BajaNomad - 2006 Toyota Tacoma

2006 Toyota Tacoma

turtleandtoad - 6-17-2006 at 08:38 PM

I'm considering the above vehicle as a replacement for my existing Toad. It will be a 5 sp auto, have the off-road package, front skid plate, hood protector, and a Super Sport Shell with luggage rack. I'll have the Remco Disconnect installed to allow it to be towed 4 down.

Anyone have any experience with this set-up? either being towed or taking it off-road?

I'm not talking about running the BAJA or anything like that, just a little off-roading to expand my Baja experience.

Bruce R Leech - 6-17-2006 at 08:41 PM

I would not recommend the auto trans. get the standard.

turtleandtoad - 6-17-2006 at 08:45 PM

Thanks Bruce, but I've got a girlfriend that prefers the Auto. So, unless there is a compelling reason (known failures, ect.), I'm afraid that I'm stuck with the auto.

Bajaboy - 6-17-2006 at 08:56 PM

I have a 2005 Access Cab TRD Sport model with automatic. I've taken it to Baja 5 or 6 times since September. I love it and don't worry about the auto....it's a Toyota after all. Plenty of power, good low range, and gets about 20 mpg.

Zac

[Edited on 6-18-2006 by Bajaboy]

Go auto-trans...here's why-

CasaManzana - 6-17-2006 at 08:56 PM

My 2005 Tacoma, with A/,T has much more control on sand than the stick I had before. The best truck I ever owned. The towing package has the oil cooler for the trans and extra suspension. You will luv it

turtleandtoad - 6-17-2006 at 08:59 PM

Thanks guys,
I guess I'll go ahead and order it next week.

John M - 6-18-2006 at 05:01 AM

I'd suggest that the two packages I've downloaded from the Toyota USA web site are the two you'd want (minimally) - see below.

We had the opportunity to search for such a vehicle and found the dealers rarely had exaclty what we wanted. We wouldn't compromise on that so it took awhile.

The one option not available on the Tacoma that we did wish for was a factory GPS system.

Here is something that also might be considered - but since you will be towing it will no doubt be less important - the Toyota warranty applies only within the continental United States. If "warranty" repairs are required in Mexico, Toyota USA suggests to bring the receipts home and they'll dice it out with you for some portion of a settlement. Toyota Financial (who handles warranty issues) suggested to get it back across the border to have it fixed.

The two option packages I'd strongly recommend are below. The Trailer Towing Package often comes with the TRD Off Road Package.

Good hunting - 2007s will be out soon.

TRD Off-Road Package (OC) -- SR5 Package #2 plus off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein? shocks, 16-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich? Rugged Trail T/A tires, locking rear differential, engine skidplate and fuel tank protector, front tow hook, 115V/400-watt deck mounted power outlet, multi-function overhead console with compass and temperature gauge, sport seats with sport fabric and driver's lumbar support and sport fabric, and TRD Off-Road graphics (V6 models)

V6 Towing Package[2] -- Class-4 towing hitch, transmission oil cooler (automatic transmission models), supplemental engine oil cooler, heavy-duty battery, 130-amp alternator and 7-pin connector with converter.

John M.

turtleandtoad - 6-18-2006 at 07:34 AM

John,
Yes, I agree about the two packages, I'd already added them to my list of what I want. I also listed the bed mat, D-Rings, Front skid plate, Hood protector, Preferred Accessory Package, Vip-rs3200 Plus security system, Super Sport shell and factory installed Roof racks for both the shell and the cab.

I've been in contact with 16 dealers in the local area, Seattle, and Phoenix and you're right about the availability. It looks like it'll have to be ordered from the factory.

I also wanted a GPS but, like you found out, that's not an option. So I'll have to do my own install on that.

Now I just have to find a buyer for a 2005 Chevy HD2500 3/4 ton truck with the Turbo-max diesel and a 2005 Arctic Fox 860 cab-over camper on it. The pair have only 13600 miles on them and are in "like new" condition, so that shouldn't be too hard.

Thanks for the warrenty info. That's good info to have, and I probably wouldn't have thought to ask.

Neal Johns - 6-18-2006 at 08:51 AM

You might want to consider adding a two inch lift (using a new coil and shock) to the front end and if you will carry much of a load in the truck, an add-a-leaf in the rear.

I prefer the Downey Off Road kit.

http://www.downeyoff-road.com/SuspensionComponents/FrontCoil...

. I just installed one in a 2005 Tacoma for a friend (C. Hughes, Mr. M) and if I can do it, anyone can. :rolleyes:

[Edited on 6-18-2006 by Neal Johns]

David K - 6-19-2006 at 07:35 PM

Do I need to add anything to this thread?

