60+ year old thread.

I need something with a wider step for the pooches to use

welcome Jim

This is what I've got -- works great for the pups and the grand kids and washing/drying the roof

 

I would not say enhancements are a money pit.

You are a lucky man to marry a wife that will let you mod the Tacoma.

Welcome Jim. Glad that you found us. Do not close your mind to all mods. Pick the ones that would make the Tacoma more useful to you and ones that will increase your comfort level. I put an extra set of tie down hooks in the front of the bed and use them all the time. I often wonder why Toyota does not have them as a standard feature.

 

Hi Paul...It is an access cab...I got the Westin step from Auto Anything...best price around and shipping was reasonable... www.autoanything.com check them out. These bolt up to the frame so they are strong for stepping onto...east install and fit is good...any more info needed, let me know...Ken

 

100% agree, but can't wait for auto pilot to come out. concentrating on driving just takes too much time away from my texting, and all those cell phone calls. you know , those really, really, important calls, and really, really, important texts, that just can't wait. maby I can also get to watch the in dash TV a little more, while I'm trying to read the paper. now that's what I call multi tasking.
darn: think I just went through a stopsign. how did that happen?

 

They look good and serve your purpose hopefully...nice looking tacoma Susan...what tonneau do you have and how do you like it? Is it easy to use in colder weather?? My Extandg black max is a pain in the cold...Ken

 

TY I have the Access LE tonneau. I love it. quick and easy to roll up and roll out. It's a little stiff in the colder weather, but it still works. The sides are velcro, so you just have to push the cover down over it.

The steps are great for both the kids and the dogs

 

Thanks for the info Susan...Ken

 

Anytime Ken

 

I have the Access LE as well. Very nice cover and easy to roll up when you need the bed. Easy to care for and there has never been any water in the back of the truck due to leakage. If you are thinking of buying one Truck Alterations had the best price two years ago. They are a vendor here. Follow the link on the vendors page for TW pricing.

I believe they are located in NC. I had the cover in two days after ordering.

 

Thanks to all for the welcome. My definition of a mod would be more along the lines of a lift kit or big wheels. Not hooks Guess I didn't make myself clear. My fault.
New subject: I'd love to know how you guys like the newer trucks and if you think the quality is still there. I had a 74 land cruiser then an 88 p/u and then a 98 p/u before I got my 2004 p/u. I've had to replace more stuff on the 2004 than all the others combined. Not complaining, just surprised the same old parts quality may not be "there" quite like it was. I'm not ready to get anything new yet, but was wondering what everybody's take is on the new trucks. AND, this would be a biggie for me, but regarding the electronic transfer cases, does everybody like them? I'm more of a need to put the stick in gear myself kind of guy.

 

Welcome Jim (cbreze)! Great group of folks here with tons of information and help!!

My Taco is pretty much stock at this point - I bought it used this past summer. When the weather breaks, I'll be adding a tow hitch and side steps. I use mine primarily as a light haul vehicle for around the house so making other mods isn't of much use.

Nice looking set-up Susan! What year is your truck?

 

Mornin' "6"...how was the gun show?

I follow the same principle with my truck...all mods are "functional", from my perspective anyway, Kristi might question a couple of them.

I think Susan's truck is the same model as mine, except Impulse Red color, 2007 Access Cab 4cyl, 5spd, 4x4 ... or at least close to that.

Have a great day, Sir!

EDIT: I was wrong ... "sometimers" ... hers is 2008 Prerunner V6 Auto w/ tow pkg. I do believe it's an access cab though. Don't know how I got that far into left field.

 

Thanks Tom, gotta wait till I get the bank balance back up after being out of work for 7 months...Ken

Hi Jim...mine is pretty much stock except for the rear leaf spring TSB, westin steps, Okole seat covers(only the front), Weather Tech mats(front only) and Extang black max tonneau...the spring TSB beefed up the suspension and there is no sag in the rear springs with any load below 500 lbs, ride is stiffer but i don't mind that...Okoles and Weather Techs are to keep the interior cleaner...steps are for the missus and the tonneau is to keep the bed dry and clean...knocking on wood, I haven't had any problems with mine that required major repair in 4 years...haven't had any earlier models to compare quality with...Ken

 

Mornin' Ken.

 

Morning, Rob!

Gun show was fun - didn't see anything that needed to be in my collection. That made Lynn happy!!

Hope all is well with you and Kristi!!!!

I am terrible at knowing model years, etc. of these trucks. I can usually spot 1st vs 2d generation....but not always depnding on the angle of the pic. Must be these old eyes!

Mark

 

That gives you an advance credit for the next show!

We are well...exactly two weeks until we takeoff to San Antonio to see the kids and grandkids. We're both getting anxious. The pile of stuff to take with is getting huge...don't know how we're gonna get it all (with our clothes) into 4 bags...oh well, I'll just let her pay the excess bag fees and not look...she does the finances anyway. Money well spent!

I'm right there with you on the "old eyes!" --Rob

 

The best one I have owned was a “97” I wish my new one was the same size. I have gotten to the point that I don't mind the electronic 4WD shifter would I prefer the lever? Yes and all so lock out hubs I used the low range a lot for backing trailers up and things like that even used it in slow traffic. There are people out there with 250K on their newer trucks so I hope the quality is still there. I am fascinated with the complains I have heard about the new trucks from the youngersters I guess they have grown up never having to drive old junk because that's all they could afford now teenagers are driving new trucks (all I ever heard you want a car get a job). I so far have no issues with any of the latest doodads including my 6 spd. (After I found out where all the gears were). They are built to be sold, trucks have become more of a status symbol then what they once were and it is the only way Toyota could remain completive too bad we can not order all the stuff we used to love and let the rest have what they want. Progress, I guess we can’t stand in the way.

 

Morning Mark and Rob...bet thats gonna be a long 2 weeks Rob...I always try to travel as light as possible but the missus...takes everything but the kitchen sink, then bitches when they want to charge extra for her bag...Have you looked into fedex or ups for sending the extras down ahead?? My missus takes care of her bills and our play money and I do the household expenses...works out good cause I know we won't lose electric(LOL)...Can tell 1st gen and 2nd gen but what years they are...Ken

 

Mornin' Tim...

I sub'd to this thread a while ago. I plan to look into doing it to my truck in the Spring for the purpose of backing up trailers...thought you might like to give it a look see for consideration:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/195424-2wd-lo-mod.html

You older east coast guys are the only ones up on here during my night shift...is that a commentary on the generation gap? I was always an early riser when I worked day shifts...just a note out of curiousity.

 

As a matter of fact ... she said something about UPS or FEDEX for some of the stuff...probably should have been payin' closer attention... Don't tell Kristi I said that...or Susan for that matter! Crap ... here we go again.

Kristi has managed our finances since my first TDY in 1985...8 months into our marriage. She's a lot better at it than me...keeps me outta trouble. Never stood in a First Sergeants office for bad checks or anything...so I guess she's been doing it right. God Bless that Woman...I wouldn't have squat w/o her!