advice needed

[Kellie]

So, I totalled my '95 4Runner, and am about to buy a Toyota Tacoma . . . but I'm getting nervous and wondering if I'm being impractical and should get a Subaru Outback or something like that. Tacoma owners, do you love them? Is it worth the low gas mileage? Snow handling? Is it that big of deal not to have ABS? I hate not being familiar with cars when I really need to be!!!

Any input is much appreciated :-)

[rightcoast]

so my Outback sales pitch didnt get you?

[Beaver]

Subaru vs. Toyota Hmmm that's a no brainer. Toyota's kick Subarus asses in the long run. After 200k miles a Subaru will be a POS and have no resale value; a Toyota will still run like new and be worth way more.

Advice given.

[INDY GS]

go with practical. I have owned two jeeps, a cherokee and a grand cherokee, and a big GMC pickup. All 3 of them were great in th snow, but they were never as practical as I thought they could be. I just recently bought a 2000 Outback sedan, I have plenty of room for all of my gear, I had to put a rack on the roof, but I had to do that with the Jeeps too.

I think the AWD in the outback is perfect for getting to and from the hill, plus you get much better fuel effeciency. 22-28 mpg as compred to 19 at best in and SUV or pick-up.

[The Reverend Floater]

I drive a 98 Tacoma Xtra Cab with a 4-bangin' cuisinart under the hood, AKA The Goat (not to be confused with Pinner's Goat).

I love the thing.. I have never, ever had a problem in terms of maintenence, and the thing gets unreal gas mileage. As long as I keep some weight in the back during the winter, she does fine on ice. Everything about them is simple and well engineered, meaning you have less to go wrong. I have nothing bad to say, but I would consider a 6 cylinder if I were you...the 4 bangers don't pass too well.

[White Chocolate]

I love my toyota sooo much it makes me want to crap my pants :D Of course it isn't one of those crappy fancy shmancy new tacomas, but still ;) The best part about having a truck is that since you can't really carry people, you don't have bums begging you for rides every time. And most importantly, guys dig girls that drive 4x4 trucks, not that you have a problem attracting guys :D oh yeah, as for handling, you can't rally quite as hard as you would with a car or suv due to the weight issue in the back, but in four wheel drive you won't get stuck. and you get more clearance then a subie (plus no oil leaks).

[Rippinsick]

Depends on the Yota. Is it extended cab? I think it is key for extra storage or squeezing a couple people in a pinch? Is it a 4 or 6 cylinder? What are your primary uses? Are you driving places where you need a fair amount of ground clearence? (end random questioning!) Depends on your needs/wants

At any rate, I am extremely pleased with my 94 pickup- extended cab, V6, topper, rocket box, the ultimate road trip machine if you dont have more than 3 people 176,000 and still going strong. My .02!;) Damn, I love it soooo much I just had to look out the window to take a peak at it!

[Kellie]

Originally posted by rightcoast
so my Outback sales pitch didnt get you?

it was a good pitch, worthy of a sales job, but . . . i am feeling pulled to the truck - it's just so cool!

[Cornholio]

Tacomas look cool. Chicks in Tacomas are hot. So, you'll have that going for you, which is nice.

But don't you drive like 10 hours every weekend? Seems the 22mpg will eat you up pretty fast.

Plus, I've never liked the idea of an open bed truck as ski transport because I leave so much gear in my car.

Plus, I just got an AWD car and it rocks in the snow. Four snow tires, and it's unstoppable. Almost.

But, I do like chicks in trucks...

Have fun with whatever you decide! Good luck!

[watersnowdirt]

I have a Subie Forester and love it. Trips to and from Tahoe get me about 30 mpg. Round town, it's less - maybe 24. It's a 2003, and do far no major problems and handles great in the snow.

But it's true, trucks are FAR cooler. I do sometimes feel like a soccer mom in my forester....

[Kellie]

Originally posted by Rippinsick
Depends on the Yota. Is it extended cab? I think it is key for extra storage or squeezing a couple people in a pinch? Is it a 4 or 6 cylinder? What are your primary uses? Are you driving places where you need a fair amount of ground clearence? (end random questioning!)

