Toyota Tacoma 2005+

toymanshu

My 05 access cab is great except for a noise which seems to be a fluid cavitation upon movement forward or reverse at startup. Once moving down the road the noise becomes a high pitched squeal becoming more frequent with speed. At 70 mph it oscillates for about two seconds every 8 to 10 seconds. My dealer tech has heard the sound but thus far can't identify it. At startup in gear (a/c off) it is very noticeable and literally sounds like some fluid flushing (cavitating). Anyone else run into such...please advise...thanks.

len888

Received the cover FedEx consisting of 2 pkgs: tapered side rails in a long tube 30lb, and, the preassembled fold-a-cover with assy. instr. and hardware 50lb.. Waiting for a dry day over 50F to clean the truck bed and install everything. Outside temp is important for the 3M adhesive to cure for mounting the upper side rails. I'll take before/during/after photos but need to learn how to post them on this site.

Observations to follow: 1] Assembly 2] Function/Ease of use 3] Travel Noise
4] Moisture seal 5] Wind Slip effect on gas currently at 23mpg highway 5] May include Opinions & Suggestions

nukepooch1

I had a 1994 Toyota regular cab, base model w/ 4cyl and 5spd. It had over 250K miles when I sold it (the odometer stopped at just shy of 250K, it was the first and only non-normal-maintenance issue I had with the truck)

I leased a 2005 Ford F-150 4x4 STX Supercab. It is a low-grade model (WAAY lower than the King Ranch--LOVE those seats!), and has the 4.6L V-8 and auto trans. I've got 26,000 on it so far, and have had the following problems/quirks.

16MPG average w/ 85%hwy miles @ 80MPH, (EPA rated 14city 18hwy) so not bad considering how huge and heavy this truck is. I do run full synthetic oil (only "upgrade" done)

HUGE turning radius...my best friend has 1992 F150 ext cab, and his turns circles (pun intended) around mine. Being in a parking lot is like being 15 with a learner's permit...back and fill, back and fill.

Electronic throttle SUCKS! It has a very noticible lag between pressing the pedal and actually moving forward. Be careful when pulling out into traffic! Also, drive two footed (one on gas and one on brake) when backing up or hooking to a trailer...I've backed into things because the throttle calibration is off...you push on gas, not moving, more gas, not moving, more gas, now you're flying backward...

4x4 inop @ 11K miles, dealer fixed.
leaking rear diff (will be fixed at next dealer stop)

the following have not, as of yet, been fixed in 4 dealer visits.
driveline/slip yoke clunk on acceleration and steering wheel shimmy @ highway speeds...seems to be common problems with these trucks according to those on f150online.com
driver's side ext mirror will not stay in place

It's a very pretty truck, and it's roomy, but it just feels too danged big for real world usage. I drove a semi for years...when you hang with other semis, it's fine, but get in with cars, and it is a PITA. Same thing with the F150. The probs I've had are all little niggles (xcept 4wd and throttle issues) but I'm still headed to buy a Toy when the lease runs out. If the new Taco is half the truck my 1994 was, then it's heads above anything else on the market.

rockla

I also find the mirror in the way. I flipped mine upside down allowing it to go even higher this way. its better this way. try it and let me know

rockla

Hi the post of the mirror actually moves up and down. and also if you flippe your mirror upside down it will allow you to set it up even higher. it works for me and I am 6.0'

borked

ya they still have coilovers

jeffjeff

The truck is not even a month old. I wanted to take some pictures of the truck in the backyard. Unfortunately, small branches scratched the whole passenger side of the truck from the front door to the rear tail light. The scratches aren't deep, but they are noticeable. I went to Walmart to purchase some Scratch-X. I would think paying $7 a bottle would be the fix, however I guess I was wrong. The scratches remain. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can get these long scratches removed? I hate to walk out to my truck now and even look on that side of it. I'm sure this has happened to some of you perhaps. If so, how did you address the situation?

streaks

Had the same problem awhile back.Customers dog jumped up and scratched my door. Took the truck to my buddie (owns a detail shop) He buffed the truck and got them out.
I would take your truck to a professional detailer for an opinion. They may buff out providing their not too deep. If you move your fingernail over them (gently!!) and your nail doesn't catch..you should be ok...If it does... might be body shop time!!

