Toyotas in the Woods

[hammerlogging]

It shouts, "Yuppie Scum beware!". Is that extra cab room natural? Or was it added on?

Its a legit add-on some company outfitted a number of them for 4 years or so, stretched the frame and added the backseat. I can't vouch for whether or not it was a good idea, but if it was 2500 miles closer and 1500 dollars cheaper I'd be tempted, love that interior space.

 

[slowp]

A hooktender told me that Toyota Pickups will go anywhere, and proceeded to drive, successfully over a slide in the road. :jawdrop:

 

[PB]

Hands down the best stock pickup I have ever taken into the woods on logging roads, farm roads etc. was my Ranger. I had a 2003 until I wrecked it and replaced it with a 2004. Long story why i got rid of it, and it wasn't because of reliability, but I wish I still had it. Three sand bags in the bed, studded tires and I could go anywhere in the snow. Maine doesn't like to plow both lanes of the highway and I never had any problems.

The ground clearance on mine was higher than my 08 F150 and turned a hell of a lot better. The 4.0L was tough on gas, around 22mpg (not terrible) highway but with the 4.10 gears it would pull a decent amount if ever need be. Around here the newer ones come with smaller tires and the 3.0L but back in PA they still come with the 4.0L and 255/70-16 tires. Just my .02 but I REALLY loved my Rangers.

 

[joecool85]

Yep. That 3.0L V6 is the engine I had in my '99 Ranger 4WD. Had exactly the same experience with it that you related. Unfortunatley, the 3.0L was discontinued a year or two ago, so the only Ranger engine choices now are the 2.3L DOHC four (no relation to the older SOHC 2.3L four which was a decent engine) and the 4.0L V6. The 4.0L has great power but is somewhat of a gas hog. I have the 2.3L DOHC engine in my 2003 Mazda B2300 2WD (basicaly a Ranger with slightly different bodywork and badging). It's not a good pickup engine IME. The shortest gears you can get it are 3.73's. It is more of a 'sports car' engine, in that you have to wind the pee outa it and abuse the clutch to get it moving. It doesn't get along with the 3.73's, and would probably be much happier with 4.10's. Probably would get better MPG with 4.10's too...

It gets about 3-5 MPG better than my '99 Ranger 4WD with the 3.0L V6 did with bigger tires (but the same gearing, and on the same commute) at best. Doesn't pull hills well at all either. I'd MUCH rather have that 3.0L V6 than the DOHC four. Not happy with it at all. Probably will be getting a new Ranger sometime in the next year or so, and will be forced to go with the 4.0L as I WILL NOT get another 2.3L DOHC four. It has been a constant source of problems and irritation. It is actualy damn quick if you 'run it like you stole it', but that doesn't do much for longevity...

Toyota dropped their 3.0L midsize V6 too, and offers similar choices as the Ranger (2.5L four and 4.0L six). A couple of years ago, they also made the Tacoma into a 'mid size' pickup that's as big as the T100 they sold for a while. That's a shame, as a true Toyota mini truck (with the old 22R four) was a great rig. Shame on you Toyota.....:censored:

I have 4.10s in my rig (with the 3.0 like I said) and periodically wish for 4.30s or 4.56s. That said, I think I'd get ticked about highway driving the few times I do it. 4.10 is about the right gear for that truck. For the I4 I'd def go with 4.56 though, they love to rev.

 

[Eccentric]

I have 4.10s in my rig (with the 3.0 like I said) and periodically wish for 4.30s or 4.56s. That said, I think I'd get ticked about highway driving the few times I do it. 4.10 is about the right gear for that truck. For the I4 I'd def go with 4.56 though, they love to rev.

Yep. With that high-revvin' I4, Ford's crazy not to offer anything shorter than 3.73's (at least in the 2WD pickups). My 2WD B2300 is hardly ever in fifth, even with little 225/75/15's. In the Toyotas, the standard ratio with the 2.5L is something like 3.42/1! That kinda thinking makes no sense when using OD manuals. I believe 4.30-ish gears are available with the Toyota at least. I can remember when the old Toyota's came stock with 4.56's and four or five speeds and the 20R/22R I4's......and the 20R/22R was a MUCH more torquey engine than this current Ford I4. The four speed would have been iritating as heck on the freeway though.