At any rate, I am extremely pleased with my 94 pickup(year before it turned into the tacoma) 176,000 and still going strong. My .02!;) ;)

'99 extended cab V6 5sp 4x4, 45000 mi TRD offroad package

primary uses: to/from work, escaping suburban hell on the weekends (tahoe, etc.), sleeping in the Kirkwood parking lot, or whichever other parking lot/roadside/campground suits me

offroading - haven't done much in the past, but it's never too late!

[Beaver]

Originally posted by watersnowdirt
I have a Subie Forester and love it.

The truth is out WSD is a lesbian. ;)

[irul&ublo]

Don't know about a Subaru being a POS after 200k miles...I see a lot of old Subarus around and have an Outback with 100k+ on it, that with exception of a front brake caliper that locked, have never had any major problems with.

Great in the snow.

Kellie...if you buy a Subaru, check out the manual tranny. It used to be that the AWD system on the manual differed from that on the automatic, providing a 50/50 split on power between front and rear and then moving power to accomodate a spinning wheel, as opposed to the auto, which was a 90/10 split. Supposedly, the manual is a better snow car.

Not sure if that difference still exists.

The other problem is that I don't think you can get the bigger engine in a manual. But I've found the standard engine (155 hp.) to be sufficient.

No ABS on the truck?

And get the seat heaters...great on a pow day.

[Buzzworthy]

Let me just point out how much my wife loves our Jeep Liberty:

And yes, it goes damn near anywhere:


http://www.tetongravity.com/usergalleries/albums/userpics/10542/normal_111_1194.JPG

[watersnowdirt]

Originally posted by Beaver
The truth is out WSD is a lesbian. ;)


I knew that was coming...;)

[Rippinsick]

'99 extended cab V6 5sp 4x4, 45000 mi TRD offroad package

I say go for it!

[ulty_guy]

i can't believe no one has mentioned it....
















shoot the hostage! :D

[irul&ublo]

Originally posted by Beaver
The truth is out WSD is a lesbian. ;)

That can't be true....I met WSD and she was not wearing a plaid shirt.

[Viva]

There's no other truck I'd rather own than a Taco. I don't think the other manufacturers come close in quality. The Taco also handle like a truck, still, whereas Ford many years ago instilled a car-like feel to the Ranger- a vehicle whose name should never be uttered again!

Tacos have good power, certainly enough for what their designed for, and excellent handling characteristics.

I've owned a 2001 Taco prerunner (6 cyl [3.4L]) and now a 2002 Taco 4X4, 4 cyl (2.7).

The 6 cyl. has significantly more power, especially in the upper portion of the powerband- definitely could use more low end.

So far, I've been unable to discern much of a difference in gas milage between the 4 cyl and the 6 cyl, but Oregon whiches gas formulations in the winter and the winter gas, supposedly, yields worse milage. I consistently got 20 mpg driving to and from the Utah Mini at highway speeds,70-80 mph (I could sometimes get up to 22 mpg from the 3.4).

Probably the only real advantages of the Taco would be the ground clearance and true 4-wheel drive. Both come in handy should you venture onto beat-up logging roads and jeep trails that can be found throughout the Sierras

The TRD package is absolutely worthless, unless it comes with the electronic locker rear end and that's only good if you go offroad. I say bargain down on this.

Taco seats suck for long-distance driving.

On, Kellie, if you really miss your 4Runner, mine's (95) for sale.

[schuss]

they both rock. Just comes down to: do you want a truck or a car? MPG or truck bed?

[Superstar Punani]

Originally posted by Kellie
'99 extended cab V6 5sp 4x4, 45000 mi TRD offroad package

primary uses: to/from work, escaping suburban hell on the weekends (tahoe, etc.), sleeping in the Kirkwood parking lot, or whichever other parking lot/roadside/campground suits me

offroading - haven't done much in the past, but it's never too late!

SWEET!!!

That's what I have except with 150,000 miles.

Had mine for close to 5 years. Never had a problem with mine, and I totally recommend it. Here's what you're looking at for maintenance.....

Oil change- every 5000 miles..... $20
Major service every 15k miles......$150
Major major service every 30k miles....$250
Changed water pump and timing belt at 90k (preventative) $500
New tires at 90k miles $600

Gas- avg 19mpg. Ranges from 15mpg on the 90-100mph runs between Hell A and Tahoe, to 22mpg.

Chicks in trucks rule.

