I must be going through some kind of pre-buyer's remorse or something, cuz now I'm nervous about losing storage space. Danny mentioned something about that in an earlier thread, but I didn't believe it until I drove a d-cab myself.

There's a definite loss of space in the back seats compared to a 4Runner, but what about the bed? The bed is 13 inches shorter than a reg. or extended cab: 74.5" vs. 61.5". Barely enough room to mount a 60" hi-lift along the ralis.

I need to go measure the 4Runner with the back seats folded down, from the back of the front seat to the rear of the cargo area and see how that total length compares to the length of a bed. If someone has that measurement already, feel free to share!

 

It's all about trade offs... sure, the bed is shorter than my extended cab but when I traded it in I gained two real seats. Another 3-4" behind the back seat would be awesome. Personally I find the bed length to be adequate, it meets my needs just fine. I did find that I needed just little more storage space. I did get a small toolbox which tucks in between the wheel wells that I can easily remove.

 

Cool, thanks. Oh FYI I did get those measurements (albeit rough) out of the 4Runner earlier:

Length of cargo area with back seats up: ~ 43"

Length with back seats folded down: ~66"

 

I've looked at the back seats of a dcab and I'd say the leg room is about the same as a 2nd gen 4runner. It's good enough for most, normal sized people and I've gone on 3-6 hour trips with people back there. So I wouldn't worry too much about lack of room for passengers.

The next question is whether you're going to put a shell on the back so you can throw stuff back there and not worry about it. That'll effectively increase your storage area at the expense of convenience and looks. Or you can go with a canback...

 

Go Canback! I had a hard shell on my Dakota and it was pretty nice, but a pain to get into up front. The one BajaTaco has is awesome and would be a real close second to the Canback.

oh, AND BUY THE DAMN THING ALREADY!!!

 

Decisions, decisions....

I'll definitely look in to the canback thing.

 

sometimes i feel i could use a little bit more space, but i think what i have is good enough. im 6'4" and i fit in the rear seats, not hella comfortable but i fit. if you worried about losing bed space you can always get a bed extender.

jason

 

I've got both: 98 4Runner and an 04 D-Cab. The back seat of the D-Cab is a bit tighter, but no one has complained when they ride in it. There isn't as much leg room as my 4Runner.

I think it is a bit tighter than a 2nd gen runner, but it has been a few years since I had one of those. Mostly, you can't lean back quite as far in a D-Cab

The bed length hasn't been a problem for us and we have an ARE shell. I agree with others that the Can-Back is a great choice (I couldn't convince my wife to go for a Can-Back, and it is her truck).

The D-cab is great for hauling dogs, trash, mulch, etc. I'd much rather hose out the bed than clean the back of my 4Runner.

Also, our D-cab is a baby mobile as we have an 18 month old girl. No problem with the car seat, etc. When we travel we can load up the front with little things for the ride and really pack out the back for things we'll need at the destination.

I think your gonna love the D-Cab. Hope this helps a little TDiddy

 

Thanks mgspann, that was quite an endorsement. I copied all that in an e-mail and sent it off to the wife.

 

My wife absolutely loves the Taco. I even tried to talk her into a T100 and the early Tundras and she would have none of it. I can't wait to see your new ride - post pics quick

 

tom,

another vote for JUST BUYING THE DANG THING ALREADY!

also, another vote for the shell that chris (bajataco) has. to me, thats the best design for a shell that i've ever seen.

and when you get it, you better buy all your amsoil stuff from me.

bob

 

Are you thinking about getting a camper shell?
I have to admit I've been thinking about it more ever since I saw Bajas really nice setup.
Then again, I really do like have the option of being able to move stuff that'll go beyond the roof line of the truck. I've moved a couple times and a few people - and the bed space has never been much of an issue. I have a toolbox in the back but I mounted it to the floor with wingnuts for easy removal.

The backseat for me is pretty cozy too. I haven't spent too much time back there but I haven't had any problems with it. The one issue, of course, is that it can't recline/change angles but that's fine with me too.

Also, Jason mentioned a bed extender. You can actually get 2 kinds (don't know if you know that) one being the one piece flip out. I'm not a very big fan of that one. And the other is a squarish version that folds into the tailgate. I haven't seen or heard too much of this one but it looks cool.

Glad to see the hunt is still on it's motivating me to take care of my business

 

Okay, here's some pics - this was one of the first google links that came back:


http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...tegory_Code=BE

 

If you're not willing to get the camper shell, I would suggest a tonneau cover I have one and it allows the looks of a truck and you can still keep things in the bed without them getting wet/or in the sight of prying eyes..

-Russell

 

Nice thing about the shell is, if you need to, you can remove it. Can't do that with a 4Runner.....

Oh yeah, and one more thing - BUY the damn thing already! <G> Seriously, you WILL like the Taco....

'02 Taco PreRunner w/a few mods.....including a Glasstite Raven Shell

 

and you can take off the tonneau cover easily if you need to.

 

I put an are sheel on mine.The glass is flush just like the factory glass in the cab.Makes the truck look bigger.Keeps the bed from looking so bobed.Still could use 6ft bed.Oh well toyota dosent listen to their customers anymore.If they did they would offer a solid axle up front as an option.Still nice truck for what its worth.

 

Toyota listens to their customers (what company wouldn't?)... it's just that the largest and loudest voices are the "I want my delicate tushy to be comfy as I show off my offroad truck that never sees anything but pavement"

 

ok, I get it, I get it!

thanks for the suggestions guys. Now its just a matter of getting the best deal.