My 2005 4 door Tacoma TRD 4X4 is 9 months old and just went over 30,000 miles (in Baja naturally) this past weekend.

It has the 5 speed automatic, and I have found it superior in all ways but two...

The anti lock brakes (ABS) really suck when on dirt roads or slowing down from freeway speed suddonly. My 2001 Tacoma (also with ABS) was flawless... but this one makes a grawling noise and the pedal goes to the floor giving you a metal to metal feel... Yes, I have complained to my dealer and all I get is that's normal for ABS on dirt roads. The system should deactivate when in 4WD... it only does when the rear diff. is locked (in low range).

The rear suspension on this bigger, heavier 4 door is not stiff enough and I bottom out on any bump with passengers in then back seat. The ride is very nice, like a car... but it is a truck afterall.

If the thing wasn't so (otherwise PERFECT), I may be irritated by the above two issues.

My first Tacoma had over 136,000 miles in less than 5 years with NO breakdowns, and only items replaced (other than normal wear things like breaks and tires): a sensor and the water pump (was seen dripping during the 90,000 mile timing belt suggested replacement).

Toyota makes the superior Baja small to mid-size truck, from my experience... Just returned from Matomi Canyon in my '05... See forth coming trip report and photos...

Bajaboy - 6-19-2006 at 10:20 PM

DK-

From what I understand, one of the main differences between the Sport and Offroad package is the stiffness of the ride. The Sport is stiffer than the Offroad. Also, on the Offroad package, the locking diff is manual. It definately gets a bit confusing.

TurtleandToad, you might check out the following site to get all your questions answered:
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/

Zac

David K - 6-19-2006 at 10:39 PM

Hi Zac,

I did not want the Sport version for three reasons:

1) 17" tires (and they were street tires at that) are hard to find in Baja... I wanted the 16" BFG Rugged Trails (over what was on the Sport models I saw).

2) That hood scoop blocking the all important view in front, when rock crawling or cresting grades.

3) I wanted a true locking differential, not a 'limited slip differential' as that was the only thing offered on the Sport model.

The model I have is perfect... room for 5 people and the shorter 5' but deeper, wider bed fits all my irrigation parts and tools for work, as did the '01's longer 6' bed did.

On the stiffer ride part, I understood that was for 'high speed cornering' more than load carrying ability... It is confusing, yes.

I have called Bilstein and they are developing a rear shock for my model that will stiffin up the rear without raising it... I guess they just couldn't produce them in time for Toyota to put them on the '05 and later 4 door Tacomas...

turtleandtoad - 6-20-2006 at 07:21 AM

DK, I agree with you on all three items, that's why I'm specifying the TRD (OC) package. That's the Off-Road version.

And that hood scoop? Turns out it's just a decoration, it's totally non-functional.

Did you by any chance find a small in-bed tool box that fits around the fender wells on your Taco? I'd like to be able to store my tools and fishing gear in a box so that everything isn't going to be sliding around.

Also, I understand that the Bilstein shocks on a four corners of the 2006 has corrected the suspension problem. However, if it hasn't, like you, I'll be contacting Bilstein. If they give you a part number for the new shock for your 2005, please pass it on in case it'll work on my 2006.

TMW - 6-20-2006 at 07:22 AM

DK you need to add a leaf to the rear, that will cure the bottoming problem. Go to ORW. A rather inexpensive solution.

TMW - 6-20-2006 at 07:23 AM

DK did you look into whether your Toy had a brake fuse you can pull to eleminate the ABS problem off road?

turtleandtoad - 6-20-2006 at 08:05 AM

Zac.
Thanks for the link. I wasn't expecting a "for pay" site, but since it's a factory sponsored forum, and the fee allows you full access to the service bulletins and manuals, I think it's worth it.

First thing I'm going to do is make a list of all the service bulletins for my vehicle and make sure the dealer has completed them before I pick it up. I'm also going to check for anyone that has had DK's problems with the 2006 models.

jimgrms - 6-20-2006 at 08:29 AM

Turtle ,tuffy and other co's make drawers that raise the bed floor about 6 inches ,but they are pricey i keep my rod in a walmart plastic rifle box and built a platform for the bed and you can slide them out , only problem is you need 2 piece rods

Bajaboy - 6-20-2006 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by turtleandtoad
Zac.
Thanks for the link. I wasn't expecting a "for pay" site, but since it's a factory sponsored forum, and the fee allows you full access to the service bulletins and manuals, I think it's worth it.

First thing I'm going to do is make a list of all the service bulletins for my vehicle and make sure the dealer has completed them before I pick it up. I'm also going to check for anyone that has had DK's problems with the 2006 models.

I didn't pay for the "full-service" site. But, I have purused the forum and posted a few times with questions. Good luck with the new Toy.