Tacos rule. I love all things tacos (the truck, the food and the pink variety :D)

[truth]

http://www.allfunpix.com/humor/pics2/pinktaco.jpg

[rightcoast]

Originally posted by Kellie
it was a good pitch, worthy of a sales job, but . . . i am feeling pulled to the truck - it's just so cool!

is that why i want to sell my outback and buy a 'yota??

[CS]

Had a truck. Now have a Suby, which kicks serious ass driving in the snow.

But, I really miss having a truck bed. I say, go with the truck.

[basom]

Originally posted by Kellie
'99 extended cab V6 5sp 4x4, 45000 mi TRD offroad package

primary uses: to/from work, escaping suburban hell on the weekends (tahoe, etc.), sleeping in the Kirkwood parking lot, or whichever other parking lot/roadside/campground suits me

offroading - haven't done much in the past, but it's never too late!

i just got a 2000 tundra, with the same engine, 5sp. it is the best truck in the world. if the tacoma had a larger interior i would have gone with it, but i gots headroom issues. but i think the access cab on the toyotas offers pleanty of inside space for gear. i can also fit at least 3 pairs of 190+cm skis inside on the diagonal when i'm on the hill (everyone brings four pairs of skis with them to the mountain on a normal day right?)

i also really like subarus, and if i wasnt a carpenter and needed the truck for my job then i prolly would have gotten one of those dope imprezza's.

so either way you are cool in my book, be stoked on that

[powfreak]

Another vote for the taco. My girl has a 98 tacoma 4x4 x-cab with the 6-banger engine. I highly recomend it. The truck handles well in almost everything. The x-cab handles most of the gear well, whatever doesn't fit goes in the box. The bigger engine is nice for passing on the roads. Not much to do but change the oil and general maintenance.

[shirk]

Chicks in trucks kick ass

I the only thing I would trade my 94 Nissan 4x4 5sp v6 is for a newer Toyota. When this one dies my next truck will be a Toyota. Agreed on the Ranger being a POS, my buddy is always getting stuck with his auto hubs not engaging.

[Kellie]

Originally posted by basom


so either way you are cool in my book, be stoked on that

All right, at least I know I can sleep at night, no matter my decision :-)

Yeah, and who doesn't bring 4 pair of skis with them to the hill (Who really owns that many, besides lph?!? - I'm starting to feel like my one pair is insufficient!!!)

[grrrr]

Originally posted by Kellie
Yeah, and who doesn't bring 4 pair of skis with them to the hill (Who really owns that many, besides lph?!? - I'm starting to feel like my one pair is insufficient!!!)

Whoa, girl. You need to prioiritize. An older subie with high miles and a funky smell is fine, but you've GOT to round out that quiver.

[Kellie]

Originally posted by grrrr
Whoa, girl. You need to prioiritize. An older subie with high miles and a funky smell is fine, but you've GOT to round out that quiver.

I know, I know . . . maybe I'll augment for next season :-) Thing is, I like my decisions to be clear and simple - if I only have one pair, it eliminates thinking :-)

[hop]

Originally posted by Kellie
I know, I know . . . maybe I'll augment for next season :-) Thing is, I like my decisions to be clear and simple - if I only have one pair, it eliminates thinking :-)

You like your decisions to be clear and simple? Bwahahahaha!

[Telenater]

Originally posted by Kellie
Yeah, and who doesn't bring 4 pair of skis with them to the hill (Who really owns that many, besides lph?!? - I'm starting to feel like my one pair is insufficient!!!)

LPH isn't all that bad actually..... You've seen Walter Sobchak's collection. Now that'd make decisions hard to make.

[mr_gyptian]

as long as you're not planning to do any work that includes towing or anything involving payload a Toyota will work out fine.

[gimpy]

i'm kinda surprised nothing but rev's comment bout putting weight in the back of his yota has surfaced regarding the squirrelyness of those trucks in snow. i've had a coupla models of both yota trucks and suby's and hands down (other then the clearance which is rarely needed) the suby's a better snow car. we've got a 4runner and an outback and guess which one is the designated baby transport???

[Viva]

Originally posted by gimpy
i'm kinda surprised nothing but rev's comment bout putting weight in the back of his yota has surfaced regarding the squirrelyness of those trucks in snow.

That's for the thread that Kellie starts after she gets the Taco.

