Do you have kids? If so how well do they fit in the back?

 

The 05+ Tacoma does not have the same suspension as previous generations. For example there are 2 leafs and an overload on the new Tacos stock, and 3 leafs and an overload on the previous Tacos and the pickups. The rear shocks are mounted OUTSIDE the leaf springs which limits rear flex compared to previous Toyota trucks where they shocks are mounted inside the Springs. If you ever wanted to lift your truck to gain articulation you'd probably need to relocate the shocks inside the leaf springs. Most people I know who own 4x4 Toyota compact trucks take them into the bush to go camping, hunting, or fishing. They need springs and shocks that have carrying/controlling capacity while not bottoming out on the bump stops like the new Tacoma's seem to do with a load (I've read a bunch of threads now on some people not being particularly impressed with their load carrying capacity. Perhaps they ride nice unloaded but it's a truck!). The Crossover pipe on the new Tacoma's makes me question what a "breakover" angle means. I also really love the fully boxed frame. It keeps the truck solid and lets the suspension do the work. Plus it's heavier duty.

Having said all the above I think the new Taco's are a nice truck and I'm sure they're still quite capable and can probably go into about 90-95% of the places the previous TRD offroad Taco can, but if you told me to pick a Toyota truck from any generation to offroad in it'd be what I currently own or a 98-04 Taco with the offroad package.

Like I said I think the 05-07 Tacoma's are a better well rounded truck. If I had one the first thing I'd do is put a 1-2" coilover or coil spacer lift upfront and I'd probably chuck the entire rear spring packs for something aftermarket with some real carrying capacity. Perhaps it'd firm up the ride a bit but it's a truck for f's sakes!

 

Coednaked, i'm intersted in what you said about the leaf suspension but i don't fully understand about the springs being outside the leaf vs inside. I will definatly be adding a lift to my truck so i'm not sure what relocating the spring entails (cost and labor friendly wise). Could you shed some light on this?? Thanks

 

i'm going to have to agree with this. it is a truck and its not ment to ride like a car. well in my opinion that is. i have an 01 taco and did a full delux suspension lift (3in front 2.5in back i think) from toytech. i also threw on some rancho rs 500 struts. it made the truck ride alot stiffer, but i love the ride. and for the price you would spend on an 05-07 taco you could probably get a later model taco, or even pre taco, lift it and possibly have some more mod money. your money, just a suggestion.

 

If you look at the Axle from behind the truck, notice that the leaf springs are closer to the tires, on each respective side, and the shocks are inside the leaf springs on older Toyota trucks. When offroading, your axle does something called "articulate." Essentially what articulate means is when you are offroad your tires will go up and down to try and stay on the ground providing traction. Think of your differential in the middle of the leaf springs and shocks, as the pivot point for this articulation. For example if you get into one tough offroad situatin your left tire might be pushed higher up and and your right tire might hang down. The upper limit of your left tire and the lower limit of your right tire is called "wheel travel," also commonly referenced as articulation. Because the shocks are more inside, they don't affect this travel or influence the up and down movement of the wheels as much as the leaf springs do because they are closer to the pivot point. When you put the shocks OUTSIDE the leaf springs, now it is ultimately the shocks and their capacity that are the limiting factor in travel. You can't just add better flexing (flexing meaning they allow more travel) springs to help you with articulation, now you have to buy longer shocks and/or relocate them inside.

 

Well i'm still doing my research. Cruzing around other forums it sounds like its not uncommon to the 05+ taco's to lose there "rear end" even from just driving their trucks on the pavement. So can anyone shed some light on what "loosing your rear" means?? Thanks for the great replies, this forum has been really benificial. I've definatly appreciated your input CoedNaked! Im still having a hard time letting of the fact that i might not puchasing a (now) 07 taco.

 

sbikes,
I haven't read any threads on other boards about guys loosing their rear end.
The expression loosing your rear end probably relates to a guy's rear differential grenading on them. No rear gears/differential (which is your rear end), and you're sure as hell not going anywhere as that is an extremely important part of your drivetrain. It basically transfers the twist/torque/power from your engine/transmission/driveshaft to your rear tires to move the truck.

I have read a few payload threads on the new Tacoma and lots of guys weren't impressed with the fact their new Tacoma's bottom out fairly easily.
The only way to remedy this is to get new spring packs or do an add a leaf to get extra payload capacity.

If I were you I would just get the 07 Tacoma. I'm sure it will cover your needs just fine. Like I said I think it will probably get you into 90 to 95% of the places a previous generation stock Tacoma with the TRD package will go. This truck has more power, and it's got some nifty new features and it's the most comfortable compact/midsize truck Toyota has ever produced as far as creature comforts/versatility.

 

Hey thanks for your helpful responces Coed. Its been really helpfull in getting a better understanding and handle on what my money's getting me! ttora is the forum i read about people's rears failing for 05+. Lotts to research and learn, i may wait a month before i buy. Definalty going to research the new engine. I know the 01-04 engines are some of the best! Thanks again

 

Have you tried toyota120.com they might have more info on the '06 Taco.

 

I sold my 2005 DC Tacoma. What is your budget? Give me a price and I could always steer you in the right direction.

 

There have been about 6 reported cases of Blown rearends on 05 Tacoma TRD off-roads and more than 6 people with FJ Cruisers including one of the Trail Team Trucks. These vehicles share rearends, the Toyota 8" with e-locker.

Regarding this issue with Tacomas it is only an issue with a TRD off-road, the TRD Sports and Sr5's all have the larger rearend that comes in Tundras and there haven't been any reported failures of these rearends in Tacomas.

 

Rivalred, i actually ordered an 07 taco, price out the door is 26,100! Though this was a sweet deal and i'm excited about my new ride! Sandpearl black, oc & TO package, manual transmission. Definatly hope i don't loose my rear, but it seems like a bigger issue on the 05's