Four Months Ownership Update 4x2 Reg Cab

[jpjames]

Here are some thoughts regarding my 4 Cyl auto Taco:
23 to 25 MPG in Eastern PA, city, hills and Highway....this is good.
Installed a trailer hitch from U-haul..$125 and easy half hour.
Installed the hopi wiring harness....$ 30 and easy half hour.
Installed the K&N filter....but haven't noticed much difference.
Installed the Ipod box as shown on uTube....Another easy half hour...works great.
Ordered sound insulation from J C Whitney and stuck it to the bear metal wall behind the bench seat....this deadened some of the noise.
Big improvement in ride and noise came with the removal of the stock tires after 5,000 miles. Installed four Goodyear Comfort treads...rides smoother and much quieter.
Bought a seat cushion and back support to support my 60 year old bones. This was a big, big help. Went the Healthy Back Store and sat in about six different versions until one fit. The bench seat was simply uncomfortable. The cushions made a difference.
The truck has ample power for a four cylinder and does a nice job with eight hundred pounds of boat, motor and trailer in tow.
Toyota could have or should have put some effort into improving the ride for those of us who want the economy of a light use vehicle. However, with the changes it's turned out to be a rather nice and economical ride.

[socalman22]

Nice write up. You have a pic of the hitch you got?

[05TacoTRD]

I got my receiver/ball from uhaul.

[Ridgerunner]

NIce thread! You sound like me with the aches/pains "more padding please"

[Ridingontrd]

Well done sir. Enjoy!!

[jpjames]

Originally Posted by socalman22

Nice write up. You have a pic of the hitch you got?

Here's the link:http://store.uhaul.com/hitches.aspx
The hitch is similar to the one shown. Nothing to drill or disassemble. The bolts lined up perfectly with the frame. There are two vinyl popouts on the bumper for drop through bolts. The popups are then replaced to hide the bolt.