Disappointed in gen3, need advice on my gen2

To be honest there's nothing wrong with it other than wanting to upgrade, but I was underwhelmed with the gen3. I'm sure it's a good truck but I didn't get the warm and fuzzy when I drove it.

I figured since I would need tires, shocks, etc. if it would be worth investing into the appearance aspect.

 

I’d keep it and the Miata, but I’m not a roll model for long term ownership. I’ve had a Jeep Wrangler, F-350, Denali DRW and now a Tacoma since 2018.

 

Thank you for your feedback on the 4runners. I've only driven it once before. Very helpful info.

 

What’s the other fun car? If it satisfies the need to whip through turns like a Miata probably does, I wouldn’t be too concerned about it. Not having something for that purpose, you will miss.

What drive train combination does the tacoma have?

I would say to keep the existing tacoma, unless there’s something you really dislike about it. Also get up to date with the maintenance beyond oil changes. Spark plugs alone will make a huge difference. Serpentine belt so you aren’t left stranded. All of it referenced in the stickies.

 

Keep the paid off bullet proof 2nd gen and spice her up. YouTube how to do the suspension, maintenance, etc, rent the complex tools and buy quality basic ones that you will keep and use forever.

I didn’t know anything about cars before I bought my first Tacoma 2004 and I ended up doing almost every bit of work on it learning as I went. There is something therapeutic about it and a big confidence boost when you learn how and succeed at doing some of the “harder” maintenance jobs on your own vehicle.

Then you come back here and realize those jobs are a joke to most members here and you still don’t know squat about cars

 

Great suggestion, thank you so much! Will heed your advice, and maybe I'd find a member who's willing to do the work for a fee with me helping/learning at the same time

 

Isn’t the Lexus version V6 or V8 powered?

 

C8.

THANK YOU! I'll look for it in the sticky

TRD OR V6, automatic.

 

Drove a Miata. Drove 1000hp cars. They can't go off the road. Tacoma is more fun. With good suspension. Not as fun with stock suspension. And rallies more than Subarus.

what's your approximate location

things that should be looked at, minimum, depending on miles
-CV boots, inspect for rips
-belt drive system
-propshaft maintenance
-fluids including trans service
-bet the breathers are all clogged
-PCV valve
-VSV tick fix
-front wheel bearings
-brakes
-good OCI practice
-spark plugs if needed
-gen2.5 fixes like resolve SAI foam filter
-bushing condition
-alignment check
-tires rotated on schedule
-inspect for leaks; check underneath, valve covers, timing cover, trans output
-periodically engage 4x4 on loose surface a little bit, to keep it working
-clean and coat chassis
-body mount bushings, rad mount bushings
-possibly add catch can
-wiper blade inserts condition
-detailing to protect paint
-A/C recharge as maintenance

a bit more power can be had with cam gears upgrade but optional.

stock might be max 22mpg
lift and tires will reduce that
not uncommon to hear of 12mpg
adds necessity for regear (more expense)

 

If your frame is in good shape (no rust), I'd keep the 2nd gen and spruce her up a little. Just know that when you start adding bigger tires and weight, your gas mileage will take a bit of a dive.
I plan on keeping mine forever because I know how to work on it but would someday like to slap a pro-charger on it, and maybe some better skid plates.

 

More of a mental barrier when it comes to cars. Not really sure why I'm intimidated with cars. I'm pretty handy with other stuff. I've finished my basement, installed floorings, electrical, and put in patio.

 

V6 twin turbo I believe

 

Starting to lean more towards keeping and updating my gen2. Just need to figure next steps and what to buy for my stated goals in my original post.

 

Yup frame is good. Thank you.

 

Let me get this straight? You get a new 4Runner Pro and get to get rid of a 1990 Miata? Seems like a win win to me. Do that one!

 

honestly that sounds harder. I've not done home stuff and will have to learn at some point.
One aspect is craftsmanship. Getting a spacing gap and level right.
There's none of that with replacing a part on a car held on with 3 bolts that only goes in one way.

at the end of the day it's totally up to you

so regarding lift, wheels, tires
31" is 265 70 17
33" is 285 70 17 (wide) or tall skinny 255/80r17
problem is tall skinny typically only comes in Load E (WildPeak)
"stronger tire"; it's not. Mine punctured with a small screw. They're just heavy as fuck.
I think Load C or D is better. E is for an F350 diesel dually towing 30k lbs.

Wheels = looks, expense
can be lighter.
Performance? Method and Icon have bead grip. To air down lower. You may or may not want that. They're also wider and weigh more.

Gets more attention. Potentially higher target for theft.

Lift? 1.5-2" AAL in back is another option. Better riding is Icon RXT. Deaver rides better than that but costs more.
other packs like OME have bad reputation.

whole suspension/front? Bilstein 6112/5160 is popular. Why?
-lifetime warranty
-cheap
-adjustable
-handles lift
-thicker, more fluid capacity
-performs well
-lasts long
basically what came on Baja model

There's two ways to go from there. Cheaper or more expensive.
Cheaper? 4600 or 5100. Had them. They suck.
Pricier? Probably Fox reservoir, Accutuned. I'm not that kinda baller. They leak in a year.
dropping money on Fox Resi rear in stock perch (no relocate) is dumb.
Everything else is in that category. King, Elka, ADS, etc.
King is worse on the street, better at prerunning
Elka does not have domestic support.

Only thing "similar" or adjacent to 6112/5160 would be non-resi shocks from Icon, Fox, OME, etc. which 6112/5160 seems to be better than. They are for sure thicker than what Icon had. For less money.
Bilstein recently released their updated revision of that model line. With ~10 notches to finely adjust height instead of the old ~5.
And it comes with front springs.

I think 6112/5160 is what most 5th gen T4R TRD Pro's came with (silver and blue) if you manage to find one at a dealer to take a spin around the block and see how it feels. Later/more recent years they supposedly switched to red Foxes.

I think the thread on 6112/5160 here is like 100+ pages of people running it.

 

Yessir or an LC, plus a happier wife due to garage space.

 

I say get a 4Runner if you really want one. They're outdated and slow, but that's part of the appeal.

Or, if you really like your Taco, throw some cash into it and keep it another couple of years while we find out how the new Tacoma and 4Runner are going to hold up.

 

lol, you know of course I was teasing. My wife has a 1990 VW Rabbit Cabrio that I’m always trying to get her to sell. I want more garage space. But happy wife happy life!!

 

EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! Thank you kind, sir. This is super helpful and I'll keep this reply and options as future reference.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help a newbie