Still Getting Used to My Nice Tacoma w/Concerns

My name is Nick and I've had my 2015 Tacoma TRD Off-Road for what will be two years in October. Coming from a history of owning only full-sized trucks, this truck was a little adjustment. I'll be honest: it's a love/hate relationship thus far. There are so many things I absolutely love about this truck. However, there are a ton of little things that have really driven me nuts. The positives have certainly outweighed the negatives, but I joined this site in hopes to get some feedback from other Tacoma enthusiasts to see if maybe some of these negatives can be resolved because ultimately, it is a badass little truck.

The Pros:
Before I truly did any legitimate modifications, I enjoyed driving the truck. I remember taking it up in the Sierras with a group of friends (whom all drive lifted, full sized trucks-mostly diesels) two months after I bought it as we were Christmas tree hunting. We had to drive up a relatively steep jeep trail to get to our spot and I remember clear as day just popping my truck into 4WH and zipping up that trail with ease while everyone else had to creep up and/or struggled in their big truck. From that day on, I was sold on the Tacoma's capability. It drives pretty nicely and is just big enough for myself and friends who tag along on our normal mountain bike trips. I felt confident buying the rig given the Tacoma's reputation for dependability and duration of. It's basically a little tank that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. I've since modified the truck by adding a Flowmaster muffler, tinting the windows, and adding a lift kit. I originally started with a 1.5" leveler, then went 3" block lift on 33's, and now have a 6" Pro-Comp lift on 35" Pro Comp AT Tires; so I've had some fun. All in all, it's a pretty amazing vehicle.

The Cons:
Having said that, I've come across some annoyances that I can't seem to get past (so maybe someone can shed some light on this for me). I have to remind myself that it's a truck, so it's always going to have little noises and imperfections that I will have to learn to just ignore, but I AM kind of OCD when it comes to my vehicles.

1. The first annoying little thing I noticed was the inner portion of the driver seat (around the lumbar area) seems to make a weird back and forth clunking noise that seems to be most noticeable around turns. I've brought this to TWO different Toyota dealers' attention and neither could pinpoint what it was. It's NOT a huge deal, but I've noticed it from the beginning and figured "this is a new truck, why does it have ANY noises?" I even asked a couple other local Tacoma owners who say that they do not experience the same issue (which seemed odd)
2. Another small issue I've noticed is that of when the front windows (driver and passenger) are lowered only a quarter to half way down while driving, they tend to wiggle and rattle quite a bit. BOTH dealers claim this to be normal on these vehicles, but is it??
3. All within the first year of owning this vehicle, I've had to replace the driver side door panel as the handle came loose, I have to replace the black panel that the window and lock switches are on as it broke and popped off the panel (from just opening and shutting the door I'm assuming), and now it sounds like the driver side door speaker is starting to sound blown. I mean I get that these are rather small issues, but seriously, all of which happened within the first year and a half of new ownership?? I don't beat the crap out of this truck either...
4. Lastly, the largest issue I'm facing is since I put my 6" Pro Comp lift on (with the Pro Comp MX6 Monotube Shocks in the rear), I notice that when I am at slower speeds rolling over bumps, cracks or drainage dips in parking lots, I'm getting a 'poppy-rumble' like noise in the rear end of the truck - almost sounds like there's some play somewhere. I've brought this to the attention of 4 Wheel Parts here in Reno, (who installed it; they are great over there) and they could not recreate or pinpoint it. I KNOW I'm not going crazy; so can someone shed some insight?? Also, side note: I noticed that after the install of this lift, the front end sits just a little taller than the rear, is this normal? It also seems like since the install about a month ago, the truck seems a little lower in height; do they tend to settle or sink a little after driving some?

I know it seems like I'm complaining about of minute issues, but I want to love this truck an feel like after I get this cleared up, I'll be well on my way because it IS a pretty sweet ride!

 

Welcome to TW Nick!Best of luck!Every truck has there own different characteristics!Even being the same model specific truck as others have!Being patient in regards to mods by researching,learning and such on the TW forum will find that ultimate balance for positivity with your truck!It all depends on also exactly what you want out of your truck and the utilization of it!

 

Thank you, ODNAREM! I really appreciate it!

 

First off, welcome!

Just so you know, the new member forum is for introductions, maybe some pics, not really for problem discussions. There are a variety of forums for those. You might want to peel out your specific points and post them singularly in the corresponding forum.

I've commented on your issues below a bit, and refered to where you might get more (and better!) responses.

1) Warranty. It's not right, keep after them. (2nd gen forum)

2) They are a bit looser than other vehicles I've had. But if you are talking about when driving at speed, try opening the back glass or cracking the rear doors. Motion can be reduced by changing cabin pressure. Most modern vehicles aren't really designed to flow air well, windows down. (2nd gen forum)

3) Never seen such. I had a '98 Sonoma with 140k, sitting in Fl sun all it's life, never had issues like that. Don't read much about that kind of thing around here either. So it must not be common, 'cause TacomaWorld is home of all things broken. Still seems like a warranty issue, unless obvious wear or abuse (which you disclaim) is obvious. (2nd gen forum)

4) Rather than comment, I'll just suggest you do reading in the suspension forum, maybe ask some questions over there.

Good luck squaring things away!