2003-2004 Taco questions

Hi guys (and gals),

I'm new to the forum but not new to Tacos....I am out of the loop though, as I haven't been keeping up with all the changes in the last few years. My last taco was in 99'.

Now that I live in Colorado I've decided it's time for a new Taco, and I've narrowed it down to a 2003 or 2004 4x4 DC TRD AT. I'll be running some searches, but in the meantime was hoping you guys could give me a headstart on some questions I had:

1) What are the known issues I should look out for on this generation? I hear something about frame rust? Any other things I should look out for?

2) What kind of gas milage can I expect from a 4x4 DC TRD AT? I am guessing 17-19 but maybe that's too optimistic?

3) I've seen two different types of switches on transmission/TC lever? Some levers have a "4wd" switch and some don't...I'm not really sure. Can anyone elaborate as to what I'm seeing?

Thanks for the help...I'm looking forward to getting into a Taco again!

IBCGUY

 

Not too shure about new generation since I own a first, In my personal tastes, newer version looks more like a toy
As for rust issue, they have that problem fixed as of model 2001, mine is going at dealership for inspection, they might buy it back so I can get a same year truck... hahaha

You should get 22 mpg in city and 27 mpg on highway with the 2,7
and get about 19 mpg/city + 25 mpg/hwy with a 3,4 V6 based on this chart: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/tools/compare/compare-results.cfm?attr=8

Not shure about 2nd generation tacos but on mine, the switch is for turning off over drive only

Your Welcome

 

Thanks for the reply Roadkill,

So it looks like frame rust isn't an issue on the '03's-04's...great!

To clarify my original post, I've found out that some of the transfer case levers have an electronically actuated "4wd" button. I think I'd prefer the all manual T-case lever. Anyone know why some tacos come with one or the other? Is it a model year thing?

Any other comments on gas milage? I just can't imagine the 3.4l in a 4x4 DC getting 20+ mpg...

Thanks guys!

 

Well I have an 06, but the 03-04 are great trucks, love the looks. The only thing i can say is that the 3.4 litre engine has a timing belt, and around 90,000 is going to need replacing, other than that I would pull the trigger. As for the push button transfer case , mine is this way, and have not had any issues what so ever.

 

So what is it for? switching to 4x4? no stick shift?

 

On the 2nd gen (05+), the transfer case is operated via an electronic dial on the dash, regardles of if it's MT or AT. On the 1st generation, the transfer case is operated via a lever mounted on the floor to the left of the transmission shift lever.

My confusion is with the 1st generation transfer case levers...some of them use an electronic button mounted on the transfer case lever itself to switch into 4wd, and then you'd pull/push the lever to go into hi/lo, (I believe that's how these work, I've only seen pics) while other 1st generations have the traditional transfer case lever (on the floor, where you push/pull to go 4hi, 2 hi, N, 4lo). Does anybody know why some models have one or the other type of on-the-floor transfer case lever? Is it a model year thing, does it come on certain packages, or what?

Thanks guys,
IBCGUY

 

the button on your transfer case is called add, automatic disengaging differential, dont gotta move the stick like the older models jus click button to go from 2hi to 4hi, 4lo is forward

 

i have an 04 dc auto 4x4 myself. for mileage, im getting right about 19mpg....and thats with the deck plate mod and a dynomax super turbo muffler. also......my transfer case has the lever type shifter......not any switch. the only switch it has is for the rear locker.

 

On my 04 TRD DC 3.4L A/T, I am getting about 11mpg city, 14 highway... I know something is wrong, but I have yet to track it down. Running 265/75/16 Toyo Open Country M/T's and a SnugTop shell, but all things considered, I SHOULD be getting better milage... The only "mods" I have done to improve performance is switching to Mobile 1 Synth (BIG help!), K&N. I have yet to do the deckplate mod and exhaust. That's next.

 

clean your maf sensor and change your fuel filter and see what that does. also....when was the last time the plugs were changed?

 

Yeah, I bought the Tacoma used and do not know it's history. So I plan on doing all recommended services. I am hoping that will help.

What plugs/cables would you folks recommennd? Whatever I can do to make my Taco better - I am open to.

 

i went with the standard denso copper plugs, but you can get iridiums if you want to. i would however stick with denso or ngk though. and for the plug wires, a set of the bosch plug wires at autozone will be fine. while you are at it...you may wanna check your distributor cap/rotor button for wear and cracks.

 

For one I have heard rumors(key word) that toyota may recall the 2001-2004 tacos next.... For two I had 32'' tires and 3''lift with my 99(same truck except fot the body) and i got around 18mpg!!!

 

I have '04 DC SR5 V6 and have taken gas mileage religiously since I bought it in April. In stock form my got 21.5 highway and 18.5 around town. Of course it went down some with my lift and tires, have spreadsheet if interested.

 

Oh, and as far as problems to look out for, I'd watch for the following issues which seem to been common on the boards:

Frame Rust - 1995.5-2001 between cab and box
Rear Leaf Springs - sag, wear out, I think there is a TSB
Lower Ball Joints - wear out prematurely - even fail
Steering Wheel Looseness - column slide joint has too much slop
Automatic Transmission - thunk/clunk when taking off or stopping
Idle Quality - dirty IAC, other

Hope this helps, and you can find most of the answers/repairs on here, TW has been very helpful for me anyway.