Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

danyboy1

Bsparx, how much did those Rancho's cost you? I don't like the ride of my TRD either.

quark99

I'm on the verge of buying a Limited V6 DC 2wd with the locking rear differential. My only reason for wanting the rear locker is to help get my boat up extremely steep and slippery concrete and gravel boat ramps. (Pacific ocean sportfishing nut with a 4000 lb boat and trailer combo...)
I'd prefer a limited-slip differential for this task, but it appears Toyota doesn't offer this option.
What confuses me also about this whole issue is if you read the Edmunds review on the Tacoma S-Runner, there's a comment about spinning BOTH rear wheels during 0-60 mph burnouts, so either the S-Runner DOES have a limited-slip rear differential, the Edmunds review is BS, or something is "fishy." As a side note, I read that the new Silverado trucks offer a locking rear/limited-slip-type combo mechanism that automatically disengages above 20 mph.
Does anybody on this board know what exactly IS available for the DC Tacoma; i.e, ARE there two distinct rear-end options: 1) a push-button locking rear differential (glovebox), and 2) a true LSD rear end that is permanently engaged (i.e, "positraction rear end")????
The numbskulls at the dealership knew less about their product than I did after spending time reading about it.....
Thanks for any help and sorry about the long-winded post.
Soon-to-be owner of a 2002 DC w/Limited package...
-quark

briancorr

JTD1 - email me. I still have it. It's yours for $50. Let me know if that is ok. I am in Plano.
becorr@msn.com

I also have the factory running boards if anyone is interested.

I saw a doublecab this weekend with leather interior. The truck still had the paper tags. I am guessing they paid big $$$ to get the leather since it's not a normal option. Sure looked good!

Quark - Toyota (kazuma) does offer an aftermarket limited slip but I don't think it incorporates a "locker" feature where both wheels could be fully locked (posi-traction).
The TRD locker is an electric locker that fully locks both rear wheels when engaged. Otherwise, it is an open rear end.
For your purposes, I think the standard TRD locker would do the job just fine. It would probably be better than a limited slip on slick boat ramps.
I have never found that I needed a limited slip for normal driving around town. A locker or 4X4 lets you use it when you need it. But I always make sure that my vehicles have one of the three (either 4x4, a locker, or LSD)

bsparx

The Ranchos cost me about $500, installed, from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers (Oakland, CA, but they have stores everywhere in the West, or 4wheelparts.com). I didn't buy the TRD option, knowing I preferred Ranchos and a LSD (and that would be cheaper) to spending $2k for those Bilsteins, the pushbutton locker, and some stickers.

LSD's: Auburn Gear (also from 4wpw) and Detriot true-track, make lsd's for the Toyota V6 w/8" pumpkin. You can even get a Toyota one

www.toyotapart.com/kazuma/limited_slip_differential.htm

or

www.toyotaworld.com/trdslipdiff.html

and have your dealer install it if you're worried about your warranty.

Ben

larry109

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT MY DC SO FAR EXCEPT WHEN IN THE CITY I FEEL EVERY BUMP. IT RIDES SMOOTH ON THE HIGHWAY AND DOES EXCELLENT OFF ROAD. I TEST DROVE ONE WITHOUT TRD AND THE RIDE WAS A LOT SMOOTHER. BUT I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO. DO I GO TO THE DEALER TO CHANGE THEM(SHOCKS) OUT,OR TO A PLACE LIKE MIDAS(AND IF SO WILL THIS VOID THE WARRANTY). AFTER DOING SO WILL IT GURANTEE A SMOOTHER RIDE. LIKE THE OTHER GENTLEMAN I AM AT A LOSS. PLEASE HELP.
ALSO HAS ANYONE ORDER THE SNUGTOP SUPERSPORT SHELL. HOW DOES IT LOOK? IS IT EASY TO SNAP ON AND OFF, IS IT WORTH IT ? I MEAN IT LOOKS REALLY NICE IN THE BROCHURE; IT MAKES THE DC LOOK ALMOST LIKE AN SUV.

bsparx

Changing shocks shouldn't affect your warranty. I mean, if it's done wrong (?) and an upper control arm falls off, Toyota will probably not fix it for free. But, its a pretty easy and pretty common thing to do and only affects the one part that's replaced. Like changing seats or rims. Don't worry. And you can keep your old ones, should you ever want to return the truck to 'stock' to sell it or something. I've changed the shocks on almost every truck I've owned and never had a warranty problem. Lift kits, now that's another story. I don't do that anymore.

