atistang

About 2 years ago i bout an 86 off of ebay. Well when i went to pick it up i found out that rust had gotten the best of the frame and cab. I fixed some things on it, sold it and the frame is now broke in half on it lol.

Anyways i'm plan to sell my explorer this spring and get a newer tacoma. I want an extended cab, 5 spd, manual transfer case, and manual hubs (which i can change over to later). I think i remember hearing that certain models had a locker rear end in them, is this right? If so i want that as well. I have heard they still have frame rusting problems, what about the cabs and beds? certain areas they rot out at that i can look for? Are the v6's good or should i just get one with a good old 22re in it?

I'll be using the truck for daily driving, getting through the snow in the winter, and occasional off roading, nothing serious. I'll probably put 31x10.50 on it and maybe a small lift.

Thanks

TacoNut

My 2004 TRD package has the rear e-locker. I love it! Gonna go see if I can break something at Little Moab today. Mine has a 3.4L V6 and I love it great offroad and has plenty of get up and go on the highway.

atistang

what kinda of gas millage are you getting?

can you lock the rear end without putting it in 4wd?

my gf's motero has one but you have to be in 4wd to lock it

TacoNut

19 to 20 Hwy @ 75. Only locks in 4Low, however there is a mod called the grey wire mod that will allow you to lock it in 4Hi and I think 2Hi.

jrallan26

I have an 2002 Tacoma, which is just like OremTacoNuts. Great truck. Very reliable. More than enough power. I dont take mine offroad, I ride dirtbikes for that. I do a lot of hauling and towing.

My only issue with the truck is the rear leaf springs. The springs are geared for comfort not real truck use. Its an easy fix. Buy a set of Deaver leaf springs and your set.

Jay204

You can do a wire mod and lock it in 2wd. Or maybe thats only for older Tacoma's. My friend did it to his 99'

cackalak han

It's actually for any year Tacoma with a rear locker.

OP - Get the V6. The 3.4L V6 is a very stout motor and one of the best that Toyota's has produced, IMO. Even better than the 22RE, due to the power and torque, and also the reliability. Stick to 2001-2004 Tacoma's. Look for ones with a TRD package.

jrallan26

I would take a 3.4 over a 22RE any day of the week.

penangtoy

may i ask what kind of suspension do you have on the front with the arb bumper thanks

atistang

so 01-04 TRD's have the lockers or just most of them do?

cackalak han

Most of the TRD Off-Road models have them and some base models have them, too. Any year Tacoma.

scuba

Uh, No tacomas came with a 22re.
They do have the a close variant (another R series motor), The 3rz. 2.7l I4.
Its a good motor with 150HP

Good luck with the buy though

NwRunner

rear E-locker came out in 98+ i do believe.

You can get a Gen 1 Tacoma with the 2.7 I4 or the 3.4 V6, i have the 2.7 in my regular cab and its more than enough power to push this truck.

TacoNut

Unfortunately, Stock. I do have a 2" daystar spacer lift. I really want to get some coilovers, ditch the spacer. The bumper is 155 lbs with the winch, compared to the 35 lb stock bumper. I get some swaying in the front at highway speeds, when you hit a bump in a curve. However I love the bumper!

penangtoy

are you still running stock tires too? also i was thinking of toytec coilovers any opinions on toytec coils compared to icon /donahoe?