Oops. Probably help if I asked my questions. Do all Tacomas have the ADD system, or was this an option? I have read some posts about disabling it and adding locking hubs, but would prefer to buy a truck w/ locking hubs to start with. #2. Are there any significant differences between the earlier versions(96-98) and the later(99-04)? For financial reasons I'm looking at a 96-98 and want to know if I'm giving anything up w/ this choice. #3. Can anyone tell me which 5 spd trans is used in this truck? How about the transfer case, still chain driven? Thanks in advance, sorry for the two posts. Hey, I'm a noob!

 

Anything under 98 and you are giving up the TRD option, which is really cool for the locker and some other goodies. Some don't like the Bilstein suspension, but I sure did. I had a 98 Tacoma Limited TRD, and I loved that truck!

Others will chime in about the ADD, etc. I can't say with certainty so I am gonna keep my "mouth" shut.

 

hello. the trans. is a r150f, the t-case is chain driven and add was an option. 95.5-97 tacos had recalled headgaskets and the recall campaign ended just over a month ago. i would run the vins and check with the dealer to see if the headgasket was done before buying one in those years.

 

ADD is an option. I don't think you will find any TRD trucks without it. So if you want a factory locker the truck will have ADD. The only other major thing is the 02+ trucks have ABS. I don't know about the last question. Good luck in your search you won't be disappointed Tacomas as sweet trucks.

 

jdecker, do you have a lift? If not, do your 32's rub?

 

if its a 4cyl truck it will have a W59 5-speed, Toyota stopped offering manual hubs in 2001, 2000 and under could have them, very few v6 models had manual hubs, but they are out there, 95.5-97 reg cab tacos were available with the v6, i like the 98-00 front end style personally, more refined in my opinion, and as stated above the TRD package came out in 98, and the prerunner model came out in that year also in the extended cab, regular cab prerunners came out in 99

 

no head gasket issues with the 4cyl. either, my bad!

 

Thanks for the responces everyone. I dislike two piece axles, so I want to make sure I understand this correctly. If the truck does not have locking hubs then it is equipped w/ the ADD system? I was only considering the V6 model, but maybe I should look at the 2.7. Are you owners of the 4cyl pleased w/ its performance? Fuel milage?

 

If you want to pass a big rig while going up a hill loaded with camping gear, don't get the 4-banger. If you don't care about stuff like that, then it might be good for you.

 

[QUOTE=Fubar] If the truck does not have locking hubs then it is equipped w/ the ADD system?QUOTE]


yes.

 

Manual hubs on Tacos got really rare around '99, so look for that year and earlier if you want them. You might also consider getting an ADD equipped truck and putting manual hubs on it (you can have both at the same time from what I understand).

Tacos with both the e-locker and the manual hubs are as rare as hen's teeth.

 

I believe 2001 (maybe 2000) was the last year for Manual Hubs - after that the dreaded ADD was the only option

 

I have two 98's, one is 2.7, 5spd with manual hubs and 31's, stock gearing. It's kinda doggy...

my 98TRD auto has ADD and a ton more power than the 2.7, it also has 31's.

Mileage wise they get about the same.

I prefer the TRD and would only consider the 4cly if it was a dedicated wheeling rig, then I would probably go with the V6 still...

 

I have a '98 reg cab 2.7L. at first it felt a little slow but with just a cold air intake and a throttlebody spacer added 12HP(dyno results) and that pulls the truck back into a good power range. Not to much seeing as Im still in Hschool. the 2.7 with some mods is great. and with a lighter right foot than mine Im sure you would get over 23mpg.

 

I hate to break this to you man, but that TB spacer is just taking up space in the intake track. Please explain how "swirled" air splits into 4 separate runners aiding in the combustion process. I asked Poweraid the same question and they could not give me a good answer.

Not trying to be a jerk, but that thing is just a waste of space. Sell it on ebay and get yourself a nice muffler. That will help you more.

By the way, I speak from experience. I too fell victim to the TB spacer hype - twice!

 

My 2005 2.7 4x4 reg cab 5spd with 33" od tires and stock 4.10 gets 18-19 mpg on highway.