What is 1 thing you don't like about your 1st Gen

I really wish they didn't make the transmission pan out of aluminum instead of steel. Had 4 of 5 tacomas (Two 4runners 3rd gens as well with similar issue) I've had so far and each one had a stripping trans bolt to deal with when I got them (used), since aluminum is so easy to strip compared to steel. Not that big a deal, but just a annoyance lol.

Also wish the bed was one foot longer. Especially if you have a tool box mounted you could do quite a lot more with that extra foot of space back there, and personally feel the bed looks short aesthetically looking at it from profile.

Hmm guess I also don't like that they 2.4/2.7 oil filter right over the bar. Hm.. but I just let oil slather over it anyways, so I guess it doesn't really matter practically speaking to me haha.

 

I don’t understand the fuss about the seatbelts. It cool to look like you pee’d your pants after it hangs out the door on a rainy night.

 

This is my beef, too. Why couldn't they put a handbrake instead of the difficult lever under the dash? I have to lean forward to put it on or off.

 

I agree with all. Especially #1. It's the worst when trying to drive without the radio on

 

I replaced my driver side seal and the door never completely closed flush with the cab after that. I saved the old seal and will put it back on one of these days

 

My dad has had a 1st gen for probably 20 years, so when I was driving it around right after I bought mine, it blew me away that it pretty much smelled the same inside. Took me awhile to shake the feeling that I was borrowing my dad's pickup because of it.

 

The plastic on the side of the seat. The temp control, won't stay cold in the summer. Oh and oil filter placement.

 

It's not white/Super white.

 

only one thing?

it would be a tossup between not having D4D, 6 spd manual and solid front axle.

 

Hmmm, had to duckduckgo that - D4D being direct injection diesel? I prefer gas engines, but I agree with you that a 6 speed would have been nice. Will add lack of fog lights, compass/outside air temp display, cabin air filter

 

1. Needs a better frame
2. Needs a solid axle
3. Needs a 6spd

 

It was a "cheap" vehicle for Toyota at the time of its production, so they didn't offer as many features that were available on other models. There's a lot you need to add if you want it to be comparable to a modern truck.

And yet somehow it ends up not being a "cheap" vehicle today, especially if an example is low mileage and clean, despite being completely stock.

 

For my dependable and low maintenance 2003 basic cab...I would say (not unexpected) freeway driving noise. I attached a Toyota noise damping fiber shield to the underside of the hood. It probably reduced noise by only 2 decibels. I realize some have gone to extensive means to noise dampen their truck. I wonder if it made a noticeable difference. Too much effort for me.

 

what did you use on the hood? i didnt think toyota made on 01-04 for those hoods

 

My dad has a 1st gen 5 lug and its is also very loud at interstate speeds. I'd imagine it doesnt have very much if any insulation or anything under the carpet and the back wall doesnt have any, but that what you get with a basic utilitarian truck.

 

Toyota sold a hood noise dampener made to fit under the hood and snapped into existing hood holes to accommodate it. It was quite a few years ago, not checked lately.

 

Hmm I need to find one

 

For my base cab it has one of those removable cup holders and mine broke so now it’s $50 for a new cup holder

 

eBay might be your best chance. If you can track down that part by number, it’ll make searching for it a lot easier. I would think a Toyota dealership could track the 2005 hood insulation part number for you (be kind, go there in person). You want that part number or equivalent for easier net search.

 

Mine would be the seatbelt and the oil filter location. I was telling my wife about this post and she said that she been watching me trying to retract the seatbelt for the last 19 years. I guess that it had become a habit and I never realized that I do it. I changed my oil on Friday and my arm is still sore from changing the oil filter. I do think the filter is easier to change when the truck is on the ground, I used a lift.