Utility package Tacomas (The bearded toy)

I've put 2000 miles on my Util model and have no complaints with it. It does everything I could ask of it for what I paid for it. The wipers don't have an intermittent feature which can be changed for $80 if you wish. I haven't.

I haven't had any problems with my truck. The front driveline did need to be greased. All the fluids were at the proper levels. My u-bolts moved slightly to 65ft lbs(setting is 52 I think)

Things I was surprised that it had as a bare bones model: Tilt/tele wheel, heated power side mirrors, backup camera(I think is required now) lumbar support driver's seat, slow lower tailgate.

I didn't want a bunch of stuff on my truck I would never use and paid too much for and this truck fits the bill.

 

I have some minor gripes. (My truck has the convenience package, FWIW. Same truck really.)

- Notchy shift feel that seems to improve over time (13,700 miles on mine). 1-2 is the only noticeable "notchy" shift for me.

- Popping in exhaust at startup. Doesn't happen every single time, but we all seem to experience it. It sounds more like some modded "tuner" effect ... rather than something that will have you thinking "oh shit, something is wrong". I can see some being annoyed by that.

- <20mph phantom drive train harmonic sounds in deceleration (even in neutral, or clutch down while in gear). It's barely noticeable, but it's there.

- The wiper thing is obviously annoying, but this is a stupid easy modification.

- No multi-function display (or compass). I use the Torque app on my phone to compensate, but I would really love the MFD. It truly broke my heart that the SR5 trim did not offer MT.

- shitty stock tires.

No real plans to change anything on the truck. I've make aesthetic and utility mods (tires,cap, hitch, brake controller), but the truck is pretty great right from the factory for a person who just wants a cheap ass truck.

 

I love my SR it rides better than my TRD offroad. SR is getting around 18 mpg (I use fuel buddy app every fuel stop) with shell and equipment = about 700lbs. Got 50,000 miles on the sr with no probems. Added cruise control is the only thing I did. Changing the worn-out tires this week going to try 265/70/16s and see how the truck reacts to them. If it doesn't work out I'll put them on the trd and drop back down to the 245/75/16s

 

So basic check ups and grease your zerks? Seems like normal preventative maintenance. I read to check all fluids on the truck before putting miles on it.

I am the same way, if I had an option for no touchsceen, backup camera and manual roll up windows I would go that route.

Thank you for taking the time to type this out for me and others trying to get more information.

Drive train harmonic sounds? I read a thread about a arms having small holes and you just silicone them and that is what was causing noise?

The wiper mod is something I will have to install but it only takes 10 minutes I read, just have to be careful removing the airbag. It rains 5 days a week where I live.

I am content with minimal technology. Is there a cigarette output to put a Garmin GPS in to solve that problem?

Stock tires will be removed almost immediately when I decide to purchase one.

 

For the wiper mod, the airbag isn't touched, although this may be applicable to cruise control. My truck came with cruise (conv package perk), so I have not looked in to that.

Re: small holes making sound. You are talking about wind noise, I think ... but this is much different. Here is a thread talking about the alleged drivetrain harmonics.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-is-the-sound-im-hearing-when-slowing-to-a-stop.462535/

I don't get any whistling unless I'm hit with a severe head or cross wind while driving above 80mph. This is rare, so I see it as a non issue for my particular truck and driving style.

Yes, you will have two cigarette outputs ... provided convenience vs utility do not differ in this regard. One up near dash controls, and one inside the armrest. You can also get a bluetooth OBDII dongle to use the aforementioned app (Torque) on your smartphone.

 

20k miles so far...

What are your complaints with your trucks?
- Nothing. It's not stunningly perfect, but for the price, no complaints.

What would you change or plan on changing?
- Aside from regular mods (tires, softopper etc)...Reshaping the foam of the headrest so it's at less of a severe angle. Should be an easy fix.

What bothers you about the truck that cannot be fixed?
- Shortening the distance of the clutch throw in half (this in combination with the headrest fixes the minor ergonomic issues).

 

No cruise and no intermittent wipers were my only gripes. $120 and and under 30min and these were resolved.

I wish it had steeper gears (e.g. If the 5MT came with 4.30) but not a big deal.

 

Utility Pack tacomas... now in matchbox form!

 

Sometimes I show my truck vids like these, so it knows how good it has it

 

I have the Auto transmission in my utility 4x4, ...it's about the only thing I don't really like about it, but at $25,900 for 4x4 long bed and auto, I'll take it...... its getting better now after 1000 miles as far as not hunting for the right gear and getting up to speed, and being a dog up hills in the mountains of PA, and WVa....and I use the ECT alot, which helps out enourmously, try it if you haven't used it yet....so far I hqve done the Intermittent wiper mod, the cruise control mod, and am currently waiting on fog lights and bezels for my next mod, there is a new write up by @Nitori where they are talking about switching out the turn signal stalk for a factory look, I will be waiting on this write up to do that next....

I have heard this transmission "learns" your driving habits, whatever the fuck that means.....so we will see how it goes after about 5k on tne truck.

Other than that, this truck is great, I am really am loving it and it really is all I needed in a truck for what I am going to do with it....I've had the $50k F150s, and I won't be going back, this is all I will ever need. I had a loaded 2014 XLT before this Tacoma, and this Tacoma I like much better, for what it is worth.

 

Got my new tires Monday and wow I didn't go to the 265/75/16's I went to the 265/70/16 and wow what a difference I am now holding 5th gear and sometimes it is shifting into 6th. The milage is much better. Can't figure that out.

 

265/75 r16 general grabber X3's.

 

Sweet! Im running same size on my utility too. Looks great !

 

Thanks! It's nice to finally have some proper off road tires on the truck...

 

Whaaaaaat! Someone please build their truck like this. Not necessarily the tent and rack, but black grill surround, bhlm lights, fender flares, graphics, wheels, etc. This would be an amazing build.

 

I base coat/clear coat painted my wheels today. 2 coats Rustoleum Midnight metallic, 2 coats of clear. I wanted high gloss and I got it. The metallic makes it look like dark gunmetal. I'm happy with it.

 

Really nice work, looks factory!

 

Thank you sir! Worked my ass off trying to make it look good. A lot of prep and tedious masking.

 

What brand clear coat did you use?

 

Rustoleum crystal clear