Zac

Bruce R Leech - 6-20-2006 at 10:04 AM

I don't understand that when you pay that much for a off rode truck you still need to buy all of those modifications? seems like a better idea would be to buy a Ford or Dodge that is already to go to Baja Ca. not something that is designed for down town Tokyo. :lol:

[Edited on 6-20-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

T & T - box for the rear

John M - 6-20-2006 at 10:52 AM

We've looked for ready made cross bed boxes - all are 20" in depth (front to back) and would take up 1/3 of the bed space!

We really looked a lot trying to find something narrower. One company makes a 12" depth - but not for the Tacoma. The 2005/2006 composite bed in the Tacoma has a funny step at the front thus not permitting many ready made boxes.

We settled to have one fabricated by a local metal shop. It's in the works now. We made it 42" wide, 12" deep, 15 " high - it will fit between the fender wells, below the rail along the top of the bed, and take up only 12" of bed depth. Powder coated and all - about $350.00

This may not be large enough for the stuff you wish to carry.

John

David K - 6-20-2006 at 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I don't understand that when you pay that much for a off rode truck you still need to buy all of those modifications? seems like a better idea would be to buy a Ford or Dodge that is already to go to Baja Ca. not something that is designed for down town Tokyo. :lol:

[Edited on 6-20-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

Bruce, I have been and can continue to drive my stock from the showroom Tacoma anywhere in Baja... and can do so with confidence it is not likely to break down in the middle of nowhere. Since I usually travel without another companion vehicle (like a nomad), having a reliable vehicle is key.

Because I think the suspension could be stiffer on the back axle, doesn't prevent my truck from going anywhere...

I don't know of any other vehicle made that is as trouble free considering where I drive it. From my experience, only Subaru made a 4WD that was as nearly trouble free as the Toyota... except Subaru does not yet have a true truck with over 9 1/2" of stock ground clearance and a two speed transfer case (ie. low range).

I once owned an American made 4X4... it was a new Jeep Cherokee Chief ('75). It would go anywhere with its Quadra Trac and 401 V-8, but nearly every thing broke on it in the 2 miserable years I owned it...

Next came three 4WD Subarus in a row ('77-'80-'86), incredible little cars, even with 13" tires, go almost anywhere. I also owned a Mitsubishi truck and a Mazda van... both were nearly flawless (both were Japanese).

When I tried an American product the second time, I was burned again... a Plymouth Grand Voyager... went through 3 transmissions!

'Nuff said! The American way is to buy the best product at the best price... When evidence shows that to be an American car, then I will buy it. I still fancy Jeeps... they are the history of 4WD afterall. I am lucky that Baja Angel has a '79 CJ-5 Renegade... so I still can get a Jeep fix from time to time!

Bruce R Leech - 6-20-2006 at 06:59 PM

I thought that would heet you up David. I'm glad you like your car every one has there own Idea of what they like. I have always had Fords and have had good luck with them except for one lemon.

My main gripe with all of the new trucks is there is too much plastic and too many computers.

David K - 6-20-2006 at 08:27 PM

:lol:

Thanks Bruce!

By the way, I still have not gotten a U2U from you regarding more stickers to give out in Mulege... I asked for your address again in the thread where you mentioned how you would like more... a few weeks ago...

turtleandtoad - 6-20-2006 at 09:42 PM

Bruce,
My reason for picking a Tacoma is, as DK said, reliablility (check Consumers Digest). Plus I have the additional restriction of how heavy a truck I can tow with my RV.

That's why my girlfriend is trading in a 2005 Chevy 3/4 ton, 4 door Crew Cab, HD2500 Duramax Diesel with an Allison tranny and a 2005 Arctic Fox 860 Cab-Over with slide, Solar and 2800 Genset. Both with only 13,600 miles. I can't safely tow that much weight.

If you're interested in American Steel, I'll make you a great deal. :biggrin:

Only $55,000 and it's all yours. :lol:

TMW - 6-21-2006 at 02:56 PM

Bruce does have a point and it has bugged me for some time. The point is why don't the manufactures offer an off-hwy 4x4 that's built to go off road into the rough. We now have ABS that isn't worth a sh*t in the dirt. A disconnect switch and warning light would be great. They put anti sway bars on everything. Great for the hwy but in the rough your 4-5 inches of wheel travel is now 1inch, especially on IFS. Why not an electrical disconnect. Most 1/2 ton and smaller trucks have mild to weak springs in the rear that feel good on the hwy but when loaded sink to the axle. Most shocks are useless off hwy, why not a resevoir type from the manufacture instead of having to modify it with after market stuff. I could go on with a few other things but you get my point. And those GM battery clamps Geez.