Probably our last Toyota

Well after owning my 2005 Tacoma for 4 months I have to say the older ones were built better and this will probably be our last Toyota. We have had 3 Trucks and 2 SUV's and this 2005 with is suspension issues is junk. You would think if you pay $18,000 for a truck that you can haul more than a couple hundred pounds or more than two people in it. I recently had 500 pounds of mulch in my double cab 4x4 and it bottomed out the entire way home except the freeway. I also went to a concert the other night with 3 of my buddies in the truck with me and the same bottoming out issue.

My truck has 67,000 on it and I have already talked to the 800#. They just told me to go see the local dealer and they documented my call. The local dealer said $90 to check it out and then no guarantees.

Anyway, to make a long story short I am upset that I ever purchased another Tacoma. Toyota does not stand behind their products for crap. What good is a 1/2 ton truck if it can only haul 200 pounds?

At least I can tow my boat with it and bottom out all the way to the lake!

Does anyone have a corporate address I can write a letter to and bitch? Maybe that will help.

 

Selling will just make you lose money.

Get a better leaf pack (Alcan, Deaver, ect) or do an add a leaf.

 

I have seen a few people that installed the ride rite air bag helper on their trucks and seems to work very well with a great ride when you want it and sturdy when needed. I don't have a toyota yet myself but these seem like reasonable options to me.

 

No offense but, had you researched your purchase, you would've known about this issue. It has been discussed time after time after time on the various Toyota forums.

But, here you are so go with what jhodge said. That's your solution.

 

If other than the springs the truck serves you well-hell I would throw on a whole set of new corrected springs! I saw your pics-that's a dam nice truck and there aint nuthin out there that will top it. Sorry-just a fact

 

x2

 

gotta agree with the rest of the guys.........get a decent set of springs, or even an aal.....it will make all the difference in the world. then......you'll still have the best truck available.......hands down!!

 

I'm thinking about installing SuperSprings and Bilstein HDs as a TSB alternative. Will the SuperSprings raise the level of the rear of my truck like a extra leaf spring would ? (I would hate that)








Bjm0R

 

Thanks a lot man, I think I'm going to try that. In terms of cornering and bodyroll should I install it in the front and rear or will rear installation be fine by itself ?

 

I have upgraded suspension one way or another on just about every truck I have ever owned to suit my needs. If the only thing you don't like about the 3 year old used Toyota is the manufacturers choice of spring rates, that is not a very good reason to get rid of it and never own another. Some people would almost consider it a defect if it had the firmer suspension settings of the older trucks, so there is no way Toyota can please everyone. If you are happy with the ride height, just get a low arch add-a-leaf and some firm Bilsteins, at 67,000 mile it would need new shocks anyway. Since you bought the truck used and with the stated mileage, I don't think I would bother with the dealer for what looks like a 1 hr minimum charge just to look at it and tell you everything is correct as per the original build specs except for normal wear and tear. You have a very good truck, but if you decided to go out tomorrow and get a mid size 4 door truck, what brand and model would you look for that would perform as well as what you have now?

 

EYBALL
You have a beautiful truck. You need to take the suggestions from the people here helping you. You can do magic with that truck. Sometimes problems can drive you nuts, but there are solutions. Stay cool and calm and it will work out. Toyota just bought me a new truck and I paid the taxes. Had to say goodbye to a 99 V6 TRD Access 86000 miles. Awesome truck. Could cry. I pick up a 2wd SR5 Access cab Impulse Red Pearl tomorrow. Don't you have that color? GOOOOOOD color!!! Keep the faith man and enjoy that truck. Good Luck.

 

Do what the people here have suggested & upgrade the springs. My truck is just like yours (Color & everything) & did the exact same thing w/ less than 3k on it. Fixed the suspesnsion & viola no more bottoming out. Been thru & thru a Toyota Truck owner since my first one in Oct of 1986. Can't remember one that didn't sag factory after awhile. The 4runners were the worst! So don't waste your time writing man, spend a little of the stimulus check & enjoy your new truck.

 

Thanks guys! I am just pissed I have to spend more money I don't really have. Otherwise I do like the truck a lot.

Xedge: What did you do to yours? Is the suspension work something I can do myself in a weekend? I am pretty good with cars/trucks but in no way a mechanic. I have never done any suspension work before.

Thanks again for the info. I need to do something as I tow my boat and haul my bike with this truck often and also have a family of 4.

Eyball

 

I know how you feel eyball. I bought my '05 new specifically to haul an ATV. The truck bottoms out with 600-700 pounds in it. Toyota has stepped up and come out with the TSB but the problem I have is the dealer in my area. They are playing dumb (I hope they are playing). Never heard of the problem. Will not return phone calls.
I can live with Toyota's products but I am getting tired of fighting with dealerships.

 

I emailed them late last night and got a reply early this morning, they said the front is optional I would need it only if I had a winch or snowplow installed. Now that's customer service !

 

Eyeball as far as for doing it yourself go for it, very easy to do with minor tools and experience. If you are putting the add aleaf it souldn't take but a few hours to do. I never installed a lift before and did my whole truck in something like 6 hours, mainly because I was on the phone with work, had my 3yr old with me and neglected to realize that this truck needs metric tools which I have very few of. Not to mention 3 trips to town and we ate lunch. Go for it you'll be proud.

 

My 2 cents here. For what you're describing, and your circumstances I'd recommend Air Lift levelers. They'll cost you a couple of hundred bucks and they're easy to put on yourself. The nice thing is that they are nearly infinitely adjustable. Run them with 5-10 lbs. for normal driving around, up to 40 -50 to tow the boat, put them up to 100 lbs. for a trip to Home Depot for 1000 lbs of landscaping material. All the while maintaining attitude and alignment, as well as comfort and a smile.

 

Try this instead of an AAL. I read all the threads about AAL and the TSB making the ride a bit more harsh so I passed on the leaf TSB and went with this http://www.activesuspension.com/. Very happy with the setup and no ride sacrafice. Handles my trailer a lot better a well.

 

Go through the 1-800 number and print out a copy of the TSB. They'll set everything up for you.