Toyota Tacoma 2005+

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  • griffith_dgriffith_d Member Posts: 23
    The Taco a 2x4 automatic. It sometimes gives a litle shake when I turn it off. I went to the dealer to get it fixed and they said it was normal. I checked two other new ones and they both did it...a standard and an automatic. So I am satisfied for now.

    I really want to get some Bilsteins for it, but the blue ones that come stock on the TRD model are not as nice as the yellow ones straight from Bilstein. I think Nokico makes the current blue ones for Bilstein.

    Griff
  • chiefman1chiefman1 Member Posts: 22
    geogecko-I have the same black metal plate as you describe. The detailed invoice that the dealer gave me says the truck has a skid plate so I wondered if Toyota had modified these from the silver plate that is shown in the early booklets on the Tacoma. I have a DC OffRoad 4x4 so it should have a skid plate. Mine was built 01/05.
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    My heater burns me out!!! It is one of the best climate control systems I've had on a vehicle and I've owned 30 of them in the last 32 years!!!
  • tacomadavetacomadave Member Posts: 24
    I was lead to believe the vibration problem was coming from the front skid plate that is sold as a accessory for MSRP $199
  • hammaahammaa Member Posts: 79
    jadamjr - Hi - I'm looking into a lift for my DC LB TRD Sport, and was told by Toyota and my mechanic that there isn't a kit available yet. What did you use, where, and how much? (Please.) Thanks!!
  • hammaahammaa Member Posts: 79
    mafan - I've got the 17" wheels with the TRD Sport package. There is literally less than 1/2" clearance on the back side of the tire, so I couldn't go any wider period, w/out replacing the toyota wheel with a more off-set one. (I'm trying to wider and bigger with off-road tires...)
  • hammaahammaa Member Posts: 79
    geogecko - Your truck looks sweet. Is that the chrome exhaust tip? How did that go on for you...did it truly clamp on w/out drilling, etc? Thanks for the beautiful pics.
  • sbsyncrosbsyncro Member Posts: 66
    I just finally got to "test fit" my family into a Double Cab Prerunner LB and it passed the test (alas, I want a 4x4). The kids (5 and 8) fit just fine, and there is even room for an adult in between, though it would only be suitable for a short drive (I'd say 30 minutes or less).

    There is a surprising amount of room in the back seats - it feels more roomy back there than my wife's Passat Wagon, but I did notice that there is not much room for one's feet - the front seat bottoms are very close to the floor, which doesn't leave much room for a passenger with boots or large feet. For kids, it seems great.

    Now to my real question: I forgot to check what kind of lighting is available back there for the kids - can anyone tell me if there is separate lighting back there that the kids can turn on/off for themselves (or be controlled from the driver's seat)? Our passat has that feature, and it is GREAT on long trips when it is dark, as the kids can read or play cards.

    Thanks!
  • hammaahammaa Member Posts: 79
    Griff - Thanks for sharing. That's way better than I'm getting. Although when I'm on the freeway I'm probably cruising at about 80mph...previous posters suggested sticking at 65 mph to get the optimum mileage. How fast/slow were you driving?
  • griffith_dgriffith_d Member Posts: 23
    They are talking about the Electronic Bank Account Slimming device. It works great...even in your sleep.
  • griffith_dgriffith_d Member Posts: 23
    I usually drive 75,...kinda a nice ring to it.

    Griff
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    I have the access cab regular bed. Width is approximately 43". I haven't found a truck box to fit, so I bought a big black plastic box 40" wide from Target -- it was $42. Fits good with a little space to spare.

    vmiman@earthlink.net
    Tom Clark
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    Stevepod:

    I also have the V6 manual tranny. Yes you do have to wait a second or two after pushing in the clutch to change gears for the engine to come down in rpms. I notice when I wait, the shifting is much smoother. Not sure why the rpms dont drop off immediately, but apparently thats a characteristic of this engine. Never had any problems with the tranny popping out of gear. It seems to be a smooth tranny if you don't force it and let the shifter slide into the gear you want.

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    I don't think there is an airbag off light. Mine just says "airbag" all the time unless someone sits in the seat, then it says airbag and below that word, a light that says "on".

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    jsand:

    I also have the Dunlops. I run 32 psi on all 4. I have the V6 and am getting between 18 and 20.5 mpg.

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • griffith_dgriffith_d Member Posts: 23
    If you goto Edmunds.com and see the pictures of the storage under/back...mine is different. There is a trough on the passenger side with vertical side panels.

    Mmmmm interesting.

