New Buyer Help!

Hello everyone,

I'm considering a local 2004 Tacoma, 4x4 auto. What are some pro's and cons of this year/tranny? I've searched around on the website to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the truck but am not having much luck.

Can't say I'm much of an automatic fan, but as long as it's durable and capable I'd be willing to suck it up to have four doors. I know gas mileage will suck but it's not going to be a DD so that's ok. Is the 5 speed 4x4 stronger than the auto or vice versa?

Anything you guys have to offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

B

 

Both trannys are pretty much bullet proof. No inherent weeknesses in the auto. If you have to have a double cab, you will not find one with a 5-speed anyway. Toyota never made them that way. Only autos.

 

Thanks Digiratus, good to know.

To add to my list of bothersome questions, what special equipment does a TRD come with that non-TRD's are without?

 

Far and away, the big item is the e-locker in the rear diff. That is, as long as its not a 4 cyl. with the auto.

 

Yea and i think TRDs got Bilstein shocks and a bigger tire stock. Thats pretty much it.

 

Nothing that can't be added. And you are going to get serious about off roading you would end up replacing the TRD stuff any way.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but what's the big deal about an e-locker?

 

Well do you understand how a differential works??

If it had open diff like my truck does. When one wheel gets stuck all the power goes to the other wheel. Which doesn't help me get un stuck. Instead i have a wheel that is spinning and one that doesn't and most likely the one that is spinning is in the air or doesn't have grip.

An Elocker helps with that. You simply push a button in the cab and to make it short and simple, what happens is no matter what position the wheels are in, power goes to both wheels. No matter what. Which helps you get unstuck.

 

Oh ok, gotcha. Definitely want that you guys are right.