[Lumpy]

Bump for the truck...it'll hold more beer than the suby on your next trip back to Zion. Throw a shell on the back and its a great mobile motel/tent, lock up skis. Also keeps wet dog safe and relatively warm after a day romping in the pow or a morning blasting ducks in the marsh. Subys don't smell good with dripping wet dog inside.

[Telenater]

Yeah, I've driven several different AWD/4WD vehicles in slippery conditions (Ford Ranger 4x4, F150 4x4, Tacoma 4x4, 4 Runner. Nissan Frontier 4x4) and my automatic (I would have preferred a stick but I got a deal) is far better than any of the others in slippery conditions. As soon as the snow becomes deep enough to pile up on the bumper the subie loses out. But on slippery roads, I haven't driven a better vehicle than a subie.

Outbacks (and maybe other subies) do have a plastic "skid plate" under the engine compartment that doesn't react well to backing over snow berms.

Automatic transmission Subies still have the 90/10 split and the automatics have a 50/50. I've never had any difficulty with slipping except one time when I was going down a hill that was slipperyier than a wet baby in crisco and all 4 wheels locked up without triggering the ABS.

[phUnk]

Originally posted by Buzzworthy
http://www.tetongravity.com/usergalleries/albums/userpics/10542/normal_111_1194.JPG

The truth is out Buzzworty is also a lesbian. ;)

[Viva]

Taco Stoke

http://www.showstop.org/images/sigs/davidv-4.jpg

[mildbill.]

Originally posted by gimpy
i'm kinda surprised nothing but rev's comment bout putting weight in the back of his yota has surfaced regarding the squirrelyness of those trucks in snow.

paging nhAlpineTurns!

bwaaaaahahaahaaha how'd it feel having my YJ school your t100 off road and THEN tow you off a tree??? when's that body work going to be done?

bwwwahhhhhhahahaaaaaaaaaaa

[natty dread]

Originally posted by gimpy
i'm kinda surprised nothing but rev's comment bout putting weight in the back of his yota has surfaced regarding the squirrelyness of those trucks in snow. i've had a coupla models of both yota trucks and suby's and hands down (other then the clearance which is rarely needed) the suby's a better snow car.

I'm with gimpy on this one. Subarus are safer when the conditions get gnarly on the road, due to more even front/rear weight distribution, a lower center of gravity, awd--because it distributes power where needed when slippage occurs (the manual version is better), and better crash protection (the forester is one of the best cars out there in this regard). I have seen many wrecks involving subarus and they generally protect the occupants very well. I have also been in situations where I have been sliding sideways in the suby--because of the chassis dynamics and awd, it is easier to recover control, where in a pickup, I might have been screwed. I have both a wrx and an '89 toyota land cruiser and unless I need to carry a ton of stuff or people or need to sleep in the truck, the wrx is the car of choice for winter road trips. Also, later model subarus definitely have increased longevity when compared to models from '98/'99 and earlier, they've really worked the kinks out of that 2.5 liter drivetrain. IMO the suby to get now is the forester XT--it has a bomber 2.5 turbo with better low end torque than the wrx, is faster than the wrx with more room, and has plenty of ground clearance (I think they're adding 1" in the 2004 model to comply with some weird standard to classify it as an SUV). Get the winter package, throw a box on the roof rack and you're good to go. It is expensive though.

That said, I am a huge toyota truck fan (have owned a '66, '69, and now an '89 cruiser) and I concur with the boyz here, chicks driving a gear-filled tacomas are HOT. If you need the towing and cargo capacity/ground clearance of a truck, you can't do better than a taco--you'll just need to slow down a bit on snowy/curvy road when compared to the suby. Look for one with the locking rear differential, an awesome feature that is exclusive to toyotas (and hummers/mid 90's cruisers/mercedes G wagons!) and that makes all the difference in the world climbing slippery hills--lock the rear and you crawl right up with minimal slippage. I think the bottom line is don't get a truck/suv unless you need it! And chicks in gear-filled subys are hot too. Even foresters wsd! :D

[iskibc]

I'm gonna disagree with the Tacoma hype. I own a Ford Ranger and absolutely love it. It's great in the snow/ice and has adequate power. I test drove the Tacoma several times before deciding on the Ranger. Here's what sold me:

1. Tacoma has a very small and cramped cab. Felt somewhat clausterphobic in it.

2. Ranger has more horsepower (210 horses) and more torque than the Tacoma.

3. Ranger has a much smoother ride and better suspension system (Bilstine shocks) than the Tacoma.

4. Ranger has higher ground clearance and skid plates come standard.

Overall, I was much more pleased with the ride and control of the Ranger than the Tacoma. After all the options you can throw onto the Tacoma that come standard on the Ranger, you end up breaking the bank. Go with the subie or a different pick-up truck.

