- Thread starter
- #61
Update time:
I know it hasn't been quite a year yet, and the miles aren't that high, but, hoping this might help others, especially since it's end of model year time.
Purchase date, 12/11/21. Miles to date- just over 6500.
Almost every mile has been loaded down, either road trips, hardware store runs, camping trips, etc. Keep in mind it's lifted, so some of my comments may not be relevant to a factory rig.
It has been driven in rain, snow, mud, sand, and, plenty of pavement. It has seen minimal 4x4 time, mostly snow, a little for mud, in OR.
Road performance: it has plenty of power, even with the lift and bigger tires. Especially compared to my 1st gen Taco. Handling is okay- the lift and tires cause it to feel a bit loose, especially with multiple potholes, or if the road has ruts from heavy truck traffic (plenty of both around here). It does great with all precipitation I've had it in- a foot of Sierra Nevada snow was a breeze.
Towing: I've only had about 2 tons on a utility trailer, but it handled it well. The rear sagged quite a bit under the load, but no driveability issues.
Creature comforts: with two young kids, the Mrs. and I, the cab was cozy. However, the seats are comfy, but on the stiff side for long road trips. Not terrible, but you're ready to be done, after 12 hrs driving. Cab size is perfect, regarding leg room, but also, ease of being able to reach back and pass/grab stuff from the kids. We've had adults in the back seat with reasonable comfort. With 2 kids car seats, the back is narrow; so, unfortunately, not wide enough for even a small-hipped adult to sit between. But, it's plenty of space to stack all the road trip items the kiddos need.
Cons: the automatic transmission is a little concerning. On steeper hills, or when towing, it wants to roll back. Living in hill country, I usually have to feather the gas to keep it from rolling back. I feel like I read about this somewhere, and not sure if it's a design issue, or something to be cognisant about with a future issue.
Rear suspension leaves a lot to be desired (granted it's lifted, so, probably needs upgrading). If I put more than a couple hundred pounds in it, it looks like those rigs from the south, where the front is lifted but not the rear. Douchy, in my mind.
I haven't modified it yet. Planning on a camper shell and a ladder rack, with wheel-well tool boxes. Have been putting all until I sort out the rear suspension, since I feel the added weight will make it sag.
Does anyone have any suggestions for rear suspension for a 3" lifted rig, that is at factory specs or higher, for hauling? I haven't researched yet. Seeking feedback and resolutions from others who may have the same issue.
I know it hasn't been quite a year yet, and the miles aren't that high, but, hoping this might help others, especially since it's end of model year time.
Purchase date, 12/11/21. Miles to date- just over 6500.
Almost every mile has been loaded down, either road trips, hardware store runs, camping trips, etc. Keep in mind it's lifted, so some of my comments may not be relevant to a factory rig.
It has been driven in rain, snow, mud, sand, and, plenty of pavement. It has seen minimal 4x4 time, mostly snow, a little for mud, in OR.
Road performance: it has plenty of power, even with the lift and bigger tires. Especially compared to my 1st gen Taco. Handling is okay- the lift and tires cause it to feel a bit loose, especially with multiple potholes, or if the road has ruts from heavy truck traffic (plenty of both around here). It does great with all precipitation I've had it in- a foot of Sierra Nevada snow was a breeze.
Towing: I've only had about 2 tons on a utility trailer, but it handled it well. The rear sagged quite a bit under the load, but no driveability issues.
Creature comforts: with two young kids, the Mrs. and I, the cab was cozy. However, the seats are comfy, but on the stiff side for long road trips. Not terrible, but you're ready to be done, after 12 hrs driving. Cab size is perfect, regarding leg room, but also, ease of being able to reach back and pass/grab stuff from the kids. We've had adults in the back seat with reasonable comfort. With 2 kids car seats, the back is narrow; so, unfortunately, not wide enough for even a small-hipped adult to sit between. But, it's plenty of space to stack all the road trip items the kiddos need.
Cons: the automatic transmission is a little concerning. On steeper hills, or when towing, it wants to roll back. Living in hill country, I usually have to feather the gas to keep it from rolling back. I feel like I read about this somewhere, and not sure if it's a design issue, or something to be cognisant about with a future issue.
Rear suspension leaves a lot to be desired (granted it's lifted, so, probably needs upgrading). If I put more than a couple hundred pounds in it, it looks like those rigs from the south, where the front is lifted but not the rear. Douchy, in my mind.
I haven't modified it yet. Planning on a camper shell and a ladder rack, with wheel-well tool boxes. Have been putting all until I sort out the rear suspension, since I feel the added weight will make it sag.
Does anyone have any suggestions for rear suspension for a 3" lifted rig, that is at factory specs or higher, for hauling? I haven't researched yet. Seeking feedback and resolutions from others who may have the same issue.
