Are you happy with Tacoma?

benz88

One thing I would advise is to lock your spare. A buddy of mine with a 4runner got his spare stolen at a mall. Apparently, thieves have no problem with getting the spare down. Being a full size spare, its expensive to replace.

benz88

Another thing, grease those thumbscrews on the crank. Mine were so tight, I needed a pair of vicegrips to back them out. Might save you a bunch of cussing on the roadside;)

benz88

I was thinking of putting brush bars on my taco but the brands I found so far (Manik, Jaos, Grizzly, Smittybilt) had disclaimers of being for "decorative" purposes only.

The tjm brand is different in that it replaces the front bumper with an integral unit with winch mount and brush guards built in.

The material used is aluminum alloy. Anyone have experience with this product? Or with aluminum front bumpers? I won't want to give up any frontal crash protection.

gonzo7

With the stock Toyota Tacoma bumpers you have no crash protection whatsoever. The "Bumpers" are absolute crapola. The only thing worse than the Tacoma bumper is the 4x4 tacoma bumper. It is a hollow thin plastic shell offering no protection at all. It is decorated with some chrome ornaments that imply, but offer nothing in the way of protection.

Tape an aluminum soda can to your radiator if you'd like. It will outperform the factory pieces.

lawdawg

When I had my tacoma I also wanted a grill guard but could only find bumper mounted ones. I was told by the techno guy at a truck store not to get these. There had been problems with the airbag deploying while driving down the road because of the extra weight on the bumper on some tacomas. Try going to www.overlander.com maybe they will have something that will mount to the frame.

blandau1

Just purchased my first Tacoma, have had a 94 4x4 for 6 years. The 99 has extended cab, V6, auto and is pretty much loaded. I am a little disappointed with the mushy ride. Is this the 31" tires or just my imagination? Otherwise, I love this truck. Later...

y2ktrd

well the trd has is a little more "cushy" than the
non trd.i had a 97 and now a 2000 trd and i like the trd ride much better,infact thats why i chose that option.

rsmtom

It's not your imagination. I'm driving a '90 4X4, same series as your '94. There was a huge change in spring rates between the earlier truck and the Tacoma. Tacomas went way soft in comparison--trying to appeal to tender yuppie butts, I guess.

iceman

You have a Tacoma ? Me too. Just remember that those tie-downs are held in by Phillips screws. It'd be easier to steal your spare now than when you had it slung underneath.

benz88

Just drill out the screw heads a little. Or if you are feeling fancy, grind down the counterclockwise edges with a dremel tool. Then you can only tighten the screw.

tisteve

I had a '97 non-TRD and now have '99 w/TRD. The TRD is much firmer. I can't speak for the earlier 90's models. I thought the Tacoma without the TRD was way too soft and "floaty". The TRD tightened that up quite a bit. It handles much better and doesn't wallow out as much.
Glad unixgod got the ax. Wonder what his reincarnated name will be? For the 5th time.

gonzo7

I am happiest with the ride of my Tacomas (95 4x4 and 98 Prerunner) with 35 psi in the front tires and 32 in the rear. The ride is mushy with the recommended pressure.

unixgod

I didn't get the "axe" you bonehead. You pansy asses just got boring.

lawdawg

Where have you been? Did you get my last post? Incase you didn't

SEMPER FI

Take care all.....

isell_mitsus1

I am looking at buying a 2000 PreRunner V6 Automatic extended cab. I was interested to see what some of you have paid for them.

I am also interested to see if any of you have had any problems and how happy you are overall?

Is this the wrong topic for that question?

Thanks in advance

tisteve

I thought he'd come lurking back.
What does it say about your big, bad Chevrolet that you have to come into a COMPACT truck forum to find something to bash.
Obviously, the guys in the full size groups laughed you out of there.
I don't buy domestics, but if I did, I would buy a Ford any day over a GM product.
Go pick on someone in your own class!

unixgod

Sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. I forget how fragile a Tacoma and it's owner can be.

I'll try and treat you more like a lady from now on.

hindsite

Just ignore Unixgod and stopping responding to his comments everyone.

bnix

I have recently priced a 2000 Tacoma with the TRD, SR5, and Power packages, as well as, ABS, Bucket Seats, and Floor Mats for more than $250 less than the Edmunds invoice price from the website www.carorder.com. Can this be for real. Does anybody know if I should be wary of this deal. I realize their is a wait period (3-6 weeks) for this car, but that is no different than what the dealerships can offer.

Also, when calling around to the local dealerships to try and get somebody to match this deal, I had a hard time finding the truck I wanted with ABS. Does anyone know why this option is so rare. Is there something I should know about Toyota's ABS. I am concerned because I currently own a 90 Jeep Cherokee that has been a nightmare when it has come to the ABS.

hindsite

I have the 4x4 Taco with the ABS and it is great.

Gischpel

I asked about ABS when i was buyng and the response I got was, "No one who off roads in their 4x4 would want ABS". I'm not sure why that is. Can someone explain?