[board]

Originally posted by iskibc

4. Ranger has higher ground clearance and skid plates come standard.



I don't think this is correct. I beleive Tacoma's still have the most ground clearance of any compact pickup. They also do come standard with skid plates and I have the scrapes and dents in mine to prove it :D

btw I have over 120'000 miles on my Taco and love it ! ! ! these trucks rule !

[schuss]

nope about the ranger. Toyotas are the best small truck. period. Offroad or not, they're the best.

[mr_gyptian]

iskibc is right and the FX-4 Level II has a better rear diff system for offroading than the lockers on the tacoma.

iski, next time you need one let me know.

[Viva]

Originally posted by mr_gyptian
iskibc is right and the FX-4 Level II has a better rear diff system for offroading than the lockers on the tacoma.

Why? I've had two Rangers (89 & 96). The 89 was nice, but had problems after 100K and the 96 was horrible-very poor off road characteristics, thanks, in part to its crappy IFS. I would imagine that Ford would have redesigned this pile by now.


Anyone notice that Kellies left now that this thread has become a boy's sandbox?

[iskibc]

Originally posted by mr_gyptian
iskibc is right and the FX-4 Level II has a better rear diff system for offroading than the lockers on the tacoma.

iski, next time you need one let me know.

The Taco is still a nice truck, but I liked the Ranger a little bit more. The Ranger comes standard with a 4.0 liter 210 HP engine with a payload capacity of 1,660 lbs. The Tacoma has a much smaller engine with a smaller towing and payload. Ranger also comes with larger tires (Goodyear Wranglers 31 X 10.5).

egypt- are you a truck dealer?

[Superstar Punani]

Originally posted by Viva
Taco Stoke

http://www.showstop.org/images/sigs/davidv-4.jpg

http://www.biglines.com/photos/blpic15039.jpg

[Viva]

Originally posted by Tap
does the front/rear weight distribution issue go away if you have a 4runner instead of a pickup like the Tacoma with a topper?

I don't know if it goes away completely, but it's definitely better. In the snow, I've never had to use 4WD in the 4Runner and that's partly due to it's weight, but also the better distribution of weight.

BTW, my 95 4Runner is still for sale (only 88K).

[Kellie]

Originally posted by Viva
Why? I've had two Rangers (89 & 96). The 89 was nice, but had problems after 100K and the 96 was horrible-very poor off road characteristics, thanks, in part to its crappy IFS. I would imagine that Ford would have redesigned this pile by now.


Anyone notice that Kellies left now that this thread has become a boy's sandbox?

FYI I'm still here - just "listening" cuz that's what girls do when guys go off on rants about how they have all the answers . . . silly boys!! :-)

[bentskis]

I love my taco. It is much better than the Ranger I used to drive. When I got my taco, I thought about subies. I loved my old subie too (just ask my GF how I talk about it). It went all sorts of places and did all sorts of things. It came down to me as a convenience issue in deciding between Toyota and subie. I can throw bikes in the back, dirty caving clothes, kayaking stuff, etc easier in a taco than the subie. I don't usually have many passengers, so I wasn't concerned about passenger space, and if they really want to go, they'll deal with the extended cab. Mileage is a little lower than subies, but I figured it was worth it for me. If I had kids, shuttled lots of people, etc I would probably think differently.

Anyway you go, you'll end up with a nice ride. Whatever fits you best is my recommendation. Get a 5 speed if you can. Put weight in the back of the taco in the winter if you get it.

