thinking of selling my modded 2006 Tacoma prerunner for a 05/06 1st gen Tundra 4x4

Just here to lay out my thoughts and get some feedback. My DCLB tacoma prerunner has been great to me the last 6 years as a camping/adventure vehicle and daily driver. but now with my 2 kids growing and recently acquired german shepard, it's feeling kinda of small (inside) and underpowered. i recently purchased a new family/daily vehicle for the family, so any truck i have will become solely for adventures like dispersed camping and offroading trips to the desert/mountains. so now it's kind of like a fun project/build that i dont have to worry about.

with that said... i dont think i want to drop anymore mods money into my 2wd tacoma. i'm always frustrated with the lack of 4wd. it has a 5100/dakar lift, softopper, and a bajarack. not much else. it's gorgeous, but lacking in size and traction. only 140k miles on it.

i dont want a massive vehicle. which is why i'm looking at 1st gen tundras, specifically 05/06 for the upgraded engines specs and bugs worked out. i think it would be a lot better for hauling the family to the sierras and death valley with the higher payload and interior space. not worried about gas since it's just for road trips and not my daily anymore

enough with the rambling. what are your thoughts?

 

I've never owned a 1st gen tundra, but if I were to ever sell/trade my tacoma it would probably be for a 1st gen tundra

With that said I think it would be a great option for you. The engines are incredibly reliable, have a good power to weight ratio, plus I'm pretty sure they're about the same size as new tacomas. We have one as a lot truck at work, and man that thing never quits.... despite receiving zero maintenance and heavy use .

Plus having 4x4 opens up so many options

 

My dad had a 2006 TRD. I basically grew up in it. Would be fine space wise for 2 kids.

it literally never had an issue in 150k? Miles outside of a warranty AC repair. If it didn’t rust to an unsafe level my dad would still have it.

the engine is good. Powerful isn’t how I’d describe it but it’s adequate, sounds good, super smooth, and incredibly robust. He had an 2004 SR5 and the rear open diff was terrible. The LSD in the 2006 TRD made all the difference, esp in the rain.

 

I would, your current truck isnt a 4 wheeler.

 

Yeah I hear those engines are bulletproof if you take care of maintenance. Having 4x4 I would feel more comfortable on the mountain trails and sandy desert trails. Not gonna be rock crawling but I'm never confident in my Prerunner if I'm out solo.

Yeah would look for a truck with the limited slip or just add a truetrac. Thanks for the insight.

That's the main reasoning. Tired of constantly worrying about weather conditions and steep hills. Don't wanna dump anymore money into a 2wd

 

I definitely feel more confident on solo runs having 4x4 vs just being 2wd as I used to be

 

I would say go for it, you won't be let down. Just take a good look at the frame before buying one.

This is exactly how I use mine. A huge chunk of my driving is solo desert driving and I've never been let down. I have 4x4 and an LSD. It has been a perfect camping truck too. Over 10 years of sleeping in the bed of it and hoping for over 10 more. I don't have kids so I can't comment on that aspect, but I do feel the backseat is a tiny bit bigger than my pop's 2nd gen Taco.

The whole back window on the DCs roll down which is cash money. Also they have stronger steel beds vs. composite on the Taco.

 

Man that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Pretty much how I would use my truck. We pull a 1800lb pop up camper occasionally for long trips when the whole family goes and the Tacoma didn't like going up steep grades with it. The Tundra should do better. Now it's time to search for one in good condition.

 

It's a lot harder to find a 4x4 first gen. Then I expected in Southern California. What a pain in the ass. If anyone sees one let me know

 

Any 1st gen tundra or a good deal? Cause the market is crazy at the moment

 

05/06 is the best driving 1st gen, they had 5 speed autos, vvti and much better equipped.

All 1st gen tundras suffer from front end issues, the ball joints let go without warning. Otherwise they have nearly all the same issues the 1st gen tacoma have.

I've love to have a regular cab 4.7 one day.

 

I think I’d rather stick with a 2nd Gen Tacoma
Looks at 1st Gen tundra LBJ*

 

I mean it's the same issue we deal with on our 1st gens, just swapped mine out the other day. Wasn't hard at all

Personally given the opportunity I'd swap my 4 door 1st gen for an access cab tundra in a heart beat

 

05-06 vvti tundras are solid. Can even survive rolling over on the interstate

 

05-06 (and some 04s) have upgraded lbj bolts and bigger ball joints. Much less prone to failure

 

I want that, so shmexy

 

She’s really good a picking up rusty tacos.

 

Oooof, glad i live on the west coast

 

only way i've been able to score a 1300 dollar double cab that runs and drives with working everything... the frames just ready to split.. tundras a florida truck that rolled up in indiana... the fact i have 3 tacos and this tundra shows im truely a nut case.


but i'll take a 1st gen tundra over a 2nd gen taco any day. that 4.7 is a beast even if its bad on gas. 1st gen tundras and 2nd gen tacos are damn near the same size unless you go double cab tundra.

 

i have a DBCB prerunner so i'm looking for a double cab 1st gen tundra. yes i am looking for a 05/06 and it's been a bitch in the southwest.