Ford F-150 to Tacoma

Unfortunately those times are pretty much over. Well until they go all electric than you'll get your low end torque back

 

I spend way more time in traffic than I like. A huge part of the reason for me to buy this truck was to get something that would make my ride easier and more enjoyable. This truck makes me happy..... thinking about it for a minute, I probably have much simpler needs for happiness than I used to. Maybe that's why I don't have a hotrod anymore.

 

You'll miss the room of a full size no two ways around it.
The back seat of a Taco is TIGHT. With my small wife in the front seat and two kids in the back. Once the boys are older zero chance I will have a midsize truck, just doesn't make sense size wise.

Also I dont know any better. This is my first truck and don't get me wrong I like my Tacoma, but there is something to be said about Full size trucks.

 

smitty99 is absolutely right about the torque. The rpm band is too high to be useful in a pickup truck. Most of us don't care what the engine does at 4,000 rpm. I just upgraded from a 2002 S10 and it was much better off idle and cruise despite the higher power of the taco. It also didn't pull as many rpms to tow.

Toyota needed something with more power to keep up with the GM Twins and the Nissan. On paper, this engine fits the bill. In life, it's a little off.

I've been overall happy with my truck, but the power band is not quite what I'd like. I don't regret buying my truck at all though.

I don't think this is true at all. I think we can get what we need, It might be a differently tuned version of this engine or a refined 4.0 or bigger V6..... maybe something with different tuning on the VVt-i..... maybe something with long small tube headers or whatever the equivalent for this engine would be since it's cast in the head. I really think some refinement for use in a truck is what is needed.

 

Dead nuts accurate.

 

Tempting theory to buy into but not sure I'm a full subscriber just yet... some of this has to do with Manufacturer profits too. Streamlining manufacturing, simplifying the fleet for more efficient tech training--Southwest Airlines embodies that mold.

 

Thanks. I've worked on enough hotrods to figure out what does and doesn't work for what is needed. Even with all the advancements since the 80s, engines still do the same things they did in 1955 and earlier. It's just getting the details right.

I disagree. Toyota can do better. They were just looking for an easy boost in horse power number and the 3.5 was already available. GM sold a 5.7 Litre Engine that could get 31 mpgs, make 305hp, 351 ft-lbs of torque which could propel a 3500lb car to 12 sec 1/4 mile times at over 104mph.... and that was released back in 1998!!!!

Toyota was just balancing economics, marketing, design, and manufacturing.... they might have missed the mark a little on this truck, but it's still the best one available for what I wanted/needed. I like my truck, but Toyota could do better.

 

I had a 1991 Toyota extra cab p/u. I was 18 then....215lbs, no kids, just some surfboards...was awesome for those 90,000 I put on it.
Now, unfortunately, a Tacoma is just not in the cards for me size wise as the low seat and low roof and tiny back seat kill the deal everytime.

I'm 6'6...the wife is 5'7...and the kids just keep getting bigger! =D

 

I 100% agree with this statement, well said!

 

I've got concerns with the new F-150 Aluminums glued and riveted on sides. Shades of a sardine can.

 

Holy crap that's crazy!!

 

I can promise you that was cut by Fire and peeled back to extricate

 

For sure, but a horrible wreck.

 

Got my 6mt last night. Not sure what people are complaining about power for.

And I'm coming from a 5.3l silverado.

 

Could be, but If I was looking at F-150's, I'd look at pre-aluminum used ones.

 

I went through a similar situation. I had a Tundra Double cab then upgraded to a CrewMax that was unfortunately wrecked. I then decided to downsize to a Tacoma. I really missed all the space the Tundra offered. And the V8 power and roll down rear window. I thought the Tacoma would be a good compromise and save me on gas. Well that really didnt pan out as the Tacoma (2013) was only slightly better than the Tundra (2011) MPG wise, and I had to feed the 4.0 premium fuel to keep it from knocking. The Tacoma was a good truck and I put 75K trouble free miles on it, but I was glad to get back into a full size truck. I now have a 2015 F150 SCrew and have the room of the Tundra and better gas mileage than the Tacoma.

 

The only negatives I have heard on the aluminum is cost to repair accident damage.Look at what is made from aluminum these days,engine blocks for one... I dont own one but the aluminum would not be why I would not buy one...bet there are a few planes flying around with lots of aluminum in them.

 

Why were you using premium fuel for a 2013 toyota tacoma? I thought they all required regular gas....maybe you were using bad fuel? I would recommend using top tier gasoline.

 

I went from driving F150 as a work assigned personal truck, new leases every 3 years, for 13 years. When I moved on to a different job, got a Dclb 2nd gen Tacoma. Yes, I did miss the cab space initially, but I knew for personal use and backroad exploring the Tacoma was the right fit for me. I much enjoy the better off-road manners than the f150, especially once I did mods to the Toyota. Would not go back to the F150 unless I really needed the space.

 

The AL trucks are rated better than the steel ones via NHTSA ratings.

I was running premium fuel because of the engine knocking on 87 octane. There is actually a TSB to correct this, but my truck would still knock on occasion so I just stuck with 91. I was also using top tier fuels (BP).