For real. Sorry but new raptors and land rovers and TRX's and gladiators are just not in the cards for most people, especially now. This is what we need haha
I have this truck, 2004 with a manual transmission. Very maneuverable in the woods... With the bed empty it hops, even with new springs and Bilstein shocks. Two bags of tube sand back by the tailgate smoothes out the ride pretty well. Playing with tire pressure does wonders too... 29 psi front 26 rear gives good ride & grip with up to a few hundred lbs in the bed.
Would be dumb to *buy* a new Land Rover anyway, if you absolutely must have one leasing is the way to go. That way when the warranty ends the lease ends.
That gen1 Toyota quality is serious. LS400, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia. When Toyota introduces a vehicle, they do it right. Instead of a new truck, I just bought a 06' Tundra. It has that Toyota magic. Love it.
For those of u guys who are interested, the DAKAR rally has decided to add a classic car category into the race for 2021. U gonna see a lot of 4x4s that u probably drove 25 years back
@Me. Me can get the pajero evolution, was made as a Dakar truck then sold in small numbers to the public to almost cheat the system of it not being a production vehicle
Get rid of the drop-in bedliner, they trap moisture and cause rust. Do a stray-on or roll-on bedliner, you can get them for a reasonable price. Don't worry about the cosmetic stuff. It's an overlander and will get damaged. Instead put some good, affordable bumpers on it. Then upgrade the brakes, tires, and suspension. Have your guy build a platform that can hold a mattress, that maybe has some storage and be done. Most people would spend over $10k on this. I'm sure your partners will donate parts.
My dad has this EXACT spec truck, purchased it new. It's his daily and hunting rig. 250K+ miles. Still feels tight as a drum. He's had zero issues. Just normal maintenance. GREAT trucks.
Hell Yes!!! I love reg cab Taco's! I have a 2nd gen reg cab. It's lifted and on 33's, geared with 5.29's and front and rear ARB lockers. It is such a fun truck to explore the mountains and deserts in.
I hit send on accident. I'd hate to see the truck cobbled up, but I'd go with a blacked out grille incorporated with your new bumper that'll house the winch. The plastic bed liner and toolbox can be removed and sold (definitely a market for those two things). I know there's a poly drawer system that one can purchase; I'm afraid weight might be an issue if Dave welded one out of steel.
The comment about the ‘7MGTE known as the 1JZ(GTE) outside the United States is incorrect. They’re two different engine families. The JZ series succeeded the M series, and the 1JZ is, for all intents and purposes, a 2JZ with a shorter stroke.
Wow Tommy love your honesty - "this is built better than a brand new raptor.." have felt the same way. I owned a 1998 Tacoma TRD off road manual supercharged for 12 years. My brother bought a brand new Raptor and after riding in it I didn't have the heart to tell him the same. This is one of the vehicles that has built Toyota's customer trust and loyalty.
Got a 2002 3.4 L tacoma with 183000 on it and it just drives the way it did when I got it 10 years ago. She is in great shape and looks about as new as a 22 year old truck can. Absolutely love my truck! Gonna have her at least another 20 years! And she is set up for camping longer term. You take care of them, they will just keep running for you!
Best looking Tacoma ever. Please don't molest it. If you want a winch - just put a hidden hitch reciever, power outlet and hook it up when needed. Like on the Yellow Banana. And you can use it on the rear too if you put power outlets on both sides. A periode correct camper top with roof tent would be best way to go. IMHO. Check TR and why Brad did not like open bed system. Thanks for bringing it on. Just love the show. Best car channel on YT.
Spot on comment that Toyota’s don’t age. I had a 1990 Toyota Pickup that had lived a hard life before me. I used and abused it, off-roaded it, and sold it years later for the same price. It looked and drove exactly like the day I bought it.
Donuts one of my favorite channels, but damn are they slow to get to things. Hi Lo season two is way overdue and nearly 50 episodes to get a turbo into the money pit. Glad Tfl saw the demand
For the headlights do a Morimoto HID conversion, if you can remove the balance shafts out of the engine, that would get rid of the only unreliable part of the engine with that many miles since the balance shaft bearings can seize and ruin the engine
I had a 1990 regular cab, 6ft bed. Had the 22RE 4 cylinder and five speed manual. I loved that truck! I now have a 2004 Tacoma 4 door with the 3400 v 6 in auto. It’s wonderful!
Because of @TFLTruck I have always wanted to get a new truck (talking Trail Boss, TRD OffRoad Tacoma, Rebel) but I've been driving a base model 04 Tacoma since 2008 and I believe this series has already convinced me to restore it instead. Thank you for reinvigorating my love for my Tacoma. Keep up the good work
I bought a very good 2004 Cayenne S a couple of years ago. It was good on winter roads, but even with lockers and low range, it was no match for the my '02 Tacoma offroad.
I sold basically the same exact truck (mine was manual) about 13 years ago for the same price you paid for this one. Ive been kicking myself ever since. Amazing little truck.
I had a 2002 Double Cab TRD version...It is still in the family and still running. Silver too...I will watch to get some tips. My issue is the seats could be better. :) But yeah, 18 years old. Only oil changes and routine maintenance.
