Honest community pros / cons for science...

Pro: Toyota reliability

Con: Not a full size like an F150

 

Pro:
Despite most of the cons listed already (many I agree with), it’s still one of the easiest trucks to live with and look at. And until recently, to pay for.

Con:
Throughout its 8-year run, each Gen3 that came out of the factory seemed to be assigned four Gen2 trolls here, which I would’ve otherwise assumed was mathematically impossible.

 

My 2008 BMW has a push button start. Lol

 

The Bee has some of the best comedy writers.

 

Con: gear hunting

I'm pretty happy with everything else. Mine is a 2020, pre covid TX build, so I'm hoping it will be trouble free and last for ever!

 

Pro: the available parts and modifications are endless

Con: the seat and leg room leave much to be desired

 

Pro - most everything except…

Con - Gear hunting‍!!!!

 

get a tune = no more gear hunting

 

I'm watching the video on YT regarding this survey, but I'll add my 2 cents anyway.

Keep in mind, I went from a 2000 F150 standard cab with zero technology to a 21 TRD Pro dc. I've only been driving my truck since March but...

PROS: I'm completely enamored with it. I love how it looks - just gorgeous, drives great, and now that I've learned all the technology, I love that too. Everything about my truck is PERFECT!

CONS: I wish I didn't have to install the auto tailgate lock considering the cost of the vehicle, but I had fun installing it!

 

I'd like to amend the con that I provided to the following:

Putting a tow hitch on it. Good grief towing my utility trailer into the wind at 65 MPH had the poor truck near redline for nearly 100 miles on the interstate. Vibrated the passenger seat like mad and made it clear that, for where I live, I need a V8 full size.

 

Yes, drum brakes do not require the maintenance like rear disc's (ask a mechanic) about dirt/rust on rear disc brakes.

 

Thoughts on moving from a 2005 to a 2022 (both AC TRD Off-Road):

Pro: 220k fewer miles; Options to enable/disable many things right from the dash; So many things I can customize to my liking with a new(er) vehicle; not any noisier than my 2005; MPG slightly better.

Cons: Auto trans and everything associated with it; Absolute crap head-unit; So many nanny features; Spyware sending every data point to…somewhere; So many things I can customize to my liking ($$$); Seats seem a little firmer (might need a few more miles to break them in); 3.5 seems so small (visually) compared to the 4.0; Only 1 bed storage pocket(!?!).

 

Pros: It’s been reliable and easy to work on and maintain. I’ve had this thing on three wheels going through some trails a full size truck would’ve had a real risk of rolling. The 4WD system matched with 5.29s and the OTT is a beast.

Cons: The smaller size takes getting used to and the engine failures reported on this site have me concerned

 

Yes, some engine failures are concerning. The 2016 & 2017 Tacoma’s are on TCCN’s shit list again. These 2 model years are chewing up the cylinder walls on passenger side, middle cylinder for no apparent reason. The random burnt valves another concern.

https://youtu.be/zHmEGkNXxCA?si=Wx4Wpr0zKf78u8yN

 

Probably running OV tune and 5W30

 

I like the mods that you have done so far to your truck. Looking to maybe do something similar. I think it’s a good platform for our neck of the woods and intended end use.

OFFICIAL - 3rd GEN 275/70r17 Tire Thread

 

Yeah thanks. I really love this truck. Hopefully the engine isn’t an issue in the future. If the engine blows, I’ll cross that bridge at the time. The 275/70/17 tires are great. I get a lot of compliments on them. I think big tires on a Tacoma are so ubiquitous that maybe my truck stands out as being a bit different. Not too big / not too small.

My use case is driving logging roads, navigating cross ditches and washouts, and getting to cool camping spots. I’m not really interested in wheeling for the sake of wheeling, so have never needed anything bigger than these tires. No frame cut / keep the mudflaps / spare tire fits (can run a 255/75/17 as the spare for more departure angle…….its the exact same outside diameter)

anyways……fingers crossed my 2017 keeps going strong. So far no problems. The truck owes me nothing at this point. If it’s engine blew up, I’d still think I got my money’s worth.

 

Yes. Love ours too. Personally, what you have done I think is perfect. Truck looks great! Pretty much the same case use with the addition of wild harvesting. I’m on the threshold of getting a quote to do a budget upgrade. Either 255/80R/17’s or like you 275/70/R17 or 255/75/R17. Bilsteins, add a leaf. I want to keep the factory upper Control arms and no cab mount chop. Currently 31.5” Toyo OC A/T III’s in SL & OTT tune. So undecided on tire brand, weight and load rating at the moment.

Possibly a canopy and the TRD skid for sure. Maybe sliders for “just in case”. We have so many cool places to go to with rewards at the end instead of just wheeling for the sake of wheeling in BC. Not sure about the front bumper/winch. I have the long box though. Reduced break over and departure angles.

Yeah, I would be very disappointed if my engine let loose as I take great care of it. Follow @Soft Taco & TCCN recommended maintenance schedule. Hate like hell to have one of those issues where you have to consider an engine replacement. Like you said, we’ll have to cross that bridge when and if it happens. More likely to be taken out by all the shit drivers in the Lowermainland.

Recent outings.





Love your canoe. Have a big old Grumman Canoe. Had it on our first Toyota truck. Need to get it set up on our 3rd gen Taco.

 

Love it.

stay with the factory upper control arms. I got talked into SPCs, for their adjustability, and they have been a maintenance nightmare. A set of ball joints every year and now I’ve had to do the inner bushings as well. I keep hearing SPC have “upgraded” their ball joints and bushings, but mine came with the new ball joints and new style bushings, and they still wear out. Ironically, the SPCs are set for the factory numbers, so I didn’t need any adjustment for a 1.5” lift and 32” tires. If I had to do it again, I’d have kept the Toyota UCAs.

I just replaced my KO2s with K03s in the same size. I have friends who swear by the 255/80/17 as well, so there is no wrong answer. I think the 255/80/17 is more challenging to fit the spare in the stock location.


truck as it sits today on new 275 KO3s

 

Looks awesome!

Yes, great points. I had read about the downsides of aftermarket upper control arms. Main reason to stick to OEM upper control arms and appropriate sized tires.

I would consider the new KO3’s but still leery about wet weather traction. Especially once they wear. Killer off road from what I have read. Look great too.

@Soft Taco sorry for the thread hijacking. @Stocklocker needs a build thread.