    Griff
  • troutdoorsmantroutdoorsman Member Posts: 17
    What is the recommended towing weight for the 4 cylinder? 3500 seems out of reach. Saw the new ridgeline today at a local dealership...Maybe I need a little getting used to the new design, but my first reaction was focused on how odd looking it was. A little smaller than what I pictured, and a little unproportionate from the lower front and the raised up body in the back.
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    I have the access cab TRD sport version. Had the silver skid plate and took it off (too ugly on the indigo blue). Under the skid plate is a black cover which covers the underneath of the engine. My understanding is that the TRD sport comes with the skidplate. Sounds like you didn't get one.

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • tacomadavetacomadave Member Posts: 24
    vimiman- did you notice any vibration while driving before you took your skid plate off?
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    Hey Volley,

    They checked for a leak and could not find one after numerous tries. He said leaks from the outside leave a trail(outside water is dirty) and that could not be found in my truck. The heater drain was okay so that wasn't an issue.

    How many times did it take them to find your leak again? Were they able to make yours leak?

    Thanks
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    No, none at all.
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    I'm with you, I just bought a black stoage box that fit perfectly at the front of the bed and fits all kinds of crap in it. Can even put a lock on it if I please. No one can see it because of my tonneau so no lock on it. I got it from Lowes for about $35-$40 bucks as well. Also, I have the bed mat so the box doesn't slide to save my life! :)
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    Mine vibrated badly around 70-75mph expecially when in a cross wind. Vibrated even worse after it cracked last week. Took it to the dealer and they said that there is a redesign out and placed me an order for one. No known delivery date though...
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    leob1 - My dealer found the leak the first time I took it in (granted my uncle-in-law is the service advisor and put his best man on it). Anyway, yes they were able to make it leak. At first they put it through their carwash, then they took a hose and ran water on the windshield for about 10 min. The leak was on the driver's side where the water runs down (say if you had the wipers on and when they are in the up position and the water runs down the side).

    Check over at Tunda Solutions, there is a huge thread going on about this and almost everyone has had the leak in the same area. Print it out and take it to your dealer. BTW the water will not necessarily be dirty either...
  • mrvairmrvair Member Posts: 7
    georgecko, I heard that "popping" sound for the first time today (1350 miles) on my Access Cab Prerunner Auto. It was rather loud and sounded like a rock hitting the body just behind the passenger door (or somewhere close by). I didn't think much about it the first time it happened this morning but when it happened again this afternoon I became a little concerned. It happened on a smooth road at about 40 mph. Anybody else ??
  • dirtbikerdirtbiker Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 tacoma 4wd v6 and 6speed tranny with the access cab. I see some of the posts on mileage but i'm only getting 16 mpg average on the road. I've owned 9 toyota pickups, driven 2,000,000 miles approx.and i am totally disgusted with my mileage. I've taken it back 3 times to the dealer and they say nothing is wrong with it.I love the power but hate the 6 speed, there was nothing wrong with 5 gears, hate the crappy tailgate and bed with even crappier tiedowns. Also getting in the truck without hitting my head on the cab is a chore.
  • gymbogymbo Member Posts: 37
    geogecko
    I have prerunner double cab trd sport,it has a black metal plate just rear of the front bumper covering the bottom of the engine.If this is a skid plate it seems pretty flimsy.

    to all:I think this forum is great!Thanks to all who post their problems and then let us know
    what was done to correct them.Its great info for everyone to have.It gives us an idea of what to be on the lookout for.Although,I seem to be checking my carpet alot.
  • xsactaxsacta Member Posts: 26
    After 4600 miles I'm averaging between 16-18 mpg with the V6 auto. That's 80% highway driving. I hope things improve.
  • hammaahammaa Member Posts: 79
    Glad to hear that I'm not the only one getting well under 20mpg. I'll refill in a few more days and see how my 5th tank of gas did (hopefully better than the 17.5mpg I got with the 4th tank w/ 91 octane...).

    I'd love to see some pics of lifted '05 tacos, as well as details (brand, price, etc.) Let's see those trucks!
  • tacomadavetacomadave Member Posts: 24
    I am looking for a skid plate, think you would be willing to part with yours.
    eng7ineff@yahoo.com
  • tacomadavetacomadave Member Posts: 24
    Did the dealer have any explanation, how in the heck did 1/4 crack from vibration?
  • geogeckogeogecko Member Posts: 225
    [Airbag]

    Press on the passenger seat next to you while parked with the engine running (push fairly hard in the center of the seat), and you will see what we mean by an "Off" light. You will also notice that the passenger seat belt light will come on. Remove your hand, and both go away...

    [Exhaust Tip]

    Yep, that's it. Bought it from toyotapart.com for about $38. The instructions that came with it are for 2004. After I read those, I was a bit confused, as there was no exhaust hanger (which they talk about in the instructions) close enough to butt the exhaust tip up against. After looking around, it was apparent that this exhaust tip was "good" for 2002-2005 (if I remember correctly).