My Off-Road Taco is Black,(we all know how hard that is) so I don't mess w/ waxing and such... All I do is keep it clean. My bud does the rest. .Had my truck done 3 months ago..when it rains, water beads up and rolls right off like he did it yesterday. I live in Cent. Pa.(snow,salt, etc) so I'll get the truck done one more time before winter really hits.

I know a lot a guys do their own waxing. All kind of good products out there. If your good at it, like to do it, and have the time...Go for it!! As for me... $250 a year( 125 ea. visit) is a small price to pay for a great looking truck and no worries!!......Good Luck!!

ftoften

My truck also makes noise at 60 -70 mph. but it's more of a drive line "drone" rather than a vibration. It doesn't matter what gear I'm in (4th or 5th in the automatic transmission), it will start at 60-61 mph and continue past 70 mph. It sounds like a bad U-joint but the dealership has already replaced the drive shaft with no change in the noise. I'm beginning to think that it might be in the rear end, bad bearing or something. I'll probably get her back into the dealership after hunting season.

If they can't fix it, I'll probably try to drown the noise out with a TRD cat back system and serious winter tires.

You didn't say what was vibrating on your truck but there are a lot of discussions over at the 4-runner and GX 470 forums regarding various vibrations. You might find something that would help. Well, Penn State is moving the ball on Mich., gotta go.

tacotyke

The dealer ordered an Automatic from the factory instead of the manual I had requested. So I am looking at ANOTHER 4 weeks wait for a truck to arrive that matches my original order.

Thats 4 months from date of order.

raswank

Does anyone have any of the K and N filter kits on there 2005 TacomaV-6's I like the 70 series, or even the 60 series. Any thoughts. Does the vehicle sound more throaty? Does it improve gas mileage? Or horsepower? Thanks for all your time.

demoncleaner

Tell them to take $ off the price. Thats BS. Dont settle, this is your baby, Get what you want. Find from another dealer if needso. Dont be stuck with Auto if your want a Manual. Why pay extra 1000 beans for their 'mistake'. Just be sure they dont 'add' the extra poop on your vehicle.

chriscross1

could anyone tell me if you can get the hood scoop on a 06 tacoma acces cab, i have been told you can not on the access cab but in the four door you can. When i went on the toyota web site it did not say anything like that, infact it said in the trd sport package not off road package you can. could anyone tell if the web site is right and it does not matter if it is a double cab or access cab/extended cab or my friend is right. Thanks

yrffej

trd sport pkg gets you the scoop.... mind you, it's not functional.... but looks great.

yrffej

ok.... i'll bite, how much did you put down for your order? btw, they don't "order" there are allocations by region, that the local dealers can bargin between each other for. if you put $ down the dealer is motivated to get you what you want, in a reasonable amount of time. they hate loosing a sale, and worse if they have to return a down-payment....

volley

Yes you can get the hood scoop on the access cab as long as you get the TRD Sport package.

yrffej

in the overhead console. theres two, push to turn on map lights. anyone know how to get into the console to change the bulbs?

pb2themax

It's almost impossible to really remove scratches by hand. You need a buffer and the correct polishing products. With my Porter Cable buffer I haven't met many scratches that I couldn't remove or make unnoticable. I'm pretty sure that your tree branch scratches can be fixed with a buffer. And I'm talking about a real buffer, not the kind they sell at AutoZone or Sears. The buffer, pads, and polish that you use makes a world of difference. Buying a Porter Cable 7424 was one of the best tools I have ever bought. It blows away my old Craftsman buffer.

Here's some info on how to use a buffer and what kind of results you can expect. Scroll down to the bottom of the link to see some before and after pictures of what can be done with a buffer.

