SndyRds

I'm looking to buy a 4th gen Tacoma. (I'm new here) I'll probably hold out for a TRD.

How can I be sure it's the real deal, and not just a sticker, on the side? Is there a VIN code? Does the locking diff have a selectable button, or is it done automatically? I wouldn't know a bilsten from a stocker, at this point. Are the flares color matched, or black? etc.

Lots of great info here. Also of the 2 V-6's, do these come with the desirsble one, and if it were a 4 banger, are they any good? Oh yeah Plus / minuses of STD. vs auto. And though I don't think I want a S/C, what are they like?

I did search, but with so much information, I was getting lost in the minor details.

What's up with the guy who bought a certified Toyota from Karl Malone, and bought a Dodgr cummins Diesel, just a lemon?

I had an 84 4x4, and it was dependable as a rock.

EnolaGaia

I'm having trouble figuring out what model year range you're researching ...

Different people have different ways of specifying 'generations'. If you mean *Tacomas* specifically, either (a) we're now in the second of 2 generations (1995.5 - 2004; 2005+) or (b) in the fourth of 4 generations (1995.5 - 1997; 1998 - 2000; 2001 - 2004; 2005+).

No matter how you categorize 'generations', there's never been a period during which Tacomas were offered with more than 1 V6 engine. The 3.4L 5VZ-FE was the only V6 offered from 1995.5 - 2004, and the 2005+ generation (so far, at least) uses the 4.0L V6.

To the best of my knowledge, there's no way to tell from the VIN (in and of itself) if a Tacoma has the TRD package (which is an option / accessory bundle, not a different truck model).

Color-matching on the flares results from having the SR5 Color-Matched or Limited (accessory / option) package in addition to the TRD Package, so flare color isn't informative at all in identifying a TRD Tacoma.

Both the 2.4L 2RZ and the 2.7L 3RZ 4-cylinder engines have earned the sort of praise earlier Toyota truck fans had for the 22R* engines. The 5VZ has earned a reputation as the best V6 to date (I agree - I've owned both a 5VZ and the earlier and much-maligned 3.0L V6).

Hope this helps clarify some of the questions ....

SndyRds

I'm loking for a 96 to a 2003. My price range. I realize that the TRD is not a seperate model, but a package add on. So the much-maligned 3.0L V6 is from the earlier models?

Thanks, I just want to be an informed shopper. Always a major purchase, don't want any regrets, about my choice after the fact.

BajaRunner

Yeah, the TRD models should have a selectable locker button. It reads "RR DIFF LOCK". Also, some have the larger brake/wheel package, and the TRD/Tokio shocks.

The locker is probably the only thing you'll really want to look for though.

As for the v6's, they are much better than the old v6 3.0's. The 4 bangers are dependable too! Id say as good as/better than the 22re's.

EnolaGaia

Yep ... Once they introduced the US-assembled Tacoma line in 1995.5, the V6 was the 3.4L 5VZ. The earlier 3.0L V6 appeared only in the earlier 'PreTacos'.

P.S.: Though it's not the engine the 3.4L is, I still think the 3.0L V6 has a worse reputation than it deserves ...

bktaco

when i bought my trd tacoma, the options in the trd package included bilstien shocks, rear electric e-locker, 31 inch tires, 4.10 gearing, and fender flares. i was able to find it in the 2.7 L I4 engine, but i had to get the local fleet manager to search the western US for it.

as sc4runner says, the locker is the big ticket item there. also, get the larger tire size option because then it will come with higher gearing (ie, if you get smaller tires, you get gears that will not be as effective for larger tires in the future). the bilstiens were nice (enough for me to replace them with bilstien HDs after 100,000 miles), i would definately get the whole trd package again, its a convenient and probably economical way to get your truck into "escape velocity".

the 3RZ engine has turned out to be the hier-apparent to the 22RE. it is every bit as reliable, quite a bit smoother, and somewhat more powerful. with the LCE header, i really love it. the latest 4 cylinder, i believe, is a refinement of the same block, with VVTi. I dont know a thing about the new 6 cylider, but there is plenty of folks here that do. good hunting.

SndyRds

Thanks, everybody. It's now off to happy hunting...I mean shopping.

rimpainter.com

Oh you'd be surprised about what people will fake these days. I've seen it faked on a regular cab 2.7L before.

Anyway, the "authentic" TRD package was only available on 98+ Tacos, so you can cut the 96 and 97's out right from the get go. You are smart to look for the TRD package; I had a 98 Limited TRD and just loved that thing. It was awesome off road.