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Well except for the head gasket problem, I can't image a much stonger stock set-up than the V6, 3rd gen pick-ups (89-94.5 I think). The newer tacos have the weaker rack and pinion steering and the frame is not fully boxed. The older 4 cyl trucks have a little weaker differental and gears but they did have a solid axle up front for a big plus there.


I do not know if this the "best" that Toyota has ever built but it sounds like exactly what you need. I have towed 3000+ # at highway speeds (75mph) for 2+ hours at 4,000 RPM and the truck has not missed a beat. Short of the standard Toyota driveline issues (rear axle seals leaking, carrier bearing wearing out, burt exhaust valves) I would say that this set-up is bullet-proof.

2000 Ext Cab SR5 4WD 2.7L 5-speed.