im havin a lot of trouble deciding which model to get. 90-95 ext cab pickup or 96-99 ext cab taco? i am def gonna do a lot of muddin and offroading but its also gonna be my DD. i love the more rugged look of the pickups, but the tacomas are really sharp...any pros or cons for either one? thanks in advance

 

Are you really asking this?

The motor/drivetrain and suspension in the Tacoma are FAR superior.

 

3.4 is waaay better than a 3.0, e-locker available. 96-99 taco is the clear choice.

 

agreed.

 

+4

 

Yes, the taco has the better available engines and the optional e-locker in the rear is friggen tits.. but you also get an open C channel frame. They are also in the midst of a massive frame rot recall.. Though the owners are getting 1.5x value of their trucks from toyota...

I would go with the pickup, simply because they are a japanses made truck and I feel they are built stronger...

 

I have heard the pickups are built tougher and are much more durable than the tacos. However the tacos have the advantage of more modern engines and the elocker.

 

If you want a Taco consider the '00-'04 models, that way you can still get the e-locker, better suspenssion, better engine, basically better everything than a pickup. And you dont have to worry about the frame rust recall....nothing would suck like buying a '95-'99 Taco and then having the frame snap in half because it has rusted through (very unlikely but it could happen).

 

Or, buy one that's on the recall list from someone who doesn't know about it, take it in to the dealer, get it checked, walk out with 1.5x the blue book price in excellent condition

 

this is not a comlicated, 3rd gen is the obvious choice, the 3.4 kicks the 3.0's ass, trust me I know I own a 3.0, and my friend owns a 3.4 taco, I love my truck but it takes alot of time and commitment, its like being the parent of obese 15 year old, they are really slow and predictable. While the strong agile older son, the 3.4, is quick, fun, and just as reliable. well thats my bit, thanks for listening.

 

Your generation reference is in relation to 4Runners not trucks.

3rd gen truck is 89-95 ...

 

Or, if you have the time and talent, find yourself a 3rd gen truck (89-95) with a blown head gasket 3.0 for cheap, with a decent body and chassis.

Then go for the 3.4 swap. You'll end up with the best of both worlds!

 

Pick up tougher, taco better motor. Get the pickup and do a swap if you really need the extra power.

 

if your gonna be doin alot of wheelin like you said.. id get a pickup. that way when you scratch it up or dent you wont cry as bad
cuz i know if i had a new taco and messed it up wheelin id be pretty mad at myself. and do a 3.4 swap like everyoje else has said

 

The frame strength isn't enough of a difference to justify the work and expense of the drivetrain swap IMHO. Taco frame is WAY plenty strong for how you're gonna use the truck.

 

tacoma has the 5VZ-FE, one of the best V6's ever made. coil over front suspension, the frame IS boxed up untill the rear arch which is the only spot it really needs to be reinforced. everything on the truck is as good or better than the pickups.
If your really gona beat the crap out of it it only costs $100 to buy the frame reinforcements or about 20 to make your own.

i dont think there is any difference in durability. i can almost guarantee that i beat the holy hell out of my truck more than 99% of the people on this forum and its held up fine for the most part. certainly as good or better than all of the earlier pickups i wheel with.

 

I have plenty of time in both, it comes down to personal preference. I love my Taco albeit it will be crushed via toyota recall. I had to pull tons of after market goodies for this. I picked up a 93 std cab till I find the right Taco for my next long term truck. I find myself smiling driving an older school(if you can call it that) toyota around. Gutless yes, but fun none the less.

When the the Tacos 95-04 came came out I thought " dang they are frigging huge and ugly, why mess up a good thing". In the end I got one and love most everything about it. I think the 86-95 pickups are great but they are a different creature. They share things like reliability and such but I find my self still wanting the best of both worlds. The Tacos have more power and if equipped a locker. The hilux have simplicity nailed down.



OK after a long post I know what the answer is because its what I am doing....but where I live plays a part. I live in the North East(salt cancer) so a Taco Double cab is what I am hunting(02-04 white TRD). But if I had a 89-95 with zero rot I would be plenty happy there also.....with a 3.4 transplant of course. So I give my nod to the Taco unless you find a cancer free 89-95 with a good price.

And for what its worth I wouldn't even consider one after 04.