Had an '03 Double Cab with the 3.5L V-6 and power everything. With over 220,000 miles, nothing ever failed. What got it was the salt on our Michigan roads. :-( It ate the gas tank, and catalytic converters. Loved that truck! With a growing family, sold it to purchase a Sequoia.
Thanks Tommy, we enjoy your straightforward honest reviews, not Sponsored by the X car company and they are the best. Love the Toyota - when Toyota pickups were still small.
Agree on the tires and winch. Grill seems fine. Didn't even notice the black trim but now that you point it out I can't *not* notice it. Bed liner is a good idea.
I love these older projects. I miss the days when function was paramount. I don’t think new trucks will age anywhere near as good as these old analog trucks.
Love this truck!!! Had one (‘94, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual, and 4x4) and still to this day one of my favorite little trucks of all time These Tacomas (and the no name truck that came before this one), and the Nissan (Hardbody) are pretty much the most reliable and dependable gasoline powered pickup trucks ever made! And the one y’all got looks like it’s in phenomenal shape! Rust is usually the killer of these, but the powertrains in these will last forever. As long as you change the oil, and filters regularly ( these will definitely not care about someone not moving for a little while) these little engines can last 300-500k miles, and some can get even more out of them
Forget the soft top unless you like everything covered in dust. Hard cap topper, simple aluminum bumper with spot for a winch, the drawers and foam bed sound good, roof rack on cap topper, don’t touch the great little engine, aluminum square tube rear bumper, the bed is fine (if things slide around cover it with outdoor carpet, the extra dead air space helps keep the floor warmer), that should do it! LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!
This truck is so nice because it was designed in the 90's and they basically made a bunch of trucks all the same for years with minor tweaks. I have a 96 k1500 with 394000 miles on the original motor and it's my daily
Tommy 🙂, I can never emphasize enough how much I truly love your videos, content, and passion exuded through your videos. The first gen Toyota Tacoma is simple and reliable, I see why they can easily run beyond 300k miles. The interior as well as the exterior of this truck certainly does not look 18 years old.
This will be a cool series. Have David put in a receiver hitch on the front. Mount a harbor freight Badlands winch on a winch cradle that uses the receiver hitch. You can then leave the winch at the shop when not in use or throw it in the bed when headed fourwheeling.
My vision would be some normal and some out-of-the-box ideas. A few would be: 1. Remove bed-liner and spray bed-liner. 2. Replace front AND rear bumper with more rugged bumpers be sure to keep trailer pkg (include on front a winch and push bar that will push (possibly including rubber on push area). 3. Cut a hole in the forward part of the bed so you can reach the front (include door). I haven't seen this done before but it would be simple enough. Just a few ideas.
Makes me miss my 2004 Taco. Since you’re asking for opinions and we all have one ... don’t do a wooden drawer system. That is going to be heavy and ultimately just a junk collector. I recommend putting a ladder rack type solution that lines up with thee cab roof, with metal mesh to make it more basket like. Then, fit one of those soft toppers over the bed but under the mesh basket area. Frankly this was what I did and it gave me plenty of comfortable space in the bed when camping, made the bed still very functional for hauling lumber, etc., and I could store supplies up on the mesh basket as well as using the basket as a place to sit/stand when taking photographs of the landscape.
Super excited about this one! As always I love the honesty that Tommy puts forth. This truck IS better built then a new Raptor and will probably outlast a new Gladiator. No other automotive journalist out there will be that direct in their comments! Do a cheap lightbar on the roof, the bed cover, a storage system and a sleep system. Don't weigh it down with bumpers and a winch. Add traction boards on a nice mounting bracket instead. Wanna do another useful item? On board air for airing back up with a quick connect somewhere accessible. That's my 2 cents.
Good choice! The company I work for has over 30 Toyota’s. Land Cruisers, Tacoma’s, even some Hilux and Surfs we import for our military training. All have over 150k miles on the clock. Some are over 20 years old and 200k miles. There is a reason you see Toyota’s all over the world. You are absolutely correct about weight. That snappy little 2.7 will be struggling with all the overland gear if you get too crazy. Bumper and winch a must. I would go with something simple but strong with an un complicated winch. COMEUP makes an excellent, durable 9.5k unit. Skid plates definitely. Again, pay attention to the weight. Rear bumper with rated recovery points. If there is room in the budget, maybe an ARB air locker. A soft topper is cool and definitely will save weight. Keep in mind it won’t be as weather or dust proof as a hard top. Also less head room while trying to put pants on in the morning. Tires! Yes! BFG KO2 265/75/16. Or something around 32”. Lastly, suspension. Go for just 1-2” of lift but more importantly to handle the weight. All our fleet has Old Man Emu. Toy-Tec is also a good option and they’re close by. I’m excited to see where this project goes! I live for this stuff... literally, it’s my job. Not trying to plug here but let me know if you have questions. I’m the Director of Military Training for Overland Experts. Thanks, have fun, good luck!
