buying a taco to travel South America.... I have some questions

I plan to buy a first gen (1995-2004) Tacoma to drive through South America. I'll encounter some pretty rough roads, mountains, mud, etc along the way. I haven't owned a 4x4 before so have a few technical questions. I am buying used, likely from craigslist, so probably won't be able to get ALL I want, so helping me prioritize would be useful.

1. 2.4 4C, 2.7 4C, or 3.0 V6? (no towing, probably not more than a ton of gear, but mountains and plenty of hills)
   
   
2. Is 4x4 enough, or is the locking rear differential super important for off-road use? (AKA do I need the TRD OR package)
   
   
3. What am I looking for on the dashboard to show I have the right vehicle? As I understand it, if it's really 4WD it will have a switch (lever?) on the dash to switch from 2-4WD. If it has the TRD package is there a second switch to lock the rear? [Pictures would be a godsend here if you have one]
   
   
4. Not necessary really, but curious. Is the front axel locked in 4WD or open?
   
   
5. I know there has been some rust related recalls because of bad rust-prone frames. I head that the 99's and before just get bought back and crushed, but that '01 and later dealerships will replace the frame. That definetly makes me lean toward 01-04. Any experience/thoughts on that?
   

Thanks in advance for the help! Can't wait to get an awesome vehicle.

 

I am a die hard 22re fan, and i have 3 22re powered trucks in my driveway right now, but the 3.4 is a great motor. I definitely would have no issue taking one mated to a 5spd manual to patagonia and back.

IMO I would go 4x4 and probably a full detroit in the rear unless you have the cash and then I aould go with an ARB.

And I would look seriously at a 4runner of that vintage as well. You can get them cheaper and they are as good if not better built.

For sure get a winch and get comfortable with it. I suspect you will use it more than any other tool in your kit.

 

A couple of things I'd take into consideration:

• Tacomas were never sold in South America, so if you get a problem you might have to wait for twee weeks for a replacement part. For a holiday, I'd consider a vehicle for which you can find parts easier, like a (diesel) Hilux, Landcruiser, Patrol, Samurai.
  
• A 4x4 is only necessary if you plan going into remote areas or want to camp out. Safe for Bolivia most of South America has decent enough paved roads. What exactly do you have in mind?

 

The front axle 4WD is an open differential with shift-on-the-fly 4WD (uses an ADD to 'lock the hubs' automatically when you shift into 4WD). I had a 2001 extra cab Off Road 4x4 (3.4 V-6) automatic... it was a terrifical vehicle. Only had to replace the water pump when I had the routine timing belt changed at 90,000 miles. The locking diff just about doubles your ability to get unstuck or go to anyplace you want. It makes both rear tires rotate together (instead of just the one tire with the least traction spinning).

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I thought a bit about the parts issue -- figured a Tacoma and a Hilux couldn't be too far off as far as parts went but I'm probably wrong lol. Would just get a Hilux but I'm buying in USA and would like to use the vehicle in USA after the trip as well.

Benfatto, Bolivia is what I am worried about. And we are doing a great deal of remote camping along the way (we have a great tent, but also might have a camper cover for the bed of the truck). Also, we will travel through Central America to get there (shipping the vehicle to Columbia once we get to Panama) -- from my experience many of the roads we will travel on in CA will be dirt or worse (and I like off roading, so the 4x4 will be nice to have). Thinking I might be able to go WO the rear locker as long as I have a good winch.

 

so you should probably take tons of pictures and make a thread on your adventure. just saying!

 

OK definitely a 4x4. When you get to Panama stop by.

 

David K, awesome. The vehicle I think I'll get (talking to a guy on craigslist) is almost identical to yours. It's an '01 Extracab 4x4 v6, but no off-road system. What is your opinion on just having a winch to get unstuck instead of getting the rear locker? The issue is mainly that I can't find one with it stock and I don't really wanna pay the extra to add an aftermarket one if I can avoid it.... even though they seem badass.

Jpneely, will do!

 

Haha, excellent! I'll keep you updated

 

sounds like a fun trip, one that I would love to do someday in the future.

If it is just you and/or one other person, then a tacoma access cab would suffice. If you do not need the truck bed, or will carry more than you + one other person, then as mentioned, you should consider the 4runner in the same gen (much cheaper), or think about the double cab.

I love the 3.4L engine. I test drove some 4 cylinders, and they underwhelmed (my opinion). If gas mileage is a consideration for you though, then of course you get better mpg with the 4cyl. I would say 4x4 is probably enough, but it couldn't hurt to have the locker. Really depends on how rough the terrain is when you say you will be doing remote camping. I do remote camping in CA and have not needed the differential lock, but use the 4x4 enough to know it was a smart move to buy a truck with it.

I have a 99 that has never left,err, lived outside of California . Zero rust on the frame. If you are in the west, 95-04 should be in play so long as you check the history of the truck and of course, the truck itself.

 

If you're likely to encounter mud & want to actually drive through it rather than winching 50' at a time, a locker will make your experience night & day. I'd recommend the extra coin for front & rear lockers if that's an option. Also, make sure your skid plates are up for the task.

The below build is a 2nd gen, but he built it for a customer to travel long distances in remote Guyana... it'll give you a good idea of what he values in a reliable 4x4.

http://www.yotatech.com/f201/2011-ifs-tacoma-build-guyana-south-america-257093/

 

V6 TRD all the way.

 

Tacomas never had a 3.0l engine. 3.0s are prone to blown head gaskets. First gen Tacomas have a 3.4l engine and it's great. The more power the better. It comes down to your budget, unless you know you need power, the 2.7l is also great. Both are reliable.

For most cases, 4wd is plenty and the locker is unnececary. It really depends on the terrain you travel through. Unless you're mud bogging or climbing soft sand, you'll be fine. However it is a really nice feature and can get you out of trouble if you find yourself in that kind of a situation. Be advised, I've had two tacomas and the rear lockers are hardly reliable. Sometimes it won't even engage completely.

The 4wd lever IS NOT on the dashboard. It is a physical lever right next to the transmition lever. If you decide to get a TRD Off-road, then there will be a small button to the left of the steering wheel.

4wd will be an open differential in the front.

The year of first generation Tacoma doesn't really matter. All years have a crappy frame that will rust if neglected. 01-04 doesn't change the frame. HOWEVER, 01-04s definitely have the comfiest interior. I've had a 98 and the sears were stiff with no real lumbar support at all. My 01 is much comfier. Also years 95.5-97 have smaller leaf springs in the rear, so it may be a slight bumpier ride compared to other years.



The locker is the little button with orange writing on it.



And here is the 4wd stick. Its the smaller lever to the side. On the left is an automatic transmission and the right is a manual transmission.

 

buy one of these instead , it will most likely serve you a bit better for those plans. Mine will climb a tree

 

love that rig

 

Thank you, me too. Once I turbocharged it, added a intercooler and some creature comforts it has become even more livable. Mr T makes some cool stuff

 

This thing give me a hard on

 

If you are going alone on this massive trip, I highly suggest doing some reading first. This might be a little detailed but knowledge never hurt anyone:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/going-alone-single-vehicle-wheeling-safety.454083/

 

DustStorm, thanks this is awesome. I appreciate the advice and images! Also, good to know about the stock rear lockers.

 

Won't be alone (girlfriend will be there too), but good reading nonetheless.