? 2016 UCA compared to 1 gen and overall durability

Posted this in the 3rd gen section and didn't get any replies, so I'm trying here with my 1-gen brothers and sisters.

OK, I swung by my local T dealer today on a whim. I currently have a moderately modified '98 SR5 TRD (3" lift, 285's on 17 inch rims, Tundra brakes, and the TRD S/C, 169 Kmiles). I have the extended cab version, but there are times when having 'real' rear seats would be useful. FYI the '98 does not have the access doors so the only way into the back is thru the main driver/passenger door w/the seats folded forward.

Anyway, I was snooping around the only '16 Taco they had on the lot, a dual cab, TRD Sport model. Engine seems good, the tranny cooler is a disappointment (a very small unit I'd likely upgrade quickly for towing a small TT), but the new cab is nice w/the full display/audio/tech package. Few other bells and whistles that do have some appeal as well...

I've got the brochure so I know the towing capacity is higher (6500 lbs vs mine at 5000), but some of that may be due to the more powerful engine, and the 6-speed tranny compared to my 4-speed.

As I was poking around the suspension though, I noted that unlike my '98 the UCA is an open piece of rolled steel. Just eyeball measuring it it seems smaller than mine (unfortunately I didn't drive the Taco today so I couldn't do a side-by-side comparison). On mine it's a solid piece of steel, though it might be two haves welded together and hollow in the middle, but it just appears more substantial than the new one I was seeing today.

SO, my question is, has the rest of the frame/suspension been 'economized' or down engineered to the same degree and am I giving up durability for the long haul? I'm assuming this is a cost-savings measure as it's a simpler part to make. But I'd mpy more for the robustness of a solid piece, this just looks like it could bend with a good whack from an unanticipated pot-hole or something.. FWIW when I wrench with friends they're always impressed w/the over-engineering of the Taco, and I'd like to keep that as much as possible. OR...if you are knowledgeable about these type of things, is that particular technique/design STRONGER than what I have now (go ahead, surprise me!)?

On a related note, if you're a 1st gen owner, and have looked at the '16's and decided to STAY w/your current truck, what in particular made you decide that?

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.

 

I read the third gen front suspension is basically the same as second gen and uca and struts can be interchanged.

 

I'm staying with my current 04 4x4 DC. What made me decide is that fact that I already own it and it does what u need to do!