At the beginning of 2019 I bought a 2006 Tacoma (Base model, with manual transmission) for $4000. The frame was new, replaced by Toyota in Nov2017. I think I got an excellent deal.
Great idea! Love this generation Tacoma! The spray on bedliner is the way to go. The drop in liners have a tendency to wear off the paint and cause rust. Build a drawer/cubby system similar to the Decked system using 1/2' marine grade plywood and marine varnish to seal it. Use 3/4" supports since you'll be putting stuff on top of it. Maybe a tonneau style "tent"? - use 2" square pipe to create a rack system and put a heavy gauge durable liner over top to create a tent effect?. Storage will be a major issue with this "tiny" thing
For the bedliner, don't do spray in. If it's for living in overlanding, do a nice carpet lining or rubber bed mat. The carpets can be sprayed out with water (not like house carpets, more like boat carpets), or a rubber mat would just make more sense having to touch it all the time living out of the back.
Great project truck! I had an '01 Tacoma Prerunner double cab with the 3.4L V6 with the off-road package.... Silver color like that one. Bought it new and just sold it last year to my nephew with 272K miles. Still ran and drove great...didn't burn or leak oil. He loves it and it will last another 200K easily. Spray Raptor liner on the bed. Make a blacked out mesh grill with TOYOYA spelled out. Black Raptor liner on the chrome bits and bumpers. Looks like it has wheel spacers...lose those. BFG KO2's or Falcon Wildpeak AT3W's 275-70-16's Rock sliders....homemade to save money. Strategic skid plates...don't go nuts...save weight. Don't spend money on a winch and aftermarket bumpers...it will eat up your entire budget and too heavy. The next guy can do that.
If planning for a carpentry-built bed camping fitout, you definitely want to look at doing an O.M.E. suspension upgrade to it. This will allow you to get the lift you want for offroad and compensate for extra load in the bed (and most importantly, stay away from lift blocks). Be careful how much weight you add to it though, because you'll be needing to regear it to 4.88 for any constant weight beyond 400lb in the bed.
Mine is a 2002, and it’s still my daily driver. 379k miles and change. Recently changed the headlights and turn signal bulbs. I really would like to replace it, but I can’t afford to. So as long as it keeps running, I’ll keep driving it.
Since you're on a budget I would recommend looking at used stuff. Off road bumpers aren't cheap but used? A quick spray paint or Raptor lining would make them look new again.
My advice,start with a decent spray in liner to protect the whole thing. Then topper,storage,bed,tires and winch like you talked about. Then see how much money is left.
The tacos had a recall on I believe the calipers in the 2002 model. Yours should have been replaced by now though. The proportioning valve for the rear brakes causes a vibration and rear can lock or not seem to be braking. The other issue is some try to run the 2 wheel drive pads since they seem to fit but will not work correct. The number one issue with that model is the brakes from my small experience, everyone I know that had one had brake problems. You will make the yota fangirls and boys happy with this. An affordable truck would be more like $5,000 total for the poorer crowd not $10,000. Cannot wait to see this thing smash into something at the Yakity Ranch. Stay safe you 3 make some good videos together.
OMG I love that truck, had a 2007 that was the same single cab 2.7l 4x4 manual. I loved that truck and still regret selling it i wish i kept it but i had kids you know😓 i will always remember it and hope i can find another someday i miss it and it was a beast in reliabilty and would follow my jeep buddys all day long off road
I have a 2002 4 door with the 3.4 V6 and 125,000 miles. Bought it new in 02. The truck has been bullet proof. Of course it has spent its entire life in the Southeast so no frame rust. Hope TFL looked close at the frame...
2 wheel trucks came with the 2.4, STANDARD CABS 4x4 from 98 0n up came with the 2.7 only. 3.4 V6 was from 1995-97 standard cabs, and 95-04 in extended, and 4-doors.
Beautiful Shape!!!😃Wow this truck solid as a rock!!!...18 yr old brand new truck pretty much...I'm impressed!!!.. Awesome purchase!!!! Awesome video Tommy.. good job Buddy☺!!
You said," it would probably last longer than a jeep gladiator ". That may be true depending where you live. I live in nh and the frame rot out on these trucks and Toyota lost a class action lawsuit and had and have to replace the frames. When they replace the frame and they brake the brake lines or other parts that comes at the owners expense. There is no other manufacturer that has a recall on frames. It doesn't matter if the drivetrain can last when the frame can't.
"change the grill..". Omg.. leave it alone. It's perfect as is. Kit it out with useful overlanding gear. Mount for sizeable detachable iPad, GPS unit, entertainment system. In the bed - secure, useful storage, power pack (aux battery, solar), mount system for additional water container, etc. Subtle, light, front winch bumper or winch plate. Additional, useful lighting for driving, camping, working on the truck.
I had a 2004 truck identical but extra cab and 5 speed. I ran 31x10.5x15 on factory ride height. That one may be lifted but those tires fit stock. Those small trucks are so good in tight woods trails.
