TACO what to look for? (1 Viewer)

[reffug]

I am leaning rather heavily to aquiring a 2000+ TACO. Definatley going to get a TRD package truck as well as the 4 door variation. I originally came here expecting to find a FAQ that I thought would answer my questions but alas I did not. What should I look for as far as problems with these rigs go? What type of mileage can one expect from the V-6? Is there a reason to consider an older TACO as opposed to 2000 i.e. what year is the last for a solid front axle that sort of thing? I will probably use this as a daily driver and work truck to pull a trailer with all my mowing gear. Oh and I will set it up for moderate wheeling as well. Any advice you fella's can give will be appreciated.

 

[thepinktaco]

Well the solid axle went out in 85 so your a few years late on that. Other than that from 95 to 04 the tacos are pretty much the same. Not much changed. I have the 4 cyl with 194 on it which means its just getting broken in. The 6 cyls seem to go for awhile too. The main thing to look for in the Taco is the frame rails in the rear. If the truck was beat or saw salty conditions they like to crack.

 

[Leaping Deer]

I have 185k on my 3.4 and it runs great. If you are going to go older than 2000 I wouldn't go much older than 98 as there are a couple refinements which I personally like over my 98 and upgrade parts seem to be a little more plentiful. If you are looking for a 4 door check which year that started 2001?

 

[calamaridog]

2001 had some cosmetic upgrades and the first year of the 4 door. 1998 and later V6 had a few refinements. The only benefit to the TuRD package is the e-locker in the rear.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

4 door variations (2001-2004), no front solid axle unless you do a conversion. Also, 4 door models only came in automatic (no problem though), with 4.10 gears. TRD models in that class came with tokio shocks, later models with bilsteins, progressive rate coil springs, stickers, 265/70R16s (31s) and rear locker.

Point to note, in 4x4 TRD models the locker only engages in 4lo, unless you do the grey wire mod (very easy), because the 4x2 (Prerunner) models allowed engagement in 2hi (since no transfer case!).

Since you're talking about towing, the factory hitches are class III. The biggest complaint are the rear leaves going flat (in some cases negative arch) on the double cabs. Upgrading the rear leaves (i.e. new pack, not aal--add a leaf) worked best for me.

MPG vary with driving and mods. Reports vary from 21-17 highway. I can get 19-17 (rarely 20) with 2.5" lift and 32s. My '01 is at 88K with zero issues (knock on wood).

They're great trucks, so good luck.