My Dad and Grandpa had '71 and '73 Datsun 1600 pickups with four speeds, so I can remember the buzzing four days. That's not as iritating as my '67 Scout with a 196 I4 and 4.27's is on the freeway though. Those gears, a non-OD transmission, and a 4K REDLINE engine (that's much happier below 3K) don't make for fun freeway driving. My friend's flatfender Jeeps are even more freeway unfriendly. A worn out, bellcrank filled steering system plus 5.38's and a flathead four are not a good combo for freeway miles. Gotta be in a different mindset when driving those kinds of rigs.

 

[purdyite]

'yota or ranger?

Sorry...It's a 'yota Tacoma.

 

[headleyj]

Some Taco info:
95-00's were recalled and some bought back due to frame rust. Make sure you check into that if you buy one in this year range.

01-04's were recalled also due to frame rust -Toyota is swapping the frames out.

I am not bashing Toyota. I've had an 88 taco, 03 taco, 03 Tundra, 04 Tundra, 04 4runner and an 08 Tundra so I really like 'em.

Just want people to be smart buyers and have the knowledge if they didn't already. btw the 01-04 Taco bodystyle is my favorite

 

[Eccentric]

Some Taco info:
95-00's were recalled and some bought back due to frame rust. Make sure you check into that if you buy one in this year range.

01-04's were recalled also due to frame rust -Toyota is swapping the frames out.

I am not bashing Toyota. I've had an 88 taco, 03 taco, 03 Tundra, 04 Tundra, 04 4runner and an 08 Tundra so I really like 'em.

Just want people to be smart buyers and have the knowledge if they didn't already. btw the 01-04 Taco bodystyle is my favorite

Thanks for the Taco info! Are the 01-04 Tacos the last of the 'small' pickups? I like those too, and would gladly get one to replace my B2300 Mazduh. I'd rather get a newer truck because I need it to survive a long commute..................but I'm totaly turned off by Toyota's decission to make the Taco a 'mid-size' pickup. They ruined it by making it so damn big IMO...

 

[joecool85]

Are the 01-04 Tacos the last of the 'small' pickups?

No, the 2011 Ford Ranger is the last "small pickup." It's currently the only mass produced compact pickup available in the US and it might get the axe after next year. Although 2008 was the last year they offered my favorite configuration (3.0 V6, 4x4, 5spd). Now you can only get the torqueless 2.3 DOHC I4 or the gas-hog 4.0 V6 that gets small-V8 mileage.

 

[headleyj]

Thanks for the Taco info! Are the 01-04 Tacos the last of the 'small' pickups? I like those too, and would gladly get one to replace my B2300 Mazduh. I'd rather get a newer truck because I need it to survive a long commute..................but I'm totaly turned off by Toyota's decission to make the Taco a 'mid-size' pickup. They ruined it by making it so damn big IMO...

It's the last of the small pickups that Toyota made yes. The 05+ Taco's are bigger and drastically different.

Also the 04 Tacoma's were the first year for their fly by wire and minor issues were reported from what I was on www.TTORA.com

 

[Eccentric]

No, the 2011 Ford Ranger is the last "small pickup." It's currently the only mass produced compact pickup available in the US and it might get the axe after next year. Although 2008 was the last year they offered my favorite configuration (3.0 V6, 4x4, 5spd). Now you can only get the torqueless 2.3 DOHC I4 or the gas-hog 4.0 V6 that gets small-V8 mileage.

Sorry. I meant the last of the Toyota small pickups. BTW-Nissan still makes a 'small' pickup with their Frontier as well (or is it gone for 2011?). Not crazy about the looks of 'em. Also had a jerk of a boss (who just retired thank God) who drove one. Can't get the jerk-boss/Frontier connection outa my head. Stupid I know...

