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ron_jon
Bone Stock
Posts:1
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| 05/21/2005 9:37 PM |
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I had a chance today to put the new Tacoma 4X4 Quad Cab AT long bed thru some test runs. I must say the truck performed extremely well. I only had two major complaints about it. When stopped on a steep incline the brake must be applied constantly to prevent roll back. The dealer rep. didn't offer a very credible explanation for it. Secondly, I don't know how well this vehicle will fair in an offset frontal crash. There is no metal in either front corners of the truck. Just plastic, glass and wire. Also the skid plate in the front did not connect with any part of the front bumper and left a fairly large gap for rocks, stones, etc. to bounce up and come in direct contact with the radiator.
I am not a truck expert nor highly knowledgable about new truck technology. I have however done space craft mechanism and stuctural design for 20 years and have a California Structural PE. These are my impressions and I'd like to here from others on this subject area. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 05/22/2005 1:05 AM |
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Hi Ron Jon,
You've picked up on a few items that the vast majority of people would probably never even notice. In regards to the 'roll back' on a steep incline, this is particularly normal with nearly every automatic vehicle, unless you were in low-range. If not, then I would suspect the stall converter may be set to a higher-than-normal range.
In regards to the other point... I'm curious as to the type and frequency of off-roading you might expect to do. If you are just interested in an infrequent camping trip, or driving down a fire road every once in a while, I think you'd find it would be nearly impossible for debris to fly forward and upward while you're driving. It can happen, but it would be unlikely.
You're in a bit of luck too, as we just released our '05 Toyota Tacoma review, which can be seen at: http://www.4x4review.com/vehicles/toyota/05-Tacoma.asp
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
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'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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