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Need opinions on possible purchase - '04 Tacoma

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by TL697, Sep 18, 2008.

  1. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:11 PM
    #1
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jacksonville, FL
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    '09 DC SB 4x4 TRD Offroad Magnetic Grey Met
    Please, Give me the rundown...

    I'm looking at a 2004 Tacoma Extended Cab, V6, 5-Speed, 4x4 SR5 TRD... 44,000 miles, looks to be in great condition. I haven't driven it, yet.

    How do these trucks do w/ a 6'8" or a 7'4" lightweight plow? What kind of mileage are you guys getting? Is the electronic rear locker effective? I haven't checked out the interior or test driven it, yet... Anything to look for? or pay close attention to?

    My main snow removal jobs are: my 1 mile gravel drive, a few small commercial lots, and some residentials... Will this truck get those done w/o too much damage or premature wear?

    During the summer months, the truck would be used for my construction company...

    Give me the skinny... Any info greatly appreciated

    Thanks in advance,
    __________________
    Troy Loftus
    Loftus Construction, Inc.
    Divide, CO

    2005 Dodge 2500 Quadcab Longbed 4x4 w/ 8' Northman w/ Pro Wings
    1984 Toyota Reg Cab 4x4 - 4cyl. - 5 speed
    1994 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5
    2008 ASV SR-80 w/ 72" Bucket (w/ bolt-on edge and toothbar), Backhoe, and Pallet Forks
    2008 Kawasaki BruteForce 750 4x4i (no plow, yet...)
    2007 Yamaha YZ250F
    2006 All Pro 24' equipment trailer (14,000lb)
    1970 Mack DM600 w/ 15' Dump Box
     
  2. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:13 PM
    #2
    derekabraham

    derekabraham Living vicariously through everybody

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    TW'S Hippy Liberal
    Portland, OR
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    Stick on hood scoop from Autozone.
    The locker is certainly effective. :D
     
  3. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:14 PM
    #3
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    that truck should do pretty well for you, but you will definitely need to beef up the suspension for a snow plow. and yeah, the locker is awesome!!
     
  4. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:19 PM
    #4
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    Chad
    Slippery Rock, PA
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    92 4Runner SR5 3.0v6 4x4(sold) 02 Tacoma SR5 TRD Offroad 4x4 (sold)
    Welcome to TW, Troy. Sounds like a nice truck....low miles for sure. I would imagine the truck would handle light plowing ok. The electronic rear locker has never given me any problems. I average 18/19 mpg in the summer and 16/17 in the winter with 33" tires and a lift. With only 44k miles there shouldn't be too many issues. Check for any rust and get underneath makesure it wasn't thrashed offroad.
     
  5. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:22 PM
    #5
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Maybe some stiffer coils? What do those normally run? I would do it myself...
     
  6. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:31 PM
    #6
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks...

    The body and paint is near perfect, so I assume it wasn't offroad very often...

    Living in the mountains, I would keep the stock tire size... You can't afford to give up any gearing up here...

    I would be replacing my 2005 Dodge 2500 quadcab longbed 4x4 diesel, so it is definitely a huge decision... I need all the info... good and bad...

    ~Troy
     
  7. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:35 PM
    #7
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    92 4Runner SR5 3.0v6 4x4(sold) 02 Tacoma SR5 TRD Offroad 4x4 (sold)
    We're all a little biased, but they really are great trucks.
     
  8. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:42 PM
    #8
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's cool...

    Since moving to the mountains, I actually want a more compact truck than my fullsize dodge... I have a 1 mile gravel drive that goes up 600' in elevation... I can't make the (2) 180 degree switchbacks w/o a 3 point turn... The only thing I'm worried about is that I would miss the power both towing and unloaded, and the cab & bed space...

    Tough decision... I own a tandem dump truck that will pull my 9500lb compact track loader, so that is not a huge concern, but I also plow snow for a living in the winter... Hard to substitute a 3/4 ton for plowing...

