 4x4's.
You are correct about one thing, 99% of the time I don't need the locker due to the fact that a
Tacoma is a fine crawler in it's standard low range. As for my winch, I use it to help others more
than myself. Bluebox FJ60, ignore this guys nonsense!

slow95z · 10-17-08, 09:29 AM

wow man, i am trying to help the guy out and get him to buy something better. you need to read up on your "great" TRD some then post.

nickwood48 · 10-17-08, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

why would the take a good truck with a solid front and put IFS in it... why would they then take that idea and move it over to the land cruiser... its because they can sell you something you think is better for more money.

Well, that same 'good' truck with a solid front end also had a 8" rear axle, just like the TRD's.

I am sure the 8.4 could be considered technically stronger, but nobody has issues with the 8" unless they are running big tires.

Read up on the issues, you will find that the TRD is considered plenty strong for tires up to 35".

Happy Trails · 10-17-08, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

wow man, i am trying to help the guy out and get him to buy something better. you need to read up on your "great" TRD some then post.

Hey pal, get over it. Do you ever get over to TTORA? Try posting some of this drivel there. You best invest in a good flame suit. You are not "helping"
Kyle out.

slow95z · 10-17-08, 11:05 PM

wow man, i guess i gotta call you out. yes i go to the site, do a simple search there for threads like this
Detroit Locker for everday locker? - TTORA Forum

here is a nice quote on that thread

I wouldn't take a TRD rear axle if it was handed to me. The non-TRD rear is stronger, from the larger pinion shaft to the case to the one-piece bearing cap.

that was a simple search using the words "TRD" and "weaker"

omg, was that hard????

cackalak han · 10-19-08, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

i dont agree with the IFS riding better.

Your credibility just went out the window with that statement.

slow95z · 10-19-08, 12:09 PM

riding better totally depends on where you are driving

cackalak han · 10-19-08, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

riding better totally depends on where you are driving

Please elaborate. While you're at it, please explain how an "aftermarket locker is much stronger" than the stock e-locker.

slow95z · 10-19-08, 09:15 PM

well if you are driving down a normal road then it doesnt really matter what kind of suspension you have as it should be nice and smooth anyways. even off road it can really depend on ALOT of things. i have a 99 taco and a 96 LX450 that i will use for examples.

my taco rides like poo, now i know the IFS is nice but when you have a leaf sprung rear and a light weight bed in the back wash board roads become a nightmare but the lexus with coil sprung solid axles is a dream yet it is also heavier so it smooths it out more.

IFS being nicer doesnt really matter if the other 2 wheels are hooked to a live axle with an ancient leaf spring design. it totally depends on the vehicle and road conditions. ever been in an H1? they have IFS all the way around yet drive like crap. now i know thats a bad example because they are meant for heavy loads and off road military use but that is IFS and it does ride like shit.

i could go on and on but my point is no 2 are alike and just because your BMW has nice ifs doesnt make a tacoma ride good on ifs, sorry but its true.

as far as the rear axle goes please use a search, its been covered many times. the stock toyota rear has a larger ring gear making it stronger than the TRD axle. if you want to tell me that my detriot locker is weaker than a stock TRD locker then please show me some proof and then while you are at it show me how you TRD front end will do when put up to my front end with an ARB in it. i love how you all flame me yet obvoiusly refuse to do a search on it. the TRD has a smaller rear axle than the regular one, its weaker, and if you are doing mid level off roading with tires in the 35 to 37 inch range it will give sooner than the regular rear end.

nickwood48 · 10-20-08, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

well if you are driving down a normal road then it doesnt really matter what kind of suspension you have as it should be nice and smooth anyways. even off road it can really depend on ALOT of things. i have a 99 taco and a 96 LX450 that i will use for examples.

my taco rides like poo, now i know the IFS is nice but when you have a leaf sprung rear and a light weight bed in the back wash board roads become a nightmare but the lexus with coil sprung solid axles is a dream yet it is also heavier so it smooths it out more.

