First Tacoma Test Drive raises a question

Yep , they are crap

 

On the test drive both rear ends seemed fine. But the front was a differant story. Felt very un-safe.
I remeber I bought a set of Coopers long ago for a Honda Accord. Same thing happend on the highway, even though the grooves were barley visable. Took 'em back and they said it was alignment. Had 2 alignments done at differant places. No help. Finally called the sales rep and told him I was calling the BBB, and Dept of Consumaer Affairs. The next day they gave me an "upgraded" set of tires and all the problem was solved.

Hate to put out 30+ knowing I need to buy replacement tires right away.

Does anyone know if Toyota offers differant tires as an option?

 

Horndog, The TRD OFFROAD package will come with the better BFGoodrich tires. That is the only optional way to get better tires from Toyota.

If your dealer has a Tacoma or other used truck that they need to replace the tires on before they can sell it, then you may work a deal with them to "buy" the Dunlops if you choose the SR5 and put real tires on your truck.

I was able to sell my Dunlops for $300 privately, thus offsetting some of the cost of mounting Michelins. I did not trust the Dunlops to drive them until they wore out.

By mounting Michelins, I did save a bit of money each month by not having to change underwear after each drive with the Dunlops.

 

Know wht you mean......that's what I'm afraid of too! Looks like the TRD Offroad is they way to go.

Now I'm wonding if I should wait to see if the new V6 injection engine happens, bringing the "upper" milage rating to 25. Not a great differance, but it all adds up gas wise. Just don't know if there will be a price incerase along with the new engine.

Just when I thought I figued out what to buy, I really didn't.

 

Horndog, another member went through the same decision process here a few weeks back. Instead of replacing the substandard suspension/tires after buying he too chose to go with the TRD OFF Road as well. I am not sure if this is the answer in every case, but it made dollars sense in his case. It also appears that if you select the "Towing Package" you get the slightly better 4 leaf rear springs over the standard 3 leaf rear springs, as well as the hitch, oil cooler and transmission cooler(Automatic transmission only).

 

Yep , 2012 and newer Offroads get the 3 leaf pack , Sport and SR5 models get the 4 leaf pack

 

One thing that no one else mentioned - I think.

You mentioned the ride was really stiff on the SR5, in addition to the squirrelly handling on grooved pavement.

The other possibility that comes to my mind is that the tires on that particular truck may have been over inflated. They wouldn't come that way from the factory, but you never know for sure what some minimum wage dealer prep kid is going to do.

You could check the tire pressure on that truck with a gauge, and then drive it again.

 

One available dealer upsell option is different rims with BFG All-Terrain TA/KO tires. Those are better even than the "Rugged Terrain" tires that come on the TRD Off-Road.

 

I would go straight to the Dakars. I wouldn't waste time getting the TSB leaf packs if you plan on towing and/or hauling with any regularity.

 

You need to be lifting the front as well if you are using Dakars unless you like the NHRA funny car rake