Best year for 1st gen

Got a buddy looking for a 1st Gen. I'm a second gen guy, so don't know a lot of details. Are there years to avoid? Was there a best year or two for reliability/problems?

Thanks

 

All of them if your looking in the Northeast frame rust issues that being said I had/have a 2001 with no real issues frame was still solid until someone totalled it for me 2weeks ago .I got 250,000 miles out of it and it was still running strong if it regularly maintained will last forever

 

I love my 2003 xtra cab. I recommend the 01-04's.

 

1997 FTW

 

My CA 95.5 is OBD2 Compliant.

 

95-97 hands down. Although I might be a little biased....

 

Love the 95-97 front ends but I do like the 01-04 as well! I may be slightly biased to the 01-04. 3.4 5spd TRD here got it with 125k on her and now about to hit 190k and absolutely no issues other than a clutch rack and pinion and battery replacement. I also put a lot larger pwr steering pump on just simply because one day ill probably end up with hydro assist and my old one squeeled for over a year but never quit

 

ill post just because no one else did!!! 98 to 00 is my favorite


in all seriousness, they are all very similar. as you get newer, there are more options/luxuries... drive train wise, almost identical.

 

Thanks for all the input. Good to hear everyone likes their truck and no specific red flag years to avoid.

I think he's looking for the 4 full doors (not the access cab but the double cab) and I'm not sure when they started offering that in the 1st Gens. Anyone know?

Thanks again.

 

4-door trucks were first available in 2001. However, that was also the year they dropped manual hubs (which for me was a must have). The grill was also changed in 2001.

 

There is no access cab in the 1st gens, only the extra cab. It was a 2 door model.

 

They're all good, aside from the early editions' ECU supercharger incompatibility and the entire line's propensity for frame rust/rot. That said, my favorites are '01-'04.

 

im a fan of the 98-02

 

What was your need for manual locking hubs? I hate having to get out to put it in 4wd. Especially when I only need it for like 5 seconds.

 

I like not having ABS in my 97

 

+1! I also like manual hubs because I don't have to worry about the CV boot wear that other guys do. (I'm at a full 3" of lift in front) ...and it helps with gas mileage. (I'm still getting 23mpg with 33x12.5s on the highway)

 

I test drove several year ranges (actually all of them) and settled on a '99 due to price and equipment. However, I noted that the seats of the '01+ was not as comfortable for me (larger framed person) and the seat fabric would cling to my clothes getting in and out of the truck. However, I did really like the dash layout and how bright everything was inside the cab so there were some pro's to the '01's+.

Best bit of advice, Anything over '96 will be about the same. Go drive a couple and see what works best for you.

PS the Electronic locker is the best feature on these trucks, I highly recommend getting one with it.

 

Last time I drove on the highway with the hubs locked in, it hardly made a difference in mpg on my ultra gauge. I didn't drive very far but it was showing pretty much the same as it does with them free. It might be a 1 mpg difference. I need to do it again and see.

But 23 mpg on the highway with a v6 and 33'' is pretty good. I only get 25mpg with a 2.7l and stock 31"

 

I swear that New Mexico gets all the crappy gas that the surrounding states don't want. I moved here from Arizona. While living there, I always averaged 21mpg. Moved here and it dropped to 17-18. Take a trip into Colorado, fill up and it pops back up to 20-21mpg.

Funny thing, I put on the supercharger and I'm still getting 18mpg. No 1 mpg loss due to increased crank drag. Something tells me the 5VZ-FE doesn't like the regular stuff here...

 

I have the same issue with the crappy California gas.