IFS being nicer doesnt really matter if the other 2 wheels are hooked to a live axle with an ancient leaf spring design. it totally depends on the vehicle and road conditions. ever been in an H1? they have IFS all the way around yet drive like crap. now i know thats a bad example because they are meant for heavy loads and off road military use but that is IFS and it does ride like shit.

i could go on and on but my point is no 2 are alike and just because your BMW has nice ifs doesnt make a tacoma ride good on ifs, sorry but its true.

as far as the rear axle goes please use a search, its been covered many times. the stock toyota rear has a larger ring gear making it stronger than the TRD axle. if you want to tell me that my detriot locker is weaker than a stock TRD locker then please show me some proof and then while you are at it show me how you TRD front end will do when put up to my front end with an ARB in it. i love how you all flame me yet obvoiusly refuse to do a search on it. the TRD has a smaller rear axle than the regular one, its weaker, and if you are doing mid level off roading with tires in the 35 to 37 inch range it will give sooner than the regular rear end.

Do some more searching on TTORA - look at how many guys run big tires with the TRD with no problems.

Besides doing 'mid' level wheeling with tires in the 35 to 37 range - your rear axle is the least of your worries - I think your front end is going to be the limiting factor.

Maybe do a search on pirate and see how many guys like the stock 8" rear - without stating the obvious, I think you know the answer.

cackalak han · 10-20-08, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

well if you are driving down a normal road then it doesnt really matter what kind of suspension you have as it should be nice and smooth anyways.

Yes, it does. Your suspension will make a dramatic difference on handling and ride comfort even on smooth roads. IFS/IRS will handle better. Why do you think all cars have IFS/IRS? Handling wise, look at race cars. Do you see any of them sporting solid axles?

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

anyways. even off road it can really depend on ALOT of things. i have a 99 taco and a 96 LX450 that i will use for examples.

my taco rides like poo, now i know the IFS is nice but when you have a leaf sprung rear and a light weight bed in the back wash board roads become a nightmare but the lexus with coil sprung solid axles is a dream yet it is also heavier so it smooths it out more.

IFS being nicer doesnt really matter if the other 2 wheels are hooked to a live axle with an ancient leaf spring design. it totally depends on the vehicle and road conditions. ever been in an H1? they have IFS all the way around yet drive like crap. now i know thats a bad example because they are meant for heavy loads and off road military use but that is IFS and it does ride like ****.

You are comparing apples to oranges. First of all, offroad, it doesn't matter what you're in -- it will ride rough. Then you compare the ride of your LX450 that weighs 1000+ lbs more than your Tacoma, not to mention the leaf springs that's made for load capacity not riding comfort?

Compare apples to apples. Try riding in your 450 then hop in a 470. Which do you think rides better? I can guarantee if the Tacoma had a SFA, it would ride worse than the IFS version. This is fact. This is the reason why Toyota pickup's went to an IFS, GMC went to a IFS, Ford and even Jeep went to an IFS design. Unless you're smarter than the engineers of these car manufacturers with $$$$$ test facilities and loads of cash for R&D....

And the H1 has Independent FRONT suspension all the way around? Wow. And actually, they didn't ride too bad at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow95z

as far as the rear axle goes please use a search, its been covered many times. the stock toyota rear has a larger ring gear making it stronger than the TRD axle. if you want to tell me that my detriot locker is weaker than a stock TRD locker then please show me some proof and then while you are at it show me how you TRD front end will do when put up to my front end with an ARB in it. i love how you all flame me yet obvoiusly refuse to do a search on it. the TRD has a smaller rear axle than the regular one, its weaker, and if you are doing mid level off roading with tires in the 35 to 37 inch range it will give sooner than the regular rear end.

