Maybe you can save me some web wheelin.  what is the first year toyota made a quad cab pickup and what years would you reccomend for an expedition truck.  I'd like a second vehicle that will work in a pinch if my truck is down.

I am imagining a roof tent mounted over the bed, cover over the bed, and some sort of slide out.  4wd is a must and do any years have a locking center diff or even locking rear?  I have driven a Range Rover for the last 15 years, so I am Toyota stupid.

Thanks in advance,

Todd

Todd,

Roger nailed it.  2001 was the first year, in the U.S. anyway, for Toyota Tacoma's 4-door.  My friend Geoff just bought a 2001 TRD version with automatic tranny, electronically locking rear diff, and Bilsteins about a month ago.  I THINK he paid ~$12,500 for it.  He searched all over for one and finally found his down in AZ.  These 4-door Tacomas are selling for a premium so good luck in finding one.  The TRD package is worth it as you won't have to go to an aftermarket locking rear diff like I had to.

I have had my 2000 Xtra cab since new.  It has the manual tranny.  So far, the only real problem I've encountered in 108 K miles is that the interior cab light switch went TU a long time ago.  Knock on wood, I hope this great reliablility keeps up for another 100 K.

If you do decide to go with a Tacoma or other Toyota PU, I cannot recommend strongly enough the use of a reinforced fiberglass topper with windoors over the box.  Those windoors have made the vehicle's storage cababilities 100% more useful.  That system also cuts down on dust accumulation in the box.  That may not be a problem on the west side though....My Raven brand top has handled my Columbus rooftop tent with no problems for seven or eight years.  The fiberglass tent is mounted on four Thule bars that attach to the topper via a rail system.  I extended the two outermost Yakima bars in order to use them to attach my Fiamma awning.

I have also added a couple of pics on how I tie things down.  I really like Harkin "Flairleads" mounted on the side rails of the box. They stainless eyebolts are easy to work with but stick out too far.

Dale

Todd,

See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Tacoma

Good basics there.

FYI, Toyota made a "Pre Runner" option package that looks just like a 4x4 but is not. It had no transfer case, or front diff/axles. etc. It could even be ordered with a rear locker.

Brian

 I had a 2000 4x Tundra with extra space in the cab, doors to access it and plenty of room. If I would have had dogs and kids it would have worked out well. Was good off road as well, button activated 4 wheel drive in the cab and did not have to get out and lock the wheels like my first Toyota PU. Sold it after five years and it was still like new. 

I used to take it out to the desert in SoCal, AC was really a plus,  but bought the Mog cause I did not want to beat up the Toyota. In retrospect should have kept the Toyota.

This bed setup is kinda what I am thinking, but I like the other ideas as well.

Todd,

Whatever floats your boat is good!  For the last couple of years I've realized it's not how much stuff we (ME!) stick on our rigs, it's getting out there and having fun.

When I first had the topper installed, the installer used those large aluminum "C" style clamps to hold it on.  After one season like that I went out a bought some stainless bolts, washers, and ny-lock nuts.  One really bad thing about the Tacoma is that the box rails are really, really narrow.  If you do decide to go with a bolt-on topper system, be very careful up through the rail and topper.!  There is a story here that I'd rather not go into at the moment :-)

Dale

Todd - A great bed topper is the Pace Edwards with their Explorer rails. See link.
You also might consider a used Frontier. They have full disc brakes and a frame that rivals my D90 - full box versus the Tacoma C-shape. ARB has both a Tacoma and Tundra. They had my Frontier up there for a couple weeks last Spring while they worked on some bumper details, and Marc commented at the rigidity compared to their two Toyotas. The Tundra was in my driveway when they came down to do a final fitting, and Marc showed how the box could be pulled away from the cab about a half inch or so just by pulling on the tailgate.

http://www.pace-edwards.com/explrrails.html

Yeah Ed, I love your Frontier as well, and it is part of my idea of a bed mounted tent. I just figured you got out of the sport now that your all Airstreamy... :) Do you still have the Frontier?  I looked for your gallery on the site to see if you had pictures but had to punt to Overlands as I know they did the same.

I almost posted the Nissan as an option but I do not know if they had the crew cab in older models.  I'm trying to get a 10YO truck to keep costs down.

Todd, why not look for an FJ62?  

Watch out for that slippery slope. There's a Toyota dealer at the bottom of it...  :^)

Brian R

I love those but am looking for something a little different and multi purpose.  an FJ62 would just be like another RRC but the parts wouldn't swap.  I have so many Range Rover parts tucked away in my garage that I might as well get another one if going this route.

just my two cents, i love my 3rd gen 4runner. it is comfortable, reliable, with the rear seats down plenty of covered storage, and it is pretty capeable. if you find one with the e-locker that is just one less mod you have to make yourself.

 I have been having exactly the same thoughts. I have been directing most of my attention to the early 4 door Tacoma (I like the rounded body style and the price), the 96-97 Landcruiser with the E - locker and I have some interest in the 4 runners as well. I am really trying not to fall in love with the FJ Cruisers but that could just about take the place of my VW Double Cab and the Rover in one vehicle. The idea of crawling into a vehicle and knowing that you are going to arrive at your destination is such an attractive idea. I must be getting old.

the other Craig

 If you could get a diesel FJ Cruiser with a pop top like the Westfalia campers, I would be in real trouble.

the other Craig