I'm aware of the current Rangers. I was talkin' about them (and their current engine/axle ratio choices) a few posts ago. I mentioned that the 3.0V6/4X4/5spd was my favorite combination (and lamented the elimination of the 3.0L in the Ranger lineup) as well. Wish I still had my '99 3.0L/4X4/5spd Ranger. What year is yours? I currently have the torqueless DOHC I4 in my 2003 Mazdog B2300...

http://www.arboristsite.com/showpost.php?p=2441189&postcount=33

It's the last of the small pickups that Toyota made yes. The 05+ Taco's are bigger and drastically different.

Also the 04 Tacoma's were the first year for their fly by wire and minor issues were reported from what I was on www.TTORA.com

Thanks again. More good info. That means I wouldn't want newer than a 2003. Rats. That's just too old for me, unless the thing has sat in some bloke's garage for the last 7 years with 20K on the clock. I was against FBW throttle systems long before any of the media hoopla. Give me a dang linkage or throttle cable anyday...

 

[PasoRoblesJimmy]

There are more Toyota Land Cruisers used worldwide than any other jeep type vehicle. The old design FJ-40s are awesome for off-road use.

 

[Eccentric]

There are more Toyota Land Cruisers used worldwide than any other jeep type vehicle. The old design FJ-40s are awesome for off-road use.

True..........but they haven't sold a "real" Land Cruiser here for some time. The best models (the diesels) never made to us. Seen a few 'grey market' BJ70s and such.......but that's it. Wish we could get the Toyota models they sold and still sell in Africa, India, and Australia. The "Crocodile Hunter" diesel pickup comes to mind.

Got several friends that have or had old 'Cruisers. Theres two FJ60s and one 1982 FJ40 still in 'the extended family'. Great rigs, but not without their faults (like everything else....including my Binders). I stood that that FJ40 on its butt-end once...

 

[joecool85]

I'm aware of the current Rangers. I was talkin' about them (and their current engine/axle ratio choices) a few posts ago. I mentioned that the 3.0V6/4X4/5spd was my favorite combination (and lamented the elimination of the 3.0L in the Ranger lineup) as well. Wish I still had my '99 3.0L/4X4/5spd Ranger. What year is yours? I currently have the torqueless DOHC I4 in my 2003 Mazdog B2300...:

That's what I get for not paying attention to who is posting that I'm replying to lol. Mine is a 2000. If I was you I'd look for a 2008 Ranger with the 3.0 and grab it while you can get them with low miles.

 

[PasoRoblesJimmy]

True..........but they haven't sold a "real" Land Cruiser here for some time. The best models (the diesels) never made to us. Seen a few 'grey market' BJ70s and such.......but that's it. Wish we could get the Toyota models they sold and still sell in Africa, India, and Australia. The "Crocodile Hunter" diesel pickup comes to mind.

Got several friends that have or had old 'Cruisers. Theres two FJ60s and one 1982 FJ40 still in 'the extended family'. Great rigs, but not without their faults (like everything else....including my Binders). I stood that that FJ40 on its butt-end once...

Old school Toyota HiLux Diesel Pickup - Amazingly Tough!!!! Can't kill it!!!!!

BBC Top Gear- killing a Toyota pt 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg4bBPlWzT8:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[bobsreturn]

tough trucks

hi down under. we have mitsubishi 4wds 1 ton , have an 07 3.5lt v6 petrol . will climb a tree in first gear on idle , handy cause its steep where i gets my logs . just change into 4wd with out having to clutch is handy when you are caught . can you get them in the states and what do they call them? cheers Bob

 

[PasoRoblesJimmy]

True..........but they haven't sold a "real" Land Cruiser here for some time. The best models (the diesels) never made to us. Seen a few 'grey market' BJ70s and such.......but that's it. Wish we could get the Toyota models they sold and still sell in Africa, India, and Australia. The "Crocodile Hunter" diesel pickup comes to mind.

Got several friends that have or had old 'Cruisers. Theres two FJ60s and one 1982 FJ40 still in 'the extended family'. Great rigs, but not without their faults (like everything else....including my Binders). I stood that that FJ40 on its butt-end once...

The new yuppie-style Land Cruisers are waaaaaay too much like SUVs.

