4cyl for work truck?

Hey guys,

I've been looking to buy a 1st gen 4x4 Taco for work and fun for the last couple of years. So I am finally selling my dog of a work van and ready to pull the trigger. Since I was a kid I've really wanted/loved the look of a regular cab so that's what I've had my heart set on. I will be doing a bit of overlanding and local hunting with my brother in law, but I'm a carpenter and work a lot, so it will mostly be used as a work truck.

My question/concern is if anyone uses a 4cyl for general construction work and found it too underpowered when loaded up with tools? I don't tow and if I ever did it would be a small tool trailer. I don't carry too many tools, but I will need a pretty full tool box for the truck bed, and a small lumber rack. I have a couple of big grades I go up for work sometimes, that I would like to go up at least 60-65 mph, compared to the 40mph limp of the Dodge Van in the semi lane with my hazards on ha! I have read a lot of the 4cyl vs. 3.4 6cyl threads but its usually about towing and haven't been able to find anything on general construction work. I guess I could weigh all my tools I'd be carrying and compare to the load capacity, but again, just seeing if there was anyone out there who uses a 4cyl Tacoma as a work truck in a similar way and can chime in?

If there is a thread that I haven't been able to find on this can someone point me in the right direction?

Much appreciated. Thanks!

 

How much tools do you plan on carrying?

My 2rz 5 lug has always been used to haul dump loads, and friends move ect and I have never had any problems carrying stuff.

the 4cyl platform for 1st gen tacomas is EXCELLENT and reliable.

 

Probably 300 hundred pounds of tools including the tool box weight give or take a 100 depending on what were doing that day, and not including a lumber rack.

 

Easy, 4cyl would be great.

 

great thanks!

 

yes

 

yes meaning too underpowered?

 

yes meaning go for it, the first gen 4cyls are great

 

awesome

 

4 Cylinder Toyota trucks have been the official workhorse vehicle of contractors, gardeners, plumbers, electrician, and tradesmen for over 40 years.

They're plenty capable of anything you need to do. Companies around here like Orkin, Pizza Hut, the East Bay Regional Park District, among other independent contractors exclusively use 4 Cylinder Tacomas.

 

If you can find a 2nd gen regular cab you'll have a more low-maintenance version of the same engine and more room behind the seats / wider cab.

 

They're are kinda hit a late torque band bout 3500rpm. Headers really help. Helps w/ hills so not as much shifting. Drives kinda like a old manual tractor. Lol

 

That's a good point. I'm kinda attached to the 1st gen body style but definitely have been checking out 2nd gens too.

 

ha! Do you have a recommendation for headers?

 

Check out tooter in search page. Hes no longer active but he has dynos before & after. Headers, air intake ( mostly getting rid of that goofy air box on 2nd gen 2tr 2.7l) & muffler swap. The 2tr is generically same engine but a different intake system due to emissions standards

 

awesome thanks

 

Www.lceperformance.com

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kuntrykid-builds-a-taco.406341/

 

been in construction for 35yrs, owned a lot of trucks. 1 thing is for sure, right tool for the right job. haul'n 300 pounds of tools daily is not a problem for the 2.7l, haul'n 2k of mcp or treated pine daily is a problem. small trucks have their pros and cons, if you've been in construction anytime at all you know what im talk'n about, its not a 3/4 ton powerstroke.
you can get a good lumber rack for ~$150. make sure its rated for at least 500# and clears the cab, this will allow you to haul 16' materiel, scaffolding, ladders, etc. i drilled out for ring bolts on my front bumper, helps hold down my kayaks, canoes and long ladders.
the 2.7 is a great 4 banger, great gas mileage (18-23mpg 2wd), dependable and geared right. i would try to find one with X-cab for more storage, reg. cab sucks (im 6'-1") for a work truck and DD IMHO. good hunt'n!

 

Hills are a 4cyl Taco's worst enemy. I've used my 2.7 to haul lots of cement bags, lumber, tools, full beds of compost. The only downside was climbing hills.