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T100 Quality...

20K views 43 replies 18 participants last post by  MoTown  
#1 ·
:) I've owned my '98 T100 now for six months. I am still amazed at the overall quality that this truck posesses. The paint, sheet metal, the fit and finish, to the drive train; all this and more leave me with one big question. Why was the T100 dropped from Toyota's line? Oh sure, everyone says "It died because it lacked a big V8 engine option." But really folks, why did the majority of truck buyers back away from this super truck? I say that the T100 was just ahead of its time. In the litttle town I live in of 2,200 people there is only one other T100 and it too looks like it is in fine condition. Toyota only made 141,531 from 1992-1997. How many are still in use? Is there any way of really knowing??

This is a terrific site and I have learned a lot thanks to all of you. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
MoTown congratulations on getting a T-100.I bouught my 1995 T-100 new. It now has 170,000 miles and have had no major issues, and only a couple of very small ones.
Your right about it being well built. Thanks for the info on the numbers built, I have always wanted to know how many are still out there. I see one from time to time here in New Orleans.
 
#3 ·
Production figures and engine data...

:thumbup: Source for this info came from Hino Motors, Ltd. web site under their company history.
Just do a Google search of Hino Motors and you will find it after some looking.
Interesting story to T100 owners.

:eek: Historic factory production figures for the T100​


1992 - 1,422
1993 - 21,862
1994 - 14,973
1995 - 37,268
1996 - 37,753
1997 - 28,253

Total T100 Production 141,531​



The T100 was built by Hino Motors, Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan​

A subsidiary of Toyota Motor Company​



5VZ-FE ENGINE​

The Toyota VZ engine family is a V6 piston engine series. The family introduced many changes for Toyota, including various EFI, TCCU, and engine improvements from generation to generation.

In general, the VZ family produce large amounts of low-midrange power and torque and are well-suited for various uses in cars, trucks, and SUVs. The blocks are all strongly made cast iron with large interconnected main bearing cradles and 2 bolt main bearing caps. Forged steel crankshafts, and cast iron main bearing support girdles became standard on all with the 3vz-fe. Piston and ring construction are typical parts, with rods varying between large and very large for stock V6 production engines.

The low angle DOHC cylinder heads were designed and mostly built by Yamaha Motor Company or by Toyota under license, and produce a large amount of low-mid torque and power without high rpm valve float.

The 5VZ-FE is a 3.4 L (3378 cc) engine. Bore is up to 93.5 mm (3.7 in) and stroke is 82.0 mm (3.2 in). Output is 190 hp (142 kW) at 4800 rpm with 220 ft-lb (298 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm. It has a cast iron engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads. It uses MFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with bucket tappets and features large cast connecting rods, a one-piece cast camshaft, and a cast aluminum intake manifold.

The 5VZ-FE also continued the 3VZ-FE's trend of being far overbuilt for its intended application. A handful of built versions exceed 900 hp (670 kW), and some stock engines can produce 450 hp (336 kW) or more. This has become a popular engine to consider when doing engine swaps with the availability of the 3.4 L TRD supercharger and custom turbocharger setups.
 
#6 ·
Manufacture dates versus Model years...

The T100's manufactured in 1992 were sold as the 1993 model year and ditto...those made in 1997 were sold as the 1998 model years. In 1998 production was moved from Hino factory in Japan to the new Toyota facility in Princeton Indiana and were then making the all new 1999 Tundra. Remember, the T100 model years were only from 1993 to 1998. The 1999 Tundra made in Indiana had many carry-over parts from the T100, including 5VZ-FE V-6 engine for several more years. I believe the V-6 was the base engine on the new Tundra and a V-8 was an option. My 1998 T100 was made in October of 1997 as per the door frame information. Hino Motor company was founded in 1910 and over the years established a reputation of manufacturing quality trucks. The T100 made by Hino for Toyota exemplifies the Hino quality.

