Advice on T-100

mr_dewkey · 04-07-2008, 11:40 AM

Hi all,
I'm obviously new to this forum, but not new to Toyota's or offroading. I'm looking for some opinions on the T-100. I'm looking for a 95+ T-100 Xtra Cab 4x4 (prefer manual).

What I like is the styling, it can tow 5,000 lbs, it's a V6 (should be decent MPG), it's a TOYOTA, it's affordable.
What I don't like is that I live in Alberta Canada, so I'd probably have to buy one in the US and drive it back. I can fly for free with aeroplan miles so this cost is minimal. I would buy from Arizona, Cali, or Nevada preferably. Is there anything else bad about these trucks? How many miles can the drivetrain last for?

I would use it for daily driving, although I don't commute. I have a ex-CDN Military 4x4 (Bombardier Iltis) that I use for offroading, so this truck would be for towing my 4x4 and maybe some recovery. Lots of winter driving up here in Alberta. No serious wheeling. I don't care about power locks, windows, or A/C. Would you trust it to tow for 3 hours on the highway (~110-120km/h)? The 4x4 is ~2,600 lbs + a dual axle trailer.

Advice, opinions, & recommendations are much appreciated.

NOTE: I had bought a 2007 Tacoma in August. Double Cab, 4x4, TRD + towing, manual, short box. This was the vehicle I really wanted, but now due to divorce I don't have it and although I'd like another one... due to divorce my budget is reduced.

"If it has tits or wheels it will drive you crazy and cost you money"
-Ryan

scuba · 04-07-2008, 12:03 PM

not to sure about all the advice

but a better one is

"if it has wheels or tits itll give you problems"

**aviator** · 04-07-2008, 12:46 PM

too bad about the divorce... at least you got to keep the Iltus...
personally i love those things though I'd probably re-power it with a 1.9tdi if it did'nt already have the diesel, I heard bomber built them with gas engines and vw had diesels in euro-models...
so far as the T-100s go where you said would be the best option for a good rust free truck but you might have some import/reg. issues when you get her back here. You can find some descent rust free trucks here in Ont. with that vintage. The stick is going to be the hard part there just are'nt that many of them [that I've seen].
Same motor/driveline as tacoma of that vintage [as far as I know] so what is true of one will apply to the other.
Finding a bed cap [if you want one] might be a bit of an issue now if your truck does'nt have one when you buy it [your selection may be limited, I know it is for the older 89-95 Hilux.
Welcome to the family by the way...

mr_dewkey · 04-07-2008, 01:44 PM

All the Canadian Iltis are 1.7L gas. The stock diesels are essentially the same performance, so I'm not always sure why everyone gets so horny about diesel

Mine is all Mil-Spec, so I'd never do a engine swap. You'd be surprised what it can do with 75 HP. Really surprised.

So if it's the same engine (3.4L) as the Taco's then maybe just getting an older Taco would do? I was thinking they wouldn't tow as well as a full size T-100. I dunno I'm kinda hooked on the subtle T-100 styling. I don't need a manual, just prefer it. I've yet to meet an automatic transmission that downshifts properly when you're towing in the mountains.
What kind of towing can you do with an older 3.4L Tacoma? I probably need 4,500-5,000 minimum.

Spence1016 · 04-07-2008, 01:56 PM

5000 with a 3.4 equipped one

BamZipPow · 04-07-2008, 03:59 PM

Since yer looking at the manual...I'd check over the clutch bracket and the vacuum solenoid valves.

Don't you have to pay fer an import fee bringing a vehicle into Canada?

There's a few on Craigslist and Autotrader. It's kinda hard to check them out before yer ready to buy though...

mr_dewkey · 04-07-2008, 04:41 PM

http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html
yeah, ~$200 + gas to drive it + pay for modifications (something like $100 to switch the tach to km/h) it all adds up.