[Buzzworthy]

Originally posted by phUnk
The truth is out Buzzworty is also a lesbian. ;)

Oh you sexy skinny beotch you!!! :rolleyes: ;)

And get my name right, PHuNKY!!! :p

[schuss]

Originally posted by mr_gyptian
iskibc is right and the FX-4 Level II has a better rear diff system for offroading than the lockers on the tacoma.

iski, next time you need one let me know.

how about no. The toy e-locker is one of the best setups ever made (save for a slightly vulnerable motor for the locking mechanism) and the axle it rides on is practically unbreakable until you hit 38 inches or so of tire size. A limited slip is also a limited grip. It's fine for on-road, but off-road lockers rule.

[Kellie]

at the risk of sounding stupid, but on a quest to understand cars better: what exactly does a locking rear differential do for me?

[Superstar Punani]

Originally posted by Kellie
at the risk of sounding stupid, but on a quest to understand cars better: what exactly does a locking rear differential do for me?

It gets you out of sticky situations :D

If you're stuck in mud or snow hit that up as a last resort to bail you out.

...and the Clutch Start Cancel button is good for starting up your truck after a storm day so you can crank up the heater before removing your ski boots.

[Telenater]

Originally posted by Kellie
FYI I'm still here - just "listening" cuz that's what girls do when guys go off on rants about how they have all the answers . . . silly boys!! :-)

It's only silly if you're a girl.... :D

If you're a guy, truck trivia is how the modern man defends his masculinity.

Here's an idea...

Don't bother with the Subie, forget the Taco.

All you need is:

UNIMOG

[Kellie]

HOW does it work?!? WHY does it get me out of the mud?!? Details, man, I need details!

Are you finally going to pull your head out of your ass and come to KW this weekend? Bring the girl!

[basom]

Originally posted by Kellie
HOW does it work?!? WHY does it get me out of the mud?!? Details, man, I need details!



http://www.unimogmagazine.com/classifieds/classifiedphotos/VanWeerdenburg404radio01.jpg

[Viva]

A locker will essentially lock both wheels of a common axle (i.e, the rear axle in this case), ergo providing equal power to both wheels regardless of the traction.

Normally, you have what's called an open differential in which power is transfered to the wheels with the least traction. If that wheel is stuck in mud or sand, it will get nearly 100% of the power and the wheel will spin because there's no traction and you don't go anywhere.

With a locker, the spinning wheel will get about 50% of the power, but the other, hopefully with traction wheel, will get about the other half and you can continue to make forward progress.

[house]

get a cayenne;)

[Superstar Punani]

Originally posted by Kellie
HOW does it work?!? WHY does it get me out of the mud?!? Details, man, I need details!

Are you finally going to pull your head out of your ass and come to KW this weekend? Bring the girl!

Taco JONG! ;)

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2004/tacoma/key_features/differential.html

Basically the locking rear diff makes your rear axle spin as one. both wheels have the same RPM so you can get out of whatever mess you find yourself in. Only intended for super-extreme-stuck situations and under 5mph, not for general 4WD chain control silliness.

I'm spoiled. It needs to be a foot of blower pow before driving up again. The girly promised to get on skis before the season is over :D

[tuffy109]

Originally posted by Punani


I'm spoiled. It needs to be a foot of blower pow before driving up again. The girly promised to get on skis before the season is over :D

mammoth got that.

[gimpy]

you oughtta change your handle to punani-whipped;)

[Arty50]

Originally posted by Kellie
HOW does it work?!? WHY does it get me out of the mud?!? Details, man, I need details!

There are 4 different types of differentials.

Open:
This is the standard differential in most cars. It allows power to be proportionally distributed to each side of the drive axle. So for instance, when you're turning a corner it allows one wheel to turn more than the other. However, if you ever get stuck you're screwed as Viva described. The wheel with no traction will get all the power.

Limited slip:
This works much like an open differential in that it allows proportional distribution of the power in situations like turning. However it eliminates the problem where the wheel without traction gets all the power. The problem with a limited slip is that it uses clutch packs which wear out over time or break under heavy duty four wheeling.

Spool:
There is no differential per se in a spool. 50% of the power goes to each wheel. Basically a spool is nothing more than a solid bar that connects both wheels. This is very bad for anything but driving in a straight line and horrible for slick conditions.