Yes, I have the SnugTop. It looks great, didn't affect my mpg at all, and fits just right. Its light enough that I can get underneath it and lift it on my shoulders (lift with your legs, not your back!), although that was just a test, because I didn't know where to go next. My wife & I have taken it off and put it back on a couple of times. Piece of cake. I also have the BedRug, and it matches the headliner in the shell and they look very good together.

Ben

tacotodd

Does anyone know if Toyota offers a 6 disc in dash cd changer for the double cab? In the sales brochure, it mentions it is available. I asked my dealership and they said they didn't know. They ordered one with a part # for a tundra but they said it was too deep to fit inside the radio bay in my tacoma. If any one knows a part # or if it can't be done I'd appreciate it.

stever

Did you find out any good info on sunroofs? Can you fill me in over in Aftermarket Sunroofs. Thanks!

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

damn_the_sun

...but a new one cost to much. The used toyotas are more in my price range and a safer used car bet, i feel, with toyotas history of reliability (my most important concern).
I guess my question is; could i expect quality service from a low-milage tacoma or would the extra $5-10,000 be worth the cost of a new toyota tacoma?

jacobd550

I am wanting to get a toyota tacoma 4x4 but I have heard on most trucks with 4x4 have problems with the 4x4 like it gives out and they have to take it to go get fixed. I was wandering if this is also true with the tacomas.

thanks
Jacob Davis

smgilles

If you maintain proper mainentance on the transfer case and the hubs your drivetrain will last as long as the rest of the truck. I had a 4x4 Nissan with 197,000 and the 4 wheel drive never failed me once. I now own a 2001 Tacoma and I expect nothing short of perfection. Take care of you truck and it will take care of you.

frey44

Many 95 V6 Taco motors had (still HAVE !) head gasket problems. AVOID.
The 4 bangers are FANTASTIC motors, and will last almost forever if you change oil every 3K. The 4 cyl 4x4 Taco with a 5sp tranny is one of the best and most reliable vehicles money can buy. I am only kicking myself for buying a POS Ranger, instead. i must have been high on crack...except i don't use recreational drugs. so, i guess it was just stupidity.

mikeinhouston

I'm considering a DC Taco and can't decide between the limited package or the SR5 package with the power package. What is it about the limited package that justifies the additional $1700. Thanks for the help.

shogun1313

you may not use drugs recreationally, but what about on the job? hehe

briancorr

Mike, can you get a limited in Houston?
I was told that Gulf States Toyota wasn't supplying limiteds in the TX region.
If I recall correctly, the only difference is the limited badging, chrome side mirrors and lumbar adjustment on the drivers seat.

mikeinhouston

Whether you can get a Limited here in Houston is really something of a mystery. I know I've seen quite a few on the road here in the last 6 months. The one salesman that I spoke with about it said when they do get them they are usually on the lot for less than a day before their gone. Of course, others have said Toyota is not sending them here and the only way to get one is to have your dealer request one. Honestly, I don't know what the true story is.

Question: are the seats different in the Limited than the SR5. The website says somehting about sport bucket seats but every SR5 that I've seen looks like they have bucket seats.

briancorr

I seem to recall reading that the limited had lumbar adjustment but my SR5 doesn't.
Anyone with a limited want to chime in?

tony22r

briancorr -> nope, SR5 doesn't have adjustable lumbar they only come on the power adjustable seat in the Limited Pkg.

Limited Package (2001 Toyota Tacoma)

-Color-keyed front bumper and fender flares
-Chrome grille surround, door handles and power remote outside mirrors
-Chrome rear bumper
-P265/70R16 tires on 16" aluminum alloy wheels
-Sliding rear window with privacy glass
-Dual-fabric sun visors with mirror and visor extensions
-Instrument panel with warning lights and white-faced gauges, orange-illuminated speedometer; tachometer with LCD twin tripmeters; and coolant and fuel gauges
-Power windows and door locks
-Leather-trimmed tilt steering wheel and shift knob
-Washer-linked intermittent windshield wipers
-Cruise control
-Defroster-linked CFC-free air conditioning
-Fabric-trimmed sport seats with driver's power-adjustable lumbar support
-Deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD with 6 speakers

check out...
www.toyota.com
it has descriptions of all the packages.

