finding the right tacoma

[toyotaconvert86]

Hey everybody I'm new to yota land so I'm just gonna throw this out there and see what sticks.

I'm looking to purchase a 96-2002 4x4 4c 2.7L with the xtra cab. I dont really tow anything and mpg's are def a factor, but much more than is the realiabilty longevity, and how easy it is to get around and work on thats why I've pretty much decided on the 2.7. I've seen a few 6cyl that are under 100k that I'm interested in but really dont want to settle especailly since i plan on keeping it till the wheels fall off. One guys said he gets 26mpg on the 6 with upgraded intake and exhaust.

My 93 nissan d21's got over 270,000 and still runs great but its 2wd and i need a 4x4, so im particulatry intrested in timing chains, overheating, suspensions, starters, elec. malfuntions in the 4 vrs the 6. If anyone feels free to give me a quick education in gear ratio, and the value of lockers, i have no idea. It'll be my 1st 4x4.

Its mostly gonna be a DD, but I do need to get on narrow mtn trails to fish and hunt in the fall. And who knows I may catch offroading bug once i get into it. Also, if you guys see a particular year that stands out, and mods that might make it diff than others. I know the TRD came around in 96 and its supercharged and upgraded suspension? Like i said I'm a recent convert and would appreciate any general and specific knowlege about you all can offer. Thanks

 

[Duane]

Hi ..welcome.. I am not a taco nut but can comment on the powertrains as I own 3 third generation 4Runners.

The 2.7 is an interference fit engine with a timing chain, exhaust manifold known to crack
The 3.4 is a non interference fit engine with a timing belt to be changed every 100K or so. Prone to water pump leakage so usually addressed with timing belt.
Both solid engines but I tend to think the 2.7 inline 4 cylinder would require the least amount of work.
For me though i actually get better highway mileage on a 3.4L with 115K on it than my 2.7L with 190K on it. My 2.7 seems to run smooth and quiet along with accessories where as my 3.4L's both seem to make more noises when cold etc.
I think the overall condition of the vehicle, clean accident history and a thorough maintenance history are the best factors when buying used.
my 2 cents anyhow

Oh and I forgot to mention lockers... yes the "rear diff lock" is a great thing to have so if you can find this option great.. made to lock up rear wheels together in 4Lo so one can't turn without the other turning. Therefore if in 4Lo and rear diff lock engaged 2 rear wheels and 1 front wheel will turn.
4 wheel drive without a diff lock will have 1 front and 1 rear wheel turning.
TRD models have this diff lock option standard I think. Push button on dash to the left of the steering wheel.

as for gear ratios not sure what options one had in the Taco's... 4Hi seems ok for most stuff and I haven't crawled over rocks in 4Lo but any time I bothered to select 4Lo it certain gears it way down. hope that helps
Gear ratio being number of rotations on the pinion to get 1 full turn on the ring/crown gear... or simpler terms, ratio is # of turns on the drive shaft to get the wheels to turn 1 full revolution. ie. 4.56:1 ratio is geared lower than a 3.10:1 ratio. Of course transmissions have different ratios as do differentials so it's easiest perhaps to just compare a given road speed & engine rpm of 1 vehicle to another to see if 1 revs faster at a given speed...or on the bottom end as well if say 1st gear is important to you.

 

[LukeZero]

Duane has good advice above. The only thing I would add is that some Tacomas of that vintage were prone to frame rusting. If you find a truck you like, see if it is one of the ones affected and whether it has had any action taken on it by Toyota. If it has not, see if it might be eligible for some corrective action. Toyota appears to be making this right- so not a huge concern.

Luke