Locker:
There are two main types of lockers.
1) Mechanical lockers such as the Detroit locker act like a spool at all times, but when binding is detected (for instance when you turn a corner and both wheels want to turn at a different speed) it releases the drive shaft to one of the wheels. In this case one wheel gets 100% of the traction and the other gets nothing. This is extremely dangerous in slick or icy conditions and thus a mechanical locker should always be avoided for winter conditions.
2)The other type of locker acts like an open differential when unlocked, but once locked generally act like a spool. These are usually operated via air (ARB Air Locker), a cable, or an electrical actuator. Basically they give you the best of both worlds. Open differentials are the best solution for road driving, and spools are pretty much the ultimate off-road set-up. So normally you leave them unlocked until you hit the dirt, mud, or deep snow (by deep I basically mean almost bottomless). For driving on snowy/icy roads, you should never have it activated. I'm assuming the Toyota uses this type of locker.


[qb]Are you finally going to pull your head out of your ass and come to KW this weekend? Bring the girl! [/B]

I remember hearing something straight from the horses mouth about missing pow days. Now Mr. Ed is saying something about a foot or more of blower...

[Kellie]

Originally posted by hop
You like your decisions to be clear and simple? Bwahahahaha!

I said I LIKE them to be clear and simple, not that I actually allow them to be . . . that's why I have to deny myself options :-)

[schuss]

and just for the record, the taco has an electrically activated locker. They are also not extremely dangerous in slick conditions, provided you are a decent driver and have a longer wheelbase. We have an older 4runner that has a rear mechanical locker and I barely ever notice it. However, the spooled rear in my suzuki samurai is very noticeable, as when it slips out a bit, it is very noticeable due to the short wheelbase.

[Spats]

Maybe this is obvious, but a camper shell will protect your gear and provide space to sleep in. Also you'll get about 8-10% better gas mileage on the highway (from improved aerodynamics).

A good new fiberglass shell will run you nearly $1K installed. You can get the cheap aluminum ones for about $400, but they condense and drip inside and also look trashy.

I recommend a high-rise shell because it gets you a whole lot of extra room, and that critical extra headroom so you can sit up when you're sleeping in it.

Don't forget that a pickup has more ground clearance than a Subaru, which is often more important than 4WD on bad roads.

However, a station wagon is more convenient: cargo area is heated, passengers are comfortable, and it's smaller and easier to park.

[lifeisgood]

My husband has an 89 toy which he loves to death...he's been able to keep the squirreliness to a minimum by simply not cleaning the snow out of the bed...and that provides the needed weight in the bed. He also doesn't bother shoveling the driveway before leaving for work he just puts it in four and powers through. My Honda Prelude has clearance issues so I get stuck shoveling the driveway if I want to get out :(

PS, he's been eyeing up those new Tacomas with the TRD package...one of these days I'm sure he'll come home with one...you know boys and their "toys"

good luck Kellie...a Toyota will stay true to you for many many years

[iskibc]

Originally posted by lifeisgood

good luck Kellie...a Toyota will stay true to you for many many years

Great thing about Toyotas in general is they hold their value, meaning you will get more out of your trade-in/resale.

[lifeisgood]

Originally posted by iskibc
Great thing about Toyotas in general is they hold their value, meaning you will get more out of your trade-in/resale.

...or you can pay it off and keep it for a long long time...which means no truck payment...which means more $$$ to play with...;)

[FLEX]

I have a 2002 Tundra 4x4 and I am pleased with it . It's the first Toyota I've owned and would recommend a Toyota to anyone.

[funkendrenchman]

The Subie Forester XT is pretty kick ass. I may have to consider than simply for the fact that it isn't really a cop magnet.

[Kellie]

Well ladies and gentlemen (or should I say maggettes and maggots), I would like to pronounce myself as the proud owner of a Toyota Tacoma . . . pics to follow (maybe if I get my act together), but I got it tonight - now I just have to get used to driving the silly thing! Definitely a change from the compact rental cars I've had!!!

Thanks for all the advice . . . I guess I'd like to change the thread now to one paging Tacoma owners on their words of wisdom about driving/owning!

[bentskis]

cool! You'll like it! I liked spats comments about the cap - it saves fuel efficiency, gives a nice, locked place to store stuff, and a nice sleeping area. I have a raised version, and it is more practical. Truck looks a little less "sporty", but I can use it easier, which is the main concern.

[Viva]

Congrats, Kellie! Great car!