You can easily spot Tacomas with the limited pkg by looking for the chrome outside mirrors.
All other Tacomas without Limited pkg have black outside mirrors.

briancorr

So the only thing the limited gives you that the SR5 doesn't is:
-Leather-trimmed tilt steering wheel and shift knob (no leather trim in SR5)
-Fabric-trimmed sport seats with driver's power-adjustable lumbar support (no lumbar in SR5 but it is fabric trimmed)
-Chrome outside mirrors (whooppeeeeee)
Way to go toyota! Design a package that really stands out and makes the truck exclusive! (sarcasm as I type)
Not knocking those that got a limited. I just think toyota screwed the pooch by not offering the limited in all areas and not adding more luxury stuff that is typical of a "limited" package.

mikeinhouston

briancorr...

I completely agree with you. I kpet looking at the differences between the two packages and the only big ticket item I could see that was different was the power lumbar seat. If Toyota offered limited Taco with leather like the 4Runner for about the same price, I'd be all over that. As it stands, there's no way I could justify paying the extra $$$ for the limited to myself.

reynolds6

I just took delivery of my SR5 D-cab this week. The package descriptions above seem to be right on to me. I wanted white which wasn't offered in the limited trim, so my choice was easy. Basically, I have everything that the limited package would include except for the the leather trim on shifter and steering wheel, power lumbar and the chrome/color-keyed exterior changes. Seems like the power lumbar seat was an available option on the SR5 when I placed my order. The standard seats could use some improvement, so you may want to check into the difference between them.

mikeinhouston

I was looking around the Toyota website and noticed that "perforated leather" seats is an option for $995. Does anybody out there have these seats or know anything about them. What's the leather like and do they come in specific colors, i.e. I'm thinking of getting either lunar mist or black and want a gray interior. Can I get these seats in gray?

briancorr

I believe what is meant by perforate leather is that there are little holes in the leather.
I saw a double cab with leather and I believe it had these seats. I personally, don't like the little holes.

crp_26

I am looking at this vehicle for sometime and the dealers in my area are not moving of msrp very much. I was wondering if anyone around the Maryland, Delaware, PA area knows a good dealership selling off of msrp. I got a quote for 945 off of msrp. The msrp was 23,291 and quote was for 22,346.
Can anyone tell me if someone is selling for less in my area.
thanks

mikeinhouston

Got my recent copy of Consumer Report in the mail yesterday. They did a review of compact, double cab trucks. Although the Taco ended up being their recommended model they did have a few negative things to say about it.

First, the seats. They noted that they are thin and not comfortable. Don't have it in front of me but I think they said this wasn't as big a problem for tall drivers. So, my question is if you are 5'9 driving the Taco as a daily driver how do you rate the seats? Have you taken any road trips and if so how were the seats after a few hours in the saddle?

Second, they said that the ride was poor and not suitable for daily driving. But, I think this has more to do with the fact that their test model was a 4x4 with TRD. It's well known that the TRD setup is especially bouncy and many people have complained about it in daily driving and have even switched out the shocks. They did say that it handled the off road tests the best.

1949

I test drove a TacomaDC2Wd/TRD/V6 and a Tundra Limited today just to see how much better the Tundra would be. Wow!! was I impressed with the Tacoma. Quiet V6 and excellent handling on and off freeway. The Limited had TRD suspension/ exhaust/wheels. It was impressive, but to my surprise, I'd say the Tacoma was only a couple of notches below in the performance/fun factor. The salesman commented that the Tacoma's aren't being discounted that much due to high demand.
I'm in San Antonio....can any of you here in Texas tell me what you've paid for your 2001 Tacoma or anyone else for that matter? I'll probably fax several dealers with exactly what I want and see what kind of prices I get. Thank you.

