If you drive sensibly you wont have a problem. I've hauled an awful pile of stuff in my old 82 and it never gave a complaint. She was slow but you just pick the right gear. And when doing hills dont downshift halfway up the hill get in that gear before you start and get on it. If I know I'll be in 4th by the top I start in 4th. I have yet to try hauling with the diesel but I'll surely have the ECT mode on and the OD off. Should do just fine. Just dont rev the piss out of em for too long. And 4000 isn't revving the piss out of em. Shes almost at the redline on the diesel but the 4 banger is happy at 4000 on hills. Its better than lugging them. And start stopping before you usually would.

 

You'll probably still be under 1000 lbs on that combo so you should be fine. You'll know it's back there but it will start and stop reliably. I was pulling about a 3000lb boat with mine when I had 32's and stock gearing and it was a nightmare. In fact, I attribute that to the demise of my first motor.

To 1000-1500lbs I'd say you're ok but I wouldn't go over that.

 

seeing how 4 tonnes = 8800+ pounds, i'm afraid i'm going to have to call BS on this one.

 

I can see 4000 pounds but not 8000. We have had 48 100 pound bags of cement in the back of my dads 80 and it definately was not happy. It did the job but was complaining.

 

I believe he did it, but I also believe it did some damage to the clutch and that it wasn't a very pleasant ride.

 

I'm in a predicament right now because I'm looking at buying a new truck, and the price difference between a chevy 2500hd and a Toyota Tacoma is almost zero. The only benefit I get from a tacoma is gas mileage. The 2500hd is three times the truck, tougher in every way, and much more capable for hauling trailers and working day in and day out. If the new 05 to 07 taco's were priced a little lighter(say about 4 thousand less) I would be in a no-duh situation, but for the money of a tacoma I could own a truck that can be used as a truck without worrying about drivetrain issues. I hate to say it but these tacoma's aren't cut for the majority of work I do....I guess I will have to look into the Tundras....not the new ones they are priced way toooo high.
sorry about the radical topic change, I guess I needed to rant.
I'm still confused whether to go with a tacoma or a 2500hd.

 

The Tacoma's weren't designed as a heavy duty work truck. It's not full sized while the Chevy....and the Tundra...is. My friend/neighbor is a contractor and sold his Nissan V6 (= Tacoma) and got an older 3/4 ton Suburban to handle the work. Light trucks are meant for light duty.

Have you thought about something like an older Ford with the inline 6cyl? Those motors are tough and strong. Parts are inexpensive.

 

Depends on the work but a tacoma or pickup isnt strong enough to do heavy work. They are light duty trucks..

If I wanted a work truck an older chevy or ford is where its at, 3/4 tonw ill do anything you want and better pretty much. Be warned, the newer 3/4 ton fords are MUCH stronger than the older F250 ever was, they are even better than an older F350, but it all depends on what ya want.

 

Thats phatt ass, right there!

 

Old thread (no posts for almost 2 years) but some good info here. I still don't see what people insist on overloading their trucks. The little toyotas simple don't have the power or the brakes. Out of the 5 toyotas I have owned over the last 20 years, only my '05 can the stuff stock to do it kind of close, but wish I had a fullsize....

If I was still stationed in Alaska I would probably own a diesel truck. If you are going to tow at all, get the Chevy. I tow my '81 Toyota periodically with my '05, it does it ok and am well within the weight limits but in hindsight I would have gotten a full size. Good luck..