Tacoma Dirty Secrets?

Howdy yall, I'm considering a move from my 2006 Jeep Wrangler to a Tacoma TRD 4x4 and am here to get as much input and learnin' as possible before I jump off any cliffs. I'm sure you all love your Tacomas as much as I love my Jeep but being a Jeep owner I have come to learn some of the inside dirt about the engines, transmissions, axles and so on. I unfortunately don't have a ton of time to search and read through years worth of posts so I'm hoping some of you could point me to a couple specific discussions, if there are any, about what I should be looking out for while I search for my new ride.

Also, is there anything I should know specific to any models that have weak links , axles, engine issues specific to year?

Thanks in advance, I'll be browsing the threads while I wait.

 

The Tacos don't have any Dirty Secrets!! It's the Drivers!

 

I think it should be noted that the problems Christian listed are problems that have proven not to be isolated issues to just a couple people. Those are issues that a decent number have experienced but not nearly all do. Some of those aren't even "problems" to most. Like the leaf springs aren't really an issue if you don't haul like 500lbs+ of crap in the bed.


My dirty little secret is one I hear few people talk about. When you go through deep water (very deep) it can cause one of the idler pullies to get very noisy and it will need to get replaced. It's a cheap part though. And I'd imagine that most don't have the issue because they don't typically drive through ponds.

I myself have replaced two lol

 

most of those items above are 05+

the only real big problem that i know of from 1995.5-04 is frame rust.

 

How are the 2nd Gens on frame rust?

 

I've seen a couple of people who said their's didn't get any undercoat spray somehow and they have had some issues. Also, there is a windshield leak issue that can drain water to the floorboard. A couple of members have had minor surface rust issue when they didn't catch it quickly. But that's not the frame ..

 

Clock spring and motor mounts for early year trucks. I broke a motor mount, but it took a hell of a lot to do it. I'm talking prerunning desert whoops at high speed and I got caught off guard by a larger than normal whoop.

They are very solid trucks overall. I own an '02 Wrangler (not for much longer, hopefully) and I know what you mean by all the dirty little secrets.

 

derrp..

from what i have read is they are rusting too, but not to the extent of the 1st gens, but... the first gens are also older.

 

Nothing specific here...but just know this....every make and model will have their issues...but Toyota is know for reliability.

I've seen way more modified Jeeps break on the trails than I have modified Toyotas.

 

1st gens have no problems

lol except I don't know what time it is

 

Dude,

Just switched from a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2dr) to a 2007 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport w. 4WD and have no complaints at all. The ride comparison is non existent as my Taco rides like a Cadillac compared to my Rubi. Haven't found any dirty secrets after almost 9 months of driving a Taco. I miss my diff lockers if that means anything to you but don't miss other things (like my Dana 44 rear axle deciding to chew up wheel and axle bearings like it was its job, a problem which led me to sell the damn thing). Its worth the switch buddy, lifts are cheap and Tacos are trusty.

 

Thanks for the honesty guys, I appreciate it. Most of what you have mentioned doesn't sound like that big of a deal honestly. Clock springs, meh.... rust, not likely in Louisiana. What I really want to find out is if there are any issues with bad axles, premature engine failures and real issues that could really ruin the enjoyment of owning a great vehicle.

I love my jeep but one disturbing fact is starting to make me really consider selling it before it becomes a problem that I have to deal with. I have been reading more and more about the OPDA failures on the 2004 -2006 models that Chrysler is not taking full responsibility for. Basically a poor choice in gear quality and lack of lubrication is causing wear on the camshaft which is not so easily replaced. Other than that, the poor gas mileage, lack of cargo space and kidney destroying ride quality are all quirks that I can deal with.

With that being said, you can probably see why I came here to get the inside scoop from the guys who really know the vehicles.

 

I went from a JGC to the tacoma. Gave the jeep to my son. I have no complaints in regards to my Tacoma yet. You will not be disappointed at all.

 

2+ years on my 2009, I put her through the paces offroading and trails with no complaints, all factory hardware (except sliders). If you buy a used one check the frame for excessive rust.

 

Pictures, or it didn't happen.

 

Was it mutual, or is your Tacoma living an undercover life as a respectable law abiding truck?

 

Lucky he didn't get the shock of his life.

 

TRD 4x4 sounds good. Unless you REALLY LIKE shifting I'd get the automatic.