reynolds6

I picked my Tacoma in Macon, GA and drove it home about 160 miles to NW GA. I am just over 6 feet tall. My Tacoma seats seem to be flat and firm. My wife and I were talking about how the seats in our '92 Pathfinder seemed to be more comfortable but we couldn't decide whether the Tacoma's seats just needed to be broke in a little (like our Nissan's) or if they would always be less comfortable. Toyota seems to have had quite a problem in the past with durability of their seats. I have patched up my '85 4WD with carpet scraps and duct tape to hold the seat together. Maybe this "stiffness" is a result of trying to make a more durable seat. The seats aren't bad; they just could have been better.
As far as the ride quality goes, my TRD 4WD DC feels like a luxury car compared to my '85 Toy 4WD with the leaf spring front suspension. However, there is a difference between the ride of TRD and non-TRD trucks. I happen to like a stiffer suspension and prefer the feel of the TRD's handling. The typical "weekend warrior" suburbanite may want something that rides like a typical car and have a differing opinion. I think critiquing a truck like a TRD equipped Tacoma on ride quality is almost grasping at straws. They have to have some negative comments, you know!

akg

All right all you know it alls, when is the Tacoma restyle slated for? It's been about 6 years and that's about Toyota's restyle limit.

role1

Hey, I see you bought your Taco DC in Macon, Was it at Butler Toyota? They are offering $100 over invoice, just wanted to see if you bought it there

alex17

Go to Gary McKinney Toyota in the DFW area. He will sell to you for about $500 over invoice or less. Ask for Internet sales or Fleet Sales.

alex17

Just came back from a 600 mile road trip.

I have 6000 miles on my Taco.
I averaged 20.5 mpg with my speed varying from about 60 to 85 mph. I had the AC running the entire time. I even stopped and idled in a very long McDonalds drive thru for 10 to 15 minutes in the middle of the trip.

Great Vehicle. Only problems so far
the dash plastics squeak very badly.
the rubber gasket for one of my fender flares is coming loose.

Have fun with your trucks

briancorr

Does anyone know which puts less strain on the engine, hence better gas mileage: with the recirculate button on or off?
I have a 2001.

I had some squeeks in my dash. Shoving 3 or 4 socks in strategic locations seemed to do the job. Should be funny if the passenger airbag ever deploys and socks come shooting out!

reynolds6

Yes, it was Butler Toyota in Macon. The folks there were so nice that I almost forgot that I was at a Toyota dealership. They ordered exactly what I wanted and I must have got lucky because I had it in about 6 weeks despite requesting ABS.

1949

reynolds6...you commented that you purchased in Macon,GA which is under "Southeast Toyota" Distributor. Were you able to order exactly what you wanted without SEToyota adding unwanted Toyoguard or Extra Mile pkgs? I'm in Texas, which is under Gulf States Toyota...they're notorious for adding unwanted options before final shipping to dealers, thus inflated MSRPs. I'm really curious to know if "ordering to your specs" involved any pressure from you on the dealer. Thank you!!

role1

Thanks for the info, might have to make a roadtrip. How did you do on pricing?

reynolds6

Butler ordered my vehicle for $200 over invoice. I never even set foot in the dealership until I picked up the vehicle. I had test driven vehicles and visited several dealers around my home and in the Atlanta area. I went ahead and opted for Toyoguard mainly to get the VIN etch and the undercoating. My '85 4WD pickup was a northern vehicle and suffers from underside corrosion. The undercoating should help in that area. Their web site is www.butlertoyota.com and Rhonda Felberg is the internet sales manager. They initially tried to find what I wanted and pull it in from another dealer, but I wanted ABS and diff. lock in white and the only two vehicles to meet that description in the southeast region since January were special orders for customers. They ordered the vehicle after going over the available options and gave me an estimated delivery of 3 months. However, I got it in half that time.

alpman

Does anybody have some average pricing in the Great Lakes area. I'm in CM/FORD country and wondering if they sell less here would the price would be better. Thanks.

1949

Thanks for the info. Sounds very promising. We only have 4 Toyota Dealers in the immediate area (San Antonio), so I'll try again, but it's like pulling teeth to get these guys to agree to a factory order without letting GulfStates get a piece of the action. My plan B is a dealer outside of GulfStates 600 miles away in NM. They'll get whatever I want, since they're not obligated to any Distributor. Thanks again!!
BTW, what exactly did you get and what color?
Enjoy and be safe!!

reynolds6

San Antonio is a nice town. I spent a few days on the riverwalk in mid May. I didn't visit any Toyota dealers while I was there, though. I got a SR5 4WD d-cab w/TRD, ABS, cruise, power pkg, sliding rear window, Michelin tires, drop hitch receiver, remote security and toyo guard in super white with the oak interior. I had been considering getting a truck since late last year and when the d-cabs came out in November, I looked at a prerunner and really liked what I saw. I started seriously looking just before Christmas and finally got what I wanted in late June. Hope you find what you are looking for at a good deal.

bsparx

Funny problems you report. I have 14,700+ miles on my DC since late November. The dash squeaks disappeared somewhere around 10K miles, I didn't exactly notice when. I'd almost forgotten about it until you posted it. ha ha. The rubber gasket for my fender flare is coming loose, too. Its right under the gas filler cap, so I'm wondering if gas degraded the seal. Is this where yours is loose?

