Decoding Model Codes

I do find it interesting that used Tundras are about the same price as Tacomas - Tacomas do hold their value!

 

I will need to research this 2Lo kit - I see you have some other postings on it. I am encouraged that I may be able to stay the course on the manual transmission truck

 

2WD low mod solves high R ratio. IMHO
must have on MT Tacoma, I even use it to back up steep driveway unladen.

 

It’s got really tall R gear just like any compact/midsize MT pick up.

I think it’s a gear storage issue.

 

Get the mod and enjoy your truck. It’s a lifesaver man.

 

It does fine towing loads of under 3k lbs. Its when you start approaching the weight of the truck, the tundra is much better.

 

I deleted mine after regearing but before that, no way would I have. Reverse is still a bit tall for my liking, but when I eventually swap in the Hilux trans that should have me permanently happy. I never really tow anyways, if I did I’d still have 2LO combined with the other two.

 

You need to find a katashiki decoder:

List of Chassis Codes. Do you know yours? VZN??? RVN??? | Tacoma World

 

I found a VIN decoder to model number so maybe I will make a Gen 3 version. Might be handy as there is variability - for example a 4WD double cab can either have 6000lbs or 6400lbs towing capacity depending on the model

 

The 6 cylinder models would be pretty similar to each other. 6400 lbs is the towing capacity for a V6 MT 4x4.

I also towed about the same amount as you intended to with a manual V6 Tacoma a few times: a Honda S2000 on a U-Haul trailer (a bit over 5000 lbs) and some extra stuff being 200 lbs. A Tundra would be a better towing experience no doubt, but my Tacoma did the job fine.

Backing up requires a lot of clutch slipping due to how reverse is geared on this truck.

If this truck didn't come with a stick shift I would have looked into full size trucks (5.7 Tundra or 5.0 F150 personally)

 

@RicerRabbit - good to know your experience. I am going to get the 2Lo kit to deal with the reverse gearing.

The reason for my original question is that based on the owners manual, V64x4s can have 6000, 6400 or 6500lbs towing rating depending on the model. It isn't clear to me if the transmission is a variable in those differences

 

Transmission is not a factor for towing. It is a factor for payload.

All of these are V6 4x4:

6500 lbs
GRN305L-CRFSHA - access cab manual
GRN305L-CRTSHA - access cab auto

6400 lbs
GRN305L-PRFSHA - double cab manual
GRN305L-PRTSHA - double cab auto non Limited
GRN305L-PRTLHA - double cab auto Limited

GRN310L-PRTSHA - double cab long bed (auto only) non Limited

6000 lbs
GRN310L-PRTLHA - double cab long bed (auto only) Limited

the only one that doesn’t make sense to me is the limited long bed losing 400 lbs compared to the “SR5” DCLB. The short bed limited doesn’t lose 400 lbs compared to the short bed “SR5”.

 

The V6 4x4s are the same for both transmissions: 6400 lbs

 

@BLtheP - I missed your earlier post - THANK YOU! That is exactly what I was looking for - will really aid in my search. I like the look of the double cab alot better than access cab, but the access cabs slightly better towing capacity might win out. I will very rarely need to take passengers in the truck so the smaller rear seat would not be a problem.

@RicerRabbit - I tagged you on a post that I deleted once I saw BLtheP's post - apologies if you received a notification to a now non-existent post.

Thanks to this community for helping a newbie out. My hunt for a Tacoma begins in earnest today. The TacomaWorld marketplace has a perfect one for sale but it is red, the one color that is not in consideration. I am sure though that if I am patient one will come around

 

Didn't take me long to find my truck: https://www.carmax.com/car/24673777

 

Well - I guess I should have listened to the recommendations to get a Tundra. The trailer I am getting is aluminum and will not accept a weight distribution hitch; the Tacoma owners manual requires one for the weight of the trailer I am getting. So bummed as I love the truck I found on CarMax; luckily it is still in transit so I can just cancel the order.

I have enjoyed this forum - lots of great info. Hopefully Tundra forum is as great

Sure wish they made a manual transmission Tundra

Thanks!

 

for towing, you will be better off with both a Tundra and an automatic!
GL!