BigGameHoundsmen.com

How do you guys like the new tacomas for cat hunting. I am looking at a 6 speed standard transmission 6 cylinder. One of the trucks has a manual locking differential that can only be used in 4 low and one doesn't. Is it a big difference? How does all the traction control bs work in 20 inches of snow spinning all day long? Is it hard on the brakes?

Traction control is okay in snow, and the locking diff will make it tougher if engaged. The locking diff is extremely helpful if caught up on rock ledges, boulders, etc where only one wheel is on the ground. If this is never an issue, e-locker isn't really necessary. Can't go wrong with a yota, new or old.

Pretty sure you can jump a ground wire for the lockin diff to where it will work in high range as well

The skid controls can get you in trouble on ice. The front tires I prefer not to chain up because I feel it might rub, the bed I think is cheap and flimsy, be prepared to get high centered if you leave it stock in the deep snow, small window to look for tracks out the front due to angle and hood setup. I like the truck, but it has its downs.

I will agree with everything unreal_tk said. I have a 2008 tacoma i bought brand new and have had the transmission worked on twice. If toyota fixed it right the first time they wouldn't of had to fix it the second time. When i dropped it off the second time I talked to a toyota machanic and he said the transmissions were no good. toyota had an enganeer come in and look at it becuase it was a problem they were having with other tacomas to. they played with it a couple weeks and i got my pickup back and havn't had a problem since. other then that I can't complain. It's been a prettty good pickup since.

i have the 2005 six speed . the only thing i have done to it is a wheel bering. the finders and bumper are junk. i have duct tape holding on my bumper and mirror. gas milage hunting is about 12 to 14 mpg. highway 16 .

jc

They quit making good tacomas in '04.

as much as i hate to agree with cat dogs he is right. i have an 05 six speed. the ring gear in the rear differencial came apart while diff lock was in. front wheel bearings are always going out. now it is in the shop because the frame collapsed where the driver side motor mount bracket attaches. it is an issue with the 05 and i think early 06 tacoma. toyota redesigned the bracket 07. the head service guy said in the past toyota pute a new frame under the truck when this has happened. they just need the head regional guy to sign off on it. with my high miles it is not for sure yet.

cat dog is 100% right ive had two of the newer tacomas after 20 plus years of hunting out of one i will NEVER own another

They are junk

I have an 06 manual six speed. They have all the power you need but other than that, the truck was cheaply made. I have gone through 1 transmission, both rear-end bearing/hub assemblies(not cheap), front driver side motor mount cracked right one the weld where it was welded to the frame, and a long list of bumper, rear fender, and bed issues. The rear fender brackets are junk. As soon as you hit a few dirt roads they rattle loose and if you dont catch it in time will wallow out the mounting holes on the fiberglass/plastic bed.