Jumped Back in with a 4cyl

Hey guys ,
I have been out of the tacoma scene for a few years my last was a 2013 access TRD offroad and was a great truck but needed bigger and went to a Tundra ... I missed that truck .

I had to upgrade to a full size diesel so I traded the tundra in on a Trail premium 4runner which the 4.0 and auto with manual transfer and locker is a awesome machine .

This year I was going to grab another TRD offroad but after having the 4.0 could not go down to the 3.5 highlander powered tacoma .

My buddy has one with a auto trans and as you guys know that auto blows so I allmost pulled the trigger on a manual trans offroad but took the 4 banger 5 speed out for a ride ... not a bad little machine so I bought it ... LOL

I wish Toyota still offered the SR5 package then I would have order one instead of off the lot ... Not disappointed in the truck , kind of just nursing it around keeping it under 3k shift points .

Any thing to know on these 4 cylinder trucks , it is a 4x4 of coarse so I will be adding some extras maybe 2" emu and I am going to put the 17" wheels Aluminum wheels off the 4runner since I am upgrading that to the black TRD wheels so works great .

Later guys

 

It's a very basic motor, so it = no problems ever. Don't expect any good power, but it will yield good mpg and solid reliability like any straight block design. I would try to get a manual, if you get an automatic get the new 2016. People complain about the new transmission, but it does decent on the 4banger since it will give it better mpg. I believe the older model was a 4speed auto. If you get bigger tires I wouldn't get anything bigger than light load (p rated or c ) 265 tires. If you get anything bigger it will be horribly slow and a re-gear is a must (4.88 or higher depending).

Give it a shot, it will run for over 300k with no overhaul needed. Just change oil, plugs, timing, etc and it will run almost like a 12valve cummins (not quite but close lol)

 

Thanks buddy , I picked up a 2017 sr with convenience pkg . I was using the same cummins analogy , I have owned and built may share of 12 valve trucks and I can see these being just as good or better as far as dependability.

I have a brand new 4runner trail premium and going to put the black TRD pro wheels on the truck so figure I will just put the 17" wheels with the 265 tires right on just have to figure out if the 4runner tire sensors will work with the tacoma .

Thats going to be down the road want to put a few miles on the new truck .

Thanks

Greg

 

Congrats on the purchase, neighbor!

Only things I can think of that you should know, is that sometimes you'll get a few pops from the exhaust at startup. We all get this from what I can tell on here. That, and you may get some phantom drive train noises under 20mph while coasting to a stop (even in neutral, or in gear with clutch down).

Other than that, I haven't seen too many recurring "problems" for this particular configuration.

 

Welcome back home. All you need to know is that you have the best engine/tranny combo out there

 

I did look at the TRD offroad with a manual trans but is only availible in the double cab configuration .
I have my 4runner if I want to haul people around . Everyone is all hyped up about the 3.5 engine .
In my opinion having had a few of the 4.0 its a better motor , I could care less that it get worst fuel milage .
I'm digging the 4cyl 5 speed now I just have to add a few custom parts and we are in business .
I don't understand why toyota did away with the SR5 in the manual configuration , they have it for the dog-amatic .
Now I have to tint the rear windows and put fog lights on the truck .

 

Yeah I love Cummins. I had a 12 valve with 100hp marine injectors, some intake mods, 5 inch exhaust with stacks, tuned p-pump etc. Sounded like a Peterbilt dump truck rolling coal like a wild west choo choo train. Then I had a 6.0 powerstroke, sounded like an F-16 fighter, but cost me an arm and a leg worth of repairs. It was fast, but International failed miserably.

I miss diesel power, but now I'm married and getting responsible for once lol. 4 banger Toyota shouldn't give me any problems. I really hope you enjoy! I like my 2016 2.7 convenience package even with the 6speed auto, it's not bad. Don't regret it over the 3.5 v6.

 

Anything to know? Have a good nap

 

2.7 FTMFW.

 

Hey Greg,

I love my 2016 SR 4x4 5 Speed. As you can see I've done a few modifications too it.................not a lot tho Paid about 27k out the door for it brand new back on October 10th 2015! I have 23,XXX miles on it so far and no issues whatsoever. I've been thru 4 oil changes. This spring its going to be time to do the front differential, rear differential, and transfer case fluid!

The top picture is the day I picked it up and the bottom is how it looks today!

 

I just picked up a 2016 4runner Trail premium in decemeber trading in my tundra ... I loved the tundra but needed a big diesel with 8ft bed .

I could not make a deal trading in the tundra at the GMC dealer that i was happy with so I kept the tundra when I bought my GMC and waited till I found the deal that fit me on 4runner .

I plan on replacing the stock 245's with the wheels and tires off the new 4runner should look great just have to figure out the TPMS if I'm just going to break down both sets if the Tacoma steel wheel sensors will work in the aluminum wheels .

Other wise if the tacoma TPMS can be reprogrammed to the 4runner sensors and just leave that set complete and I will just buy new sensors when I put the TRD Pro wheels on my 4runner .

The 265/70r17 will be a great upgrade for that truck , they may be a bit tight and just do a 2" EMU

 

That 2.7 is a great engine if you put your foot into it!

 

Just bolted on the PTR212-35053 thee 2007 -2015 running boards that every dealer says will not fit the 2016-2017 ... A-holes want to sell there 700 dollar ones .

 

I was going to put the wheels from my 2016 trail 4Runner on my SR as well did you find out if they can reprogram the Tacoma with the 4Runner wheels and sensors?

 

I just got the truck 2 days ago so have not really got into the swap yet . I may need to do a 2" lift with the 265 tires so just gathering info .

 

- Clutch pedal squeak and creak is the major complaint for the 5-speed MT.
- Failing clutches were a problem for earlier models, probably solved it by now.
- Also the fact that it catches high towards the end of the travel seem to bother some, but once you get used to it, its no big deal.
- During cold temperatures the clutch pedal might be stiff and slow to rebound.

 

Although little lube may quiet the pivot on the clutch pedal.

 

My clutch is ALWAYS stiff. My only issue with it. Now I have a hulk left leg though, so all is good.

 

Congrats on the new rig. The 2TR-FE is a stout little engine. As far as things to know if your not afraid of warranty issues I'd run thicker oil than the 5W-20 or 0W-20. 5W-30 would be preferred unless your in a climate where the temps are sub zero all the time. I'd go and check all your fluids especially the transfer case as I've heard them being under filled from the factory. You have plenty of oil filter options as well. The current Toyota filter is a Champion Labs filter and in my honest opinion it's crap. I run a Motorcraft FL400S which is built by Purolator. It's a bit larger than OE, has a great absolute micron rating and is commonly available through many big box stores. My particular 2TR-FE likes to be wound up and has been run hard since I bought it. Only after 180k is it giving me a little trouble but it's been through hell and still takes a licking.

 

Stiff clutch pedal is a good thing in my opinion.