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

Badass.... not opposed, just know less about them.

 

Even with your girlfriend there, the bigger danger is the solo vehicle if you got stuck in the middle of nowhere.

 

fair.

 

Well they are used often in SA and are really rugged/capable vehicles. They are (mostly) diesel and 5-speed with manual hubs, full floating LSD. Do a Search for 70 series land cruisers and be prepared to do some reading. Good luck

 

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)The 2.4l was only available in the 2wd Tacomas, the 4x4's are the 2.7l...and the v6 is the 3.4 which is the one I'd recommend. If you look at pre-Tacoma pickups, you might find one with the 3.0l v6 but I'd steer clear from those as they were notorious for head gasket issues and for being way underpowered for a 6 cylinder.
2. Is 4x4 enough, or is the locking rear differential super important for off-road use? (AKA do I need the TRD OR package)
   I'd get the locking diff if you can. A 4x4 is essentially a 2wd when you have open diffs and one wheel front and rear is spinning without traction. At least a rear locker will give you the extra push you need if you start to get stuck somewhere.
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]
   1st gen Tacoma don't have the dash dial for 4x4, they have the 4x4 shifting lever next to the transmission shifter (auto or manual). Most seem to have the 4hi button on the lever which you just press whenever you want to go into 4hi, some have the J-shift lever that you have to physically shift into 4hi. Most people seem to prefer the J-shifter as it's one less electrical component to have to worry about not working when you need it.
4. Not necessary really, but curious. Is the front axel locked in 4WD or open?
   Front axle is open diff unless you put an aftermarket locker in it. They only offered lockers from the factory for the rear.
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?

the frame replacement program for 01-04 is only valid for vehicles in certain states that use salt on the roads heavily, and is only applicable toward 1st gens that were inspected and coated by Toyota prior to 2012. Then they had a 15 year warranty from in-service date, so technically only 2002-2004 trucks would still qualify and only if they meet the criteria which is pretty strict.

 

If there is a tree then the winch can save you, but for only 50 ft. Then what... ? Same thing I tell people who buy those tracks for getting stuck... only they help you for about 4 feet. Don't get stuck in the first place. Deflate your tires off road... and more in sand. A GOOD tire pump is essential to refill tires. Also have a tire repair kit, and the pump will refill them. A locker (as well as lowering the tires pressure) will keep you from getting stuck. I run 34 psi on the highway, 22 psi on dirt roads (helps prevent punctures from sharp, volcanic rock), and 15-20 in sand (depends on the sand).

 

good advice, however you can also use a winch to get unstuck if you have a shovel and a spare tire (dig the spare into the ground at an angle and winch off of it).

video showing how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXYgCmufzTE

But yeah, always best to try not getting stuck in the first place

 

When I was in Pismo, I was down to 10psi in my K02s (E rated) and got stuck in some really deep sand. Deflated down to 7 psi and was able to crawl right out. Put more air back in though as soon as I was out of the deep stuff. On that note, it's always good to have a good compressor that runs directly off of your truck battery (with the engine running, do not use of those cheap Wal-Mart compressors that plug into the cigarette lighter).

 

please start an adventure thread. Please.

 

And if it hasn't been said yet, a good recovery and/or snatch strap. Do not use a tow hook strap. There's a video that was posted a few days ago on the Wheeler's Anon thread of a Jeep getting pulled out of mud with a tow strap and the hook snapped and launched right through the windshield like an artillery shell.

 

@buckmaxwell your trip will be epic. Have any more info on it, the purpose, etc?? Have a blog? Can we be Facebook friends?

 

link to that video plz

 

Might as well get his number too while you are at it.

 

I'll see if I can find it on the WA thread....that thread has like 10 new pages every day so it might take some digging lol.

 

Bwahahaha!

I'll be doing a similar trip, with my 2002 4WD TRD Tacoma. Ultimate goal is to reach Peru and hike the Inca Trail, but if all I'm able to is to get to Southern Panama (while surfing my way down the Pacific Coast), the trip will still be a success.

Check this forum site: http://expeditionportal.com/

 

found it...doesn't look good for the driver of the Jeep getting pulled out

http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=889401d3ae8e

 

Damn

 

indeed...good reminder to never use a tow/hook strap for recoveries.

 

holy shit, hope that driver didnt get seriously injured or killed

 

They guy that posted it in the WA thread said that the dude died, but I don't have any real confirmation on that.