Step-side Tacoma? Did I just see a unicorn?

Driving today and saw this 1st gen singlecab longbed. Never seen a Tacoma w/ step-side bed before. How common are these?

Edit: Sorry for putting in 2nd Gen Forum. Messed up when posting.

 

rare bird

 

From Mexico I think.

 

very rare. I don’t remember the count but they are very uncommon.

 

I’ve always liked these! And thank god they gave them regular tail lights, unlike that abomination that is the step-side Tundra

 

Stepsides are like vanity boxes. Sacrificing function for form on a vehicle designed to get stuff done. I just don't see the appeal. My.02.

 

If you think that is rare, you should check out this guy! He found one of these and LS (technically an LM7/Vortec 5300) swapped it. The entire series is very interesting and well documented.

https://youtu.be/ZRewZb8naGg

 

Yeah those Tundras were UGLY.

 

I never knew they made a stepside Tundra. Googled it. :barf: WTF were they thinking?

I've seen a few of the stepside Tacomas.

 

There's one in my garage, but I made it so. Lunar Mist Metallic too.

put the old bed to use too.

 

Dude, nicely done


There's a stepside Tundra and maybe 2 or 3 stepped Tacos around where I'm at. See them every now and then.

 

Do the rear wheels stick out farther on the step-side tacos?

 

I had one, 2003 or 2004. Loved the truck but hated the stepside, thought it would grow on me over time but just couldnt get past it so I sold it. Wish I still had it, I would just swap a new bed on.

 

no, not at all. both beds are the same along the wheel arch.

 

Someone was doing just that - swapping a step side for a fleet side bed. I had a rusty bed, so grabbed the step side at a good price. 10 bolts, a plug, a ground, 4 screws & 3 friends later bed swapped. So easy.
I have a fleet side Tundra for moving stuff, so the reduced bed doesn't matter on the Taco - it's for fun in the woods.

 

I remember seeing these around.

 

I only remember seeing one in my area, when I first saw it I thought I was seeing things. Later found it was an old boy I had gone to school with 40 yrs. ago. Same color & stuff as the 2 pictured here. Would be very interesting to know % that were step sides. Pretty dang low I'd expect.

 

I just looked it up and apparently only 2000 were made

 

For some the look is desirable. And as to loss of bed space it’s really not useable space for large items. The bed length and distance between wheel wells is the same.

I used a stepside as a work truck for several years. Maybe I’m different but I liked the step for reaching into the tool box and bed.

 

in case anyone wants one that’s a 5 lug. There was 4wd with the 4 cylinder and step side for sale in pdx not long ago. Feel like it was a high price so I’m surprised it sold.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/d/portland-2000-toyota-tacoma-sr5/7259520639.html