Japanese-built 4Runner versus U.S.-built Tacoma

paddlenbike · 12-05-2005, 11:54 AM

So we know our 3rd gen 4Runners carry the "JP..." VIN numbers signifying Japanese content and Tacomas are built in the U.S. and carry VINs starting with "1" I believe. To increase its U.S. content and avoid tariff taxes the Tacoma uses a frame designed by Dana (same company that builds frames for Jeeps) and apparently many of the engine accessories like alternators, batteries and radiators are built by General Motors.

The 4Runner has a Toyota-designed and built frame and most every engine accessory I have seen is made by Nippon Denso.

Is anyone aware of other mechanical/quality differences between the 4Runner and Tacoma? My local mechanic tells me Tacoma alternators are junk and he hasn't yet replaced a 4Runner one.

Ken

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84sr5yoty · 12-05-2005, 05:10 PM

"To increase its U.S. content and avoid tariff taxes the Tacoma uses a frame designed by Dana (same company that builds frames for Jeeps) and apparently many of the engine accessories like alternators, batteries and radiators are built by General Motors.

The 4Runner has a Toyota-designed and built frame and most every engine accessory I have seen is made by Nippon Denso.

Is anyone aware of other mechanical/quality differences between the 4Runner and Tacoma? My local mechanic tells me Tacoma alternators are junk and he hasn't yet replaced a 4Runner one."

Yeah it's true, and those GM alt. go out all the time from what I hear. I'm sure the other GM parts will follow the same suite.

WHAT THE HELL IS TOYOTA DOING???!!!!

If I want unreliable POS GM parts, I would buy a Chevy!!

fiveofeen · 12-05-2005, 05:31 PM

I was wondering that myself, it seemed like a recipe for disaster....

I have noticed my 94 4runner has many similar styles of parts as GM trucks, such as the pitman arm idler setup (big time weak link) and the torsion bars.

bdeakin · 12-05-2005, 05:53 PM

I don't think there's anything wrong with the Tacomas being built in the US. It translates into a more affordable vehicle, and it's still a dern good one at that. Hino Engineering did most of the design of the Tacoma, and I think they did a great job. Design can be as important as manufacturing sometimes.

THUNDER CLOUD · 12-05-2005, 06:25 PM

Just a thought here guys...What would happen if Toyota purchased the GM interest in the automobile division?

leebee · 12-05-2005, 06:33 PM

interesting on how the new tacoma looks remarkably similar to the gm p/u's. long history of toyota and gm working together on vehicles. my 87 corolla was almost a twin with the chevy nova (?).

lee

Adam F · 12-05-2005, 06:38 PM

Tacoma drive shafts and u joints are also made by dana.

KZN185W · 12-06-2005, 03:58 AM

Not sure if the previous Tacoma indeed uses a frame that's designed by Dana because the Toyota Hilux pickup xtracab version have the same frame as that of the Tacoma. These 1-ton trucks were sold in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific (including Japan), and Oceania. The current Tacoma also has the same frame as the current Hilux xtracab pickup.

BTW, there are several Hilux versions. So not all of them have exactly the same frame. Some versions have a longer wheelbase.

mt_goat · 12-06-2005, 10:16 AM

The alternator in my 01 Tacoma is a Denso (made in Japan).

Flamedx4 · 12-06-2005, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebee

interesting on how the new tacoma looks remarkably similar to the gm p/u's. (?).

Say whut? OH yes - they have the same number of wheels...

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebee

long history of toyota and gm working together on vehicles. my 87 corolla was almost a twin with the chevy nova (?).

The Chevy Nova of that vintage WAS a Corolla, built together in the Nummi plant. So was the GEO Prizm.

leebee · 12-06-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flamedx4

Say whut? OH yes - they have the same number of wheels...

The Chevy Nova of that vintage WAS a Corolla, built together in the Nummi plant. So was the GEO Prizm.

hey phil!

i think the colorado is the look a like to the tacoma. ive seen a few around town and had to look close to which is which.

lee

4-RUNNIN' FREAK · 12-06-2005, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebee

i think the colorado is the look a like to the tacoma. ive seen a few around town and had to look close to which is which.

lee

I had a few people tell me the XRunner looks like the Colorado.

I brought up this same issue here and the Taco does not compare to the 4R in fit and finish as well as quality.

CoedNaked · 12-06-2005, 04:41 PM

The 4.0 V6 engine is still made in Japan!!!!!!!