Regular Cab Fans Rejoice finally! Very nice clean truck and great price as well. Kinda agree with painting the grill black and body coloring the small black parts. I say keep the Drop in Liner it works and still in good condition no need to spend the money on something that you dont need. Since this is a Budget build. Me personally would rather see Budget Off Roader than Overlander since its a regular cab and that you already have done 4 other Overlanding builds Gladiator, The older Defender, F250, and the Silverado. Looks like your doing the same with the Raptor as well.
Keep the plastic bedliner. It is sturdy and will provide insulation and sound dampening. I had 2 trucks like that with the same bedliner. Awesome truck - cheers!
A standard five speed transmission would give you back a lot of power and fuel mileage. My '02 Tacoma (145,000 miles) came from an eBay purchase in Pittsburgh. Then I imported it to Ontario. Toyota still honoured its warranty on the frame, refinishing it and guaranteeing it until 2017. I replaced a rusty rear bumper at that time. The only serious mechanical defect turned out to be the hood latch, which cost me a windshield and new hood, as well as the latch. Watch that.
Love this body style of Tacoma. Perfect for over landing.😀
say overlanding one more time!
Can’t wait to see this build. This is a real world build. I’m so tired of hearing about and seeing builds on $60-70,000 trucks.
They nailed the styling of the Toyota trucks in that generation, I've had a few and they are great .
Honestly, this is the kind od content I want to see. Cars and trucks that I really can affort
Same haha
For real. Sorry but new raptors and land rovers and TRX's and gladiators are just not in the cards for most people, especially now. This is what we need haha
Same here. I have lost a bit of interest in TFL. This and the Yak farm are keeping me around.
yeah it's pretty affortable.
I mean you can afford anything if you're willing to sell your kidney, and a few other kidneys you found in a back alley. Lol
Defender is getting very nervous being around reliability.
You mean next to the Toyota
@@danpatrick5944 yep
Maybe the Defender will learn something from the Toyota. ;-)
Thank you TFL! A truck us working class can actually afford! Nice choice.
This early 2000s Toyota will definitely outlast the brand-new Land Rover, hahah
Now, avoid building this project truck using free stuff from vendors. Actually make a budget truck.
I have this truck, 2004 with a manual transmission. Very maneuverable in the woods... With the bed empty it hops, even with new springs and Bilstein shocks. Two bags of tube sand back by the tailgate smoothes out the ride pretty well. Playing with tire pressure does wonders too... 29 psi front 26 rear gives good ride & grip with up to a few hundred lbs in the bed.
I'll definitely be watching this series.
the 2.4 is the 2 wheel drive motor and the 4X4's got the 2.7
There is also a 3.4 with 4x4
Baby Yota Project?
"This is the way."
Need to put a chrome shift knob on the transfer case shifter
Single Cab Short bed taco is one of my goal vehicles. Just the perfect fun little truck.
"Not everyone can afford a +$70k truck." Not only can most people not afford it, half the people who own it can't afford it.
lol "own" it
Would be dumb to *buy* a new Land Rover anyway, if you absolutely must have one leasing is the way to go. That way when the warranty ends the lease ends.
I can actually afford one, but I’m too intelligent to waste money that way.
Picked up my 2011 tacoma for 18k cash last year. Affordable in my eyes.
Love my ‘97 😄 266k and still looks and runs like new!
You got the 4banger or v6.
V6 5 Speed
Once Armageddon is over and done with, the roaches will be driving around in small pickups with Toyota 22R engines.
The 22R was, is, and always will be the King of reliability. The 22R was what put Toyota on the map for reliability.
and 3RZs
They'll need the trucks to carry the Twinkies😂
The roaches will drive Tacos, the mutated civilized rodents will be driving Land Cruisers.
That gen1 Toyota quality is serious. LS400, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia. When Toyota introduces a vehicle, they do it right. Instead of a new truck, I just bought a 06' Tundra. It has that Toyota magic. Love it.
For those of u guys who are interested, the DAKAR rally has decided to add a classic car category into the race for 2021. U gonna see a lot of 4x4s that u probably drove 25 years back
Yes, the Montero is back!!!
oooooh that is awesome news!
@Me. Me can get the pajero evolution, was made as a Dakar truck then sold in small numbers to the public to almost cheat the system of it not being a production vehicle
Get rid of the drop-in bedliner, they trap moisture and cause rust. Do a stray-on or roll-on bedliner, you can get them for a reasonable price. Don't worry about the cosmetic stuff. It's an overlander and will get damaged. Instead put some good, affordable bumpers on it. Then upgrade the brakes, tires, and suspension. Have your guy build a platform that can hold a mattress, that maybe has some storage and be done. Most people would spend over $10k on this. I'm sure your partners will donate parts.
My dad has this EXACT spec truck, purchased it new. It's his daily and hunting rig. 250K+ miles. Still feels tight as a drum. He's had zero issues. Just normal maintenance. GREAT trucks.
When I see this first gen. Taco, loving them. Keep liner, upgrade bulb to led,hid. Put a topper, KO2, bilstein schocks, Check frames for rust. Simple.
