New Tacoma owner - fuel tank options?

Hello, all! I recently bought a 1999 Tacoma base (2.4L, 5 speed manual, regular cab, 2WD) with a fuel issue. I had a shop look at it before I bought it and was told the worst case would be that the gas tank and fuel pump need to be replaced. It turns out that I am in that situation. I had that contingency built into the price, so no worries there, but I am wondering the best way to replace these parts. I figure the Denso Fuel pump is the best option for the fuel pump at around $80, but what about the tank? The shop stated that the OEM tank is ~$600 but they will also look for a used one. Aftermarket, it looks like Spectra is the only option but I am unsure of if the tank I found (Spectra model TO31F) will fit my 2WD, regular cab Tacoma. The Spectra tank only costs $265.96 with free shipping. It looks like this is a 15.1 gallon tank, which matches the OEM one, but on compatibility checkers on some sites it shows as not compatible with my Tacoma.

What do y'all think is the best option? Is the Spectra tank compatible with my base, 2WD, regular cab Tacoma? I'm very excited to have everything running nicely and use this as my daily driver.

Many thanks,
Alex

 

i would consider getting one from a junkyard. where do you live?

 

Thanks for the quick response. I'm in Orlando, FL. The current tank is rusted out - should I worry about that occurring in a used tank?

 

Not necessarily. Could be the truck you bought was in conditions unique to that owner that rusted the tank. A legit junkyard won't sell a rusted out tank, but still inspect it carefully to be sure.

If you were in L.A. I would have a resource for ya.

Call your local junkyards and see what they have.

 

Are you sure it's only 15.1 gallons? In my manual, it says I have an 18.5 gallon tank.

 

I believe the PreRunner and 4WD have an 18 gallon tank while the base/DLX have a 15.1 gallon tank. I've also found some conflicting compatibility information regarding regular/extended cab; it seems they have different OEM part numbers but some individuals claim that all of the gen 1 Tacoma tanks are interchangable. Similarly, some parts suppliers show that all of the different tanks are compatible while others show they are not. Very strange to me.

 

Maybe you could fit the bigger tank in there somehow. It would definitely be an upgrade.

 

I thought my 01 had a 18.5 gallon tank. Gauge was showing 1/4 till E. I filled it up, and it fit 13 gallons.

 

yah same on my dcab... for years i thought i had an 18 gallon tank, but have never been able to fill more than 14 gallons into it... even taking it down to E with the fuel light lit, i maxed out at 13.8 gallons...

 

Idk guys when I go to the quarter tank line on the gauge, I can easily get in 15 gallons.

 

xcab may have more room for a bigger tank than our dcabs... we have a shorter bed to work with...

 

In some resources I've found that part 7700104040 is for the regular cab while 7700104030 is for extended cab. Would there be a problem fitting 7700104030 in a regular cab Tacoma?

 

So maybe we have a 15.1 gallon tank?

 

Durr didn't catch this. I feel dumb.

 

I just googled "2001 Tacoma Prerunner gas tank size" and the first google hit says 18 gallons, but the edmunds.com link says 15...weird.

My xtra cab 2004 4x4 v6 has an 18 gallon tank for sure, I always fill up just before the light comes on and I put in 15 gallons or so.

It may have to do with engine size, 4cyl versus v6 and/or 4x2 versus 4x4...

 

Going to run mine till the light turns on (HOPE THERE IS A LIGHT)... and report back

 

There will be, unless the bulb isnt working for some reason. Mine comes on usually right when the needle starts to touch the E, at which point theres a couple gallons left in the tank.

 

If the light doesn't come on, and I get stranded, I will make sure to walk over to your house

 

I live on top of a very long hill but it's good for exercise lol

 

My fat butt needs all the exercise I can get.