I wish it had ABS as I am spending more and more time on the road in heavy traffic.

Terry

mmcbride1

There is a reason why people wouldn't want ABS if they offroad. If you are trying to stop on a loose gravel/sand/dirt spot, the ABS will take longer to stop you (longer than locking up the wheels), and sometimes you don't have that extra time/space. That said, my truck (4Runner) has ABS and I do take it offroad. I have never had any problems. I think Toyota's ABS is fine offroad, but that's just my opinion. Sounds to me like the salesman didn't have any with ABS on the lot and wanted to make a sale.

benz88

I had ABS on my Wrangler and it was great. ABS was one of the things I made sure my new Tacoma had. The videotape with my Wrangler explained that the ABS for offroad vehicles was tuned differently than for a car. I think ABS is not nearly as important for absolute stopping distance as it is for keeping in control while trying to stop ASAP. ABS was not common on the lot at my dealership. There was 10 Tacos only one had ABS.

mmcbride1

It would make sense that they are tuned differently in a truck than in a car...

wsnoble

My 98 Taco has it, but i had to order it to get it. Well worth it though. One good save with it and you never not have it again...

-wsn

benz88

Hi,

Any recommendations for a fiberglass topper?
I've seen Leer and Glasstite. Comments?

keith24

gischpel: from what i've gathered, the salesman who told you the 4x4/abs thing may have had a half-intelligent basis for telling you that. Granted, I could see both pros and cons in "panic stopping" out on fire road and such with abs. However, I don't think I'd want ABS on a 4x4 that I plan to be off-road in frequently. And here's why. Say, for instance, you're going down a steep, slick, rocky, muddy, snowy hill. Steep enough that you won't be going over 5 or 10 mph. Now, if it gets REALLY STEEP, & you start "riding the brakes" so to speak, at this speed, the ABS is going to start "grabbing" as it starts to pump the brakes, when you really just want to slow to 2-3 mph. In a situation such as this, it'd be more beneficial for the wheels to roll freely, rather than the ABS trying to pump the brakes to slow you down and/or stop you.

It can be argued either way, both with pros and cons. But I've seen ABS get a buddy of mine into serious trouble in his Jeep Cherokee, in a similar situation as stated above.

keith24

y2ktrd

the abs system will only activate if one or more wheels starts to skid.simply holding your foot on
the brakes while on a incline will not make the abs activate.

modvptnl

The ABS is for exactly the situation you described. The problem with ABS offroad is when you want the brakes to lock up and aren't too worried about which direction you're going ie; a cliff or log or ditch that comes up suddenly. Even on the road I've been upset with ABS when coming up to a slippery intersection too fast(my fault) and the ABS keeps releasing the brakes when I actually wouldn't mind them locking. Of course if you're trying steer around something while under hard braking ABS is very important.

keith24

I think my point was misunderstood. See, in the situation I described, I DO NOT want the wheels locking up. I want to be able to "ride the brakes", without the ABS working. (pumping the brakes electronically, like their supposed to do) If I'm on a slick surface, or going down a hill, or both for that matter, when the ABS activates, its going to "pump" the brakes, & cause wheels to lock up when I don't want them to.

However, I really don't want to be without ABS out on the highway. I guess I've got myself a dilema here.

keith24

wsnoble

I agree. Most spend more time on road than off, and i thought the ABS would come in handy in sudden stops and it has. It works really nice on snowy roads too...

-wsn

Gischpel

Thanks for all the info on ABS. As I am spending most of my time on the road (rather than off-road), I will look harder for ABS in my next truck.

As far as Toppers go, ARE (www.4are.com) makes a nice selection of models. I wanted something that came in sections, so I didn't have to lift the whole lid each time I needed something from the back. I bought an Aerocover from Rugged Liner (www.ruggedliner.com). It is shown on a Dodge dually on the Rugged Liner home page. It works as intended, so I can' complain. It was $400 plus installation.

Terry

modvptnl

I will admit I'm confused. The whole point of ABS is to PREVENT the wheel from locking. If you're applying enough pressure to an ABS equipped vehicle to activate the pumping of the brakes than you would surely lock the brakes on a vehicle not equipped with ABS. Going down a slippery hill ABS will keep the wheels from locking giving you steering control. Now picture this slime going over a cliff and your ABS won't let you lock the brakes, this is the problem.

keith24

I'm well aware of the "whole point" of ABS keeping the wheels from locking up. I know thats what its supposed to do. That is the theory, anyway. I just know what took place on that fateful day.

We were wheeling in an old shale pit; We were traversing the top rim of the old pit, where this particular two-track turns & drops into the pit. Its probably not over a 75 foot drop; not just super high, but practically a vertical drop from the rim to the shale pit floor. (60 degrees or better) Well, the two-track turns to go down into the pit, and is off-camber for no more than 10-15 feet, before turning straight down to the pit floor. I wasn't too thrilled about having to lead, but since my old Scout was the older, "experienced" vehicle, I did.

