Off Roading in Access Cab with 2.7

Hello,

I am shopping for my first Tacoma (first new car actually) and I wanted to get some input about the Access Cab with a 2.7 manual and 4x4.

I do not think finances will allow the big leap on the V6, but I would like the bit of extra space with the access cab. I am worried that the 2.7 will be way too underpowered and not fun.

Have any of you guys or gals taken your 2.7 access cab off road (either casual or serious roading) or driven through lots of snow? If so, how was it? Did the 2.7 cut it or what were your thoughts? Thanks everyone!

 

For off-roading, torque is more important than power in many situations. Are you looking for manual or auto transmission?

The 2.7 manual has a low 3.95 1st gear and low 4.10 axle ratio, which means 180 lb-ft x 3.95 x 4.10 = 2915 lb-ft at the wheels.

The 2.7 auto has a higher 2.80 1st gear, which means 180 lb-ft x 2.80 x 4.10 = 2066 lb-ft at the wheels >> a 40% torque deficit compared to the manual.

The 4.0 auto has a 3.52 1st gear and 3.727 axle ratio, which means 266 lb-ft x 3.52 x 3.727 = 3490 lb-ft at the wheels.

 

I have a '10 4x4 5sp 2.7 AC. I played around on my parent's farm going up and down hills in the pasture with 6-8" of snow with an ice crust on the ground right after I got it. I had a blast.
You don't really notice a lack of power in that situation since you can gear down and run it at 3-4k rpm and have plenty of power. I would imagine the same would go for serious off-road since you can go into low-range and crawl.

 

I would be looking at the manual. Thanks for this insight!

 

Heck, maybe the 2.7 will be better. Took my 4.0 off road and the front suspension was not up to the task (sport model). Very little flex to the suspension, lot of weight. Was very rocky. But was truly off road, not a logging trail. Uphill was bearable for a non jeep, but downhill was downright spine smashing. Don't remember it being that rough in my 99. But I mostly did trails in that, and I've owned some real off road vehicles since then, and 10+ years older. My 99 was 4 cylinder and it did just fine everywhere on "unimproved" roads and steep hills etc. But I did feel like 4 wheel low most of the time.. for better control really.

 

Mine does great offroad. The first gear is super low and honestly the closest comparison I have for the feel of the truck is a 81 chevvy dump truck I drove for work. Tons of power at the wheels. You are going to have more issues with spinning the tires then not being able to move.

 

I apologize - I'm 30 going 31 in a few monthes, and I detect some serious inexperience on this thread, both in general, and with Toyota 4x4's.
No offense, just telling the truth.

Power & Torque are always nice to have offroad, but keep in mind Toyota's 4x4 prowess (or reputation as such) came on the backs of trucks with significantly less power than the current 2.7. The Landcruisers of the 60's, 70's and 80's had less than 100 HP if I'm not mistaken. The famous 22RE had around 116 HP and 140 ft-lbs of torque. Hell even the 3vze on my 93 Pickup that I sold a couple years ago had less HP and the same Torque as the current 2.7. These trucks got the job done and then some on the beaten path. Sure - some guys wanted a bit more power & torque for the highway or whatever. But most of the time guys just lifted them to the sky and regeared and you were good to go.

For those who are experienced, and many of which are significantly more experienced than myself, will realize that it is gearing, not power or torque, that win the race off the beaten path often times. Sure, some torque is neccessary, but gearing lets you crawl, and gearing amplifies available torque anyways.

That's the impression I get from some posts on this thread is that 4x4ing is doing high speed dough-nuts in the parking lot after a big snowfall.

And to answer your question - the 2.7 has exceptional power for any off the beaten path work, and after having test driven one I was extremely impressed by it's throttle response. It also felt more powerful and torquey than my 93 3vze 3.0 V6 with a Borla exhaust which had 150 HP and 180 ft-lbs of torque stock.

 

check out nOrth's build........omfg

 

2.7 baby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zuJ_zhua8o

 

I agree with Scott. The 2.7 will do fine for most off road. I have had a 84 4runner, 85 4runner and a 96 2.7l and I loved toyota's 4 cylinders, except for daily driving on the highway.
I now have the 4.0l, and man, what a difference. I can now take my foot off the floor and cruise at 75mph. It is much more enjoyable to drive, and I notice no real difference in fuel economy.

IMO go with a 4.0l. As much as a would try and convince myself I didn't really mind the 4 cyl. now that there is a choice (I never considered the 3.slow a choice) I don't regret getting the 4.0l at all.

Shawn

 

Amazing what a bit of experience vs bench racing does eh? I've gone off road in places where that was the only way to get from point A to point B. No horsepower, no lifts, no big muddin tires. They all just cause failure. Failure caused a high probability of death.

Most of off road seems to be, as you said turning donuts in the parking lot, or going down fire breaks etc. Lifts and tires for the sake of trying to get flat biller "bro" chicks. Don't bother, they won't believe you. Not many anyway. I got flamed to hell for not liking the truck off road. I had too much to compare it to.

I believe the 22re came in at 105, what was advertised back then anyway. Land rover series topped out at something like 80 horse power. Unimog 406 had something like 50. But all of those vehicles were also able to off road, not light duty pickup trucks that happen to have 4wd.

The gearing in the 4cyl makes it just fine for climbing about anywhere and probably won't break its self like V trucks can.

That being said, I like my v6, but If I want to go off road, I'll buy a more capable vehicle. I'll take my bug down the firebreaks and logging roads, more fun.

 

i've taken mine to a couple of off road parks and it does just fine. it's a 5speed and in 4lo i really didn't have to use the clutch much at all. i know it has a lot to do with tires but i was able to go up hills that a stock 4door rubicon couldn't.

 

I am very happy with the snow and off-road ability of my truck. (2010 regular cab 2.7 4x4)

 

@RiderOnTheStorm: If you have concerns about the 2.7 Access Cab in situations where power matters (highway passing, etc.), take one for a test drive at the dealer. Be sure to test one in the exact configuration are you looking to buy.

 

I took my 2.7L access cab just about everywhere people did with their 4.0L TRD's on a meet. 90% of it is driver skill.




I parked my truck on this hill with the rear bumper touching the ground. Got back in and started it up and went right up the trail.

 

So, so true. I'm completely satisfied with my 2.7L & it's only a Prerunner. I'm so impressed by HP & Tq on this 4cyl vs; my previous Toyota 6's.

 

thats a neat picture

 

Depends on how you drive. The 2.7 is plenty of power for me now.

When I was young and had a heavy right foot - well there was no way the 2.7 would have cut it for me. I would have hated driving it.

But that has more to do with on-road-daily-driving than off-road performance.

 

Thats why you go with the V6 6-speed and get the 4.xx first gear and 3.727 rear gear. 266 lb-ft. x 4.11? x 3.727 = 4074 lb-ft. at wheels

 

You can't compare automatic transmission ratios to stick ratios apples-to-apples.

Google torque converter torque multiplication