JackMhigh · 12-06-2005, 05:06 PM

uhhhh ohhh i've got bosch wiper blades...maybe Toyotas starting ties with VW/Audi???

oohhh the sarcasm.

rngrchad · 12-06-2005, 05:37 PM

Anything made in Japan, is a quality high-precision piece of work. As far yota's being made by Dana, well that can't be bad, I just don't want american motors in my yota! That's all I ask!

Flamedx4 · 12-07-2005, 12:02 AM

I think it's great that Toyota is using American parts and building more vehicles here. SOMEbody has to keep the American auto industry in business...
(the tongue-in-cheek icon is invisible...)

Flamedx4 · 12-07-2005, 12:20 AM

Okay, the funky flares are similar, I see it now. But the grill, the lights, the hood, the body style, the ground clearance, the coolness - not similar...

SC4Runner · 12-07-2005, 12:28 AM

The new Tacos and Colorado's look identical to me on the street... at least from the side.

KZN185W · 12-07-2005, 04:57 AM

The Colorado looks more like an Isuzu D-Max pickup that's being sold here in Asia with a 3.0L CRDI TDIC engine. I read somewhere that the D-Max and Colorado share the same platform with the H3. Also, GM and Isuzu are business partners.

ken.vs.ryu · 12-07-2005, 05:50 AM

I would buy a toyota badged explorer but I wouldn't buy a ford badged tacoma, cause I know that toyota's engineers have looked at it closely and if anything goes wrong I have the toyota guarantee.

paddlenbike · 12-07-2005, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rngrchad

Anything made in Japan, is a quality high-precision piece of work. As far yota's being made by Dana, well that can't be bad, I just don't want american motors in my yota! That's all I ask!

There is a huge difference in quality between the Japanese-built, fully boxed Hilux frame versus the Tacoma's Dana frame--the bed hits the back of the cab when carrying heavy bed loads or when offroading; my 1994 Xtra Cab never did this.

Flamedx4 · 12-07-2005, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoySharif

The Colorado looks more like an Isuzu D-Max pickup that's being sold here in Asia with a 3.0L CRDI TDIC engine. I read somewhere that the D-Max and Colorado share the same platform with the H3. Also, GM and Isuzu are business partners.

That is true, the H3 uses the Colorado frame and running gear, including engine. The H2 is just an Avalanche underneath, unless it has the optional air suspension. The H1 is still unique - but geez, if I wanted to drive a monstrosity that size I'd get a '53 Buick Roadmaster...

spindleshanks · 12-24-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddlenbike

So we know our 3rd gen 4Runners carry the "JP..." VIN numbers signifying Japanese content and Tacomas are built in the U.S. and carry VINs starting with "1" I believe. To increase its U.S. content and avoid tariff taxes the Tacoma uses a frame designed by Dana (same company that builds frames for Jeeps) and apparently many of the engine accessories like alternators, batteries and radiators are built by General Motors.

I don't know how comfortable I am with the GM content in my Taco, but that's the auto industry for ya. I do, however, find it awesome that Dana had a hand in the Tacoma frame. Dana (my employer) also pioneered Hydroforming, using fluid pressure to make stronger chassis. They've been designing Corvette chassis with GM for years, going back at least to the beginning of the C5, and on through the C6 generation Vette. Like you mentioned, they also build pretty much all the frames/unibody for Chrysler/Jeep, including Dodge trucks. Their new chassis on the redesigned Dakota was supposed to be afeat of engineering, with its high strength, low weight, etc. Dana is so huge they make frames/chassis for every mfr at some point or other. Victor Reinz gaskets, Perfect Circle piston rings, Clevite Bearings are all Dana.

mt_goat · 12-24-2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spindleshanks

I don't know how comfortable I am with the GM content in my Taco, but that's the auto industry for ya. I do, however, find it awesome that Dana had a hand in the Tacoma frame. Dana (my employer) also pioneered Hydroforming, using fluid pressure to make stronger chassis. They've been designing Corvette chassis with GM for years, going back at least to the beginning of the C5, and on through the C6 generation Vette. Like you mentioned, they also build pretty much all the frames/unibody for Chrysler/Jeep, including Dodge trucks. Their new chassis on the redesigned Dakota was supposed to be afeat of engineering, with its high strength, low weight, etc. Dana is so huge they make frames/chassis for every mfr at some point or other. Victor Reinz gaskets, Perfect Circle piston rings, Clevite Bearings are all Dana.

I used to work for Dana too.

