1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

2003-2004 Taco questions

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ibcguy, Apr 7, 2008.

  1. Apr 7, 2008 at 6:59 PM
    #1
    ibcguy

    ibcguy [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2008
    Member:
    #5810
    Messages:
    5
    Hi guys (and gals),

    I'm new to the forum but not new to Tacos....I am out of the loop though, as I haven't been keeping up with all the changes in the last few years. My last taco was in 99'.

    Now that I live in Colorado I've decided it's time for a new Taco, and I've narrowed it down to a 2003 or 2004 4x4 DC TRD AT. I'll be running some searches, but in the meantime was hoping you guys could give me a headstart on some questions I had:

    1) What are the known issues I should look out for on this generation? I hear something about frame rust? Any other things I should look out for?

    2) What kind of gas milage can I expect from a 4x4 DC TRD AT? I am guessing 17-19 but maybe that's too optimistic?

    3) I've seen two different types of switches on transmission/TC lever? Some levers have a "4wd" switch and some don't...I'm not really sure. Can anyone elaborate as to what I'm seeing?

    Thanks for the help...I'm looking forward to getting into a Taco again!

    IBCGUY
     
  2. Apr 7, 2008 at 7:21 PM
    #2
    RoadKill

    RoadKill Northern Alliance: padawan

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2008
    Member:
    #5679
    Messages:
    126
    North of the border
    Vehicle:
    First gen 4x4
    285x70x17 offset rims+ 1.5 spacers, rear Timbrens + 3 inch lift add a leaf, Sway-a-way coilovers + camburg control arms, Fender flares (2.5 inch), clear lights, headers, sliders, roll bar
    Not too shure about new generation since I own a first, In my personal tastes, newer version looks more like a toy :D
    As for rust issue, they have that problem fixed as of model 2001, mine is going at dealership for inspection, they might buy it back so I can get a same year truck... hahaha

    You should get 22 mpg in city and 27 mpg on highway with the 2,7
    and get about 19 mpg/city + 25 mpg/hwy with a 3,4 V6 based on this chart: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/tools/compare/compare-results.cfm?attr=8

    Not shure about 2nd generation tacos but on mine, the switch is for turning off over drive only

    Your Welcome :D
     
  3. Apr 8, 2008 at 5:57 AM
    #3
    ibcguy

    ibcguy [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2008
    Member:
    #5810
    Messages:
    5
    Thanks for the reply Roadkill,

    So it looks like frame rust isn't an issue on the '03's-04's...great!

    To clarify my original post, I've found out that some of the transfer case levers have an electronically actuated "4wd" button. I think I'd prefer the all manual T-case lever. Anyone know why some tacos come with one or the other? Is it a model year thing?

    Any other comments on gas milage? I just can't imagine the 3.4l in a 4x4 DC getting 20+ mpg...

    Thanks guys!
     
  4. Apr 8, 2008 at 9:17 AM
    #4
    concrete jedi

    concrete jedi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2007
    Member:
    #3142
    Messages:
    2,734
    Rochester N.Y
    Vehicle:
    06 Tacoma 4 door indigo blue
    Broken and scratched tailgate, cracked rear tail light lens, coffee stain in driver seat.
    Well I have an 06, but the 03-04 are great trucks, love the looks. The only thing i can say is that the 3.4 litre engine has a timing belt, and around 90,000 is going to need replacing, other than that I would pull the trigger. As for the push button transfer case , mine is this way, and have not had any issues what so ever.
     
  5. Apr 8, 2008 at 11:18 AM
    #5
    RoadKill

    RoadKill Northern Alliance: padawan

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2008
    Member:
    #5679
    Messages:
    126
    North of the border
    Vehicle:
    First gen 4x4
    285x70x17 offset rims+ 1.5 spacers, rear Timbrens + 3 inch lift add a leaf, Sway-a-way coilovers + camburg control arms, Fender flares (2.5 inch), clear lights, headers, sliders, roll bar
    So what is it for? switching to 4x4? no stick shift? :confused:
     
  6. Apr 9, 2008 at 6:41 AM
    #6
    ibcguy

    ibcguy [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2008
    Member:
    #5810
    Messages:
    5
    On the 2nd gen (05+), the transfer case is operated via an electronic dial on the dash, regardles of if it's MT or AT. On the 1st generation, the transfer case is operated via a lever mounted on the floor to the left of the transmission shift lever.

    My confusion is with the 1st generation transfer case levers...some of them use an electronic button mounted on the transfer case lever itself to switch into 4wd, and then you'd pull/push the lever to go into hi/lo, (I believe that's how these work, I've only seen pics) while other 1st generations have the traditional transfer case lever (on the floor, where you push/pull to go 4hi, 2 hi, N, 4lo). Does anybody know why some models have one or the other type of on-the-floor transfer case lever? Is it a model year thing, does it come on certain packages, or what?