This one looks cool, but high kms...http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=242049956

**aviator** · 04-07-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_dewkey

All the Canadian Iltis are 1.7L gas. The stock diesels are essentially the same performance, so I'm not always sure why everyone gets so horny about diesel

Mine is all Mil-Spec, so I'd never do a engine swap. You'd be surprised what it can do with 75 HP. Really surprised.

So if it's the same engine (3.4L) as the Taco's then maybe just getting an older Taco would do? I was thinking they wouldn't tow as well as a full size T-100. I dunno I'm kinda hooked on the subtle T-100 styling. I don't need a manual, just prefer it. I've yet to meet an automatic transmission that downshifts properly when you're towing in the mountains.
What kind of towing can you do with an older 3.4L Tacoma? I probably need 4,500-5,000 minimum.

even a 3.0 89-95 pick-up will handle 5000lbs towing. The 3.4 tacos are just slightly better at it. The taco/pick-up would probably tow better then the T100 because they weigh a little less, brakes and such are the same either way more or less. If you were going to be dragging 5K regularly I'd get a trailer with surge brakes at least, maybe elec. brakes if it was going to be doing a lot of mtn. hauling...

everyone wants a diesel because they are more fuel efficient for one thing lol and it always surprised me that the mil. went with a gas powered model... gasoline quality varies from place to place but diesel is diesel and they can burn almost whatever you put in the tank.
besides with the bomber Iltuses [or is that Ilti? lol] you have to completely replace the wiring to prevent fires so why not drop in a nice turbo-diesel at the same time?

Froggy93 · 04-07-2008, 08:10 PM

The T100 doesn't do to bad towing. Mine is an older 3.0 but did ok towing an enclosed 6x12 tailer fully loaded if not a bit overloaded. the 3.4 should do much better. I think the t100 will tow better than a tacoma because it weighs more. The heavier truck won't get pushed and moved as much by trailer than the lighter truck. This just my opinion but I know that my dad's F-150 towed our trailer better than my truck did. Granted he has v8 and we didn't have as much in the trailer ( but close) and more in the truck but I think it being heavier than my t100 helped too. BTW, you are looking in the right place for a nice not rusty T100. They are hard to find though.

The motorcycle in the back of the truck was in the trailer when my truck was pulling it.

becaron · 04-09-2008, 03:28 PM

It'll tow fine. My Uncle had a 94 T100 Auto 4x4 and he used to tow his Ford tractor with bucket and backhoe, on his trailer. He had trailer brakes for it and I'm going to bet it weighed more than 5000 lbs

His had the 3.0 too.

Jake97T · 04-14-2008, 05:47 PM

Towed with my 97 from SE Idaho to Seattle just fine (packed Uhaul 6x12 trailer) did 70mph just fine, little slower on the hills, the auto does fair for towing, but requires additional cooling, im using two B&M stacked plate transmission coolers and a DIY shift kit, didnt see any temperatures over 180 degrees (F) except on a 10 mile steep climb.

Klierslc · 04-19-2008, 10:44 PM

The T is far better than a taco for towing. Longer wheelbase, wider stance, etc.

mr_dewkey · 05-09-2008, 09:27 PM

Thanks everyone! I'm still looking for my T-100. If I can find the right one and get it back here I'll post some pics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aviator

everyone wants a diesel because they are more fuel efficient for one thing lol and it always surprised me that the mil. went with a gas powered model... gasoline quality varies from place to place but diesel is diesel and they can burn almost whatever you put in the tank.
besides with the bomber Iltuses [or is that Ilti? lol] you have to completely replace the wiring to prevent fires so why not drop in a nice turbo-diesel at the same time?

Never be surprised by something the military does

btw the Iltis is ~8:1 compression which is pretty low. It can run on some crappy gasoline. That said I agree that diesel should be better even just to simplify their fuel needs.

I don't know what you're talking about with the fires there. Never heard that one yet?

misterzee · 05-09-2008, 10:16 PM

Mine could tow...

As far as mileage.... I average(d) 16-18, and anyone I talked to who owned a T100 got 15 or so. Stay 96-98 though. And don't be afraid of a truck from AL, GA, or FL. no rust

scuba · 05-09-2008, 10:37 PM

dude, you have so many 4runners...

