I'm starting into the market for an earlier Tacoma, '95.5-'98 with the 3.4, and was curious about a few things.
1) How are the manual trans behind these motors?
2.) Were there any interior changes made through these years?
3.) Was the 3.4 modified at all during these years (intake manifolds, throttle bodies, etc.)?
4.) Was the extended cab offered from the start?

BTW, I've got alot of time behind a 3.4, ext cab, auto 4x4 since it's the family rig. I love the truck, and I think it's time to set the Jeep aside for something reliable.

 

1.Great, strong, chaindrive
2.Yes, in the dash and seats mostly, aside from the normal pattern changes
3.Not sure on this one, but I would bet they were
4.Yes

 

Major dash and seat changes? I really like the stylings of our '97.
I'll probably start checking them out on carlots this week.

 

when the headlights changed, so did the interior.

 

Headlights changed in '99 I believe.

 

i read in 97

 

Tacoma, not 4runner. 4Runner headlights changed in 99 to projector style.

Tacoma headlights changed mid-97 to composite style, instead of sealed beam h6054 lights.

 

remember unlike earlier years, Tacomas and 4Runners do not share any body parts.

 

Oops. Maybe I should read the entire thread before I post.

 

5 beers later and I can still outsmart all ya'll. I AM GOD!! lol.

 

1.) Awesome! Should easily outlast the motor.
2.) Im not sure, but I would bet there were small changes.
3.) I think '96 had EGR but that was dropped in '97. The motor itself hasnt changed (no intake manifold or throttle body changes). I think just minor ECU changes. In '00 or '01, they changed to tubular exhaust manifolds which flow better than the cast ones.
4.) Yes.

From what I remember about my research on the 3.4L's for when I was doing my engine swap, is the '99 was supposed to be the best year for the 3.4L. Add the tubular exhaust manifolds and it is a perfect package (thats what Im running in my '91 4Runner), but you may need the exhaust crossover from a tubular manifold vehicle to go with them. I didnt need it because I had to get a custom exhaust when I did my engine swap.

The 3.4L's are awesome motors.

 

I definitely did not realize this. At all.
I contemplated putting the 3.4 in my '78, but got a rotary motor (actually, the whole rx7) for cheap. I love the 3.4. Tons of power with pretty good gas mileage, strong, and reliable. That's the main reason I'm looking for a Tacoma.
I just took my 2.5L Jeep over the mountain pass and was topped out at 50. Even my 20R '79 does better than that.

Thanks for the info everyone! Wish me luck on finding the perfect Toy!