Hell Yes!!! I love reg cab Taco's! I have a 2nd gen reg cab. It's lifted and on 33's, geared with 5.29's and front and rear ARB lockers. It is such a fun truck to explore the mountains and deserts in.
I love those little Tacos!! Standard cab, 4cyl, excellent grab! Good choice! Essentially, they're as simple as working on a dirt bike.
I hit send on accident. I'd hate to see the truck cobbled up, but I'd go with a blacked out grille incorporated with your new bumper that'll house the winch. The plastic bed liner and toolbox can be removed and sold (definitely a market for those two things). I know there's a poly drawer system that one can purchase; I'm afraid weight might be an issue if Dave welded one out of steel.
2JZ *IS* a fourth gen supra engine. Third gen was the 7MGTE (or 1JZ outside of the US)
Correct! I was sure somebody in the comments already noticed this. I used to have an 88 MK3.
2nd gen (Celica)Supra 5MGE. Or 5ME (single cam) first gen.
The comment about the ‘7MGTE known as the 1JZ(GTE) outside the United States is incorrect. They’re two different engine families.
The JZ series succeeded the M series, and the 1JZ is, for all intents and purposes, a 2JZ with a shorter stroke.
@@cardenbertrand2493 correct M series is totally different.
Read so many comments looking for this😂😂
Just use the entire budget on putting a selectable locker in the rear.
I had a 98 with the factory e locker and I swear that thing could go anywhere.
Wow Tommy love your honesty - "this is built better than a brand new raptor.." have felt the same way. I owned a 1998 Tacoma TRD off road manual supercharged for 12 years. My brother bought a brand new Raptor and after riding in it I didn't have the heart to tell him the same. This is one of the vehicles that has built Toyota's customer trust and loyalty.
Got a 2002 3.4 L tacoma with 183000 on it and it just drives the way it did when I got it 10 years ago. She is in great shape and looks about as new as a 22 year old truck can. Absolutely love my truck! Gonna have her at least another 20 years! And she is set up for camping longer term. You take care of them, they will just keep running for you!
This will be a much more interesting series to watch than the Defender series. I think we've all seen what we need to see from the Defender.
Yeah, the Defender is a total joke.
this almost makes up for the landrover debacle lol. you guys are great
Damn, that sound of the door closing, g wagon feeling
Best looking Tacoma ever.
Please don't molest it.
If you want a winch - just put a hidden hitch reciever, power outlet and hook it up when needed. Like on the Yellow Banana. And you can use it on the rear too if you put power outlets on both sides.
A periode correct camper top with roof tent would be best way to go. IMHO. Check TR and why Brad did not like open bed system.
Thanks for bringing it on. Just love the show. Best car channel on YT.
Spot on comment that Toyota’s don’t age. I had a 1990 Toyota Pickup that had lived a hard life before me. I used and abused it, off-roaded it, and sold it years later for the same price. It looked and drove exactly like the day I bought it.
You beat Donut to doing a first gen Tacoma series....they've been teasing one for like a year!
Probably where TFL got the idea ;)
Donuts one of my favorite channels, but damn are they slow to get to things. Hi Lo season two is way overdue and nearly 50 episodes to get a turbo into the money pit. Glad Tfl saw the demand
I keep thinking about the top gear episode where they tried to destroy the old red toyota pick up! These okd trucks are great!!
I believe that was a Hilux which I believe they still don't sell in the US unfortunately...
@@LessTrustMoreTruth aren't they the same rebadged truck?
The Hilux was the Toyota pick-up in the US prior to 1995 when the Tacoma came out. Course the Top Gear model was a diesel which we didn't get.
@@johnw4067 being a diesel is what kept it going too
@@stussels Agreed. Also the lack of electronics. Doubt a new Tacoma or Hilux could handle that same level of abuse.
For the headlights do a Morimoto HID conversion, if you can remove the balance shafts out of the engine, that would get rid of the only unreliable part of the engine with that many miles since the balance shaft bearings can seize and ruin the engine
My first truck when I was 16 was just like this one. 2002 single cab. Loved that thing, I bet its still running somewhere
„Oh he’s a great carpenter“- nice and smooth save!
😏
I had a 1990 regular cab, 6ft bed. Had the 22RE 4 cylinder and five speed manual. I loved that truck! I now have a 2004 Tacoma 4 door with the 3400 v 6 in auto. It’s wonderful!
I think color matched front and original paint color in the bed. Some sort of a topper as well would suit this truck well
I want that truck!
This is going to be a great series
Because of @TFLTruck I have always wanted to get a new truck (talking Trail Boss, TRD OffRoad Tacoma, Rebel) but I've been driving a base model 04 Tacoma since 2008 and I believe this series has already convinced me to restore it instead. Thank you for reinvigorating my love for my Tacoma. Keep up the good work
This will run circles around those junky Defenders...
I bought a very good 2004 Cayenne S a couple of years ago. It was good on winter roads, but even with lockers and low range, it was no match for the my '02 Tacoma offroad.
I'm with you, Tommy. Trucks have gotten WAY too big. Love the size of the first gen Taco. Looking forward to the build.