Bumpin' Yota · 12-24-2005, 10:48 PM

one interesting thing to note....

Pontiac's Vibe (GM division) is the same vehicle as the Toyota Matrix!

Dont believe me? Go pull the radio out of a Toyota Matrix and take a look. You wont be buying a toyota 1761 or 8113 harness for that matrix but rather a GM 2003 AND a GM 40GM10 antenna adapter!

I saw that when I was putting a HU in a Matrix and sat there for a few moments absolutely disgusted with toyota...

The only thing good GM has made thus far are the Gen IV small blocks (non-siamesed exahust ports) and the later model 3.8L blocks.

12-05-2005, 05:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
fiveofeen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Midland, MI Posts: 2,015	I was wondering that myself, it seemed like a recipe for disaster.... I have noticed my 94 4runner has many similar styles of parts as GM trucks, such as the pitman arm idler setup (big time weak link) and the torsion bars. __________________ Tim - www.TGTINT.com 1994 4Runner SR5 - 3.0 5spd - Eibach springs, CB, Hella 500's, M/T's, and a very nice tint job..

12-05-2005, 05:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
bdeakin Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 77	I don't think there's anything wrong with the Tacomas being built in the US. It translates into a more affordable vehicle, and it's still a dern good one at that. Hino Engineering did most of the design of the Tacoma, and I think they did a great job. Design can be as important as manufacturing sometimes. __________________ --------------------------- BDeakin '01 Double Cab Tacoma TRD

12-05-2005, 06:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
THUNDER CLOUD Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: IOWA Posts: 166	Just a thought here guys...What would happen if Toyota purchased the GM interest in the automobile division? __________________ Chris _______________ 02 LTD 4x4

12-05-2005, 06:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 2,450	interesting on how the new tacoma looks remarkably similar to the gm p/u's. long history of toyota and gm working together on vehicles. my 87 corolla was almost a twin with the chevy nova (?). lee __________________ 93 sr5 v6 auto, 4x4 Photos http://s866.photobucket.com/albums/a...albumview=grid there are quite some attractive ladies on here with Toys. (compliments of ironmike) ifsc 3(.0) http://tlca.org www.of4wd.com www.sontt.com

12-05-2005, 06:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,398	Tacoma drive shafts and u joints are also made by dana. __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

12-05-2005, 05:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
84sr5yoty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pleasanton Ca Posts: 677	"To increase its U.S. content and avoid tariff taxes the Tacoma uses a frame designed by Dana (same company that builds frames for Jeeps) and apparently many of the engine accessories like alternators, batteries and radiators are built by General Motors. The 4Runner has a Toyota-designed and built frame and most every engine accessory I have seen is made by Nippon Denso. Is anyone aware of other mechanical/quality differences between the 4Runner and Tacoma? My local mechanic tells me Tacoma alternators are junk and he hasn't yet replaced a 4Runner one." Yeah it's true, and those GM alt. go out all the time from what I hear. I'm sure the other GM parts will follow the same suite. WHAT THE HELL IS TOYOTA DOING???!!!! If I want unreliable POS GM parts, I would buy a Chevy!!

12-06-2005, 03:58 AM	#8 (permalink)
KZN185W Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 693	Not sure if the previous Tacoma indeed uses a frame that's designed by Dana because the Toyota Hilux pickup xtracab version have the same frame as that of the Tacoma. These 1-ton trucks were sold in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific (including Japan), and Oceania. The current Tacoma also has the same frame as the current Hilux xtracab pickup. BTW, there are several Hilux versions. So not all of them have exactly the same frame. Some versions have a longer wheelbase. __________________ 1996 Pearl White Hilux Surf KZN185W SSR-G l 3.0L TDI l Dual Battery l LT285/75R16 l Recaro Seats Drive Your Dreams Last edited by KZN185W; 12-06-2005 at 04:00 AM.

12-06-2005, 10:16 AM	#9 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 8,919	The alternator in my 01 Tacoma is a Denso (made in Japan). __________________ ~Dale~ 93 4X4 ext-cab, auto, SR5, 3.4 V6, supercharged, 2.1" pulley, URD fuel mods, Aquamist WI, IPT valve body mod, dual cases, 4" superlift front, Alcan springs rear, 33 BFG MT, ARB locked front & rear, 5.29 US Gears, RB 1" Body Lift, 1.5" ball joint spacers, manual hubs, TJM T-17, Warn m8000.

