Jeep owner, making the change!!

Tacomas have never had solid axles in the front. 1985 is the last year of solid axles and they were known as Toyota Pickups in the US. Some refer to them as Hilux (but the true Hilux came with diesels and are now their own stand alone model).

1995.5 is the first year of the Tacoma. Anything before is a Pickup. They were more or less nameless lol. 1998 is the first year they introduced the TRD Offroad which included the rear locker.

1985 is arguably the best year of Toyota pickups and 4runners as its the last year for the solid axle and first year Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

 

I still wished they put solid axles on the 1st gen Tacomas.

 

Welcome to TW. I crossed over from an '02 TJ back in October. I kept the Jeep (Jeeps ROCK!), but am VERY happy with the Tacoma. It is exactly what you're looking for insofar as it is much more comfortable. I have the TRD Off Road and, quite frankly, it has handled everything I have thrown at it so far. Roomy? Yeah, if you cover the bed for your stuff. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same size inside.

 

I have dreams of a SnugTop for the bed and a nice roof rack with a Roof Top Tent in the future.... I'm already looking for stuff to buy for this Taco I haven't even found yet haha. But yes Jeeps ROCK!! Mines an 01 TJ with D44's/3:73's.. She's got like 170,XXX miles on her

 

2005 until 2008 or later. I'm not sure.... Whatever you do...before purchasing anything, take the VIN number and visit your local Toyota dealer. They should be able to tell you if the frame was replaced or 'sprayed'.

What happens.... if you own a truck that falls under this warranty, you take the truck to the Toyota dealer. They inspect the frame. The frames rot from the inside out - so its hard to see it just by looking underneath. If they FAIL the frame, they'll replace the entire frame. If the frame passes - they'll spray some black nasty stuff underneath and this is supposed to warranty it for another 5 years. From what I've heard (and my own truck), they need to find a 2" hole in the frame to fail it. My frame was replaced a couple months ago.

This warranty is good until March 2016. So even if you buy a truck that falls under the warranty, and it hasn't already been done - you can take it to the dealer anytime and have it inspected. But again...they either pass or fail.

I would recommend finding a truck that has a new frame OR AT A MINIMUM, have the frame inspected by Toyota BEFORE you buy it. Then...you'll know if it's due for a new frame or just an undercoating. I would stay away from anything that's had the undercoating.

I used to own a couple Jeeps myself. YJ on 35's, Dana 44's, ARB's, rollcaged, onboard air, winch, etc etc etc.