New to forum and new (to me) tacoma

Always wanted one and finally bought a tacoma today. Its a 2004 Xtracab SR5 with a manual and a 2.7L. Its only got 64k on the odometer and the body/interior are in great shape. The dealer did the frame recall so its also got a brand new frame, suspension ect. Its runs great and I actually like it better than my old F150.

That being said, I'm curious about what I've got myself into. Its a base model, even has manual rollup windows which is exactly what I was looking for...a KISS truck. I don't plan on lifting it but I'm always looking for ways to improve it.

Engine:
Don't plan on doing anything major until needed. However, I may swap the air filter or maybe the header. Any other ideas that won't effect reliability?

4WD:
This is a big one with me. It has a manual t-case which is exactly what I was looking for:tactile and positive engagement of the t-case. I, however, do not like the vac engagement of the front axle. Had them fail before and its hard to tell if its working before getting stuck. Is there a cable actuation mod?

Storage:
Another big one with me. I like to keep everything I would need in the event of an emergency. IFAK, recovery bag, blankets, survival kit. Other that a truck box, any options? I do need to keep the back seat free enough for when I have my kids with.

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome!

air filters, if you do anything just do a drop it. CAI should not do anything, so IMHO(and probably many others on here) don’t wast the money on them.


storage why not go get a tool box? or you could get a cap/ bed cover.

 

Don't install an oil type air filter. Stay with dry element. I'm running an AFE.

I have quite a few emergency items in the little storage compartments underneath the rear seats (tools, jumpers, some spare parts, flash lite, etc).

 

Congrats on the new truck. You will get many good years enjoying it to its fullest!

You say you dont want to lift it now...But keep browsing TW and next thing you know you'll be contemplating 35's or a SAF! lol!!

 

I say that I don't want to lift it but here's a pic of a past pet project/money vacuum:


My plans for now is more bolt-on items to either increase storage capability or light wheeling through the woods at the farm.

 

When I built my Jeep, I bought virtually everything from 4WD.com or at least researched there prior to getting a better price elsewhere. Is there any online dealer that specialized in Tacomas?

 

Just get some icon shocks all around and then call it good for a lift .

 

Here's a few that specialize in Toyotas: http://www.budbuilt.com/
http://www.davezoffroadperformance.com/
http://www.marlincrawler.com/