Who was talking about an axle? You stated the rear locker. Do you know the difference? Besides, as nickwood stated above, 8" to a 8.2" or 8.4" ain't that big of a difference. People have blown both rear ends. COULD they have made them stronger? Sure. But is it NEEDED for a truck that came STOCK with 31" tires? No. Same reason you CAN'T put on 35's without a lift in stock trim (OMG, what was Toyota thinking??!!

)

When you start modding and putting 35-37" tires on, you're on your own and should do your research before over-stressing the drivetrain and blowing stuff up. And I'm not just talking about the rear ends, either.

My Tacoma with a stock e-locker has been bullet proof for almost 120k miles. So have countless members with stock e-lockers in their Tacoma's and 4Runners. And so have countless other members with FZJ80's with their stock e-lockers.

slow95z · 10-20-08, 05:07 PM

typo police i see, i typed IFS so many times i slipped on it one for RIS, in stock form the TRD axle is weaker, thats the point i was trying to make and you cant say that isnt true. IFS does not always ride better either because its not apples to apples just like you said. i was pointing out times it doesnt make a crap. every vehicle is different and just because a taco has IFS doesnt make it ride any better for the simple fact the rear has a leaf spring live axle setup which totally kills anything you gain from the front end when it comes to bumpy roads and as far as comparing race cars to a land cruiser i hope you dont try to take corners fast in an suv. basically the point i was trying to make is if you are going to buy one why not have all the info you can and get one without a locker that would be cheaper and then put a stronger locker in it???? its just common sense to do it that way.

edit: i just assumed that on an off road forum someone might actually (GASP!!!) take the truck beyond stock and go off road with it but i can see most of the people here probally lift a truck to just look cool.

cackalak han · 10-20-08, 05:24 PM

Post back when you've got something new and more sensible to say. I've already covered everything you just posted in the last post.

slow95z · 10-20-08, 07:43 PM

other than the obvious, the TRD rear is weaker and smaller and that was my whole point and you have yet to come out and say that it is slightly weaker and if you were building a truck for wheeling it would be nice to know that information ahead of time.

skeezix · 10-21-08, 01:25 PM

I read this thread with interest and everybody makes some good points. Slow95z's comments are just that - comments - based upon his experience and research. Me - I drive my stock 1998 Tacoma TRD wherever my pucker factor permits. I don't thrash the thing and it's taken good care of me.

As far as the locker goes, I've used it as a last resort on two or three different occasions in Canyonlands back country where I foolishly drove too slow over "notches" and got stuck. And the psychological benefit of knowing I have it in case I need it has allowed me to go through stuff I wouldn't normally go through. Maybe one of these days it will get me in trouble though by giving me too much self-confidence.

One last remark - last week I was driving through North Hatch Canyon (east of US95 in southwest Utah) and I came upon a particularly knarly spot. Had to get out and fill a hole with some rocks in a washout and thought I'd better get into LORange with the locker engaged before I attempted the crossing.

So I shoved the 4WD drive lever forward, stuck the truck in 1st, engaged the locker, and proceeded through the rough stuff with absolutely no problem.

Little did I know that I actually moved the HILO lever forward out of 4WD instead of over and left into LO. The RR Locker dash indicator did come one even though the truck was in 2WD. Oh well I guess God watches over fools, especially those in the boondocks...

10-09-08, 09:34 PM	#1
BlueBoxFJ60 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sugar Land & Huntsville Texas Posts: 289	60 guy needs tacoma advice Hey guys i usually hang out on the 60 forums but i have wandered over here in a search for some Tacoma advice. 2 years ago i almost got a Tacoma but changed my mind at the last min. now there has been a nice Tacoma show up here at one of the used car lots, that im looking at for a better DD than my 60. It is a 2004 (ID plate say Sept/03?) Black,ext cab, 4wd,4cyl,5 speed manual with 67,000miles on the clock. It is in great condition with new tires, nice interior and body. They are asking 13,800 which sounded i little high, but what do i know. School me on Tacoma please. Gas mileage, common problems, offroad capabilities, is the 4cyl sluggish, appropriate price etc...... Thanks Kyle __________________ ROLLED 1984 FJ60 fj60-- OME 2.5 lift, ARB air lockers F/R, ARB bumpers F/R Tuffy console, 33x12.5 BFG muds, 4.56 gears, Yakima roof rack, header, weber, desmog http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x17/kjw002/