How to use a Buffer:
http://www.guidetodetailing.com/articles.php?articleId=4

Info on removing bird poo, scratches, tar, swirls, water spots, etc
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-paint-polish-clinic.html

Here's a good place to get professional detailing products.
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

pb2themax

I've taken the overhead console apart, and I'm not sure that the bulbs can be removed without tearing something up. You might want to ask a Toyota tech though.

len888

I started to apply the fold a cover and had to first deal with the factory installed cargo divider which I had previously secured with a 1/4 " cable. I soon learned that the cable was unnecesary in the first place because the brackets which hold the divider in place cannot be removed without removing the entire track system on both sifdes of the box bed. The cable was removed as my first step in attacking the folding tonno project. For those interested, the tighening knobs on the cargo divider, both vertical and horizontal DO NOT interfere with the Fold A Cover.

sparky13

I have the 3" lift on my 05, doesn't void the warranty and does not require new shocks. Stock rims won't work with the lift if you upsize the tires to 33's (235-85-r16), rubs the upper a-arm when you try to turn. Went with Mickey Thompsons rims w/ BFG's(smallest offset available) and after cutting out the plastic fender on the back of wheel well and front worked ok till going off road, then the tires would hit on the cab support brace at the back of the wheel well ( brace is bigger than a full size 3/4' T cab brace) finally changed the tires back to 32's (235-75-R16) now has the clearance with no rubbing. Recommend shopping around the 4x4 shops and find the one that does the lifts for the dealerships in your area, most dealerships do not install the lifts, they send them out to be installed, Desert Rat in Mesa,AZ does a lot of them for the dealer ships and were about 1/2 the price, even among the RevTek dealers in the area the labor charges can vary by a couple of hundred dollars. Now if I can just get rid of the annoying clunk in the rear springs whenever I go over a bump, I will be happy. good luck.

blutac

I put a drop in K&N in. My speed shop said that the configuration for the air already constituted a cold air intake and other than looking good (and costing about $400.00 more) a drop in was all that was needed. I seem to have a little better fuel economy than before (2MPG) but did not notice any change in sound.

hickboy

I put a 77 series intake on my Tacoma. It sounds way more throaty and is a lot more responsive. Gas mileage might be improved....if I could keep my foot out of it.

tacotyke

$500

On top of ordering me the wrong transmission, the sales rep explicitly said that even though I wanted a manual transmission, I would get the long box because I had ordered the towing package. Now I find out that the long box ONLY comes with the automatic.

How many of you miss the extra 12 inches?

Kind of tough to sleep in the back of a 5ft box I suppose.

ronk44

I have an 'undercover' tonneau cover. It's made for the Tacoma -- no drilling, nothing to remove. If you can live with the black ABS, its a really nice looking cover. They claim you can paint it -- not sure about this. It installs into the existing track system, has two lifts and two locks. I have a white Tacoma and I left it black. If you provide your e-mail, I can send a picture.

Look on the internet -- it's the one that has 5 guys standing on it -- pretty tough!

Good luck.

ronk44

I have the off-road Tacoma TRD. I have a friend that has the sport. I swear -- we've traded trucks and driven the same bumpy California I-10 interstate, and we can't tell any real difference in the ride. My wife thinks my TRD off-road rides stiffer, but I really can't tell.

Good luck!

ufcjeff

Could you tell a difference on road, cornering? Anyone else have the opportunity to drive both TRD Sport and Off Road equiped tacos?

demoncleaner

Yep no manual w/ long box. I wanted manual and 6spd. Like the handling/manuverablity of the shorter wheelbase. Have TRD Sport w/tow pkg. I'm happy with my 5ft box. I tow my snowmobiles, and one wouldn't fit anyway in the 6ft box (too wide)anyway. I transport Mt bikes and 4 fit fine, piles of skis and snowboards, wood, whatever without problem. Didnt bother with extender either. I fit my 2 person backpack tent in bed with tailgate down, and sleep fine. You'll need to decide for your needs if that extra foot is what you want... Great that Toyota has the option available unlike the competition.