Best wishes to all T100 owners! Long live the T100! :)
 
#25 ·
I am thinking that the Tundra was made starting in early 1999, but badged as a 2000 model, so there was very little time when a big Toyota truck was not available. I would bet in some areas that some of the last of the 98' T100s were lingering around on lots when the Tundras rolled on the lots. My old 2000 Tundra was manufactured in September of 1999.

I almost bought a 96' T100 before I bought my 00' Tundra. I only bought the Tundra because the dealer that had the T100 had give me the run-around.

I can tell you that quality wise, the T100 seems like a much higher quality truck (build quality, etc). My Tundra had 107K and was rattle free, but I tested many Tundras and have heard from others that also said their Tundras had squeaks and rattles, something that most 200K+ T100s do not.


My 1998 T100 was mfg in July 1998 according to the sticker on my door frame.

Edit: IIRC, there was no 1999 Toyota truck. I thought the Tundra came out as a 2000 model.
 
#8 ·
Dates and T100 info...

At some point in time the manufacture of one perticular model year has to end and a new one begins. Some auto makers are really pushing up the dates of their new car introductions. Much too early to suit me! I enjoy reading about the T100 history on the many web sites.

The two web sites noted below are very informative. Take a minute and explore them. Of course there are other sites available too with lots of good info on the T100's.

http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/History/History_tundra.htm
"1998

The world premier of the all new Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck, which is scheduled to replace the T100 when it goes on sale in mid 1999. the Tundra will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) and will be the first Toyota vehicle launched in model-year 2000."


http://www.toyoland.com/trucks/tundra.html
"1999: The Toyota Tundra replaces the Toyota T100

In 1999, the T100 was replaced by the more originally named Tundra (which some say was originally to be called the T150). Built in Indiana with a ladder frame and optional V8, it sold better than the T100 - which had only a V6 and was made in Japan, incurring import duties - but still did not seriously challenge any of the "Big Three." The Tundra was a half-ton pickup with two and four door, regular and access cab models, putting power to the ground through two or four wheels, depending on the configuration. Option packages were Base, Limited, and SR5, but all had the same frame and wheelbase. The V6 was carried over from the T100, along with the two transmissions (five speed manual, four speed automatic), but a V8 was added; there was only one frame and one wheelbase, limiting the number of configurations."
 
#9 ·
Good reading at that site MoTown. That also agrees with my recollection that there was no 1999 model Toyota truck. Toyota went from the 1998 T100 to the 2000 Tundra.

But I am still confused about the numbers of T100s built. Since mine has a sticker date of 0798, there had to be a number of T100s built in 1998 unless those are lumped in with the 1997 figures.
 
#10 ·
gray areas...

speedlever, I agree with you. There are a number of 'gray' areas in regards to the T100 history. I wish there were a complete history in book form, I would buy it!

Also a listing of current available links on the T100 would make for an interesting new thread.

Last week I happened upon this link: http://www1.odn.ne.jp/wanted/Files/EnglishHino.html You'll have to browse it a little. This man was a designer of the exterior of the T100!

Long Live The T100! :)
 
#13 ·
Has anyone noted the information posted above about the T100 5VZ-FE ENGINE - designed and mostly built by Yamaha Motor Company. I lost my source for this info. I would like to learn more about the inclusion of Yamaha and Toyota involvement with this engine. All help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
#15 ·
95 T100 running like new.....

Back on subject of T100 quality......

I am the original owner of a 95 T100 Ext Cab 2WD with 3.4 V6. It has about 132K on it now, still gets 20-21 mpg, little less in winter @ 19 mpg.

Maintenance history: Was in shop back in 98? for the head gasket recall and one time where it was running rough back in 00 - was a cracked spark plug. That's it...........two times in 12+ years.....very reliable. Its never let me down.

I do virtually all of the maintenance - oil every 4-5K, trans drain/refill every 2 yr, coolant drain/refill 2 yr, air filter/plugs at 30-40K, Battery at 5 yr, etc.
Original brake pads and muffler lasted 10+ years.....had them changed last year. Starter, alternator, belts, still original.
Mods: hitch, bed liner and tool box, K&N, different horn, etc.