    However, the design of the exhaust has changed slightly. There is a notch inside the exhaust tip, and this is where I stopped sliding it onto the tail pipe. This means there is about 2 - 2.5 inches between the end of the tail pipe, and the end of the exhaust tip. There is then an aluminum spacer that you slide in from the other side of the exhaust tip, that provides the tight fit, and also a locking mechanism when used with the included clamp. Once that was installed (had to use a rubber mallet to get it in), the clamp was pretty easy to install. However, I was using a torque wrench, and could not get the torque that was specified in the instructions. I believe that the nut on the clamp was designed to only allow it to get so tight. Anyway, it's on there pretty solid, so I'm not that worried about it. It does not require any bolting or drilling whatsoever.

    Oh, and as far as the rotation on the exhaust tip goes, I just made it so that if looking from the back of the truck, the whole back side is the full chrome part, but slightly rotated counterclockwise about half an inch. (You'll know what this means if you buy it and install it yourself.)

    [Skid Plate]

    The internet at home was not working well for me last night, but here are some photos that I was able to upload before it went down.

    image

    image

    Based on what a previous poster said, it looks as if I got jipped on the Skid Plate. I wonder if that is why the roof rack was installed on my vehicle that I didn't order, as a substitution or something...
  • ush00zush00z Member Posts: 30
    My double cab SB prerunner Taco is almost 2 weeks old now. I haven't seen a leak problem (fingers crossed). It's been raining here, but not big rain. I heard the popping noise when running over a pot hole. It doesn't happen when you hit a bump or hump. It only happens when the suspension is lowered to a hole or on the downward side of a bump. It seems to come from the driver's side suspension because that's the side I hit the pot hole. It doesn't happen all the time. I think it does when you hit it quick like going over an un-expected pot hole.

    My first tank was 16.5 MPG mostly urban driving (some city hway). It was the dealer's original tank so I'm not sure how full it was and what fuel grade it was. I refilled it with regular 87 octane and didn't notice any difference. It probably was the same grade as the dealer's tank. I will try premium on my next fill and see.
  • wes240wes240 Member Posts: 33
    Also, many people bust the back window on their trucks - I have a friend that does this at least once a year. Either something slides and hits the window or when loading something. Since it doesn't have a defroster, it's much more economical to replace.
  • treyh1treyh1 Member Posts: 34
    The Toyota web site lists the hood scoop as an option on the pre-runner, but I didn't see it listed under any of the packages. I'm trying to decide between the off-road & sport package & would really prefer not to have the hood scoop. Does anybody know the specifics?

    I apologize in advance if it's there & I just missed it, but I've looked twice.
  • gator5gator5 Member Posts: 5
    volley - thank you very much for your quick response. I'll see if it works. A couple of quick questions if you don't mind. I count five "star" bolts on each side of the factory rail system. Am I looking at the wrong thing? Sorry if I sound a little ignorant, just not very mechanically "gifted". Also, did you order the access roll up cover or the Access "literider" roll up cover? Thanks again and am looking forward to your reply...
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    Gymbo:

    You don't have the skid plate. They are silver and alot bigger than the black plate covering the engine. They are also made out of aluminum (I think) and are pretty heavy. Go look at a new TRD sport on your dealers lot and you can see that all 2005s have tha black cover, but the TRD sports have a silver skid plate which fits over the black cover.

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • 02guy02guy Member Posts: 2
    Hello I am a first time poster and owner of new 05 Tacoma. As I have only owned the truck for about two weeks and the temperature has not yet gone above the freezing level,and in all likely hood will not for some time yet I dont know if I have the dreaded "LEAK" or not, and want to get the truck rust proofed. My question is what are your thoughts on doing the rust proofing before finding out if there is a leak and then having the leak repaired or waiting till spring and be sure that the leak if there is repaired before getting the rust proofing?
    Thanks for the expected help with this question and I am very pleased with the truck so far.

    Ian
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    Geogecko:

    Your pictures show the black cover, not the skidplate. The skidplate goes over the black cover (using the same bolts). Also the skidplate is flatter and much thicker than the black cover. It is also make out of aluminum, not steel as the black cover is.

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    Trey:

    I have the scoop on my TRD sport package. It looks good from a styling standpoint, but it does make it harder to judge the front end of the truck. I'm not sure I would pay extra to add it as an option if it didn't come on the package I got.

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • vmimanvmiman Member Posts: 80
    Has anyone put dual exhausts on yet?

    Will it make any difference in power or gas mileage?