10-09-08, 10:39 PM	#2
SAR_Squid79 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Diego, CA TLCA# 17716 Posts: 185	Actually - I'd say that price is pretty fair. The 2.7L 4-Cyl is not "sluggish" It's a very torquey engine with a lot in the low end. It's not going to win you any races, but is VERY reliable, and good on gas. That engine is a great engine on the trail! With that engine on stock tires, I would say that you'll probably get around 24 MPG. One of my wet dreams has always been to build up an FJ40 and swap in a 3RZ-FE. There are not really any common problems with those trucks or those engines. A stock Tacoma (especially one with the TRD e-locker) is extremely capable off road. Many people are suprised at where a good driver can take a stock Tacoma. There's not a whole lot else I can tell you, unless you have more specific questions. __________________ ~Jamie 1990 FJ62 Daily Driver 2000 TRD 4WD PreRunner Supercharged, Locked, Armored. Mountain - she can crawl it. Ass - She can haul it.

10-10-08, 11:54 AM	#3
BlueBoxFJ60 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sugar Land & Huntsville Texas Posts: 289	gt a chance to get under the hood and inside it today. Turns out the dealer thought it was a i4, Its a v6, he said he had no idea At this point i figure if i wanted a v6 a should find who with the trd pack __________________ ROLLED 1984 FJ60 fj60-- OME 2.5 lift, ARB air lockers F/R, ARB bumpers F/R Tuffy console, 33x12.5 BFG muds, 4.56 gears, Yakima roof rack, header, weber, desmog http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x17/kjw002/

10-11-08, 09:49 AM	#4
cackalak han IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 249	BBFJ60 - You really can't go wrong with a Tacoma, no matter what trim. However I will add in my 2 cents. I have experiences with both the 4-cyl and 6-cyl. The 4-cyl is not bad at all, and actually has a lot of pep. Very reliable, as well. However, when towing at all or hauling a heavier load, you WILL feel it. So definitely get the 5-speed. The MPG seems to be around 24MPG on the freeway. I have had 3 3.4L V6's. ALL have been super reliable, and one was even supercharged. They have very good power and good towing capacity. You can run the A/C, and don't feel it bogging down the engine. The MPG is at 21MPG, so not that much difference. And if you tow or haul, that gap will virtually be eliminated, because the I4 will have to work much harder to keep up. I would highly recommend going wth a V6 over an I4. I will never go back to an I4 in a truck again. Also, what trim level do you want? Single, extended or double cab? For me, I am married, so I had to get the double cab. I love the versatility of this truck. I've got all the room for 4 passengers and a truck bed. Even when I am just with the wife, I am glad I have the double cab. The bigger space in the back makes me less claustrophobic. If you have family, or going to have a family in the near future, I would definitely consider the double cab. I have seem them come up on classifieds for not that much more than extended cabs. They were only made from 2001-2004 and all auto. With the V6, the auto is a good match up. Oh, and definitely get the TRD. You will like the stock rear e-locker. __________________ 2001 Tacoma DC TRD Off-Road

10-11-08, 09:44 PM	#5
czenkov IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 7	I had a 1992 I4, 5 spd Xtracab that struggled here in 4500+ altitude - never towed with it. I now have a 2004 V6, auto, Xtracab (no kids), with cap that, while having owned it only about a month is a large improvement. Plenty of power and no lag with A/C running. I concur with cackalak. I am very impressed and this is one I will own a very long time. BTW it isn't a TRD and the only thing I would want from that is the locker. __________________ 2004 4x4 Tacoma Xtracab (Purchased 9/08 w/ <12,000 miles) 1960 Land Rover SII 88" SOLD: 1997 CE - White - Lockers - Switched and Pinned

