Thinking about selling my 3rd gen for a 1st gen

After owning a 3rd gen for a few years now, I'm just not that impressed. I mean, it's fine and capable enough, but for the money, I'm not impressed with the value. And I miss the truck feel of my older Toyotas, and the 1st gen body style looks the best to me.

I want a double cab, and am undecided between long and short bed, and definitely want the 5VZF-E. Beyond that, I'm not sure what years I should be looking at. Any helpful feedback appreciated.

 

1st gen double cab is short bed only in most cases. Extremely difficult to find a LB version. Double cabs are also only 2001-2004 and automatic only, so if you want a 5 speed, then you are doing a trans swap.

 

Dammit.

How are the autos in these trucks?

 

There's no such thing as a long bed doublecab in a 1st gen.

As for which years, it just depends on your style. I like the 2001-2004 not only for the styling, but they're also the newest and likely to be the "best" condition as far as mileage and such.

Some people like the older styles, but I wanna say 1998 was the first year of the double cab.

Main thing is to just check for frame rust, *especially* if you are in/near one of the states that uses road salts in the winter, or the truck lived on the coast. Other than that, look through the buyers guide for other specifics, and most importantly:

Congratulations on becoming one of the cool kids!

 

Does this tickle your fancy OP?

 

It does. I saw that one and it looks like an awesome truck. I need to get out and drive some before I pull the trigger on anything though...

 

I’ve got a kid

 

Steelmanbuilt did a great job on that 1st gen. I'd pull the trigger on it if I was not so far along into my own truck.

 

The only double cab long beds are custom built

 

Biggest ball drop on Toyotas part regarding 1st gens...only making the double cabs with auto transmissions.

I had one in my '99 and it was fine from what I recall, it's not a fancy auto with a bunch of gears and wired for emissions...just a simple 4 speed trans. Didn't have any eccentric shifting issues like I hear the 3rd gens have.

But yeah there's no long bed on 1st gens, Toyota had the T100 for people that needed a long bed truck back in those days (and later the 1st gen Tundra). Not as many options on the Tacoma as what they offer now. There was a 6ft bed and a 5.5 ft bed, double cabs all got the 5.5ft one.

 

As long as you turn off the airbag you can put a baby in the front seat (in a car seat of course). Not saying it's the safest thing to do, but it is legal with the airbag off. 1st gens have the on/off switch for it using the ignition key.

 

oh yes, i forget!
my truck has no passenger airbag
my bad...

 

No worries, it's a common misconception people have regarding car seats up front. Most people think it's flat out illegal to put them there no matter what, but it's not the case. If you aren't able to turn off the airbag then it is illegal, but most cars with passenger airbags have that feature.

edited to say, anyone reading this should verify with their local/state laws before taking my word on it. But in CA at least this is the case.

 

Agreed. 5 speed would make the 1st gen DCSB 4x4 TRD IMO the best light truck of all time. Hope to swap a 5 speed in mine one day.

 

if you have a 1st gen new enough to even have the passenger airbag

 

Hey look at it this way, you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the airbag, because you don't have one lol

TBH airbags kind of freak me out and I wish I could turn the driver side one off for anything but freeway driving.

 

I had a 2000 Taco and had zero problems with it. Honestly, I can't remember if I ever had the fluid changed.

 

So, as the owner of a first gen, I'm obviously biased. YOU'RE MAKING A GREAT DECISION.

@jbrandt hit a bunch of nails on the head as usual, some of what he said, I'll reiterate.

There were 3 grill "styles" of 1st gen:

• 96-97 (I think these look the best; come in single, ext cab)
• 98-00 (I have one of these; come in single, ext cab)
• 01-04 (These are the only ones that come in Double Cab; and of course Single and ext.)

Double cabs only come with short beds, though a few on TW have lengthened the frame to install a long bed (but it's totally custom). They are auto-only, but really, on the trail, I'd say that's a plus.

Look for frame rust on any truck you buy. That's really the biggest issue with these trucks. In addition to rust, look for cracks in the frame near suspension bits (LCAs, coil buckets, leaf spring perches) if it's been used on the trail. These trucks are old and starting to show it.

If you're going to be using it on-trail, look for one with a rear e-locker. It'll have a button to the left of the steering wheel that says RR DIFF LOCK.

Assume when you get it that you'll plow another couple thousand into it just since it's old and you'll want it in a "known state." I'd replace the following on any new-to-me 1st gen:

• All fluids (engine oil, both diffs, transfer case, transmission, coolant)
• Both LBJs (with OEM)
• AC idler pulley
• Be ready to replace:
  • Timing belt (and other belts)
  • Water pump
  • Axle seals and bearings (mostly rear)

The other thing to keep in mind with 1st gen (as oppossed to 2nd or 3rd gen) is that the aftermarket scene is way smaller. That is, while there's great selection for the newer generations, it's starting to dry up for 1st gens. It's not a show-stopper, but it's something to be aware of if you're planning to build the truck out once you get it. And, depending on your fab abilities, it may matter more/less.

Shoot if you have questions about any of this. These are great trucks.

 

Agreed - 182k miles on mine. Zero issues. Just drained and filled atf for the first time in about 80k. No issues still.

 

Im too far along in life and too gimpy for a build like his but my wallet started burning my backside after seeing todays 1st gens for sale and he is darn closeby.