Hi everyone,

This is my first post here. I am a hard core Landcruiser freek, but have realized that my hardcore'ness has put my family on the back burner.

I have just sold 5 landcruisers and was thinking of getting a 45 pickup, but think I should go the route of getting a Taco now, building a wheeler for my kids to enjoy... then building a 45 over the next 5 years.

I know nothing about Tacoma's other than the 2.7 engine is a good one to go with. I also hear that these make great wheelers.... Is this a good forum to ask this? Really just looking for advice from people that live Taco's (I only know landcruisers).

I'm thinking about getting the 96-98 if that helps... but am very open to getting the right rig.

Thanks in advance!

 

Get the 3.4L, you'll be happier. They are just as reliable as the 2.7L. Look for one with manual hubs as well.

 

Get one with the 3.4L V6, and rear e-locker! They are sweet trucks. I'm just now getting into the FJ-80's. You wanna switch?

 

i love fj80's. i'd say the 3.4L is the way to go. my dad had a 96 and it rocked.

 

First, I haven't owned either of these engines so take this for what its worth.

Facts from Edmunds.com
MPG
3.4 17/19 MT 17/20 AT
2.7 17/21 MT 18/21 AT
HP/TQ
2.7 150/177
3.4 183/217
So you give up quite a bit of hp and tq for a mile or two per gallon.

Opinions from me
I've "heard" that both engines are well regarded for reliability. Both seem to have pretty good aftermarket support. I know there are superchargers, air intakes, and performance exhausts for both. I don't know about chips and computer tweaks etc. I'll have to leave that for someone else. It would seem that the 2.7 would be easier to work on just due to the better physical space under the hood, but again thats just theory on my part. Someone can straighten me out if thats not so. Good luck.

 

You are 2 days Too late... just sold my Last 80. It had lockers... hard to stop a locked 80. Sold my 97 40th anny locked abou 6 months ago... went to canada... I miss that rig... I think It was in mays issue of 4wd toyota owner magazine. The first feature. I'm really kicking myself. It was stock with Metaltech sliders and a arb bumper. Oh well.


I want a Taco because it will be a great rig to lock up and wheel, while it also helps me get toys and junk for the next project.

Facts from Edmunds.com
MPG
3.4 17/19 MT 17/20 AT
2.7 17/21 MT 18/21 AT
HP/TQ
2.7 150/177
3.4 183/217
So you give up quite a bit of hp and tq for a mile or two per gallon.

How is the 3.4? any issues with this bad boy? bugs/recalls? I agree... I'd rather have the extra hp. Expecially on the trail.

There is a couple schools on the best 80. 1994 or 1997. I think I'd stick with 1994 if I did a trail rig... because there are no airbags. Is there any particulars like this with the taco?

 

I know there are people with a lot more than me, but my 3.4L has 158k miles on it and I've only had to do normal maintenance. I don't see why it won't go another 100k.

 

Just to be clear as well... If you've heard of any bad Toy V6's, they are the 3.0L V6 that came in the early 90's 4runners and pickups. They weren't "Bad" but, they were definetly not the best engine Toyota has produced.

The 3.4L has had very little problems. I think there was a head gasket recall, and Toyota does that for free.... Most have already had it done. If you call them with a VIN, they can check to see if it had been done too.

Other than normal maintenance the engine is good to go.