Hever beat old school good quality built trucks.
I sold basically the same exact truck (mine was manual) about 13 years ago for the same price you paid for this one. Ive been kicking myself ever since. Amazing little truck.
I had a 2002 Double Cab TRD version...It is still in the family and still running. Silver too...I will watch to get some tips. My issue is the seats could be better. :) But yeah, 18 years old. Only oil changes and routine maintenance.
i LOVE this tacoma, it looks perfect. Interior no plasti chrome, clean 2000 style, perfect wheels and tires. If I didn't buy a tj this would be #1
Fantastic! Glad it’s not a jeep or some other ultra expensive rig! The average consumer often gets forgotten about on so many of these channels
Had an '03 Double Cab with the 3.5L V-6 and power everything. With over 220,000 miles, nothing ever failed. What got it was the salt on our Michigan roads. :-( It ate the gas tank, and catalytic converters. Loved that truck! With a growing family, sold it to purchase a Sequoia.
Awesome, I own pretty much this exact truck, but mine is 2001.
Thanks Tommy, we enjoy your straightforward honest reviews, not Sponsored by the X car company and they are the best. Love the Toyota - when Toyota pickups were still small.
Agree on the tires and winch. Grill seems fine. Didn't even notice the black trim but now that you point it out I can't *not* notice it. Bed liner is a good idea.
I love these older projects. I miss the days when function was paramount. I don’t think new trucks will age anywhere near as good as these old analog trucks.
@@pryme2013 “analog” comparatively to infotainment centers where you select everything from seat heat to interior light colors...
I second this!
Had a 2002 just like that, traded it in for a 2005 Ford Mustang GT, one of lifes mistakes...
Love this truck!!!
Had one (‘94, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual, and 4x4) and still to this day one of my favorite little trucks of all time
These Tacomas (and the no name truck that came before this one), and the Nissan (Hardbody) are pretty much the most reliable and dependable gasoline powered pickup trucks ever made!
And the one y’all got looks like it’s in phenomenal shape!
Rust is usually the killer of these, but the powertrains in these will last forever.
As long as you change the oil, and filters regularly ( these will definitely not care about someone not moving for a little while) these little engines can last 300-500k miles, and some can get even more out of them
After the white land cruiser, that will probably be the most reliable offroad vehicle you've ever owned!
Lol toyotas are far from reliable they rust
Bad steering and low hp
Not something you can depend on
@@pimpplayboy5727 I call bullshit on that. My 2020 Tundra is a rocket
@No use for a name.garage kept?😂😂😂
I've never seen a old fleet Toyota
Under harsh conditions only fords and chevy last long time
@@pimpplayboy5727 My boy, I think you've only ever seen a car in some of the games you play.
I’d love to see this with skid plates, sliders, KO2s, new bumper + fogs, and keep the bed lined how it is but with a soft top/cabinet addition!
Just bought my first car ever, i got a 2002 tacoma 2.7l with 160,000 miles for $4,500! Cant wait to fix it up and make it even more of a beauty.
Forget the soft top unless you like everything covered in dust. Hard cap topper, simple aluminum bumper with spot for a winch, the drawers and foam bed sound good, roof rack on cap topper, don’t touch the great little engine, aluminum square tube rear bumper, the bed is fine (if things slide around cover it with outdoor carpet, the extra dead air space helps keep the floor warmer), that should do it! LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!
This truck is so nice because it was designed in the 90's and they basically made a bunch of trucks all the same for years with minor tweaks. I have a 96 k1500 with 394000 miles on the original motor and it's my daily
you guys are the reason why i bought my 2003 v6 4wd tacoma didnt regret that choice :)
you guys gave me a boost of appreciation for my little 2014 single cab tacoma 4x4. Bring back the single cabs TOYOTA!!!
I am LOVING these cheap truck builds. Can't get enough, maybe some day I'll see a truck like mine on there.
Tommy 🙂, I can never emphasize enough how much I truly love your videos, content, and passion exuded through your videos. The first gen Toyota Tacoma is simple and reliable, I see why they can easily run beyond 300k miles. The interior as well as the exterior of this truck certainly does not look 18 years old.
This will be a cool series. Have David put in a receiver hitch on the front. Mount a harbor freight Badlands winch on a winch cradle that uses the receiver hitch. You can then leave the winch at the shop when not in use or throw it in the bed when headed fourwheeling.
My vision would be some normal and some out-of-the-box ideas. A few would be:
1. Remove bed-liner and spray bed-liner. 2. Replace front AND rear bumper with more rugged bumpers be sure to keep trailer pkg (include on front a winch and push bar that will push (possibly including rubber on push area). 3. Cut a hole in the forward part of the bed so you can reach the front (include door). I haven't seen this done before but it would be simple enough. Just a few ideas.
Makes me miss my 2004 Taco. Since you’re asking for opinions and we all have one ... don’t do a wooden drawer system. That is going to be heavy and ultimately just a junk collector. I recommend putting a ladder rack type solution that lines up with thee cab roof, with metal mesh to make it more basket like. Then, fit one of those soft toppers over the bed but under the mesh basket area. Frankly this was what I did and it gave me plenty of comfortable space in the bed when camping, made the bed still very functional for hauling lumber, etc., and I could store supplies up on the mesh basket as well as using the basket as a place to sit/stand when taking photographs of the landscape.
