Is the Four cylinder strong enough?

Thanks for all the info, speed is not the issue, I don't need a Baja racer!
You folks have Given me plenty of food for thought.

I'd like to get the undercarriage as close to Bullet proof as I can get.
(I don't crawl around so good anymore!)
I plan on upgrading all the suspension, once I know whether or not I'm going to do a lift.
(A 3" lift is very likely as much as I'll need.)

Front bumper and winch are on order, thinking about getting lockers as well.
(Any thoughts on lockers?)

Thanks for the help!

 

i got arb rear locker and on board air installed theyre great

 

I have an RC and never had any issues where I wanted to go. Is more power good yes but never was I left saying I should've got a v6. Good tires a small lift and a rear locker or lsd will take you anywhere your trying to get to unless you want to rock crawl.

 

I’m always surprised to see the strong opinions on the 2.7, specifically related to highway driving. I cruise at 75mph almost every day at 3k feet elevation and have no problem. The only place it feels slow to me is accelerating. As far as trails go you will be just fine.

 

There isn’t anything WRONG with the 2.7. A lot of the strong opinions are coming from present day view points where it definitely is dated and underpowered. No one else is putting such an underpowered engine in mid size trucks anymore, and Toyota in particular is struggling here. The new frontier, ranger, and GM offerings are ALL considerably better powered than even the v6 4.0 (and 3.5) Tacoma offerings. That only makes the comparison to the 2.7 even worse.

I liked the 4cyl in my 1st gen. It was a good fit. I don’t think it’s as good of a fit in a mid-size truck.

 

I added a Detroit trutrac when I regeared to the rear, and have no complaints. Honestly you should wait until you add a lift and bigger tires, to see how capable it is compared to the trails your doing, and if you need to regear also.

 

Thanks, that's good advise!
The Detroit trutrac... does that work in conjunction with a rear locker?
(Thus demonstrating my complete lack of knowledge in all things 4wd!)

 

I think my 86 4 cyl factory turbo Toyota stand.cab was faster than my 1st gen V6 tacoma. I wish I knew then what I know now.
I wish I would have kept it

 

It's a type of locker, more of a limited slip. It is automatic, no maintenance, easier to drive on the streets than a full locker. It's alot cheaper than getting a selectable locker, and unless you are rock crawling should be more than enough.

 

Sounds like that may do the trick... 'Simpler is usually the better way to go!
I take it that I'll need to wait to see if I need to gear down before purchasing.

 

Yea definitely best to see if you'll want to regear first

 

I wouldnt get an auto locker, gets scary on tight turns and in snow and rain, get a selectable locker like an airlocker

 

Save your stock parts and if you decide the 4cyl isn't enough, put it back to stock and get a V6 2nd gen.

 

I’ve got a Trutrac in mine it’s been a great lsd. Sure I’d love to put a front locker but haven’t been in a situation where I’ve needed one.
I’d rock a 2.7 reg can if I could find one however I ended up with the 6. Go for it build your truck the way you see fit.

 

Heres my truck plenty powerfull, on the highway just push the ‘ECT’ button

 

Ok... New plan!
Front grill and winch, then get the lift done and off road tires.
(Tire size to be determined by clearance.)
Test the ride!
Re-Gear if needed then upgrade undercarriage to get close to bullet proof.
(Did I mention I probably don’t need to be crawling around under the truck?)
Friends, always go out with mechanically inclined friends! LOL
Thanks everyone! This is going to be a lot of fun!

(Let me know if my plan is full of holes and won’t float a feather.)

 

Get sliders and armor first then regear if you want , but mpg gonna go down