    Tom Clark
    (vmiman)
  • sbsyncrosbsyncro Member Posts: 66
    IIRC, the non-functional hood scoop comes with the "TRD Sport" option packages. In California, these are the only TRD packages available on the 4x4 Double Cab models. They come with 17" wheels instead of 16" and more stree-oriented tires rather than the raised white wall BFG tires. I'm not sure if there is a difference in the suspension, but I doubt it. Oh, the other difference seems to be the "Sport" package comes with LSD and the TRD Offroad comes with a push-button locker. I only see the TRD offroad package on the non-doublecab Prerunners here.
  • jerry_gjerry_g Member Posts: 1
    Hi All,

    I'm new to this forum and I appreciate the tech info I have gotten from here. I just wanted to let you folks know about the solution for the popping noise in the front end. I was just at a local dealer that told me Toyota is aware of the situation and is currently making revised body mounts to solve the noise issue. The dealer said it may take a few months to get this done and will keep an eye on it for me. I hope this saves some of you from wasting time and brain cells.

    Jerry
  • swbroswbro Member Posts: 9
    Wait till spring, see if you have the leak, fix it if you do, then rustproof. If you rustproof now and you have the leak, that rustproofing will most likely be in the way.

    At least that's my opinion.
  • tjyodertjyoder Member Posts: 22
    I've been researching the various packages - and as far as I can tell, only the off road package (OC or OG) comes with the skid plate. The sport package does not.

    Here is the description on the toyota web site:

    TRD Off-Road Package #1 (OC) -- SR5 Package #3 plus off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein® shocks, 16-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich® Rugged Trail T/A tires, locking rear differential, engine skidplate and fuel tank protector, front tow hook, 115V/400-watt deck mounted power outlet, multi-function overhead console with compass and temperature gauge, sport seats with sport fabric and driver's lumbar support and sport fabric, and TRD Off-Road graphics (V6 models)

    TRD Sport Package #1 (PY) -- Sport suspension with Bilstein® shocks, 17-in. alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires, limited-slip rear differential, 115V/400-watt deck-mounted power outlet, fog lamps, power windows/door locks/outside mirrors, remote keyless entry system, cruise control, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multi-function overhead console with compass and outside temperature gauge, color-keyed grille surround/bumpers/mirrors/door handles/overfenders, sliding rear window with privacy glass, sport seats with driver’s lumbar support and sport fabric trim, metallic-tone instrument panel trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sun visors with sliding extensions and vanity mirror, and TRD Sport graphics (V6 models)

    Hope this helps you know whether you've been jipped or not.
  • treyh1treyh1 Member Posts: 34
    And now I see that the Sport Package also gives you a painted rear bumper in addition to the front. Note to Toyota: chrome bumpers are a good thing on a truck that gets used. I guess I have to go with the off road package (2X4 DC), but I really didn't want the off-road suspension, as that's a very small percentage of my driving. I think I'm going to wait until the leaks/paint problems are ironed out anyway; maybe the 06 models will let you get chrome at both ends.
  • chiefman1chiefman1 Member Posts: 22
    Vmiman-I have just the black cover that the later post on this site shows and not the heavy silver plate. The dealer gave me a vehicle inquiry report that has, in detail, what I ordered. As part of the TRD OffRoad Pkg #2 (MSRP $3695) it clearly lists a skid plate as part of that package?
    I am not real concerned as I did not necessarily want the skid plate and would not likely ever use it.
    However,I am calling the dealer today to see what he has heard from Toyota regarding leaks and popping noise in the undercarriage. I have not been able to get mine new double cab to produce either problem but it only has 130 miles on it.
  • trailrunner10trailrunner10 Member Posts: 3
    wes240: My build date is 12/04 based on the door sticker. The truck is back in the shop at the dealer for wiring issues so I can't check the actual date right now - sorry.
  • geogeckogeogecko Member Posts: 225
    I thought I remember the window sticker on my TRD Sport saying that it came with the front skid plate. When I looked at the truck, I figured the black one was a redesign. I will check it again tonight to see what it says, then call my dealer if I find it in the list. I figure the dealer will tell me tough luck, since I didn't notice it when I bought the truck. Personally, a lot of people have said it's ugly, but on a silver truck, it actually looks pretty good.
  • trailrunner10trailrunner10 Member Posts: 3
    02guy: If your truck is like mine, it will leak in a car wash as well as in rain. You could run it through one of the heated car washes (if available in your area). I would wait to rust proof until after you check for the leak. The problem with waiting until spring to fix the possible leak is that you may have a water / road salt mix running into areas that do not have a high degree of corrosion protection. This would depend on what they use on the roads in your area.
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