DaveS

First off im coming from the Jeep community (time to get flammed). I still own my 98 XJ on a 5 inch Rubicon Express lift and LOVE it. However, Ive always had a soft spots for yota's. I recently found a 1995 T100 Ext Cab 4x4 with 210k on the odo and the guy offered me a straight trade for my cherokee. What should I look for in the yota? What tends to go bad in them? Hows the cost of ownership? I know I can beat on my jeep time and time again and never really have to make repairs other than preventative maintenance. Im also new to IFS vehicles, I realize their offroad ability is somewhat limited, this truck would be more of a commuter that I may throw a decent suspension lift on and maybe some 33s. Any input is appreciated!

MaK92-4RnR

couple things.

the jeep is going to be more capable than that T100... T100s are mid sized, so they're a bit bigger than normal. alot of people have built the t100 to be a wonderful wheeler, but it takes work and fab. no one really makes bumpers for them. sliders are universal, so easy to find a set in that department.

They have the classic 86-95 suspension, which is limited to mods. you can SAS them pretty easily, but require a bit more work than a normal truck since their frame is wider.

getting 33s is easy, you can fit 33x10.50s stock on these trucks. you can do ball joint spacers, shocks and an AAL in the rear to clear 12.50s no problem.

the 95 should have the 3.4 v6. which is practically bulletproof. What tranny is in it?

DaveS

Unsure of the make etc of the tranny but its an auto tranny.
Im looking at making it more of a trail runner not a crawler like my rokee'.
Just something thats able to pick up lumber, haul my camping gear, and get through trails, creek crosings, etc...

MaK92-4RnR

dont get me wrong, it'll wheel just fine. but its just a big bigger than the yota's of the same age. not exactly the most "popular" of toyota's since its tundra size. and they dont come with the coil / rack & pinion suspension like the tacomas.

donomite49

you can check out blazeland or total chaos long travel suspension and find out what ifs
can do.

i'd put a locker in the rear first.

t 100's are nice, lots of room. i guess the worst thing about them is they only made them a few years, limited parts.

you can search yotatech and find out how to mod it how you want.

DaveS

I mean I know you guys are prolly pretty partial but is it a decent trade? IF you google Project Dark Elite youll find my build thread over on Cherokee Forum....also is 210 reaching the point where I should start being concerned about the high mileage?

donomite49

what engine 3.0 or 3.4?

yotas will go high mileage no prob. my 22r went 264k, ran great when i swapped engines.

pics?

Spazzcdnm

iTrader: (1)

Unless the T100 is pretty amazing, I would honestly just keep the heep 'ahem' I mean jeep . That thing is CLEAN!

250000_yota

I know I'm gonna get flamed for this, but none of the previous posters are T100 owners.

Honestly, keep your Cherokee. It sounds like you put a lot of blood sweat and tears into it. You'll be starting over with a much less capable platform. Parts are difficult, as you'll be looking at other models to try and find which parts will fit. Anything bigger and you'll be looking at fab work.

SAS would also be difficult, compared to a pickup or 4runner, as youll again have to look at other vehicles for the axle, as the T100 is a much wider truck. Most that I've see used Dana 44s or larger.

All I'm saying, is that as someone who has been down this road, think about it long and hard.

DaveS

I hear ya. Ive always had a soft spot for yota's specifically t100's as my buddy had a forest green one in high school. The yota is in pretty decent shape other than a dent in the drivers side bed near the rear and a busted tail-light (both which occurred in the same incident). Here is the add for the t100.....
http://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/3299128372.html

DaveS

Also im not sure if a SAS would really be in my plans for the near future..Id really probably just want a mild lift (maybe a 4 inch) and some 33s. Its not going to see the rocks like my cherokee does. I also found this lift kit.. seems awfully cheap..I know I paid around a grand for everything in my 4.5 inch cheorkee lift. here is the link to the lift i found...
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/toyota4_T100.htm

250000_yota

I'm not trying to dissuade you from a T. I love mine to death. I just wanted to make sure you were well aware the limitations that this truck has. They have the potential to be great.not alotof people see that. The biggest limit is the availability of parts. I've got parts for early pickups, tacomas and tundras on my truck. It just takes patience and research to build these trucks. Just to give you a little idea, check out my build thread. It's in my signature below.

DaveS

Looks good. Im starting to shy away from the deal...the dent in the bed is a turn off..along with it needing tires.

DaveS

So another offer came to the table.. a 97 SR5 4runner with 210 on the 3.4L... pretty mint condition other than some paint fading on the hood, new tires..plus 500 bones... opinions?

Spazzcdnm

iTrader: (1)

pics? Link?

DaveS

No link, still trying to find the pics..well a buddy of mine ended up buying that same t100 I was looking at.. 10 miles down the road the rad exploded. He is putting in a new rad, and then me and him are going to talk about a trade for the t100 and possibly a grand for my cherokee.