    I appreciate all the info. I haven't driven the truck, yet... I'm afraid that I might like it...
     
  9. Sep 18, 2008 at 8:46 PM
    #9
    derekabraham

    derekabraham Living vicariously through everybody

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    Stick on hood scoop from Autozone.
    There's nothing wrong with liking a Taco. :D
     
  10. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:03 PM
    #10
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    Will
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    getting there....
    definitely stiffer coils....and a good set of shocks too man. check wheelersoffroad.com.......they have some really good ome coils that will work perfectly for what you want to do at a good price no less.........and a set of bilstein 5100's from downsouthmotorsports on ebay will be a great addition for a shock!!:)
     
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  11. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:07 PM
    #11
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info.

    How do these truck tow? I know they are rated for 5000lbs... Can you push that at all, or is that it?

    Honest opinion: Are these trucks as fun to drive as I think they are?
     
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  12. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:16 PM
    #12
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    if the truck has a towing package, you may be able to tow 6500#'s...just dont hold me to it for sure. they tow decently, but braking kinda suffers a bit. to remedy that....you can get a good set of aftermarket rotors and good pads, and also a set of braided stainless front and rear lines, and the braking should be real firm and precise then(and you can get the lines at whelers also).

    as for the last question......oh hellyeah man!!! they are a blast!!!:D
     
  13. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:19 PM
    #13
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The salesman claims that it is equipped w/ the towing package even though it does not have a receiver hitch... He says it has a tranny cooler, but is that correct w/ it being a 5-speed?
     
  14. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:25 PM
    #14
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    well now, that im not too sure of. i do think however that all the first gen tacomas with a "towing package" have small coolers built into the radiator. if your truck doesnt have a hitch......i doubt it has a towing package. but then, with a 5 speed.............i dont think you'd need one really. send our good buddy chris4x4 a pm........he knows alot more than i do, and he'd be able to tell you for sure..........i dont wanna lead you in the wrong direction man.:)
     
  15. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:29 PM
    #15
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I would definitely have to look a little deeper into the towing thing...

    How's the extended cab and rear seats? Obviously, it would be nice if they had 4 doors even on the extended cab...
     
  16. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:32 PM
    #16
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    well, on the extended cab....there is a little room back there, but im honestly not too sure about the seats, but they may be ok for kids, adults would have a hard sitting back there.
     
  17. Sep 18, 2008 at 9:43 PM
    #17
    TL697

    TL697 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Are there any mods that I should do if I purchase?

    What's the deal with the "grey wire" mod? I'm assuming it let's you use the locker anytime you want... They aren't made that way from the factory?
     
  18. Sep 18, 2008 at 11:28 PM
    #18
    Dustin03

    Dustin03 The Cooler King

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    Old Man Emu 2.5" lift, brush guard (about to be changed), grey-wire mod, custom bed mounts for 4 jerrycans, custom survival box, maglite mount, KC Dayliters.
    The gray-wire mod allows you to use the locker in any mode of drive you choose. From the factory it only works when you select 4 Low.

    As for the back seats, I have to tell you that the only point of the space behind the front seats is to be able to recline your backrest and catch a nap. I've had both my 6'2" brothers in the back before, but I had my knees in the steering wheel and the ride was unpleasant (especially since that trip ended when a Dodge Ram ate the back half of my truck but that's another story). If you want room for more than one passenger, you have to go with the four-door, but Gen 1s of that type are automatic only.

    Other than that, welcome to Tacoma Word!
     
  19. Sep 19, 2008 at 12:24 AM
    #19
    the_beat

    the_beat Member

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    IMO the four door would be a better choice for many reasons, but yeah I think you would have to sacrifice the 5-speed.

    Decisions.
     
  20. Sep 19, 2008 at 2:57 AM
    #20
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    yeah....gray wire mod is a must, and also, the deck plate airbox mod is a cheap one also, but effective. dyno results show a constant 5 hp gain with it.:)
     

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