60+ year old thread.

Good one ,Boats...

 

Mornin' Jim...that one deserved to be brought back into the flow! --Rob

 

I mess the 99 4x4 it was a great truck that never needed anything.. The new one is like riding in a car on the interstate. Way to many do dads, but missing auto pilot big screen and foot massage.. Jim

 

I really miss this thing

 

Morning Rob,

 

Jim,

What kind of trailer do you have? I'm looking for something to haul my ATV or the Garden tractor.

Rob - I've always been an early riser. And the dogs make sure I'm up.

 

i got the 4x6 but its too small the 4x8 is the best size Its a carry all from Homo depot. Dont get the small one 6 there is always something that will not fit.. Jim

 

morning all: I feel the same about the older tacomas. the "09" is nice, but the "95", seemed to be just right. also really liked the "85" and "87" 4-rnrs. I owned.

mark: that's the trouble when you get older, too much stuff. can't find as much anymore, because we already have it. just gotta find it!!
I like the idea of having a "credit" towards the next show, since you didn't buy anything.

just an idea: a small boat trailer, for a 14' boat, can be really usefull. guys put a plywood floor over the frame. you can haul pretty much with it, including long lumber. I've used one of these already. the one I used even had removable sides, and ends on it, so it could also be made into a box. if it's a tilt trailer, you may be able to load and unload a tractor or atv onto it without ramps, but I don't know, for sure, if that would work.

 

My first "truly all mine truck" was a 1981 Toyota 2WD SR5 5spd Pick-up ... Man I loved that truck!

Mornin' Carl!

 

cbreze

I had a 71 or 72 Hilux that was a real POS compared to to 09 I have now. I am pretty comfortable with the ride and the fact that it is 2WD. This Tacoma just keeps on doing great duty no matter what I ask it to do.

 

cbreze,

Sorry I haven't piped in sooner...I've had three areas of concern in my 2007 Access Cab 4cyl/5spd/4WD:
1) Rear leaf springs; rear end sagged first time I put my ATV (625lbs) in the bed. I missed eligibility for TSB by 3 months (bought truck used in May 2010)--fixed my issues by installing Firestone RideRite airbags last Summer. So far so good with that. Will do new leafs out of pocket if it becomes an issue.

2) Front Differential
3) Front Wheel bearings

2 and 3 are best filled in by this thread: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...es-before-powertrain-warranty-expiration.html

Other than those three issues, I still feel I have a quality truck--and certainly the best available is it's segment of the market (size/class).

FWIW -- Rob

 

Mornin' all, or afternoon dependin',
Reading thru the comments I guess the reality of the quality situation is relative.
Some luck of the draw maybe, Lets see, was my truck made on a Monday or a Friday? I wonder if there is really anything to that?
No matter, I think the other truck makers on the road have more mechanical issues as a general rule. When I was working, my employer had a fleet of hundreds and they were mostly fords. They always had tranny troubles early on. The chevy's seemed to have the most misc. mechanical issues and the dodges were always electrical problems. I bought Toyota pretty early on and have never looked back. They have been the most reliable over the years for me.
I love my totally stock 2004 4x4. After 38k my power steering pump went out. I thought that a bit premature, but certainly not a huge deal. My speedometer developed an annoying squeal that I had fixed by greasing the little drive gears.
When I look at the new trucks these days I don't drool over them, I do admire my current daily driver tho everytime I climb inside. Always do a double take looking back when I park it as I'm walking away.
I think it's a keeper. The newer trucks don't turn my head like this one still does. It's been an eight year relationship and I'm hoping for eight more.
Quick story: I was on highway 60 just east of Pie Town NM in late November, it was snowing and I was going about 55 on a calm, straight road when a huge gust of wind blew me sideways and I'm doing a 360 spin+slide , headed for the guard rail. braking would be useless, I've got about 3 seconds to react before impact. I pull the lever clutchless into hi range 4x4 doing 55 mind you(the top speed to be able to do this as cautioned by the OM) and it immediately grabs traction and I straighten out. Saved my bacon. Love my truck.
Hope everybody's having a good weekend.

@MQQSE, I didn't know there was a 4cyl available in the access cab size truck. My 88 and 98 were both 4 cyl. My 04 is a 6. After driving the 04 for several years I doubt I'd ever want to go back to a 4cyl. I know gas is alot these days, but the mileage difference wasn't that much better in my experience.

@ Everybody, Was curious at which trannys everybody's using auto or manual. My 04 is a 5 speed stick, but sometimes I'd sort of like the option of having an automatic. Not sure I'd want it full time or not. Maybe if it came with the auto/manual combo(clutchless shifting). That might be a nice compromise. Thoughts anyone?

 

Not 4 cyl... wanted the power to get out of trouble should the need arise and also for towing. Had a manual for 13 mos and traded on the auto and am super happy I did. HATED the manual (gearing) and my knee gives me fits, which makes it hard to use the clutch. Yes, it is access cab. Need the back seat for the pooches

Have only done pretty much the same things... thank goodness I found out about the rear spring tsb.... on a trip to az prior, the wind had me all over the road with a load in the bed. After the tsb, same load, no wind issues.

for trips to see the grands... coming up soon

me too

Been debating getting one, thanks for the tip

afternoon everyone

 

To my knowledge, and I'm not the expert, the only limitation on the 4cyl is you can't get it in the Double Cab w/ 4WD. I think you can still get it in Double Cab Prerunner, but don't hold me to that.

I chose the 4cyl as much for durability and ease of maintenance as for fuel economy. My avg MPG is 22 to 23 in Summer and 20 to 22 in Winter. Without all the 4x4 drivetrain weighing them down, I've read on here about folks claiming they get 25 to 26 or some even better.

The 4cyl does everything I ask of it to include towing up to 3000 lbs a few times a year--and I don't feel it's underpowered; although I will qualify that with I would not want the 4cyl w/ an automatic transmission.

Fair enough?

 

Yep, and I totally agree a 4 cyl with an automatic would be kind of doggy. I never towed with my 4cyl's but they did have plenty of pep.

 

my 6 has more pep

 

Show off! ...kidding *HUGS*

 

Rob:
Nice post concerning the Firestone air bags. I am probably going to install a set this summer for the same reason.

Jim:
I am going to try and get my 30K maintenance completed this week. I plan on installing Red Line MT90 oil in the 5sp transmission. I am hoping for a smoother downshift from 2nd into 1st gear.

 

Jim - thanks. I agree on the larger trailer. I have a bagger on one of the garden tractors and need a little more width and depth to carry it. I'll have to mesure to make sure whatever I get will carry it.

Rob - I've got the 6 in mine. I bought mine used. I was looking for a mid-sized 4WD and found it on Craigslist. I got it this past summer - a 2004 with only 27,000 miles on it. I'm still under 30K but will have that service done this spring/summer to get a good look done on it.

Morning everyone!! Back to work again today. Full week and then a day off next Monday. We have Lynn's brother's funeral mass and burial this weekend. Going to be some heavy hearts. Keep him in your prayers.

 

Morning All...running with an empty bed, I have plenty of pep and can cruise at 90+ if needed (had it up to 100 to see what she can do). With a full bed (loaded with pumpkins for halloween), I find I need to downshift quite a bit specially on hills...would I trade it for a 6 no I like the simplicity and durability of the 4 cyl. engine...Enjoy the 5 speed manual trans. gives a sporty feel to the Tacoma...Ken