    Thanks guys,
    IBCGUY
     
  7. Oct 29, 2008 at 11:58 AM
    #7
    Roy Matson

    Roy Matson Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2008
    Member:
    #10346
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daryl
    minnesota
    Vehicle:
    03 SR5 4x4
    in dash gps and custom subs, 2.5 "coil spacers & 2" blocks, aluminium wheels & 33" Yokohamas
    the button on your transfer case is called add, automatic disengaging differential, dont gotta move the stick like the older models jus click button to go from 2hi to 4hi, 4lo is forward
     
  8. Oct 29, 2008 at 4:29 PM
    #8
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

    Joined:
    May 1, 2007
    Member:
    #1475
    Messages:
    26,212
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    York,South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    '16 Tundra TRD Pro
    getting there....
    i have an 04 dc auto 4x4 myself. for mileage, im getting right about 19mpg....and thats with the deck plate mod and a dynomax super turbo muffler. also......my transfer case has the lever type shifter......not any switch. the only switch it has is for the rear locker.
     
  9. Oct 29, 2008 at 6:38 PM
    #9
    DREAD

    DREAD Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2008
    Member:
    #9566
    Messages:
    51
    Pocatello, ID
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD, lifted, shelled, etc.
    265/75/16 Toyo Open Country m/T, FabTech 3.5" Lift
    On my 04 TRD DC 3.4L A/T, I am getting about 11mpg city, 14 highway... I know something is wrong, but I have yet to track it down. Running 265/75/16 Toyo Open Country M/T's and a SnugTop shell, but all things considered, I SHOULD be getting better milage... The only "mods" I have done to improve performance is switching to Mobile 1 Synth (BIG help!), K&N. I have yet to do the deckplate mod and exhaust. That's next.
     
  10. Oct 29, 2008 at 7:07 PM
    #10
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

    Joined:
    May 1, 2007
    Member:
    #1475
    Messages:
    26,212
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    York,South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    '16 Tundra TRD Pro
    getting there....
    clean your maf sensor and change your fuel filter and see what that does. also....when was the last time the plugs were changed?
     
  11. Oct 29, 2008 at 11:21 PM
    #11
    DREAD

    DREAD Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2008
    Member:
    #9566
    Messages:
    51
    Pocatello, ID
    Vehicle:
    '04 TRD, lifted, shelled, etc.
    265/75/16 Toyo Open Country m/T, FabTech 3.5" Lift
    Yeah, I bought the Tacoma used and do not know it's history. So I plan on doing all recommended services. I am hoping that will help.

    What plugs/cables would you folks recommennd? Whatever I can do to make my Taco better - I am open to.
     
  12. Oct 30, 2008 at 8:27 AM
    #12
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

    Joined:
    May 1, 2007
    Member:
    #1475
    Messages:
    26,212
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    York,South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    '16 Tundra TRD Pro
    getting there....
    i went with the standard denso copper plugs, but you can get iridiums if you want to. i would however stick with denso or ngk though. and for the plug wires, a set of the bosch plug wires at autozone will be fine. while you are at it...you may wanna check your distributor cap/rotor button for wear and cracks.
     
  13. Oct 30, 2008 at 8:32 AM
    #13
    -TRDMAN-

    -TRDMAN- ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2006
    Member:
    #514
    Messages:
    2,191
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Clarion Pa
    Vehicle:
    F-150
    For one I have heard rumors(key word) that toyota may recall the 2001-2004 tacos next.... For two I had 32'' tires and 3''lift with my 99(same truck except fot the body) and i got around 18mpg!!!
     
  14. Oct 30, 2008 at 11:42 AM
    #14
    SRFIVE

    SRFIVE Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2008
    Member:
    #5591
    Messages:
    218
    Gender:
    Male
    Upstate NY
    Vehicle:
    '09 SR5 AC
    I have '04 DC SR5 V6 and have taken gas mileage religiously since I bought it in April. In stock form my got 21.5 highway and 18.5 around town. Of course it went down some with my lift and tires, have spreadsheet if interested.
     
  15. Oct 30, 2008 at 11:44 AM
    #15
    SRFIVE

    SRFIVE Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2008
    Member:
    #5591
    Messages:
    218
    Gender:
    Male
    Upstate NY
    Vehicle:
    '09 SR5 AC
    Oh, and as far as problems to look out for, I'd watch for the following issues which seem to been common on the boards:

    Frame Rust - 1995.5-2001 between cab and box
    Rear Leaf Springs - sag, wear out, I think there is a TSB
    Lower Ball Joints - wear out prematurely - even fail
    Steering Wheel Looseness - column slide joint has too much slop
    Automatic Transmission - thunk/clunk when taking off or stopping
    Idle Quality - dirty IAC, other

    Hope this helps, and you can find most of the answers/repairs on here, TW has been very helpful for me anyway. :thumbsup:
     

Products Discussed in

To Top