Short wheelbases can be unsafe and unstable on paved highways. I saw an FJ-40 suddenly do a 360 degree rollover for no reason on a straight stretch of highway. Driver scalped. Passenger had a shattered shoulder.

My son's 1978 FJ-40 has incredible low-speed torque. The inline 6 can easily climb up a steep, nearly vertical incline.

Toyota Land Cruiser Forum
http://www.toyotafjcruiserforums.com/old-school-fj-40/

 

[Eccentric]

That's what I get for not paying attention to who is posting that I'm replying to lol. Mine is a 2000. If I was you I'd look for a 2008 Ranger with the 3.0 and grab it while you can get them with low miles.

No worries. I'm gonna try to find a low-mileage 2008 with a 3.0L like you suggested. Wish me luck!

Old school Toyota HiLux Diesel Pickup - Amazingly Tough!!!! Can't kill it!!!!!

BBC Top Gear- killing a Toyota pt 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg4bBPlWzT8:hmm3grin2orange:

That's some crazy stuff. Saw that episode as well as the later one where they put the Toyota on top of a building (and imploded it). Still didn't kill the little pickup. They said it was 13 years old (making it around a '93 if that episode was shot in 2006). The last year we could get the solid front axle in the states was '85. There were diesels available until that time as well. I don't know if the diesels we could get were the same as that 2.4L in the pickup they abused on Top Gear.

hi down under. we have mitsubishi 4wds 1 ton , have an 07 3.5lt v6 petrol . will climb a tree in first gear on idle , handy cause its steep where i gets my logs . just change into 4wd with out having to clutch is handy when you are caught . can you get them in the states and what do they call them? cheers Bob

We can't get those Mitsubishi's here. You blokes down under could/can get all kinds of fantastic stuff that we can't. The Department of Transportation and the Enviromental Protection Agency could merge and rename themselves the Fun Police....:censored:

The new yuppie-style Land Cruisers are waaaaaay too much like SUVs.

Short wheelbases can be unsafe and unstable on paved highways. I saw an FJ-40 suddenly do a 360 degree rollover for no reason on a straight stretch of highway. Driver scalped. Passenger had a shattered shoulder.

My son's 1978 FJ-40 has incredible low-speed torque. The inline 6 can easily climb up a steep, nearly vertical incline.

Toyota Land Cruiser Forum
http://www.toyotafjcruiserforums.com/old-school-fj-40/

I'm no stranger to SWB rigs. My first 'street legal' vehicle was a '66 Bronco (92" WB) that I got when I was 16. I have a few International Harvester Scouts (100" WB) and I've driven my friend's FJ40's. The Flatfender Jeeps are even shorter. As long as folks use their heads, then there isn't an issue with 'em. Heck, the Jeep Wrangler series is still available here, and is both SWB and solid axle.


The manufacturers and the government seem to think that the American public is too stupid and too soft to have vehicles like the Early Bronco, Scout, and solid axle Toyota mini trucks anymore. It is true that we have a good load of idiots that can't think for themselves.............except when it's time to sue someone else for their own stupidity. The Wrangler is the last of the 'old' type available here......and I'm peeved at Chrysler for dumping the 4.0L I6 for the 3.7L V6 car engine. That's another rant though...

 

[hammerlogging]

The last year we could get the solid front axle in the states was '85. There were diesels available until that time as well. I don't know if the diesels we could get were the same as that 2.4L in the pickup they abused on Top Gear.:

Same engine but the one I drove (factory diesel) could just hold 60 before it sounded like it was revved to high, that said, not a highway driver, so I regretfully had to pass it up. The turbo isn't really any different.

I think I keep piling miles on my T100 in hopes that a diesel will finally be offered in a Tacoma, I'd hate to replace my truck and a year later they finally release one in the U.S.

 

[slowp]

You guys are talking in a foreign language now. I just want a pickup, that is decent to drive, can go to town, or on a long trip, get me into the secret huckleberry patches, and won't swill a lot of gasoline. Oh, it also needs to be a nice color, have room for The Used Dog, and be able to haul some firewood or skis or other people's dogs. Air conditioning and cruise control are must haves.

No carpet, if possible.