12-06-2005, 04:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
CoedNaked Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,473	The 4.0 V6 engine is still made in Japan!!!!!!! __________________ 1993 Xtra Cab Pickup \| 4x4 \| 3.0 - V6 \| R150F \| Silver-Grey \| Amsoil 10w30 synthetic oil \| Amsoil Synthetic Drivetrain fluids\| Borla Cat-back Exhaust \| OME HD Leaf Springs \| Bilstein HD Shocks \| Downey Idler Arm Brace \| Grey Husky Liners \| SR5 Bucket Seat Swap \| Color matched Canopy \| Yakima racks \| Line-X OTR \| Michelin LTX A/T 31 x 10.5 x 15 \| 323,600 KM's (202,250 miles) \| Made in Japan - Vin starts with "J"\| Fish on

12-06-2005, 05:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
JackMhigh Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 50	uhhhh ohhh i've got bosch wiper blades...maybe Toyotas starting ties with VW/Audi??? oohhh the sarcasm. __________________ "Any horrible day wheeling is better than a day of work"

12-06-2005, 05:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
rngrchad Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Currently reside in Ohio Posts: 858	Anything made in Japan, is a quality high-precision piece of work. As far yota's being made by Dana, well that can't be bad, I just don't want american motors in my yota! That's all I ask! __________________ 2008 Tacoma TRD Access Cab v-6. 97 regular cab tacoma 33x9.5bfg at, 4.10 gears, custom sliders, custom rear bumper, 4xinnovation tube doors, lockright. 1983 SA Axle Frameoff Restore. CB: Connex 3300hp Radio driving a FatBoy Amp doing around 1000watts on AM. Antenna: Monkey Made MM5 -=NO BAMA 08 =-

12-07-2005, 12:02 AM	#16 (permalink)
Flamedx4 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: 100 miles offshore as much as possible, & Springfield Oregon USA Posts: 3,285	I think it's great that Toyota is using American parts and building more vehicles here. SOMEbody has to keep the American auto industry in business... (the tongue-in-cheek icon is invisible...) __________________ All my Yotas are gone. Stuff to sell: http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...39#post1009839 -Phil

12-07-2005, 12:28 AM	#18 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,888	The new Tacos and Colorado's look identical to me on the street... at least from the side. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's - 6" of lift, MTR's, E-locked, ARB Tacoma Bumper, Sliders and a cut off tail pipe. 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

12-07-2005, 04:57 AM	#19 (permalink)
KZN185W Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 693	The Colorado looks more like an Isuzu D-Max pickup that's being sold here in Asia with a 3.0L CRDI TDIC engine. I read somewhere that the D-Max and Colorado share the same platform with the H3. Also, GM and Isuzu are business partners. __________________ 1996 Pearl White Hilux Surf KZN185W SSR-G l 3.0L TDI l Dual Battery l LT285/75R16 l Recaro Seats Drive Your Dreams Last edited by KZN185W; 12-07-2005 at 04:59 AM.

12-07-2005, 05:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
ken.vs.ryu Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 639	I would buy a toyota badged explorer but I wouldn't buy a ford badged tacoma, cause I know that toyota's engineers have looked at it closely and if anything goes wrong I have the toyota guarantee. __________________ http://ps3mods.blogspot.com - http://kenvsryu.blogspot.com 1992 X-Cab V6 5sp Manual 215k SR5 :D runnin 31x10.5 17.8mpg :)

12-24-2005, 10:48 PM	#25 (permalink)
Bumpin' Yota Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 3,639	one interesting thing to note.... Pontiac's Vibe (GM division) is the same vehicle as the Toyota Matrix! Dont believe me? Go pull the radio out of a Toyota Matrix and take a look. You wont be buying a toyota 1761 or 8113 harness for that matrix but rather a GM 2003 AND a GM 40GM10 antenna adapter! I saw that when I was putting a HU in a Matrix and sat there for a few moments absolutely disgusted with toyota... The only thing good GM has made thus far are the Gen IV small blocks (non-siamesed exahust ports) and the later model 3.8L blocks. __________________ 3vze, 4x4, sr5, 90, auto, LSD 2x dB Drag World Finalist 2003 Nopi Nat. Street B champ 2004 SBN Street C champ 2004 SBN Advncd NW Champ 2004 Former WR Holder in NW. SPL: 159.8db @ 42hz In loving memory of Jamie Riggs 5/15/85 - 10/8/04 Last edited by Bumpin' Yota; 12-24-2005 at 10:50 PM.

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