How is the Taco offroad?

[FJ40sRock]

How well do Tacomas perform offroad? What are the common mods to make them reasonable offroaders? Is the pre-2005 better or the post-2005? I am looking for something a little more comfortable than an FJ40 for offroad exploring with my wife. We will be on moderate terrain. I am looking at the 4-door. Does the long wheelbase present a problem? Thanks!

Andy.

 

[Jacket]

Go spend a little time on www.ttora.com and you'll quickly figure out that Tacomas wheel VERY well. Buy one with the rear e-locker, put a small lift on it to run 33's, get some sliders to protect your rockers, and that thing will cover 90% of the trails you throw at it. Either model will get you through moderate terrain without any trouble. To your specific questions:

pre or post 2005: pre-2005 are smaller and more "nimble" - more of a true "mini truck". Double Cab only comes in an Auto tranny. 3.4 is one of the most proven and reliable powerplants out there. 2005+ gives you a more comfortable cockpit and room for 4 to ride comfortably on long trips. 4.0V6 has nice power, and you can get a 6 spd manual with the double cab.

Long wheelbase has its advantages and disadvantages. Breakover is s***ty, and getting high-centered is more common. You learn to drive the two sides of the truck: the flexless IFS, and then the longer (but flexy and locked) rear. But you get good stability with the wheelbase, and on some rocks/ledges/waterfalls the long wheelbase helps.

Just get something in your price range and go have fun with it. You can't go wrong with a Tacoma.

 

[FJ40sRock]

Jacket,

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.

Andy.

 

[hoch]

I find the Tacoma one of the best expedition type vehicles. It wheels well and can be loaded up with plenty of cargo. To confirm what Jacket said, pre-04's are cheaper and smaller, but do lack a bit in power and comfort. Get what ever you can afford. You'll be happy.

 

[TACO BUENO]

FWIW
Fort Worth, Texas to Green river, Wyoming is 1,240 miles. I drove it in 23 hours with one stop for shut eye. Then proceeded to do 175+ miles offroad in the red desert (sandunes, mud, rocks) for three days. Then from there I drove to Logan, Utah another 400 miles there and back to green river. Wheeled some more, and finally drove back to Tejas, another 1,241miles.

that's my vote of confidence.

I love my taco.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

FWIW
Fort Worth, Texas to Green river, Wyoming is 1,240 miles. I drove it in 23 hours with one stop for shut eye. Then proceeded to do 175+ miles offroad in the red desert (sandunes, mud, rocks) for three days. Then from there I drove to Logan, Utah another 400 miles there and back to green river. Wheeled some more, and finally drove back to Tejas, another 1,241miles.

that's my vote of confidence.

I love my taco.

What year is your Taco?

 

[Happy Trails]

Go spend a little time on www.ttora.com and you'll quickly figure out that Tacomas wheel VERY well. Buy one with the rear e-locker, put a small lift on it to run 33's, get some sliders to protect your rockers, and that thing will cover 90% of the trails you throw at it. Either model will get you through moderate terrain without any trouble. To your specific questions:

pre or post 2005: pre-2005 are smaller and more "nimble" - more of a true "mini truck". Double Cab only comes in an Auto tranny. 3.4 is one of the most proven and reliable powerplants out there. 2005+ gives you a more comfortable cockpit and room for 4 to ride comfortably on long trips. 4.0V6 has nice power, and you can get a 6 spd manual with the double cab.

Long wheelbase has its advantages and disadvantages. Breakover is ****ty, and getting high-centered is more common. You learn to drive the two sides of the truck: the flexless IFS, and then the longer (but flexy and locked) rear. But you get good stability with the wheelbase, and on some rocks/ledges/waterfalls the long wheelbase helps.

Just get something in your price range and go have fun with it. You can't go wrong with a Tacoma.

I could not agree more. I have the xcab TRD mildly lifted, running
33's with an ARB front bumper and Warn M8000lb winch in front.
Due to the extra weight up front, I have Donahoe Coilovers $$.
Seems to suit my needs here in the Central High Sierras. Defiately alot easier on my back compared to an old CJ7 I had.

 

[TACO BUENO]

What year is your Taco?

1998 ext. cab 3r7 power plant.

 

[skeezix]

I started out with a 1987 Toyota 4WD, then bought a new TRD in 1998. Both of those trucks, in their stock condition, would go far beyond where my meager 2 huevos would let me drive them.

The locking diff in the TRD has saved me 3 times. Each time I was miles and miles from civilization, so I would certainly recommend that option.

I doubt the truck would take me up the Rubicon or up Surprise Canyon in CA (google surprise canyon and you'll see what I mean), but both trucks easily handle any road in Canyonlands (Teapot Canyon being the roughest I've been on) with ease. Except of course some of the "metal mashers" around Moab.

The 1987 had the RE2.7 FI engine and was a real dog on the highways, but its low range would let it climb walls.

I can't think of any disadvantages. Reliability is great! Hope this helps.

 

[bwallen149]

sorry to hijack the thread, but do all TRD's come with locking rear diffs? I see alot for sale that dont have the switch and a few that do. Does this vary with the pre vs. post 2005?

 

[skeezix]

In 1998 the TRD was a package consisting of the locking differential and heavier rear springs. Don't know about any years after that - sorry.

 

[pell53]

I use to have a double cab tacoma and it preformed excellent offroad. Unfortunately it was one of them that fell victim to our road salt here in the midwest and the truck was bought back by toyota due to frame rust.

Anyway, Here is a link to a build up that Scott Brady did with Expeditions West and his double cab tacoma. You will also see some pretty amazing expeditions that they took this vehicle on, including a trip to the arctic circle.

Enjoy!

Expeditions West: 2004 Tacoma Double Cab, 255/85 R16, Deaver, Donahoe, Demello

 

[Happy Trails]

Great article! I modeled my truck after Scott's. Expeditions West is an excellent publication.

 

[Devil Frog]

sorry to hijack the thread, but do all TRD's come with locking rear diffs? I see alot for sale that dont have the switch and a few that do. Does this vary with the pre vs. post 2005?

"TRD Off Road" has rear locker, "TRD Sport" does not (only +2005)

 

[meridian]

The Taco is one of Toyotas tougest, and most reliliant trucks. Bottom line is they arent built as strong as the cruisers but still tough. The engines and drivetrain anre meant for abuse. That being said everything will still break because I have and so have many others. Just finding that limit is the fun part. Mine went from stock to not in only a few months. I learned my lesson about IFS and couldnt have common problems. Most guys I wheel with drive cruisers so I used a HJ60 axle in my swap. Parts are everywhere for the cruiser!!!!!