ronk44

Question -- when I removed my old filter to put the K/N drop-in filter in its place, I noticed another paper looking filter still attached toward the motor side. I snapped my new K/N in the intake side but there still seems to be another white fabric/paper filter in the motor side -- is this one also supposed to be somehow removed also?

thanks,

ronk44

I actually drove the same 10-15 mile route with both trucks, and there is a nice corner to put some lean on the truck at high speed (about 45 mph) -- both handled this very well. I can't say that I really noticed any real difference. But, it was only a 15 minute ride. I suspect that if I really got in an off-road situation, there would be a noticable difference. The trouble is -- he was not willing to let me go out to one of our off-road dirt areas with his truck. I've already had mine there and it did really good. Had some mud rocks, bumps, you name it. I also test the differential lock just to see how it worked -- seemed to work pretty well. I did notice better traction in mud. It took me forever to get the dirt/mud off the bottom of the truck.

d_veint

I have an '05 TRD off road, double cab 4x4 and a buddy has an '05 TRD sport, double cab 4x4. We have traded trucks, taken turns being the DD, etc. Neither one of us can really tell the difference in the suspension. The LSD in the sport is the only noticable difference, and thats only when you're connering aggressively. The differences between the two are mostly cosmetic.

dreddie7

After months of searching and repeated calls and emails
to the manufacturer and local dealer, I'm about to
get cap shell installed on my 2005 tacoma access cab.
Indigo Ink Paint.

I bought an A.R.E. 'MX' model.
I saw the actual cap last week and it should be installed by
oct 21. Once i get it installed, I will post another message
hopefully with some pic links.
I was told that it clamps to the inner bed rails using some
special hardware. if i can, i'll get pics of that.

The MX model has a small (6 inch) hump in the top
that allows for taller cargo to be loaded into the back.

I waited months for manufacturers for ARE, LEER etc to come out
with such a model, but all i got was "we're working on the
mold now..call back in a month...........etc etc"
They repeatedly mentioned that they manufacturer caps
based upon popularity and that all caps may not be made in
all parts of the country.
They claimed to other models that would fit my truck,
but they didn't have enough clearance or were way to tall
for my needs.

I live in Delaware and bought from an instate dealer.
I paid roughly $1300.
I had a 'costco' coupon that saved me couple of hundred.

rsj

How do I disengage the door chime? I know that there is a button on the door jam. Could I cut the wire to it, or will that short curciut the system?

yrffej

again, they can't order from the factory.... allocations only. ck the toyota website, build your own. build it like you want it... i'ts by region, if what you want exists in your region. bring a printout to your dealer and tell his sales manager, you've waited long enough if he doesn't trade for it. you'll go to the dealer who has it, and buy it from them. if it doesn't exist the way you want it, either wait, or choose from whats available in your region.
i "ordered" a prerunner v6 trd sport pkg 1, six weeks later, all they could deliver is sport pkg 2 (free towing pkg & toyo guard) i put $1000. down and no charge for the extras....

kkim4all

Dear Kurt123,

I am shopping for tacoma pickup truck, can you tell me the difference between a pre-runner and a 4x4? Also, is a pre-runner good for snowy days?

Thank You,
Keith

machotaco

Hey guys i recently signed up with this forum and have a question that i am concerned. How much of a difference in power is the 2006 toyota tacoma compared to the 2005 toyota tacoma. I have looked up the torque rating for the 06 and saw the change made to the torque and horsepower. So if anyone has an 06 or any knowledge in this area please help me. That was one of the things i liked best about the 05 tacoma. But now im not so sure although i havent had the time to test drive one. Thanks

volley

The only difference between a PreRunner and a 4x4 is exactly that...the 4x4. The PreRunner is the same height and everything as the 4x4 except it is 2WD.

dockeen

No difference in power, the way the numbers were calculated was changed. There have been a number of discussions on this if you want more details.

