Hey folks, I generally lurk in the pre-84 board where I'm slowly overhauling my '83, but my DD Corolla was totaled out on Sunday night. My mechanic and I are in a deal to buy a nice 1-owner 96 T-100 2wd with a 5Vz-FE and R-150. I just want to know if there are any tricks or quirks a full-size noob should be aware of.
My general plan is to leave it as-is, I might add some back-seat storage for my tools and geology/backpacking gear. Any further suggestions or thoughts on where to go and what to improve?

 

I don't know the T100 but on any Toyota I get, I always take it to a dealer and see if there are any recalls. I am thinking the T100 had one or two but could be wrong.

 

That is a good idea, thanks!

 

If its got the 5vz and the 5 speed in it, you're in for a truck that wont die. Combine the torsion bar front suspension with a late model drive train and its pretty much a bullet proof truck.

I've been doing quite a bit of work to a 95 T100 and its essentially the same setup with the exception of 4wd and it's a solid truck.

I hope this helps,

Thanks,

 

That does help, thanks!

I'm impressed with the power and characteristics of the 5Vz, it's got loads of useable torque on the low-to-mid range and not having to worry about head gaskets, burning valves or exhaust-heated cylinders is pretty relaxing.

My V6 experience has been mixed, I've dealt with two gutless V6s from GM (a 2.8 60* and a '90s 3.8 BOP) a decent but hamstrung by an AOD Vulcan 6 and a really awesome Essex 6, and I have to say that the useable power of this one really takes the cake. I'm sold.

 

No more Corolla. The rightful order has been restored.
A build thread should be forthcoming.
Interestingly enough, this truck actually weighs about 200 pounds less than the car it's replacing, and is near as makes no difference $300 a month cheaper to own.
Yeah, never financing a new car again.

 

I own a 97 T100 and have done a cv axle and a timing belt with 160k..

 

Recently purchased my 96 T100 w/ 3.4L V6 and 5 speed. Mostly satisfied, except for the poor low end torque.
Miss my old 1980 1st gen with the solid 20R: damn hard to stall. Rust was the issue which forced me to sell.
The roof was holding only from mucho bondo; once the rust got to the door hinges, I had to let it go (it sold quickly!)

 

yea i have a 97 t100 with the 5vz and i love it but i really miss my 89 mini truck with the 22r. even when it was falling apart it still felt like a race car. i'm thinking of getting a late nineties 2wd taco if i can find a good deal on it and see how it compares.
it took me a while to get used to the difference in driving a heavier vehicle especially bc i mostly do city driving. you could try checking your accelerator cable to see if its loose at the throttle body, you might get a little better response by tightening it. other than that, it seems like the only thing to do is install a turbo charger if you got 1,000$ lying around.

 

you can call and give them your vin and they can tell you over the phone if there are any open recalls

 

3.4 v6 auto be careful of the trans fluid turning to a milkshake

 

Just bought a 95 t100auto 4x4 single cab LB. trans fluid was not good and I changed out the 5 at that drained out of pan. Plan on doing a filter swap and another fliud change. Not gonna flush. 124K on her.

 

I have a 96 TWD SR5 and a 97 SR5 4x4 and both have the 5vz-fe engine with automatic transmission. Engine: change the timing belt and water pump at the same time while you're in there. Transmission fluid and filter.

 

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