2008 Tacoma 4x4 (Need 4x4 MOD Advice)

Greetings fellow Toyota enthusiasts!

I am hoping to gain perspective on how to properly modify my new truck based on your experiences (triumphs and challenges).

I have a 2008 Tacoma, access cab, 4x4, 4-CYL, 5-SPD (non-SR5/TRD) model. This is VERY stock! I was hoping to save money up-front, and modify later.

I noticed that 4-LOW is not as "beefy" (or as low) as my friend's 98 Tacoma. Furthermore, the truck just seems to lack the "UMPH" to get up a serious off-road hill in 4-LOW without burning the clutch.

With that being said, what kind of modification to the clutch (or other engine/drive train areas) can I improve while maintaining my economic 23-MPG with the 4-cylinder engine.

I want it to be a good "road truck", but I would also like it to climb a hill every once-in-awhile.

Any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

- Ambient (Stock Taco Guy)

 

What do you mean by UMPH?

Are you loosing traction going up those hills?
or
Are you looking to go blazing up those hill in full speed?

Seriously - that 4cylinder should have plenty of power. So perhaps you need a better set of tires and/or a locker? You should never go blazing up hills - dangerous. With some good tires and a locker - you should be able to 'creep' your way up most of the hills.

Not really sure what else you're asking.....

Anyone can go blazing up a hill. But not everyone can craw up one.

 

To better clarify, I'm not "gunning it" up the hill, but trying to creep as you described. When I tried to creep up the hill, the clutch was slipping and smoking (probably burning off the teflon coating). That has me worried since the hill is not seriously steep and the truck should have enough crawling power as you mentioned.

 

Where do I start.....
Doesn't make any sense....something is wrong. The clutch should never slip. And in 4Low, it has the least amount of load on it. And there is no teflon on the clutch plates

 

Welcome to the forum!!! Glad to have you