I was in an accident back in January (front end collision with a cop). I had $2900 worth of damage including a bent frame. Shortly after getting it back from the body shop, my steering became relatively stiff, and then it would loosen, then stiffen. It got to the point (about a month ago) where I could barely turn the wheel. I assumed it was the power steering pump as I could see signs of a leak around it, so I purchased the pump, took it to my mechanic, he put it in, and calls me up to tell me it didn't do a thing. We get to thinking, and come to the conclusion it could be the steering rack ($900 from Toyota, but I found it MUCH cheaper). Dropped the truck off 2.5 weeks ago, my mechanic took his sweet time (another irritation), and then calls me up the other day to tell me it's done. I pick it up to find my steering wheel off center, my SRS light on, a spring like sound in the steering column when turning, and none of my steering wheel stereo controls work. I take it back to him stating that I think the clock spring cable is broken. He reluctantly takes it apart, and sure enough it's broken (another $230 part), but he agrees to eat it since it was his fault. In the meantime, he has me test drive it to check the steering wheel alignment. The alignment was good, but my steering was still relatively stiff and I would encounter loose spots through the turn. He said he checked everything out in the front end as he pulled the rack, and all steering components are good. I'm to the point that I'm not going to let this truck nickle and dime me to death, and I will wait to get it back from the shop and get some good road time on it, but I'm about ready to cut my loses, and drop it. Sorry, had to vent. It's been a frustrating few months. Any recommendations for a replacement:p?
The new Sierra's are actually one of the few fullsizes I like the looks of...actually looks like a truck...it's a GM product, though:DUnfortunately, a new Tundra (which is one of my top choices) won't fit in my garage Not sure I want another Tacoma since I want a little more cab room. The frustrating thing of it all was the accident wasn't even my fault. The car that caused it was untouched.
Yep, have that planned. I'm going to have our Auto Tech teacher take a look at it, and put it on his alignment rack to see how close to spec it has held or can be held.
Matt - I really like my Nissan so far, I've put about 22k miles on it since I bought it (50k almost exactly now) and the only thing that's been a problem is the cruise control switch. I did have a little issue with the hub on the front, but that was my fault completely. I'd buy another one, and they are MUCH less expensive used than comparable Toyota's. I have the King Cab on mine (half suicide style back doors) on mine, and there is a TON of room in there, plenty for a child seat in the back. Only thing I'd recommend if you are looking, is don't get one with the big tow package unless you are really going to use it. My main fishing partner has one without this package, and he gets 4ish mpg better than I do. The final gearing is very different and it's the only thing I regret with getting my specific truck. I'm getting 13ish around town, and 15 on the highway, while he gets 16ish around town and 19ish on the highway.
I like the power available in the Titans for sure. The MPG has always been a scary factor since Titan's are notoriously at the bottom of the scale of the 1/2 ton market in terms of MPGs. I'm not familiar with the rear axles on them. What are the two ratios?
The Big Tow package comes with 3.36:1, the regular ones come with 2.94:1. Truthfully, some of the gas mileage loss I see compared to his might be my tires, I've got General Grabber AT2's, while he has the stock road friendly tires. Mine are necessarily larger, but I'm sure the tread and extra weight don't help.
Yeah, no matter what I go with, I'll have ATs on. I hate highway tires on a truck. I was really surprised at the low ratios, but a little searching turned up your significantly lower first gear ratio, so your 2.94 comes out similar to a "traditional" 3.73.
Any Fullsize or even Mid'size is more than capable of towing anything you hook it up to and they are all relatively going to show the same results in the gasoline world. IMO if Towing in an issue, buy a diesel. I just bought a '05 Dakota this week (yes I know it's a Dodge) with a 4.7 V8 with the towing package and 3.55 gear, and while that's a small V8 I've only had roughly 2,000lbs on it(so far) and while on tow/haul I never knew it was there and getting around 13mpg. IF your going to be pulling cattle, cars, goosenecks and what not buy a diesel, other wise any gas model will work. And If I'm not mistaken the Titan Although an awesome looking truck, Falls way behind the competition as far as full size capabilities. While the Tundra and 6.2 liter GM leads the pack for now. Sorry about your Tacoma Matt, those are some of the sweetest looking trucks, especially when Lifted w/some Nitto's .
That sucks! Will the insurance cover any of the future repairs since its not fixed? From one tacoma owner to another, i hope it gets fixed. I'd be lost without my quad cab
Insurance covered the $2900 worth of damage, but I took it to an independent shop to have the work done, therefore any problems discovered after the assessment come out of my pocket. It was a combination of a risk I took to save some money by going to an independent shop and the fact that Allstate-s assessor was severely incompetent that has put me in this situation unfortunately.
I know quite a few of you guys on here have F-150s with the 5.4. Are you averaging more than 15mpg with 3.73s?
Breaks this MI guys heart to see a busted up Toyota(I am glad you're ok) I have never been a Dodge fan, but being they have new owners, things have changed. I got a full size Ram cheaper than I could have got a Dakota. GM's new CEO is a good cat, don't count them out. I am not a fan of most of today's CEO's because they do not get it. GM's CEO was at the Toledo plant in OH getting a tour of the place. He did not annouce he as coming or have the usual group of lackies with him like other CEO's. He showed up and ask to see how the operation works. I still have many friends at the Toledo plant. Just be sure the yota can stop
Believe me, I'm still thinking about replacing it with another. Time will tell. Hopefully the thing is out of the shop this week.
