Looking for a unicorn Tacoma, does it exist?

Bogunn said:
This is a very unique project you’ve got yourself on.
Good luck.
I’d go with something a little more powerful and stronger if you’re looking for speed and towing.
That’s not what a Tacoma is known for. They’re ultra reliable and tough but by no means a powerhouse or fast.
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As mentioned earlier, I'm not looking to tow anything real- just haul a dirtbike every now and then, something to carry boxes and equipment... all things that are well within the limits of a Tacoma. As far as speed, I know that a supercharged Tacoma isn't going to win any races, but 250-300 hp in a 3000 lb truck is enough for me to have fun. I'm not looking for the best of the best here, just something I can afford that will get the job done and be fun to drive.
 
4wd said:
Sounds like he wants a little street truck with as much HP & as light duty as he can find, the S-runner is a good suggestion, guess he wants a single cab for weight saving measures...
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That's right! Since posting this thread I've learned about the differences between the 5 lug and 6 lug trucks, and although they did make the combo I was looking for (2wd, manual, regular cab, v6) they were all 6 lug. Apparently the early first gen xtra cabs could be gotten as a 5 lug with the v6 and a manual trans, and are significantly lighter than a regular cab 6 lug truck. The S-runner is definitely a consideration, however they were a little heavier than the early 5 lug trucks.
 
whippersnapper02 said:
What about a Ranger? You can find them in single cab form with the 4.0 V6 and they make a supercharger kit for them.
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I was unaware of the supercharger kit for the ranger, I'll have to look into that. My reason for the Tacoma is that as Bogunn said, they are tough and reliable. I have enough unreliable cars in my life, I'd like my truck to be something that is super reliable. My understanding is that an early 5 lug, Xtracab, 2wd, v6 is a little under 3000 pounds which is light enough for me. I'd love to have the Xtracab if it doesn't add a lot of weight, but I originally read it added like 300 pounds. I really like the first gen Tacoma overall as a truck, I'm just trying to make sure I understand all the different ways it could be optioned so that I buy the spec of truck that is right for me.
 
hambler96 said:
I was unaware of the supercharger kit for the ranger, I'll have to look into that. My reason for the Tacoma is that as Bogunn said, they are tough and reliable. I have enough unreliable cars in my life, I'd like my truck to be something that is super reliable. My understanding is that an early 5 lug, Xtracab, 2wd, v6 is a little under 3000 pounds which is light enough for me. I'd love to have the Xtracab if it doesn't add a lot of weight, but I originally read it added like 300 pounds. I really like the first gen Tacoma overall as a truck, I'm just trying to make sure I understand all the different ways it could be optioned so that I buy the spec of truck that is right for me.
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I got 135K miles from my 03 Ranger. I beat the crap out of it and didn't have any issues that left me stranded. My only issue was the bad clutch throwout bearing design of the Mazda transmission that would give out on a yearly basis.
 
hambler96 said:
I was unaware of the supercharger kit for the ranger, I'll have to look into that. My reason for the Tacoma is that as Bogunn said, they are tough and reliable. I have enough unreliable cars in my life, I'd like my truck to be something that is super reliable. My understanding is that an early 5 lug, Xtracab, 2wd, v6 is a little under 3000 pounds which is light enough for me. I'd love to have the Xtracab if it doesn't add a lot of weight, but I originally read it added like 300 pounds. I really like the first gen Tacoma overall as a truck, I'm just trying to make sure I understand all the different ways it could be optioned so that I buy the spec of truck that is right for me.
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Going into a purchase armed with knowledge. I like it.
 
whippersnapper02 said:
What about a Ranger? You can find them in single cab form with the 4.0 V6 and they make a supercharger kit for them.
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hambler96 said:
I was unaware of the supercharger kit for the ranger, I'll have to look into that. My reason for the Tacoma is that as Bogunn said, they are tough and reliable. I have enough unreliable cars in my life, I'd like my truck to be something that is super reliable. My understanding is that an early 5 lug, Xtracab, 2wd, v6 is a little under 3000 pounds which is light enough for me. I'd love to have the Xtracab if it doesn't add a lot of weight, but I originally read it added like 300 pounds. I really like the first gen Tacoma overall as a truck, I'm just trying to make sure I understand all the different ways it could be optioned so that I buy the spec of truck that is right for me.
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Whip is right, & I'll say that I've owned 2 rangers , one had the 2.8 V6 (carburated) & the other was the 2.9 v6 (first year injected) & motor wise, they were pretty damned hard to kill & the 2.9 v6 had huge amounts of low end torque (2nd gear starts pretty normal) for a v6 the plus side is theres a million of these around, they're cheap & easy to work on, if I wasn't in a tacoma I'd still be in a ranger most likely...
 
What is the difference between a S-Runner truck and a Tacoma that is optioned with the v6, Xtra cab, manual and 2wd? Different shocks? Anything else?
Also when did the Tacoma first get a 6 speed manual transmission, not a 5 speed?
 
OR17TRD said:
That’s a PITA.
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No matter how I drove it, I would lose the clutch. I had to pump the pedal to build pressure after a long enough drive. It would even jump forward when starting even though the clutch was to the floor.

hambler96 said:
What is the difference between a S-Runner truck and a Tacoma that is optioned with the v6, Xtra cab, manual and 2wd? Different shocks? Anything else?
Also when did the Tacoma first get a 6 speed manual transmission, not a 5 speed?
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I think the S Runner was just a body kit package but I'm not entirely sure.

The 6 speed was available for the 2nd gen Tacoma. They are not reliable though.
 
whippersnapper02 said:
No matter how I drove it, I would lose the clutch. I had to pump the pedal to build pressure after a long enough drive. It would even jump forward when starting even though the clutch was to the floor.



I think the S Runner was just a body kit package but I'm not entirely sure.

The 6 speed was available for the 2nd gen Tacoma. They are not reliable though.
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My '86 Ranger did this once & there was a pedestrian walking right in front of me when it happened, the truck lunged forward suddenly & no doubt he was looking for a clean pair of shorts right after...
 
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