[fourlofirst]

I'm thinking of buying a 2-3 yr old taco, using it for work, and slowly sasing/rockcrawling it. My question is: I know I want all the sr5 goodies, and a 5speed, do I hold out for an elocker equipped model?Or, is there even that combo available?(v6, 5spd,sr5, locker...)Also, is there a big difference in power between the 2.7 and 3.4l? I previously had an 85 4runner on 37's/4.88's, and it had enough power for me.(header, .040 bore, cam)
Thanks for any input.
On a side note, how much of a PITA is it to fit a car seat in the xcab?

 

[Oppositeboy]

Car seats are not that bad to fit in. If you get an '01 or later, I think the x-cab is a little larger (6"?) than the previous model ('98-'00).

If you are gonna be crawling, then I would recommend getting the locker. I have a v6 SR5 5 speed TRD (e-locker). I noticed a lot of difference between a stock 3.4L and a stock 2.7L, but a 2.7L with headers and performance exhaust can move, and has better gas mileage.

 

[YoTRacer158]

if you're planning on crawling it, you'll probably be putting a front locker in as well...so if you cant find one with the trd locker you could always throw in some ARB's front and rear. i have never heard that the xcab's are bigger on 01 and up, but they could be.

 

[97TacoDude]

Why use a car seat? Just throw the bambino in the bed like people up here do!

 

[nhlbill]

I third the motion for the TRD package and the rear locker. I also recommend the 3.4, you can add on some goodies to get a 2.7 to be like a 3.4, but you can add some goodies on a 3.4 to get to 300hp too!!! (supercharger w/7th injector).
Lot's of guys are considering SAS's and never get around to it, so you'll like the rear locker while your doing your research, and if you are wondering if a car seat fit's and still considering a SAS, you must be really tall and have Arnold arms!!! LOL
Bill

 

[Jamier2]

On the issue about looking to get the TRD for the locker, especially if you are seriously planning to do the SAS, then all you're getting (after the SAS of course) is the locker and some stickers. I don't think the toyota e-locker is bad at all, but I don't think I would pay $1000 over the price of an equally equipped non-TRD truck for just that unless you were dead-set on a selectable locker. If you were gonna keep it stock then the progressive springs and better shocks might be worth it, but really I don't even consider the shocks since they're probably about ready to be replaced anyway.

If I were making a rockcrawler, I'd buy the cheapest damn truck I could find with the engine/tranny I wanted and go from there. One great thing about the e-locker though is the resale value. People seem to get quite a bit out of them (considering they're selling used parts), so you would get most of your money back if you decided you want something different down the road.

I really don't think either way is the wrong way, TRD or non-TRD. I would get the 3.4 if you're getting an extended cab. I've had car seats in my truck, and the only drawback is that my wife can't get the kid out so I have to do it.

 

[fourlofirst]

On the issue about looking to get the TRD for the locker, especially if you are seriously planning to do the SAS, then all you're getting (after the SAS of course) is the locker and some stickers. I don't think the toyota e-locker is bad at all, but I don't think I would pay $1000 over the price of an equally equipped non-TRD truck for just that unless you were dead-set on a selectable locker. If you were gonna keep it stock then the progressive springs and better shocks might be worth it, but really I don't even consider the shocks since they're probably about ready to be replaced anyway.

If I were making a rockcrawler, I'd buy the cheapest damn truck I could find with the engine/tranny I wanted and go from there. One great thing about the e-locker though is the resale value. People seem to get quite a bit out of them (considering they're selling used parts), so you would get most of your money back if you decided you want something different down the road.

I really don't think either way is the wrong way, TRD or non-TRD. I would get the 3.4 if you're getting an extended cab. I've had car seats in my truck, and the only drawback is that my wife can't get the kid out so I have to do it.

losts of good info, thanks everyone. The baby seat would be a seldom, but necessary option. We have a 4runner too, but it's the wifeys. If she goes anywhere, I'm currently stuck at home. 2 kids, 2 seats

 

[Oppositeboy]

You should also be able to get a non-TRD truck and just add the rear locker...