CoedNaked

For those of you who own 2001-2004 Tacoma Double cab 4x4's, I'm curious if you could give me some info on how you like your trucks. While I love my truck, I'm curious how you guys who maybe owned 3vze or 22RE equipped trucks appreicated the step up to the Double cab for this generation.

My 2 biggest concerns are power, and the 5 foot bed. I don't use my 6' bed a lot now, but I'm wondering if you have managed to work with the 5 foot bed alright.

Also I have a 3vze 3.0 V6 equipped with the manual. This manual transmission is the same 5 speed transmission found behind 3.4 Tacoma's as well. (same gear ratios, the 3.4 has a slightly beefier clutch I believe but not much else different). But I'm curious how you feel power wise about the 3.4 behind the 4speed auto. Do you find you wish you had the extra gear? Does the truck move pretty good? What have you towed with your truck and how did it do? The one thing going though that helps is the Double Cab Tacoma's are actually about 200 pounds roughly lighter than my truck (my truck is about 3850-3900 pounds-ish, the Double Cab Tacoma's are about 3700 pounds). But I don't believe the 4 speed auto is as efficient as some of the newer auto's available but I'm basically exploring the idea of this truck with a bit more power, more people moving capability, etc. But I'm still pretty happy with my truck, just looking for some feedback I guess and again exploring.

yamataco

I really like mine. 04 d-cab 4x4. The 5 ft bed is a bit of a pain, but I get 2 full size dirtbikes in mine all the time with the tailgate down. I also tow an 18 ft, self contained trailer that weighs about 3000# empty, 3800# with everything topped up.

I've added a trans cooler, trailer brake controller, AALs, rear airbags, SAW coilovers and Tundra front brakes. The rear springs are going to die an ugly death if I don't replace them soon, but otherwise the truck is going strong at 50k miles of city driving and towing. I get a lot of looks when we travel with the trailer and the bikes, and lots of people asking how it does with the load.

Great little workhorse of a truck.

Joe's Toy

*I'm very partial to my truck, but I'll try to be as honest as possible* I have the 2WD model but as far as power goes it hasn't let me down yet. I have this really throaty exhaust from the previous owner and it can really start to yell when it drops into 3rd going up hills but it definitely has the power. Actually today I was trying to merge onto the freeway and this durango was trying to cut my off, I just put my foot into it and he didn't stand a chance. Not that that really proves anything but from my personal opinion the truck can go. I have pulled a boat with it and had no problem. I'll probably look into getting a tranny cooler just for preventive maintenance but all in all I say you can put your trust in the 3.4! (plus theres always that TRD SC )

yamataco

Power is good, not great. Auto trans has a small lag on the 1-2 shift on my truck that I never noticed with the stock tires, it only showed up when I got my 265/75s. It's not really noticeable in normal driving, just when I'm trying to go fast, and even then it's not too bad. IMO the gearing is a little too tall with the stock 4.10s, I'm planning on getting 4.56s one of these days.

Best thing to me is that I keep reading stories about these things lasting 200,000+ miles and mine is only showing 50k. I'll be driving mine for another 7-8 years, at least..

04 Rocko Taco

I think the power of the 3.4 hooked with the 4speed auto is more than adequate for the DC Taco's. I've got an 04, granted its a PreRunner, but the power is nice, I've pulled a lot with it, and have no problem with interstate speeds, hill climbs or anything else. The 5' bed is alright, with the tailgate down and bed exteder flipped out, you still have the same 6' bed you have now.

Tacoclimber

The only thing I'd change about mine is to have it paid off...

Decent room, decent power, enough bedspace for the average bear, a great platform to build on... And you can get them e-locked. I'd say a pretty decent package, all things considered.

I say go for it.

mokai

I have always felt they should have offered the 5 speed manual in the DoubleCabs..I dont get it...

RETRO

I love mine..I went from a 95 T-100 xtracab 3.4 5 speed to a 04 tacoma auto..I wished it was a 5 speed..Power is plenty just a lil slower than a 5 speed...On hilly hwy's it is ok it will kick into passing gear..I'll usually kick it off cruise on hilly areas...It has plenty of room in it..I miss the 6' bed but the 5' not bad...The factory ride was stiff.I replaced with SAW C/O and 8 leaf Alcan leafs and Bilstein shocks...What a difference..I pull a 17' Bassboat with no problems a lil slugish on inclines...Fuel I am getting 17 mpg around town and 21-22 on HWY..And they look good..I love mine..I have only had it for 5 months but other than the payment I am pleased with it...I will be regearing it next year with 4.56..

AppleJack

I'd like to here more too. I have a '99 4runner now but, my wife and I have been thinking of going the Taco D/C route. I love our 4runner but we have a nine year old daughter, two German Shepherds and we camp a lot and thats a lot to pack inside even with a roof rack! We also are going to be missionaries in Guatemala in the next couple of years and feel the versatility of d/c p/u is best.

Joe's Toy

Prerunning for Jesus!

jrallan26

I love mine! Its been an awesome truck. I have had mine for 2 years and have only one issue, the rear leaf springs are junk! Other than that its perfect. Maybe the paint could be a little stronger.....

Granted I dont go off road on mine, just stays on the road and tows from time to time.

Mileage is around 240 to 250 miles to a tank (when the lights comes on).

I will only get rid of mine, when a diesel is available...

AppleJack

Where does the paint seem to be weak?

AppleJack

What is the tank capacity?

Hmmm.....diesel.

04 Rocko Taco

I dont know about weak paint, mine is holding up great after 78K..... its an 18.5 gal tank.

Tacoclimber

Mine's weak where I've scraped it on rocks...

E-money

I traded in my '99 4runner for a 04 DC. I love the truck! It's a lot easier to throw my dog's in the bed instead. Back seats are just as roomy as a 4runner. Bed length is OK. I have the locked Trd model. Stock suspension was too soft for my taste so I installed the OME 3'' lift from Toytec. Power is is alright.

jrallan26

Paint chips on the front end. That was cured with a bug shield.

Another thing I did, Instead of repainting my truck, I colorsanded the paint and added 3 coats of clear-coat. The paint is much shinier.

jrallan26

I have never got 18 gal. in mine. Usually its only 16-17 gals and thats with the light on....

cackalak han

If I could've found a good deal on a DC Tacoma 4x4, I'd be driving that right now instead of my 02 4Runner. Still love my 4Runner, though.

Check out this DC Taco.

Tacoclimber

Scott's truck is the inspiration for the direction I'm taking mine. I love his rig's whole setup, as well as the website and expedition reports...