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Honest community pros / cons for science...

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Soft Taco, Jun 13, 2024.

  1. Jun 17, 2024 at 1:26 PM
    #141
    BigCarbonFootprint

    BigCarbonFootprint Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
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    Messages:
    288
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Off Road
    King Racing 3” lift
    Pro: Toyota reliability

    Con: Not a full size like an F150
     
    Soft Taco[OP] likes this.
  2. Jun 17, 2024 at 3:07 PM
    #142
    Lunar Squirrel

    Lunar Squirrel Well-Known Member

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    Messages:
    1,189
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    Vehicle:
    24 TRDOR Hybrid SPF100-Octane
    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.
     
  3. Jun 17, 2024 at 4:33 PM
    #143
    Cetacean Sensation

    Cetacean Sensation Never lost in a parking lot

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    PNW
    Vehicle:
    6MT ELM Taco (slow) // N54 BMW 135 (fast)
    My 2008 BMW has a push button start. Lol
     
  4. Jun 17, 2024 at 5:44 PM
    #144
    Amorak

    Amorak Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    #369781
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    346
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Gray Metallic Tacoma TRD OR DCSB Premium
    The Bee has some of the best comedy writers.
     
  5. Jun 17, 2024 at 6:27 PM
    #145
    kane22

    kane22 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    #310021
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    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!
     
  6. Jun 18, 2024 at 9:25 AM
    #146
    NlOffRoad11

    NlOffRoad11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2022
    Member:
    #405427
    Messages:
    60
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tyler
    Vehicle:
    2021 Cement TRDOR
    Pro: the available parts and modifications are endless

    Con: the seat and leg room leave much to be desired
     
  7. Jun 18, 2024 at 9:54 AM
    #147
    BBogey

    BBogey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    #427003
    Messages:
    116
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tundra, 2012 Tundra and now a 2023 Tacoma
    Pro - most everything except…

    Con - Gear hunting‍!!!!
     
    Soft Taco[OP] likes this.
  8. Jun 19, 2024 at 1:35 PM
    #148
    majpooper

    majpooper Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #414242
    Messages:
    693
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    Male
    First Name:
    Dennis
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2022 Black TRD OR
    OTT Tune Front 2" lift OME 888 coil Bilstein 5100 DuroBump extended front bump stops Archive Garage extended rear bump stops Rear 1.85" lift Icon RXT leaf pack Bilstein 5100 SPC UCA DX4 16x8 +10 wheels 285/75R16 KO2 viper cut CMC sway bar delete exhaust reroute exhaust cut just past the rear axle U-bolt flip LFD engine skid plate RCI transmission and x-fer case skid plates Spindle gussets
    get a tune = no more gear hunting
     
    Soft Taco[OP] and BBogey like this.
  9. Jun 24, 2024 at 2:52 PM
    #149
    TacomaTori

    TacomaTori Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #446809
    Messages:
    11
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    Female
    First Name:
    Tori
    Paulding County, GA
    Vehicle:
    21 White TRD PRO 4x4
    - Automatic integrated tailgate lock - Tailgate antitheft lock - AVS Rain guards - White grill lights - Garmin Mini2 dash cam w/ polarized lense - Smoke Sequential turn signals
    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! :thumbsup:
     
  10. Jul 27, 2024 at 7:01 PM
    #150
    50Buck

    50Buck Living rent free Timmy the Tool's head

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    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. :(
     
  11. Jul 28, 2024 at 3:20 AM
    #151
    Vmax540

    Vmax540 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2019
    Member:
    #304212
    Messages:
    1,645
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    Male
    First Name:
    Chuck
    Clarion PA.
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport 4X4 Access Cab Blue
    Yes, drum brakes do not require the maintenance like rear disc's (ask a mechanic) about dirt/rust on rear disc brakes.
     
  12. Aug 9, 2025 at 7:29 PM
    #152
    Mtnfreak

    Mtnfreak Active Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2010
    Member:
    #37943
    Messages:
    28
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    Male
    In a place you've only dreamed of....
    Vehicle:
    '22 TRD Off-Road Access Cab
    In-Progress
    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(!?!).
     
    Cetacean Sensation likes this.
  13. Aug 9, 2025 at 7:58 PM
    #153
    Load_Elevation_Fail

    Load_Elevation_Fail Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2021
    Member:
    #385335
    Messages:
    55
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tacoma TRD OR
    5.29 Gears 3” RC Vetrex Coilovers RC Speedo Calibrator Borla Exhaust OTT Tune 33” KO2s TRD Rims K&N 1.5” Spacers Clazzios Ultra White Interior LEDs Garmin Mini 2 Wide Cup Holders Cali Raised Blue Tint Wide View Mirrors Cat Shields Tailgate Lock Bed Mat Lexus Front Diff Drain Plug RAV4 Stereo Knobs Toyota Metal Oil Filter Housing
    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
     
    Canadian Caber likes this.
  14. Aug 9, 2025 at 9:37 PM
    #154
    Canadian Caber

    Canadian Caber R.I.P Layne Staley 67-2002

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    Les
    B.C. Canada, eh
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Sport DCLB 4X4 Super White
    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
     
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2025 at 9:48 PM
  15. Aug 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
    #155
    Stocklocker

    Stocklocker Well-Known Member

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    Probably running OV tune and 5W30
     
  16. Aug 9, 2025 at 10:21 PM
    #156
    Canadian Caber

    Canadian Caber R.I.P Layne Staley 67-2002

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    B.C. Canada, eh
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Sport DCLB 4X4 Super White
    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
     
    Stocklocker[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Aug 9, 2025 at 10:48 PM
    #157
    Stocklocker

    Stocklocker Well-Known Member

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    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.

    IMG_8194.jpg
     
    Phlogiston and turbosnail like this.
  18. Aug 9, 2025 at 11:44 PM
    #158
    Canadian Caber

    Canadian Caber R.I.P Layne Staley 67-2002

    Joined:
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    B.C. Canada, eh
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Sport DCLB 4X4 Super White
    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.

    upload_2025-8-9_23-22-51.jpg

    upload_2025-8-9_23-26-23.jpg

    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.

    upload_2025-8-9_23-20-40.jpg
     
    Stocklocker[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Aug 10, 2025 at 12:12 AM
    #159
    Stocklocker

    Stocklocker Well-Known Member

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    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

    IMG_2261.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
  20. Aug 10, 2025 at 12:44 AM
    #160
    Canadian Caber

    Canadian Caber R.I.P Layne Staley 67-2002

    Joined:
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    2,706
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    Male
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    Les
    B.C. Canada, eh
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Sport DCLB 4X4 Super White
    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.
     

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