Buying a tacoma questions

I'm looking into buying a 05 or newer dc long bed tacoma. So I know I would most likely install the 4in uni ball lift, so what size tires could I run with it? What kind of gas mileage would I get?
Mods I would wana do
Install a winch
Lift
Wheels
Tires
Light bar
Tunner?
And I'm used to a full size truck and sometimes I still don't think I have enough space?
So could I fit a raptor 700 in the back it? With a tool box possibly?
The reason I want a tacoma is because I put 25000 miles on my f150 in one year not including I put 5,000 on a beater car I have, my f1 gets about 11 or 12 mpg, and I blew a spark plug a couple weeks ago for the 3rd time and I told myself if it happens again I'm selling and I blow another one this Friday 10 mins from my cabin 3 hours away from home I was pissed, also if anybody wants my truck message me lol

 

Well, you'll definitely get better mileage than that and not break crap all the time. And the best part is, you won't have a ford anymore!

 

Yeah the even shitter part is almost every time one has blown its been on a friday

 

Sheesh. Right before the weekend. That sucks, hopefully you find yourself a good 2nd gen. You won't be disappointed with a Tacoma. I do personally recommend a 1st gen but they probably wouldn't fit your space needs.

 

Is there anything I should look for when buying one like what to watch out for?

 

Depending on where you live frame rust and early 2nd gens had some head gasket issues but that got fixed in like 07 i think

 

Definitely frame rust like he said above. That's a big thing.

 

Theres a thread somewhere on things to look for, I can't find it though. @TacoJova

Have you seen it?

 

Model year 2005-motor mounts. 2005+ frame rust. 2005+ wheel bearings. 2005+ leaf springs. 2005-2015 mpg anywhere 15-21 depending on configuration 2wd vs 4wd. 4.0 auto tends to squeak out 1-2 mpg more. The engine tends to tick-normal. Drive line vibes & axle wrap. Manual trans throwout bearing & pedal squeak. Despite all this they run forever if the frame gets replaced (no biggie in warmer no salt states) & hold their value. Lots of mods & DIY tips here on TW.

 

BAM! You killed it. Haha.

Read all this and you have all your questions about issues answered.

 

Uniball lift? Uhh.. I mean, you can get uniball upper control arms to help your lift (alignment, travel if you go with a legitimate suspension lift, not that puck shit, and badass factor) but adding a uniball upper, like a Total Chaos or Camburg won't actually lift your vehicle.

Anyway, I was an inventory manager at a car dealership throughout later years of high school and on breaks while i'm off from college. Biggest thing is frame rust, hardly an issue where I live in (central Texas), but shit happens and people travel. Leaf springs tend to get flat, the bushings in my buddy's squeak like no other. Its an easy fix, though, so don't let it scare you off. Some people report the typical water pump and belt issues with Tacomas, its a problem with most Toyota Trucks. I did in on my Tundra at 110k, will do it to my Taco around then too, they typically start to get janky 90-120kish. '05s have an occasional head gasket issue, but you drive a Ford so I doubt that bothers you (shots had to be fired, the opportunity was to tempting). Wheel barings couuuuuuld be an issue for an '05+, i'v heard about it, haven't seen it yet though. If you live around a lot of rust especially, check the motor mounts, though. Could be an issue.

Honestly, the biggest thing to watch out for is the price. You're looking at an extremely well proven an reliable vehicle. However, people know this. If something catastrophic is bad, you should be able to tell anyway, even without a lot of automotive experience. Otherwise, its nothing a 14mm wrench, some beer and yelling "damn Japs" can't fix.

 

Oopsie forgot the chirping blower motor 2005+

 

I think you answered your own question. If you think you needed more space in a fullsize, the Tacoma will not satisfy that need. Have you considered a Tundra? Not the greatest gas mileage, but you get the same quality and resale value as a Tacoma but with more space and more power.

 

My buddy has an '07 and it ticks a tad. Never seen a common drive line vibration problem in a Tacoma before, will google it now

 

This is very true. these truck are very reliable.

 

Good point! Find a 2004-2006 Tundra Double Cab (4 full doors) V8 4.7 - smooth trans, roomy, plenty of bed space for your Raptor & tools. Mpg matches Tacoma. I owned a 2004. That truck was awesome.

 

@Simon's Mom

 

Yeah I think I might go with a tacoma wheel bearings and all that is cake It's a pain in the ass but its easy I just try to avoid motor work haha I don't know yet lol and yeah if your saying your buddy has an f150 with a bad tick it's probably his cam phasers the 04-08 are known for that

 

Welcome!

 

I'd say yes to the raptor and toolbox IF you get a long bed. Short bed would be a firm no to both.

I had a YZ250r I hauled before my toolbox which fit perfectly. After my toolbox it was about on the end of my tailgate.

I have a short bed and small toolbox. I think your raptor wheel base is larger than my YZ.