Is the Four cylinder strong enough?

I’ve begun getting my base model Taco trail ready. Skid plate in place and hitch installed. I also have a front bumper and winch installation coming up. Waiting to see if I need lockers, sliders and a short lift. (Different tires are a given.)
Before I get too far along I’d like to know if the 2.7 engine will handle trails in the mountains of Colorado.
I don’t plan on trying to make this a rock crawler, easy to moderate trails would be sufficient, along with some camping.
Thanks for any input!

 

From what I gather with the 4cyl is that offroad you won’t see a big difference since you’re not going very fast. Apparently the highway is where you start to suffer. I know my 2.7 5MT will hold 80 uphill on the highway no issues, however it’s bone stock.

 

Thanks
Makes sense, I don’t mind spending the money, just don’t want to waste it.
Here’s hoping some of these guys will chime in who have similar rides.
Perhaps they can let me know how far I can reasonably expect to take this.

 

Check out the 4cyl section of this forum. Ikarus’ build is a pretty sweet one. I think as long as you’re not in a rush and drop some money to regear eventually you’d be alright.

 

@Brian422

 

I have a fully built 4cyl double cab. Sliders,skids, front rear bumpers, bed rack, roof rack, tent, etc. while the top end soeed is not ideal it can get up to 80 and hold it on fairly level ground with slight inclines. Hills it will kit make it lol. Usally throw it in 3rd gear and go about 40 up steeper hills. But as far as off road is concerned, if you have a 4x4 then 4lo should be plenty. I have 5.29 gearing and 4lo for me feels like I have a crap ton of power even with all the weight and my 285’s. So yes 4cyl will be plent in 4lo especially if you don’t have a ton of weight.

 

This is the truth. The most capable trail tacoma is the regular cab 4x4

i have a winch front and rear bumpers, sliders, hi roof topper & its an auto on 31 m/t’s it can hold 70, im gonna get some ko2’s after i burn through these m/t cus I have a 3” lift

check out my build bro

 

The 6 is not even enough.. what you makes you think the 4 is lol.

 

Dislike, the 4 is plenty, its not a trail limo it can actually offroad the wheelbase is way better than any other tacoma, its thee best tacoma for offroading

 

If only there was an dislike button...

 

Torque is in 4lo, you don't need a V6.

Most offroading short wheel base are 4 bangers. Jeeps, old Toyota 22RE, Sammys etc.

I hate the 4 for highway driving, but offroad I wouldn't have any issue with it.

 

Seriously. It’s fine if you can airdrop it to a off-road location and never go above 60mph.

 

I own a 4 I cruise 70 no problem

 

...Says the 3rd gen guy (who probably wants to race Eco-Boost F-150’s with Smitty )

@TinrSteve I think for what you describe, and with a regear, your 4 banger should get you where you want to go, so long as you aren’t in a hurry.

 

Mines an auto so i have 4.10’s on 31 km3’s no need to regear

i think manuals are lower geared

 

The same could be said for the 5ft beds not being enough

That being said, I have the 4.0 and have no problems. It does what I feel a Tacoma should. I rarely speed anyway.

I have never driven a 4cyl, but I have followed behind @Brian422 on some trails and I was a good ways behind him. He drives that thing like he stole it

 

Maybe some of us actually live next to trails instead of driving to them ... rubicon trail head is a block away from my house... maybe your problem is you have to get out of the mall parking lot to get to the trail...

 

You'll be fine I've taken my 4 cylinder all over Colorado no issues. It can be slower on some of the big passes if your fully loaded. Try to keep the weight of bumpers, skids down, and I would definitely recommend regearing. Unless you can get a good deal on a 4.0, I don't think the extra cost for a used truck is worth the benefits compared to the 2.7.

 

I’ve taken a 4x2 in mud with a full load no problem. Never had an issue with a 4 cylinder personally

 

Same here and the steep Cajon pass is no problem either