**aviator** · 05-12-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_dewkey

Thanks everyone! I'm still looking for my T-100. If I can find the right one and get it back here I'll post some pics.

Never be surprised by something the military does

btw the Iltis is ~8:1 compression which is pretty low. It can run on some crappy gasoline. That said I agree that diesel should be better even just to simplify their fuel needs.

I don't know what you're talking about with the fires there. Never heard that one yet?

I heard from a couple of friends who used to be in the army that the dash electrics on the bomber built Ilti liked to catch fire because the wiring ran hot due to being undersized for the loads. I was advised if I ever got one to re-wire it from scratch. Apparently the third purchase series came straight from VW and did not have this problem or so I'm told.

mikeweber32 · 05-17-2008, 07:16 PM

i have a t100 and i have 200000 miles and there hasnt been a single thing to break or go wrong yet, they are extremely reliable and are very good vehicles

04-07-2008, 11:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
mr_dewkey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4	Advice on T-100 Hi all, I'm obviously new to this forum, but not new to Toyota's or offroading. I'm looking for some opinions on the T-100. I'm looking for a 95+ T-100 Xtra Cab 4x4 (prefer manual). What I like is the styling, it can tow 5,000 lbs, it's a V6 (should be decent MPG), it's a TOYOTA, it's affordable. What I don't like is that I live in Alberta Canada, so I'd probably have to buy one in the US and drive it back. I can fly for free with aeroplan miles so this cost is minimal. I would buy from Arizona, Cali, or Nevada preferably. Is there anything else bad about these trucks? How many miles can the drivetrain last for? I would use it for daily driving, although I don't commute. I have a ex-CDN Military 4x4 (Bombardier Iltis) that I use for offroading, so this truck would be for towing my 4x4 and maybe some recovery. Lots of winter driving up here in Alberta. No serious wheeling. I don't care about power locks, windows, or A/C. Would you trust it to tow for 3 hours on the highway (~110-120km/h)? The 4x4 is ~2,600 lbs + a dual axle trailer. Advice, opinions, & recommendations are much appreciated. NOTE: I had bought a 2007 Tacoma in August. Double Cab, 4x4, TRD + towing, manual, short box. This was the vehicle I really wanted, but now due to divorce I don't have it and although I'd like another one... due to divorce my budget is reduced. "If it has tits or wheels it will drive you crazy and cost you money" -Ryan

04-07-2008, 12:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 5,324	too bad about the divorce... at least you got to keep the Iltus... personally i love those things though I'd probably re-power it with a 1.9tdi if it did'nt already have the diesel, I heard bomber built them with gas engines and vw had diesels in euro-models... so far as the T-100s go where you said would be the best option for a good rust free truck but you might have some import/reg. issues when you get her back here. You can find some descent rust free trucks here in Ont. with that vintage. The stick is going to be the hard part there just are'nt that many of them [that I've seen]. Same motor/driveline as tacoma of that vintage [as far as I know] so what is true of one will apply to the other. Finding a bed cap [if you want one] might be a bit of an issue now if your truck does'nt have one when you buy it [your selection may be limited, I know it is for the older 89-95 Hilux. Welcome to the family by the way... __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.

04-07-2008, 01:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
Spence1016 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft.Lauderdale, FL Posts: 310	5000 with a 3.4 equipped one __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited V6 Auto... 2wd =[[[ Sony GT510 head unit, Kenwood 1700 watt max mono amp, Two 12 inch Polk Subs in ported box, 3 farad capacitor, neons in front footwells Foglights on bottom of rear bumper Optima Yellowtop, Kc daylighters on front bumper Vortex muffler and Trueflow airfilter