Super excited about this one!
As always I love the honesty that Tommy puts forth. This truck IS better built then a new Raptor and will probably outlast a new Gladiator. No other automotive journalist out there will be that direct in their comments!
Do a cheap lightbar on the roof, the bed cover, a storage system and a sleep system. Don't weigh it down with bumpers and a winch. Add traction boards on a nice mounting bracket instead.
Wanna do another useful item? On board air for airing back up with a quick connect somewhere accessible.
That's my 2 cents.
This is awesome, Tacoma owner here and I cannot wait to see how you transform this little Yota!!!
Here we go boys, excited for this, make lots of videos on this.
Good choice! The company I work for has over 30 Toyota’s. Land Cruisers, Tacoma’s, even some Hilux and Surfs we import for our military training. All have over 150k miles on the clock. Some are over 20 years old and 200k miles. There is a reason you see Toyota’s all over the world. You are absolutely correct about weight. That snappy little 2.7 will be struggling with all the overland gear if you get too crazy. Bumper and winch a must. I would go with something simple but strong with an un complicated winch. COMEUP makes an excellent, durable 9.5k unit. Skid plates definitely. Again, pay attention to the weight. Rear bumper with rated recovery points. If there is room in the budget, maybe an ARB air locker. A soft topper is cool and definitely will save weight. Keep in mind it won’t be as weather or dust proof as a hard top. Also less head room while trying to put pants on in the morning. Tires! Yes! BFG KO2 265/75/16. Or something around 32”. Lastly, suspension. Go for just 1-2” of lift but more importantly to handle the weight. All our fleet has Old Man Emu. Toy-Tec is also a good option and they’re close by. I’m excited to see where this project goes! I live for this stuff... literally, it’s my job. Not trying to plug here but let me know if you have questions. I’m the Director of Military Training for Overland Experts. Thanks, have fun, good luck!
At the beginning of 2019 I bought a 2006 Tacoma (Base model, with manual transmission) for $4000. The frame was new, replaced by Toyota in Nov2017. I think I got an excellent deal.
You did!!! 👍🏻👍🏻
Great idea! Love this generation Tacoma! The spray on bedliner is the way to go. The drop in liners have a tendency to wear off the paint and cause rust. Build a drawer/cubby system similar to the Decked system using 1/2' marine grade plywood and marine varnish to seal it. Use 3/4" supports since you'll be putting stuff on top of it. Maybe a tonneau style "tent"? - use 2" square pipe to create a rack system and put a heavy gauge durable liner over top to create a tent effect?. Storage will be a major issue with this "tiny" thing
TOYODA! oh, hell yeah !
For the bedliner, don't do spray in. If it's for living in overlanding, do a nice carpet lining or rubber bed mat. The carpets can be sprayed out with water (not like house carpets, more like boat carpets), or a rubber mat would just make more sense having to touch it all the time living out of the back.
Spray in bed liner is great, but keep that for a work struck build instead of an overlanding build.
Soft topper, with expectations of sleeping in the bed? No thanks 😆 go with a hard shell. SUPER excited for this though! Love these trucks 😁
Love it. It's super clean for the age. I have a gen2 tacoma with 76k. Hoping it gives me at least 200k
Really looking forward to the progress
Just keep up on maintanance and you'll be good till 400k
Great project truck! I had an '01 Tacoma Prerunner double cab with the 3.4L V6 with the off-road package.... Silver color like that one. Bought it new and just sold it last year to my nephew with 272K miles. Still ran and drove great...didn't burn or leak oil. He loves it and it will last another 200K easily.
Spray Raptor liner on the bed.
Make a blacked out mesh grill with TOYOYA spelled out.
Black Raptor liner on the chrome bits and bumpers.
Looks like it has wheel spacers...lose those.
BFG KO2's or Falcon Wildpeak AT3W's 275-70-16's
Rock sliders....homemade to save money. Strategic skid plates...don't go nuts...save weight.
Don't spend money on a winch and aftermarket bumpers...it will eat up your entire budget and too heavy. The next guy can do that.
I really like the white gauges on this truck. Looks like a very clean foundation to do the TFL charity donation build. Good luck with it.
If planning for a carpentry-built bed camping fitout, you definitely want to look at doing an O.M.E. suspension upgrade to it. This will allow you to get the lift you want for offroad and compensate for extra load in the bed (and most importantly, stay away from lift blocks). Be careful how much weight you add to it though, because you'll be needing to regear it to 4.88 for any constant weight beyond 400lb in the bed.
Mine is a 2002, and it’s still my daily driver.
379k miles and change.
Recently changed the headlights and turn signal bulbs.
I really would like to replace it, but I can’t afford to. So as long as it keeps running, I’ll keep driving it.
I have the 2001 with a manual transmission. 260,000 miles and still going strong. 4 wheel drive engages and disengages every time.
