Zeroing in on a Taco

Not a Tacoma owner (yet) but I’m seriously considering it. My 1988.5 Samurai is about shot. It’s been my daily-driver & weekend wheeler for the past 5 years. It’s also time to replace my 2WD 2000 Dakota Quad Cab. I can beat the snot out of the Sami on the trail and get 22 mpg driving it to work. The Dakota was the family car for years but it still thinks gas is less than $2/gl. I love my Sami but...

- I need a reliable truck.
- I need a fuel efficient daily driver.
- I want a capable off road machine.

A Tacoma would certainly cover 2 out of 3. Of course like any “newbee” I have questions. I’ve done some research (which generated more questions):

1. I tend to like the 1st gen styling better. Are there any significant mechanical advances on the 2005+ models?

2. Is the ADD the only disconnect (other than the t-case) for the front drive?

3. All V6’s have rear diff locks or just TRD’s?

4. Are the OEM diff locks electrical or vacuum powered?

5. What was the evolution of the SR5 pkg? From what I gather it originally meant a 5-Speed but that seems to have changed somewhere along the way.

 

Welcome to the forum!!

Here's what I can provide:

1. V6 Engine size: 1st gen is a 3.4L and 2nd gen is a 4.0L
2. not sure what ADD is?
3. TRD "Off-Road" models 2wd and 4wd have the locking rear diffs
4. OEM 2nd gen is electrical, ARB sells an aftermarket air operated unit.
5. Donno

 

1. I am familiar with both gens. Both have proven to be reliable machines. The 2nd gen has the 4.0 and the first has the 3.4. Both have been great engines. The second gen is a lot more electronic... electronic 4x4 switch, etc.

2. not sure exactly what you are asking, but the ADD is completely automatic. just pull the t case lever/flip the switch (depending on gen) and you're good to go in 4wd. No locking hubs and such to mess with. I believe you can replace the ADD with the manual hubs though (if that is what you are getting at?)

3. just the TRDs

4.not sure

5. it was originally the "sport rally 5" and referred to the 5 speed in some vehicle other than a truck. there is a thread in here that goes into tons of detail on it.

good luck! and welcome!

 

Welcome to TW from Ferntucky, NV