3rd and 4th Compared

My 3rd gen doesn't have a low hanging exhaust to worry about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE3lbi89DNI

 

I want 3rd gen flex numbers without the swaybar

 

Why do we care unless you have unlimited money or you like to have a lifetime car payment these trucks can go a long time. So looking at the next new shinny toy might not be in your best interest.

 

I watched that video today too. I enjoy tinkerer’s adventure videos.

 

Agreed, it was an objective pros and cons. Drive whatever you want or can afford, that said, I won't drive a purple truck, so I guess I'm stuck with a 3rd gen. I'll check out his other videos.

 

December 2019, I priced out a TRDOR base, DCSB V6 6MT was $31,650.

 

My 2020 base model OR was 35k. It’s Kelly blue book value today, despite body damage and mods, is 30k.

I think I would appreciate the 360 degree camera, but not the rest of the crap in the premium package.

 

I honestly believe the sway bar is not the limiting factor in travel in a 3G.

I removed my sway bar years ago and measured the downtravel, it was exactly same as stock. Shock is the limiting factor in my case. I do have a 1.75" of lift up front. Absolutely love how it rides without it.

 

I removed mine 2 years ago and havnt looked back. The difference that was made on high articulated sections of trail was very noticeable. I didn't lift a tire up front at all compared to before. But actually seeing the numbers side by side would be nice.

Not to mention how much smoother it rides on gravel back roads.

 

This is one of the best comparisons I’ve seen so far. Toyota clearly did their hw on this one. Anyone who buys these trucks for what they are designed for will be happy. Need to show this video to all the pavement princesses that won’t stop bitching about price.

Pros

Double the front flex will be a massive improvement on the trail. Look how flat the front end stays when fully flexed. Removing the sway bar was always a sketchy compromise for how little you gained. Better front and rear balance will is always good.

No longer need to worry about stressing the CV’s under flex and when lifted.

Eliminating the low hanging exhaust and transfer case is a big win. Everything up front is tucked up under the frame rails, giving it a flatter belly. The front skid is usually the first place I contact in my lifted 16.

Crawl control is a lot quieter and more seamless, overall looks like a big improvement.

Longer LCA’s means more travel, better stability

The MTM will be awesome for wheeling alone or simply parking in tight urban environments

Not mentioned but larger differentials will be awesome

Safety is better

Greatly reduced NVH especially in high end trims

Fully boxed frame will be stronger

linked rear end is superior in almost every way

Cons

That lower link hangs atrociously low, it’s gonna get absolutely mauled without a skid plate. Good thing they made fitting larger tires easier because it’s gonna need them and a 2 inch lift at least

Looks like there is less over all running clearance. A compromise they made for the more comfortable seating position. Again I think a lift and larger tires will be necessary if you want to really wheel

Not mentioned in the video, the spare tire and gas tank hang too low. Definitely going to need a gas tank skid and possibly move the full size spare (TH and PRO) from under the truck.

The rear hitch is now integrated into the frame. Dragging ass was a common occurrence before I upgraded to a high clearance rear bumper, gaining almost 4 inches of clearance and dramatically improving my departure angle. Now there is no way to mitigate that low hanging receiver.

Wider track, stability will be better epically at highway speeds, but overall it will be less nimble on the trail and might require different lines

Break over angle is not great, will be pretty bad on the DCLB variants

 

High mileage third gen owners like myself appreciate the comparison. Also relevant to new buyers comparing the 3rd to the 4th.

 

Then there are those of us who bought knowing we'd be relegating our Tacomas to being "pavement princesses", so we bought the TRD Sport.

 

My take away, since I don't have a front sway bar or the underbelly exhaust thing to worry about, is that I just need to get some 33inch pizza cutters and I still have a really awesome rig that can certainly hang with the new stuff.

 

He's a great follow if you like Toyota stuff and want a take on specs. If you like obsessing over in dash bluetooth speakers, he's not your guy. haha

 

I had a 4th gen rental for a week when the dealer was changing my 23's diff (to no avail). It was a nice truck, but you can't convince me the 4th gen looks better

 

I had to remove mine as the frame stiffener brackets that I added for my winch were causing a slight clearance issue.

 

I did not realize that the 3rd Gen Taco had a c-channel frame similar to the 2nd Gen Tundra.

 

Tinkerer’s video is the perfect visual aid for the dude explaining to the 16yo at the Wendy’s drive-through window why he actually paid $70 grand for a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro…

 

Oh yeah its like riding on clouds when aired down and ripping down FSRs.

But yeah, it added zero additional articulation in my case.