Being a toyota virgin, I have some newbie related questions. I have narrowed the field to Tacos and t100s. The extra cargo room is more appealing to me in the T100.
That being said, that is where I am leaning. What I am looking for is some help from the experienced. What are target areas I need to ask about, personally inspect, or assume broke/fix? Any particular year(s) better than others? From some research, I know of the toyota head gasket recall, various dash sqeaks, wheel bearings, timing belt/water pump. Can anyone add to that?

Also, I am assuming I will find 1 with the crappy bench seat(IMHO). I saw a guy on this forum replace his with older camry seats, with some modifications. Are there any bucket seats that are plug and play with the T100? Or should I just get recaros because I am going to have to hack them in anyways? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Any help you give this newbie is MUCH appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

-keir

sorry, we only accept questions from newbies with bewbies. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

find a 1997 or 1998 SR5 with bucket seats. It is not impossible. You did not mention 2wd vs 4wd. cracked axle housings under the spring perch are not uncommon and broken flex plates on auto trans can happen. you can't really know about the flex plate until it goes unless you want to remove the tranny. it is easy to check the axle housing. see my write up on the head gasket on erikb's site. i found my brother a 1998 SR5 with buckets and 60K miles, so you can surely find something. clutch bracket can fail on a 5 speed, so inspect that. i think that is about it. maybe the spot welds under the hood as well. nothing earth shattering.

Sorry, no boobies on this cat. Although, with weight gain imminent, I could oblige. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />
4x4 is a must. Minnesota winters would be no fun without! Also needed for a hunting rig.
Why a '97-'98? Any particular reasons? Are they the only years with buckets? Could I find a wrecked T' and plug 'n play in the buckets?

I found this one relatively close to my area:

'96 Sr5 137k $7900
"Engine is 3.4 litre V6 and transmission is automatic with shift on the fly 4WD. Other options include fibreglass topper, bed liner, 12disc CD changer and towing package. The interior is in excellent condition and the brakes have just been done including new rotors. -- Large Michelin Tires have plenty of tread. -- Exhaust replaced 2yrs ago.-- Tabs due Dec 2K4 -- Runs excellent, no leaks, no rust -- Maint records available "

Thanks!
-keir

One other area to watch on 4x4s is the 'ADD' system - electric solenoids coupled with vacuum actuator on the front diff. ADD has been known to crap out (all it takes is a pinhole in a vacuum line.) Easy to disconnect the ADD and replace front hubs with manual versions by Warn (new) or Aisin (used/rebuilt.)

97-98 were the only years with buckets. you can plug and play but all teh holes are not there. i did it. you have to do some drilling even if you get OEM T100 buckets. all the other buckets are definite drilling and modifying.

the 97 and 98 are also the only ones that the sc will work to full potential , so if you ever want to get the sc , thats the only way to go , there is a compnay making seat brackets to fit the t-100 and i cant remeebr the name of them , i havenot seen anyone else use them , so they may not be the correct ones .
toyota bracket for seats
now as far as i can see these are for corbeau seats only , but id bet it would be easier to build a backet for other less expensive seats to fit those sliders

airrikk17

While I never trust anything that says 'universal fit'... Just saw this on ebay the other day... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

i do like those seats , id make them fit if they were a different color , maybe black and grey or blakc and blue .

the link i left , i tohught it was for direct fit not universal , do a search on the web iste and it should be in there .
airrikk17

Yeah, the link you posted was for an exact fit; Those TRD seats on ebay aren't... Probably just a direct replacement for those who already have buckets.

have you considered uzombie's T100? he already fixed all the known glitches and has all the toys already on it. just a thought. you can always put your own buckets in it.