Done it all in this truck - brought my first son home in it when he was born, remodeled one house and built one with it, 2000 mile+ vacations, moved countless pieces of furniture, lumber, drywall, etc for friends & family, tow a pop-up camper with it, had the bed loaded with black dirt to the axle stops (once in awhile - you push the limits).

The next vehicle will most likely be the new Tundra, 08. I now have 3 kids and will have the need to tow a larger RV. I may shed a tear when I sell her.......
 
#16 ·
T100Kevin

:thumbup:Thank you T100Kevin for your notes on your T100 experiences. From the many threads that I have read in numerous forums, yours too reinforces the general belief that Toyota quality is superb. Certainly some will find a few exceptions to this positive view. As always, regular care and feeding of our faithful T100 will provide us with disirable benefits the majority of the time. Happy Driving!
 
#17 ·
Hey, I'm about to bring my first home in my 96 T00 extracab. What can you tell me about carseat location guidelines from the manual, and your own experience. I bought mine 3 years ago and it didn't have its manual. i thought I could do without as long as I had my Haynes repair manual.. until now.

Much obliged, new father of a baby girl.
 
#18 ·
Congrats mitchblessing on the arrival of your new baby girl. We are out the the 'baby' business a long time ago. However, the manual recomends the best location for the carseat is the back bench seat and firmly secured with the seat belts. I believe the baby should be facing the tail end of the truck just like you would in a car. With three seatbelts for the bench seat probably the center one would be the best. After a few times you will know which one it the best for you. Do a search in the forums to confirm what I am saying. I remember answering a question like this before in the forum after refering to my manual. Best wishes to you and your family!
 
#19 ·
Thanks so much. It's good to get a second opinion, especially from someone that's seen the book. Can't be too safe when it comes to the little ones.
I suppose as the family grows I'll be on to a minivan.. Toyota, of course. Maybe I can avoid that and just upgrade to a 4 door Tundra. Not any time soon on my salary. Good thing they make such HQ vehicles. This one is going to have to last me a while.

Consider this me shaking your hand. Peace, M
 
#20 ·
T100 and fatherhood........

Congratulations Mitchblessing on your new baby girl. I have three of my own - children are a blessing and gift from above - alot of work, but what you get in return is priceless. My little girl is 4 and when she comes running to the door after a long days work and gives you a tight squeeze/kiss and says 'Dada - I missed you' - you'll know what I mean. Best part of my life so far...........

Back on your T100 - looked at the owners manual - nothing too special to point out, always back seat is best - make sure you pull the belt all the way out and hear it clicking as it retracts - this locks the belt in place. Very tight for a rear facing infant seat in back seat, as you must have the front seat(s) up quite a bit. The back seat works great for other typical seats as the kids get older.

My 7 yr son sits in front with a booster seat - theres no air bag on pass side - he thinks hes pretty cool cruising up there - always wants to take the truck. We have a 01 Sienna when we take the whole clan.

Again - Congratulations on your new baby girl.
 
#26 ·
at the time in 03 i could not find a used t100 ANYWHERE here in jax which is a very large city so i bought a new tundra instead , the tundra and the t100 are nothing alike in any way. the tundra is and feels massive while the t1oo feels like a mid size truck. the build quality of the tundra is better than the t100 . mine still drives and feels like a new truck . the t100 just has that old toyota quality/character that we all got used to . they are both amazing trucks but nothing alike in any way except for the high quality
 
#27 ·
Hi im new here

hey guys im new to this forum but my love for my 1998 sr5 t100 is as if its my brother. My father bought back when i was 10 or so i remember having a lot of memories in the truck miss the old toyota pick up but this truck had given me lot of good times. Currently the car has been passed down to me worth every penny in the gas tank. :) Im not gonna drive for long since my pay check cant really handle the price for the gas tank haha im getting a 94 celica as soon as i can find one. I LOVE THIS TRUCK.