There's a place called

www.tacomaterritory.com

that you may want to check out. The forum there is, essentially, a big sandbox for guys, but every once in a while something useful is posted (e.g., electrical problem and how it was fixed, opinions on the best snow tire, etc.).

[rightcoast]

Originally posted by funkendrenchman
The Subie Forester XT is pretty kick ass. I may have to consider than simply for the fact that it isn't really a cop magnet.

quasi hijack*
Thats one reason why i like my outback, a white station wagon doesnt exactly scream "im an idiot probably doing something wrong"

[Beaver]

Congratulations.

Tips on owning and driving a Toyota.

Turn key, drive. Repeat as necessary.

After each ~5000 miles change oil. Replace timing belt each 60k miles (or whatever your manual says). Replace tires, mufflers, brakes, windshields, headlights as necessary.

It's real easy to own a Toyota.

[iceman]

Originally posted by Arty50
There are 4 different types of differentials.

Open:

Limited slip

Spool

Locker


As a non-gearhead, where does the Gand Cherokee's quadra-trac system with the locking center diff fit in this list?

[Snow Dog]

Originally posted by iceman
As a non-gearhead, where does the Gand Cherokee's quadra-trac system with the locking center diff fit in this list?
None of the above. Arty is talking about the front and rear diffs. What marketing pions call the "centre diff" is a transfer case; not a differential. The transfer case directs power to the front and back while the differentials direct power side to side. The Jeep (http://www.jeep.com/4x4/index.html?context=ownermag-index&type=top) site has cool flash programs to show the different 4x4 setups (I don't have flash so I'm not completely sure it's the right page).

Normally the QuadraTrac has a little slippage so that the front and rear wheels can turn at different rates -- necessary for going around corners on pavement. Locking the transfer case forces the wheels to spin at the same rate -- excellent for gravel and mud.

[Viva]

All-wheels drive cars use a center differential (a true differential) to distribute power front & rear as conditions dictate. True 4WD makes use of a transfer case, or none at all (i.e., full-time 4WD) such that power always goes to both axles.

[Snow Dog]

Originally posted by Viva
All-wheels drive cars use a center differential (a true differential) to distribute power front & rear as conditions dictate. True 4WD makes use of a transfer case, or none at all (i.e., full-time 4WD) such that power always goes to both axles.
Well I learned something today. So Jeep's QuadraTrac is a transfer case with a center differencial (offering 4hi and 4lo).

[rightcoast]

Originally posted by Viva
All-wheels drive cars use a center differential (a true differential) to distribute power front & rear as conditions dictate. True 4WD makes use of a transfer case, or none at all (i.e., full-time 4WD) such that power always goes to both axles.
great explaination. thats why the old Subie 4WD system that activated by the button on the shift was more tanklike than the current AWD system.
Bring it Back!!!

[Superstar Punani]

Originally posted by Viva
Congrats, Kellie! Great car!

There's a place called

www.tacomaterritory.com

that you may want to check out. The forum there is, essentially, a big sandbox for guys, but every once in a while something useful is posted (e.g., electrical problem and how it was fixed, opinions on the best snow tire, etc.).

I was in the Nor Cal chapter of that a long long time ago, still lurk once in awhile....then I found out that you break lots of shit on the wheeling trips, not to mention have a good portion of your income go into mods. :D Those guys/gals are cool and really know their shit.

[yogachik]

I love my car, it's like having a snowmobile, I drove right outta this:

[Arty50]

Snow Dog and Viva pretty much covered it. But I'll add a little. A normal transfer case distributes power evenly (50/50) between the front and rear axles. However it doesn't do this exactly. Differences in tire pressure, bearing friction, drivetrain slop, etc. cause the front and rear drivetrain to operate at very slight speed differences. So eventually this causes binding in the transfer case, and causes undue stress throughout the drivetrain. This leads to excessive wear of parts or even catastrophic failures. When you're driving in dirt, mud, snow, rain, or ice then there's enough slippage in the tires to prevent binding from occurring.

Now enter all-wheel drive (4 hi only) or full-time four wheel drive (4 hi and 4 lo). In order to prevent binding on dry pavement, a limited slip differential is placed in the transfer case to allow the necessary slippage in the drivetrain. Any full-time system worth its salt also allows you to lock out this differential to provide 50/50 traction without slippage. This is necessary for hard core wheelin'. Naturally it's overkill for all-wheel drive.