04-07-2008, 08:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
Froggy93 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cape Cod, MA Posts: 142	The T100 doesn't do to bad towing. Mine is an older 3.0 but did ok towing an enclosed 6x12 tailer fully loaded if not a bit overloaded. the 3.4 should do much better. I think the t100 will tow better than a tacoma because it weighs more. The heavier truck won't get pushed and moved as much by trailer than the lighter truck. This just my opinion but I know that my dad's F-150 towed our trailer better than my truck did. Granted he has v8 and we didn't have as much in the trailer ( but close) and more in the truck but I think it being heavier than my t100 helped too. BTW, you are looking in the right place for a nice not rusty T100. They are hard to find though. The motorcycle in the back of the truck was in the trailer when my truck was pulling it. __________________ 93 T-100 3.0 5spd 4x4 high flow cat, custom duals 17" Powder coated Sequoia wheels 32" Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ tires stock lift brand new factory rear axle housing, seals, brakes, everthing but origional axle shafts and third member. new factory clutch- if you order from Downey, make sure you get the right one:( diff breather mod. Last edited by Froggy93 : 04-07-2008 at 08:22 PM.

04-09-2008, 03:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
becaron Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 38	It'll tow fine. My Uncle had a 94 T100 Auto 4x4 and he used to tow his Ford tractor with bucket and backhoe, on his trailer. He had trailer brakes for it and I'm going to bet it weighed more than 5000 lbs His had the 3.0 too. __________________ Yota's Owned: 94 pickup 2wd 94 4runner SR5 96 T100 (current truck) Last edited by becaron : 04-09-2008 at 03:29 PM.

04-07-2008, 01:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
mr_dewkey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4	All the Canadian Iltis are 1.7L gas. The stock diesels are essentially the same performance, so I'm not always sure why everyone gets so horny about diesel Mine is all Mil-Spec, so I'd never do a engine swap. You'd be surprised what it can do with 75 HP. Really surprised. So if it's the same engine (3.4L) as the Taco's then maybe just getting an older Taco would do? I was thinking they wouldn't tow as well as a full size T-100. I dunno I'm kinda hooked on the subtle T-100 styling. I don't need a manual, just prefer it. I've yet to meet an automatic transmission that downshifts properly when you're towing in the mountains. What kind of towing can you do with an older 3.4L Tacoma? I probably need 4,500-5,000 minimum.

04-07-2008, 03:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
BamZipPow Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 55	Since yer looking at the manual...I'd check over the clutch bracket and the vacuum solenoid valves. Don't you have to pay fer an import fee bringing a vehicle into Canada? There's a few on Craigslist and Autotrader. It's kinda hard to check them out before yer ready to buy though...

04-07-2008, 04:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
mr_dewkey Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4	http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html yeah, ~$200 + gas to drive it + pay for modifications (something like $100 to switch the tach to km/h) it all adds up. This one looks cool, but high kms...http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=242049956

04-14-2008, 05:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
Jake97T Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rexburg, ID Posts: 26	Towed with my 97 from SE Idaho to Seattle just fine (packed Uhaul 6x12 trailer) did 70mph just fine, little slower on the hills, the auto does fair for towing, but requires additional cooling, im using two B&M stacked plate transmission coolers and a DIY shift kit, didnt see any temperatures over 180 degrees (F) except on a 10 mile steep climb.

04-19-2008, 10:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
Klierslc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 60	The T is far better than a taco for towing. Longer wheelbase, wider stance, etc. __________________ 94 FZJ80 fully locked, OME lift, 285s; 95 T100 beater edition; 1995 LS 400. No problem, I'll tow the pig with a Uhaul Trailer... "A vehicle's capabilities are inseparably linked to the mental instability of the driver"

05-09-2008, 10:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
misterzee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Georgia-Cumming Posts: 625	Mine could tow... As far as mileage.... I average(d) 16-18, and anyone I talked to who owned a T100 got 15 or so. Stay 96-98 though. And don't be afraid of a truck from AL, GA, or FL. no rust __________________ 85, 87, 96 4Runners, all males... 03 Town and Country... female CLIK4PIX

05-17-2008, 07:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
mikeweber32 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jensen Beach, FL Posts: 9	i have a t100 and i have 200000 miles and there hasnt been a single thing to break or go wrong yet, they are extremely reliable and are very good vehicles

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