Why I Went Back To Toyota

The buyer's remorse thread immediately made me think back when lack of comfort was mentioned. I came from a 98 Wrangler where my left foot was pulled toward me and turned a little to the right to drive. Now in my 2018 Tacoma TRD Sport 4X2 DCSB I am pretty stretched out while cruising, and the 20 year jump has me feeling like a king when sitting in the driver seat. I don't have any interior pictures, or pictures of all of my Toyota 4X4's, but here's the reason I went back to Toyota first when I decided not to get another Wrangler.
Here's the back of my 90 4X2.

 

My very first Toyota pickup. Makes 1st Generations look like young pups. This is an 81 4X4. It had the manual lever latches on each corner of the tailgate, they also switched to the center pull latch this year.

 

After I put a topper on it to sleep inside while hunting and fishing. Those tires were the popular Armstrong Tru Tracs, an 11 X 15 high flotation tire that was 33 inches tall. The truck had a 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual.

 

What model year was that pickup?

Edit: Nevermind, I see the ‘81 in your post. Very nice truck.

 

I want this badboy.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...e1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=PICKUP&clickType=listing

 

Mounted that PVC tube up there and used to carry fishing rods in it.

 

1981. Bought it with a reenlistment bonus from the Navy.

 

Nice

 

Same body as my 87 4X4, but I didn't have the Access cab.

 

I dig those suspenders

 

You see the price of it? Do you remember what you paid for your 87 if you don't mind me asking?

 

There are definitely more fun trucks on the market. I really would like to daily drive a F150.

Toyota has been too good to me in the past. I can't see myself owning anything be a Toyota or lexus in the long-term.

 

What other truck in the midsize segment is more fun than a tacoma? Only f150 i would drive is one with the 5.0. Why wouldn't you own toyota or lexus long term? I would own either, plus honda or acura.

 

I don't remember exactly. I'd bet it was under $10,000.

 

Man, well i really like the old tacoma pickups. Except the price tag.

 

One year I took 5 weeks leave from the Navy and we drove from San Francisco area back to Michigan to visit my family. Took a route different than I-80 and visited the Coors brewery. Bought a hat and those suspenders. I only wear Perry suspenders now, since they don't clamp and ruin your pants, but a heavy duty plastic piece hooks under your belt.

 

These are old memories. These two are 40 and 37 now.

 

Good stuff OP!
This pic is exactly like my first Toyota truck.
1984


And that's me 35 years ago driving mine.

 

We had an 86 like that. It was the purplish red color. Had to trade it in and get a van when we realized number 4 was on her way.

 

My first Toyota:

‘89 22re 4x4, should’ve never sold it.



Second Toyota was the 1st gen in my avatar, 2001 4x4 limited. Now in my 3rd gen. Love them all, would never own any other truck long term