Wayne

bonestocktac

Has anyone purchased the camburg long travel kit yet? That is a lot of loot to drop, and I want to get some idea of how much of an advantage it is over the regular travel system. I don't race, but love to hit the woops and play in the dunes sometimes-

ufcjeff

Okay, so the 06's are out and nothing changed. Anyone know what the rumored changes for 2007 are? Perhaps a V8? I would imagine they would try to fix some of the major universal complaints. I don't have one yet so I don't really know what those are...

demoncleaner

Prerunner good for snowy days? Well depends how much snow you encounter in your area. I live in hilly and heavy Lake-effect snow area, and got my TRD Sport 4x4 around xmas. With stock tires I used 4x4 whenever there was snow, truck handled awful. Then I put on 4 Blizzak tires, different story. I rarely used 4wd anymore.... the tires w/ a LSD rear made the truck handle great in snow. Honestly, choice between 4x4 with stock tires, or 2wd with snow tires, I'd rather take the latter. Of course 4x4 with snows, even in a blizzard, I'm first to the slopes...

My recommendation is if you are only geting 4x4 for snow (ie not an offroader), and you don't get a ton of snow, save $ when you buy and get an extra couple mpg's... get a Prerunner instead of 4x4. For snow safety, spend 500 bucks on snow tires and rims.

jdvailco

Is there a difference between 2wd SR5 suspension and prerunner suspension? Difference between prerunner suspension and 4wd suspension?
Thanks
John

mud69

Hey, that fold a cover looks like a great idea, but how do you like it? and can you secure it with the two rear folded forward and drive around?

volley

The standard 2WD is different than the PreRunner. It will sit lower than the PreRunner. PreRunner is the same as the 4x4 minus the guts needed for the 4x4.

jdvailco

Thanks for the heads up on the height difference. I am also curious about stiffness. As I understand it, the TRD Offroad package adds stiffness to any model. however, is there a stiffness differenence between 2wd/prerunner/NON-TRD offroad 4wd?
Thanks
John

blutac

I never noticed anything else on mine but I will check again to see if there is indeed anything else there and I'll get back to you. Incidently, I checked my combined mileage a while ago (being from Canada everything is in Kilometers and Litres) I made the conversion and discovered about 22.5 MPG (Canadian). American is 4/5 our gallon. I just checked again last week and am now up to 24.3
Have to be impressed with economy like that especially considering the pep the engine has. Also found out that the limiter cuts in at 180K (about 110MPH). Anyone know how to remove this pain as I think there is more left above that.

boone88rr

The 2WD Tacoma isn't even in the same category. So for the sake of this argument, throw that one out.

I have a non-TRD 4x4. It rides very nicely on and off-road. I test drove a TRD off-road and didn't feel a whole lot of difference between mine and TRD when it was on road. Essentially, the Prerunner and the non-TRD 4x4 should (and probably do) have the same suspension components. I'm assuming you can probably confirm this on toyota.com website by looking at the different options. The 2WD was listed all by itself, the Prerunner and 4x4 were usually lumped together. In the case of the access cab model, the XRunner was also listed by itself. Then and only then, once you added on the specified TRD packages did the original configs change.

Long story short, Prerunner ride stiffness = non-TRD 4x4 ride stiffness

ahardy

Can you provide the website for the Tacoma cover you purchased and installed? what about the price with installation?

len888

Fold-A-Cover is well engineered and comes with excellent assembly instructions. I think it's the best tonno ot there now that I put it on my '05 Taco Access cab which has the 6'1" box bed. That bed requires the 'Long' 4-panel Fold-A-Cover. I can drive with the cover open to any position. The dead weight of each panel keeps it safe to drive in any open/closed position. It has two locks, one on each end panel. They furnish a latch to catch the last panel on the tail gate. The latch required drilling two small holes for rivets and the instructions even remind you to rust prime the holes before riveting the latch. The latch keeps strangers from opening the tailgate when the cover is fully extended.

sg542

Does anyone know if K&N has kits out for 06 Tacomas? or will the 05 Kits work for the 06? My 06 arrives Nov. 1 and I am definately considering this upgrade. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.