10-12-08, 12:34 PM	#6
cackalak han IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 249	Yeah, the only thing I don't like about the double cab is the short bed (5'). I kind of wish it came with a long bed, but then, it would be one loooooong truck. __________________ 2001 Tacoma DC TRD Off-Road

10-12-08, 11:34 PM	#7
Happy Trails IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Calif. Posts: 415	Sounds like a fair deal. I've sure been happy with mine! __________________ 1987 FJ-60. Iron lift, 33x9.5 BFG AT's. 195,000 mi strong. 2000 Tacoma TRD locked/lifted & ARB'd for the High Sierras. 2001 4runner Limited 4WD bone stock DD

10-13-08, 03:14 PM	#8
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	if you ever plan to wheel it DO NOT get the TRD. the rear is weaker than the stand truck rear end. for some stupid reason they put a smaller axle in the TRD than the standard truck.

10-13-08, 05:53 PM	#9
T-Tom IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 10	I've had both the 4 and v6 and I have to say the V6 is a much better motor. I got better than 18mpg most of the time on my 98 v6 trd. Plus I never had a problem. My ex was driving the tacoma, was hit head on at 55mph and she walked away with only a few bumps and bruises.

10-16-08, 10:59 AM	#11
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	why would the take a good truck with a solid front and put IFS in it... why would they then take that idea and move it over to the land cruiser... its because they can sell you something you think is better for more money.

10-16-08, 02:21 PM	#12
T-Tom IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 10	No they put IFS on the trucks so they wont ride like a chevy, you have to remember that 95% of the trucks they make will never see off road use. My 89 4runner with IFS was a much better riding truck that my 86 4runner

10-17-08, 07:42 AM	#14
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	i dont agree with the IFS riding better. my LX450 rides like a dream with a solid front axle. my taco has lockers front and back, that switch is no secrect weapon... its there to sell you something you dont need 99% of the time. if you do real wheeling an aftermarket locker is much stronger. do your research, the stock taco rear is an 8.4 while the stock TRD is 8.0 but has a locker. lots of good that locker will give you when the rear bust. just my .02

10-17-08, 07:54 AM	#15
Happy Trails IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Calif. Posts: 415	Enough of your B.S. My rear locker with what you call "inferior" 8.0 axle ain't gunna break. I've seen plenty of jeeps lose theirs, but not one Tacoma. I've done plenty of research, I own 4 Toyota 4x4's. You are correct about one thing, 99% of the time I don't need the locker due to the fact that a Tacoma is a fine crawler in it's standard low range. As for my winch, I use it to help others more than myself. Bluebox FJ60, ignore this guys nonsense! __________________ 1987 FJ-60. Iron lift, 33x9.5 BFG AT's. 195,000 mi strong. 2000 Tacoma TRD locked/lifted & ARB'd for the High Sierras. 2001 4runner Limited 4WD bone stock DD

10-17-08, 09:29 AM	#16
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	wow man, i am trying to help the guy out and get him to buy something better. you need to read up on your "great" TRD some then post.

10-17-08, 11:05 PM	#19
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	wow man, i guess i gotta call you out. yes i go to the site, do a simple search there for threads like this Detroit Locker for everday locker? - TTORA Forum here is a nice quote on that thread I wouldn't take a TRD rear axle if it was handed to me. The non-TRD rear is stronger, from the larger pinion shaft to the case to the one-piece bearing cap. that was a simple search using the words "TRD" and "weaker" omg, was that hard????