Mine's a prerunner with a snugtop shell. I have Thule racks on the cab. I drive mixed city & highway (I'm in project management) and drive a lot, 20K+ per year. I'm averaging a little over 19 mpg on crappy California gas. this is my first Toyota and I still love it.

Ben

boone5

As a satisfied owner of 95 and 99 tacoma ext cab 4x4s . I have had no problems at all with both of these vehicles after putting 50k on one and 41k on the other. I recently purchased a 2001 double cab 4x4.And have been back to the dealer 2 times in 3 months,for a hole in the carpet under the driver seat [dealer fixed]no charge. And a water leak in the right rear floor, that I am waiting to be repaired. HAS ANY ONE ELSE HAD THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS..... THANKS

role1

I am looking at the TACO DC, just wanting to know if it is hard to go out and purchase the Chrome Sidesteps and mudguards and install them myself.

Thanks

1949

Reynolds6..glad you enjoyed your stay in 'ol SA.
Your truck sounds awesome...saw one similar to that in bright red at the dealer.
Sold my 98Prelude today and can now begin serious negotiations. Since DC2WDV6/LIMITEDS/TRD are tough to deal on in these parts, I'm going with a Tundra Limited TRD since I can get a great deal. Still gotta say, though, I enjoyed the test drive in the Tacoma better than the Tundra. Great performance and handling.
role6.......check out the Aftermarket & Accessories thread for running boards/mudflaps and other add-ons. Most are easy to install due to easy attachment to undercarriage of truck.

teeqew

I have only 700 miles on my DC and wanted to change the oil. Since I've had such bad luck with the local jiffy lubes I wanted to do the job myself. Can anybody out there please tell me an easy way to get my oil filter out. I can barely reach it if I take the skid plate off underneath. Unfortunately you leave your radiator fins vulnerable to bending by taking this off and on. Please help.
tqwolf203@yahoo.com

briancorr

Getting the filter off is a PITA! And I found out after draining the oil that I didn't have the right size filter wrench. Had to hammer a screwdriver through the filter to turn it off. What a mess!

toyrota

Yeah, I think I may have the same problem! The interior of my double cab stinks! I pulled up the floor mat on the right rear side, and it was sopping wet. I have dried it out totally, and am now waiting for it to rain again, so that I can see if I can duplicate the problem. My only doubt about this, is that my daughter spilled some sprite on the floor back there, and I don't know if the liquid I found was due to that, or from rain coming in? I will find out after the next hard rain.

seattle_scott

Occasionally I'll hit the button to unlock my doors and the system will chirp, but the locks won't pop open.

I'll have to hit the button twice more to get the doors to unlock.

Has anyone else seen this problem, or am I doing something wrong? The manual wasn't much help.

akg

Hmmm........I had the same problem in my '96 Tacoma, tried to fix it from under the truck but it kept coming back. I did notice that it was always warm. Nobody could figure it out, and barring an exorcism I just gave up and got rid of it, told the guy, of course......in the dry summer!!!! Needless to say it's still tooling around two years later and the problem never came back to haunt me. I was always curious........

briancorr

There have been lots of reports of glitches with the keyless entry system. It also seems to happen to people who have had after market alarm systems installed.
I notice the opposite problem on mine. Sometimes the doors will lock or unlock but the horn won't chirp.
There was a thread about this problem at www.tacomaterritory.com

alex17

The gasket that is coming loose are both front and rear on the driver side. So yes the gasket by the gas filler cap is coming off. I have already taken the truck in 3 times for the squeaking dash. The dealer keeps stuffing foam in there. It works for about 3 weeks then it starts squeaking again.

I'm getting about 19.5 in normal driving and about 20.5 in highway driving but that is on regular 87 Octane gas in Texas.

By the way I also work in Project Management (engineering and construction) and drive about 25k per year.