I eased off of the top rim, thought I felt the outside rear corner come off the ground, and ever so slowly followed the trail on down to the bottom. I learned a valuable lesson that day: DON'T LOCK UP THE WHEELS!! My buddy told me that when I dropped of the rim, the outside rear corner did come off the ground, I locked up the brakes, & slid precariously sideways down the hill. I felt the slide start, & this scared me even more, so I eased up on the brakes, let the wheels roll instead of sliding, and tip-toed right down the hill. No harm, no foul. (other than practically scaring myself to death!)

Well, my buddy took a little different line, so he wouldn't have as much of an off-camber going down. He could do this with his smaller, more agile Cherokee. Anyway, on the way down, he got off the trail just a hair, and applied his brakes to correct his mistake. All the brakes did was give him a ride he'll not soon forget. He said that the ABS kicked in, (he wasn't going over 5 mph), pumped the brakes, (like its supposed to), & threw the Cherokee into a slide that couldn't be corrected. It didn't roll over, but it spun a quick 180 degrees, sent him down the hill backwards and into a tree stump.

Now, I know that driver error played a part in this mishap. But Jim told me he felt the ABS "feedback" in the brake pedal. And he strongly believes that was a very large factor in this incident. All I know is what took place, and what I witnessed. That's all. (at least on this topic) It was a day neither of us will soon forget!

Sorry to get off the topic with such a long post, but I hope this might explain my opinion on ABS a little better.

keith24

modvptnl

Thanks for the info. Now what do you think would of happened if Jim, using the same force on the brake pedal, would of locked up all four wheels. You had the experience not to lock up your wheels, Jim obviously didn't. In this instance I believe ABS saved a roll over.

modvptnl

I see you did lock up your wheels, Keith, but you let off. Jim's foot probably went through the floor board.

keith24

PROBABLY!! Of course, He'd never admit it! At any rate . . . .

I'll give him this: He's been a competent enough driver in the past to keep up with me most of the time. And I say "competent" because his Cherokee is bone stock, save for tires. 4.0l, automatic. My old Scout has been lifted some, (re-arched springs) 33x12.50x15 mudders, (with fender "reshaping"), V-8, auto, a true factory locker out back, limited slip up front, & an 8,000# Warn. Its ugly (or so says the wife), but it definitely gets the job done!

keith24

modvptnl

I know we're off topic but oh well! I like the Scout very much. I'm currently restoring a '69 Bronco. When it's done it will have a 5.0L EFI with all the Ford GT-40 and Cobra stuff(Hopefully 320 HP at the flywheel) It has a narrowed Dana 44 out of a '79 F150(Disc Brakes)5.13 gear with ARB locker. A lincoln 9" with discs and a local Bronco club member built an AOD(4speed auto)with the Advance Adapters kit for the transfer case. Everything is done except the rear end and bodywork, hoping for a spring completion.

keith24

Sounds like a winner! I can tell you're building your Bronco to be bullet-proof. We used to deer hunt with a gentleman my Dad worked with that had one. I think his was a 74 or 75 model. It was "bone stock" except for the old, narrow, bias-ply, "grave digger" mud tires. He had an 8000# Warn on the front, and needless to say, with those tires, it needed it quite often! He still has the Bronco. Its just collecting dust in their garage. But he won't let it go. (I've tried)

Good luck with your Bronco. When you finish it, maybe the Truckforce guys will let you post a pic or 2 on their website. They've got a topic here called "post your truck pictures here" with links to the site & all.

keith24

cajunman

I would be interested in hearing what gas mileage other owners are getting. I own a 2000 Prerunner Extended cab V6.I regard myself as a conservative driver, yet the best I can manage is 16.5 city and 23 interstate. My engine is still "tight" with only 1400 miles. Can I expect better mileage after a few thousand miles, or is this about tops?

mviglianco1

You should definatley expect better gas mileage. I have a 2000 also with 3K and have seen a steady increase increase every tank. I leaned alot about the Tacomas mileage at the Tacoma Territory discussion board. Someone had an spreadsheet of there mileage for the first 6 or 7K and it showed a prety linear increase every tank. Another thing, if you use you defrost notice that it turns on the AC even though the light does not come on. If you listen closely and watch the tach while idling you will see that when the selector is on either defrost mode and the fan fan is on the AC also turns on. I always had the defrost on and it effected my gas mileage.

river7

Will the A/C go on just when the Windshield defrost is selected or the combo window/foot selection? I have noticed a huge increase in defogging ability between the two and the A/C issue makes sense.

Do you notice the engine lag with the defrost on?

Thanks for any input.

River

mviglianco1

It will turn on in both positions. I did not notice any engine lag before I learned this but now that I am aware I can tell a slight difference.

panabaker

My girlfriend got a 2000 tundra and declined to get the security system but now is having second thoughts. the truck appears to be wired already for it and has the stickers in the side windows. Do the trucks come prewired from the factory and if so,whats needed to utilize it????

meredith

This topic has been "frozen" and will be "archived" soon....

please continue these discussions in Topic 1467 Are You Happy With Tacoma - II?.

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