10-19-08, 12:09 PM	#21
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	riding better totally depends on where you are driving

10-19-08, 09:15 PM	#23
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	well if you are driving down a normal road then it doesnt really matter what kind of suspension you have as it should be nice and smooth anyways. even off road it can really depend on ALOT of things. i have a 99 taco and a 96 LX450 that i will use for examples. my taco rides like poo, now i know the IFS is nice but when you have a leaf sprung rear and a light weight bed in the back wash board roads become a nightmare but the lexus with coil sprung solid axles is a dream yet it is also heavier so it smooths it out more. IFS being nicer doesnt really matter if the other 2 wheels are hooked to a live axle with an ancient leaf spring design. it totally depends on the vehicle and road conditions. ever been in an H1? they have IFS all the way around yet drive like crap. now i know thats a bad example because they are meant for heavy loads and off road military use but that is IFS and it does ride like shit. i could go on and on but my point is no 2 are alike and just because your BMW has nice ifs doesnt make a tacoma ride good on ifs, sorry but its true. as far as the rear axle goes please use a search, its been covered many times. the stock toyota rear has a larger ring gear making it stronger than the TRD axle. if you want to tell me that my detriot locker is weaker than a stock TRD locker then please show me some proof and then while you are at it show me how you TRD front end will do when put up to my front end with an ARB in it. i love how you all flame me yet obvoiusly refuse to do a search on it. the TRD has a smaller rear axle than the regular one, its weaker, and if you are doing mid level off roading with tires in the 35 to 37 inch range it will give sooner than the regular rear end.

10-20-08, 05:07 PM	#26
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	typo police i see, i typed IFS so many times i slipped on it one for RIS, in stock form the TRD axle is weaker, thats the point i was trying to make and you cant say that isnt true. IFS does not always ride better either because its not apples to apples just like you said. i was pointing out times it doesnt make a crap. every vehicle is different and just because a taco has IFS doesnt make it ride any better for the simple fact the rear has a leaf spring live axle setup which totally kills anything you gain from the front end when it comes to bumpy roads and as far as comparing race cars to a land cruiser i hope you dont try to take corners fast in an suv. basically the point i was trying to make is if you are going to buy one why not have all the info you can and get one without a locker that would be cheaper and then put a stronger locker in it???? its just common sense to do it that way. edit: i just assumed that on an off road forum someone might actually (GASP!!!) take the truck beyond stock and go off road with it but i can see most of the people here probally lift a truck to just look cool.

10-20-08, 05:24 PM	#27
cackalak han IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 249	Post back when you've got something new and more sensible to say. I've already covered everything you just posted in the last post. __________________ 2001 Tacoma DC TRD Off-Road

10-20-08, 07:43 PM	#28
slow95z IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 88	other than the obvious, the TRD rear is weaker and smaller and that was my whole point and you have yet to come out and say that it is slightly weaker and if you were building a truck for wheeling it would be nice to know that information ahead of time.

10-21-08, 01:25 PM	#29
skeezix IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Western Slope Colorado Posts: 32	I read this thread with interest and everybody makes some good points. Slow95z's comments are just that - comments - based upon his experience and research. Me - I drive my stock 1998 Tacoma TRD wherever my pucker factor permits. I don't thrash the thing and it's taken good care of me. As far as the locker goes, I've used it as a last resort on two or three different occasions in Canyonlands back country where I foolishly drove too slow over "notches" and got stuck. And the psychological benefit of knowing I have it in case I need it has allowed me to go through stuff I wouldn't normally go through. Maybe one of these days it will get me in trouble though by giving me too much self-confidence. One last remark - last week I was driving through North Hatch Canyon (east of US95 in southwest Utah) and I came upon a particularly knarly spot. Had to get out and fill a hole with some rocks in a washout and thought I'd better get into LORange with the locker engaged before I attempted the crossing. So I shoved the 4WD drive lever forward, stuck the truck in 1st, engaged the locker, and proceeded through the rough stuff with absolutely no problem. Little did I know that I actually moved the HILO lever forward out of 4WD instead of over and left into LO. The RR Locker dash indicator did come one even though the truck was in 2WD. Oh well I guess God watches over fools, especially those in the boondocks...