97 Tacoma XCab V6 Load Floor Height

Looking to buy a stock 97 Tacoma XCab V6. Can someone tell me what the height is from the ground to the floor of the bed? Also, any issues I ought to be concern about for this particular year and model? T.I.A.

 

You looking for a 4X4 or a 2WD Taco?

The #1 issue to check for is frame corrosion.

 

Looking for a standard 2x4, 4 or 6 cyl, ext cab. Want something with a low stock bed height so I can easily load my motorcycle. BTW, I've been reading people complain about how flimsy the tailgate is and they questioned its ability to hold up the read end of any motorcycle. I plan on riding the bike up a ramp, putting 550+ lb (bike is 350 and I am about 200) of pressure on the tailgate. Is that something I ought to be concern about also?

 

Both 4-cylinder and V6 5-lug 2WD XtraCabs were available from 1995.5 through 2000 with either manual or automatic transmissions. I'm not clear why you specified 1997 - is there a particular specimen for sale that you're interested in?

Load floor height is not one of the standard spec measurements, so you'll either need to measure an available specimen or hope someone else does and posts the results.

Many people report 'issues' with the tailgates for 'cycle hauling. Others don't. It depends on a lot of variables (including the design of the ramp). In general, though ... If you're going to be regularly hauling with the tailgate down and bearing weight, you should probably expect some wear issues and maybe the need to upgrade the stays.

 

I've carried a 1983 Honda VT500FT in the bed of my 2002 reg cab with no problem with the tail gate. I angled it in so I could close the tail gate. My bike and I weight more than 600 lbs.

I walk the bike up with me on one ramp and the bike on the other ramp with the engine running in 1st gear. I would recommend having a person to help steady the bike, tying the ramps to the truck, and finding a shallow ditch to back the truck in because it helps to reduce the load angle.
BTW, I wouldn't ride it on. Check YouTube for examples.

 

Thanks for all the info.

Yes, there was a 97 that was for sale, which I was interested in. The lady emailed me back and told me it's sold... That was quick, lasted only a day.

I have an ATV ramp that I was going to use to ride the bike up, so hopefully I won't be another youtube video.


So my search continues for a reasonably priced and clean 1st gen Tacoma.

 

Ya gotta jump quick on those good deal Tacomas.

I have first hand experience that our tailgates are pretty poor. It really doesn't take a whole lot to get it bent and they aren't cheap to replace.

That being said, they can be reinforced pretty easy as well.

 

Yep,
Clean and reasonable priced older Tacos are gone in the blink of an eye. I've missed a few myself.

 

x2, you can't waiver or waffle if you see one that looks good.