Since you're on a budget I would recommend looking at used stuff. Off road bumpers aren't cheap but used? A quick spray paint or Raptor lining would make them look new again.
If you're trying to do a low budget overlander build, then fussing over cosmetic items like a grille and some tiny trim pieces will just burn cash :P
Agree 100%, who cares about the grill trim? Well, that one guy does...haha. Total waste of cash.
Exactly! Cosmetics are for mall crawlers, not budget off road rigs.
Yea, leave the grill alone it looks fine (I love chrome)
My advice,start with a decent spray in liner to protect the whole thing. Then topper,storage,bed,tires and winch like you talked about. Then see how much money is left.
Your advice is literally what they just said they where going to do.
The tacos had a recall on I believe the calipers in the 2002 model. Yours should have been replaced by now though. The proportioning valve for the rear brakes causes a vibration and rear can lock or not seem to be braking. The other issue is some try to run the 2 wheel drive pads since they seem to fit but will not work correct. The number one issue with that model is the brakes from my small experience, everyone I know that had one had brake problems. You will make the yota fangirls and boys happy with this. An affordable truck would be more like $5,000 total for the poorer crowd not $10,000. Cannot wait to see this thing smash into something at the Yakity Ranch. Stay safe you 3 make some good videos together.
reminds me of my 1998 Tacoma....what a great little truck. I would much rather have this type of truck being made today, than the current Tacoma's.
They do it’s called the Tacoma sr5
@@Ww8.3 lol yeah for $35,000
OMG I love that truck, had a 2007 that was the same single cab 2.7l 4x4 manual. I loved that truck and still regret selling it i wish i kept it but i had kids you know😓 i will always remember it and hope i can find another someday i miss it and it was a beast in reliabilty and would follow my jeep buddys all day long off road
I have a 2002 4 door with the 3.4 V6 and 125,000 miles. Bought it new in 02. The truck has been bullet proof. Of course it has spent its entire life in the Southeast so no frame rust. Hope TFL looked close at the frame...
2 wheel trucks came with the 2.4, STANDARD CABS 4x4 from 98 0n up came with the 2.7 only. 3.4 V6 was from 1995-97 standard cabs, and 95-04 in extended, and 4-doors.
Beautiful Shape!!!😃Wow this truck solid as a rock!!!...18 yr old brand new truck pretty much...I'm impressed!!!.. Awesome purchase!!!! Awesome video Tommy.. good job Buddy☺!!
The stance on those trucks always gets me man. Just beautiful.
I own this same truck just in white and non 4x4. I absolutely love it!
I also, but mine is the 2003, 4 door, v6, trd, 4x4, had it since new.
Don’t do a soft top. Do a hard top with a roof rack for more storage. With the size of that truck you need all the space you can get.
You said," it would probably last longer than a jeep gladiator ". That may be true depending where you live. I live in nh and the frame rot out on these trucks and Toyota lost a class action lawsuit and had and have to replace the frames. When they replace the frame and they brake the brake lines or other parts that comes at the owners expense. There is no other manufacturer that has a recall on frames. It doesn't matter if the drivetrain can last when the frame can't.
"change the grill..". Omg.. leave it alone. It's perfect as is. Kit it out with useful overlanding gear. Mount for sizeable detachable iPad, GPS unit, entertainment system. In the bed - secure, useful storage, power pack (aux battery, solar), mount system for additional water container, etc. Subtle, light, front winch bumper or winch plate. Additional, useful lighting for driving, camping, working on the truck.
I had a 2004 truck identical but extra cab and 5 speed. I ran 31x10.5x15 on factory ride height. That one may be lifted but those tires fit stock. Those small trucks are so good in tight woods trails.
3rz is such a good engine to stick a turbo on.
A boosted 3rz in a 1985 pickup won the Everyman King of the Hammers two years ago.
Regular Cab Fans Rejoice finally! Very nice clean truck and great price as well. Kinda agree with painting the grill black and body coloring the small black parts. I say keep the Drop in Liner it works and still in good condition no need to spend the money on something that you dont need. Since this is a Budget build. Me personally would rather see Budget Off Roader than Overlander since its a regular cab and that you already have done 4 other Overlanding builds Gladiator, The older Defender, F250, and the Silverado. Looks like your doing the same with the Raptor as well.
Keep the plastic bedliner. It is sturdy and will provide insulation and sound dampening. I had 2 trucks like that with the same bedliner. Awesome truck - cheers!
Super excited! I just picked up an 2004 Tacoma!
A standard five speed transmission would give you back a lot of power and fuel mileage. My '02 Tacoma (145,000 miles) came from an eBay purchase in Pittsburgh. Then I imported it to Ontario. Toyota still honoured its warranty on the frame, refinishing it and guaranteeing it until 2017. I replaced a rusty rear bumper at that time. The only serious mechanical defect turned out to be the hood latch, which cost me a windshield and new hood, as well as the latch. Watch that.
Great starting point! Kenda or Falken MT tires,, simple bumpers, winch, spray in bed liner, lightweight overland setup in bed