Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck with several innovative and safety features. So far, its 3 generations are available from 1995-2004, 2005-2015 and 2016-onwards.
What Year Toyota Tacoma Parts are Interchangeable? According to our experience, you can interchange different parts of Toyota Tacoma from 2005 to 2015. 2.7L engine is the same in all 3 generations and you can swap it without any modifications. 5-speed manual transmission is also present in model years from 1995 to 2000 and is interchangeable. Suspension systems of 2005 to 2019 models have the same struts, shocks, and leaf but different front coils and you can interchange them.
This truck has a limited number of configurations and upgrades across all three generations. Therefore, most parts between several model years are a direct plug-n-play arrangement.
However, for more sophisticated and advanced components like an engine, transmission system, and electronics, you will need to find an exact match or do some modifications to make them work correctly on your truck.
Engine
The 2.7L I4 4-cylinder engine has been present in all three generations from the 1995-till date with upgrades across generations.
Therefore, you can swap them with any model year. However, in the 2nd and 3rd generation model years, You will need to upgrade the ECU program and other modifications.
You can also swap 2.7L I4 with 3.4L or 4.0L V6 by doing a lot of alterations in mounting struts, radiator, exhaust system, wiring harness, and ECU program upgrade.
Other engine options are 2.4L I4 for 1995-2004 models, 4.0L V6 for 2005-2015 models, and 3.5L V6 for 2016-2021 model year trucks.
In addition, 3.5L is available with variable valve timing control. Therefore, wiring change and ECU upgrade are mandatory for swap besides other modifications.
Transmission system
Toyota Tacoma has a 4-speed automatic transmission (A340E/F) for 4WD and 2WD models compatible with engines with 2.7L I4 and 3.4L V6 engines for 1st and 2nd generation trucks.
Moreover, its variants with and without lockup torque converter are also available. Therefore, you can swap them in any 1995-2015 model with ECU to avoid the check engine light.
5-speed manual transmission R150 with 2WD and 4WD variants is compatible with 1995-2004 models.
You can swap it in the truck with a 3.4L 5VZ V6 engine. The manual transmission will work well without changing the ECU program and wiring. R155 and R156 are upgraded versions of 5-speed transmissions for 2005-2015 models.
A750E/F is a 5-speed automatic transmission that you can interchange in 2nd generation vehicles.
2016-2021 models also have 5-speed manual transmission with 2.7L I4 engine and 6-speed manual (RC62F) and automatic transmissions(AC60E/F) with 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines.
However, you should check their compatibility with 2WD or 4WD before replacement; otherwise, you have to make significant modifications resulting in expenses.
ECU
ECU is a computer module with a specific program to monitor various engine and related system functions. To swap ECU between 2 different model years, you must read its part number and replace it with a matching one.
For example, the 2013 variant with 4.0L V6, 5-speed automatic transmission, and 4WD is interchangeable with the 2014 Tacoma having the same engine, transmission, and drive configuration.
If your vehicle comes with a manual transmission and different drive configuration and you want to interchange ECU from a model year with automatic transmission and upgraded electronics.
You have to do significant wiring changes and bypass the wires for those electronics parts. Otherwise, you will get the check engine light and several error codes.
Doors
Doors of the truck depend on the cab configurations, and their size will vary accordingly for front and rear doors.
However, you can interchange them in the first generation from 1995-2004. Moreover, you can also replace manual doors with power doors as a wiring connector will already be present there.
Try to find the replacement door from as close to the model year as you can because paint colors can be different every couple of years. For example, 1995-1997, 1998-2000, and 2001-2004 have the same design.
You can swap the panels only instead of a complete door in case of a mismatch. If wiring is missing, you can do it yourself for power options.
Like the first generation, doors from the 2nd and 3rd generation are also interchangeable with consecutive model years. There can be differences in handle colors or design in the specific trim levels.
Bumpers
Front bumpers of the 1st generation Toyota Tacoma from 1995-1997, 1998-2000, and 2001-2004 are the same, and you can interchange them.
However, 2nd and 3rd generation trucks are 5-6 inches wider than 1st generation. Therefore, you cannot swap their bumpers without modifications that will not look well.
Rear bumpers for the 2nd and 3rd generation in Tacomas are the same with frame mounts and bolt locations.
However, using 2nd generation on 3rd generation trucks will leave wide gaps between body and bumper due to interference with tail lights. You have to remove some material to make them fit on both pickups.
Fenders
2nd and 3rd generation Toyota Tacomas are wider than the 1st one. Therefore, you have to do modification work to swap fenders across generation model years.
However, it is a doable task and will upgrade the truck’s look to a higher model. But you will not be able to match the body lines between the newer and older vehicle versions. Moreover, marker lights can be different, asking for modification work.
Windows
Window panels in Toyota Tacoma with the same cab configuration are interchangeable. However, you have to check for compatibility between fixed or sliding designs.
Moreover, in the case of power windows, look for electrical wires and make write connections for their proper working.
You can interchange between 1st and 2nd generation models. It also depends on 2 slider panels or 1 panel.
Truck bed
This truck is available in two-bed configurations. Regular and access cab comes standard with a 6-ft long bed, while double cab has both long and 5-ft short bed options.
Both beds have the same width but different lengths and wheelbase. Therefore, you cannot interchange a short bed with a long bed and vice versa.
In the 1st generation, regular cab and extra cab have the same wheelbase with a long bed, and you can interchange them with any model years. While double cabs also have short bed options, and they are compatible with the same size designs.
There is a minor difference in bedside height in 2nd and 3rd generation trucks. However, it is insignificant, and you can swap beds of the same length between any model years from 2005-2021.
Axles
You can interchange the rear axle on Toyota Tacoma 4WD with the same gear ratio and locking or non-locking type.
There is also an electronic locking differential in 2005-onwards models. 1995-2004 Truck axles are compatible with 1st generation models after checking drive configuration and gear ratio.
However, if you connect the rear differential from a 4WD truck in 2WD or a different gear ratio, you will not get 4WD operation during OFF-road conditions.
2nd and 3rd generation axles have an e-locking differential having different mounting points and 5″ more length than 1st generation models. Therefore, you can swap them with 2005-onwards trucks only.
Seats
Seat swap is easy, and you don’t need to match the dimensions for interchange. 1st generation seats are interchangeable with aligned bolt locations on stock sliding rails. In case of misalignment, you can drill holes for new bolt positions.
You can replace their bench seats with comfortable bucket seats to enhance comfort.
You can swap seats between 2nd and 3rd generation models. But be careful in the sense that OEM seats have airbags that you will not work in aftermarket or from other model years.
I have successfully installed seats in my 2015 Tacoma from 2019 model. If you install power-adjustable seats, you will also need to bypass wiring to prevent error codes on the dashboard.
Infotainment system
You can replace the factory radio on your Toyota Tacoma with various aftermarket upgrades or advanced model year trucks. For example, 2005-2008 models have a basic or non-JBL sound system.
You can upgrade it with a new system or modify it by adding new speakers, amplifiers, and adapters to connect with your iPod or android phone.
From 2016-onwards models have Toyota Entune infotainment system to connect with your smartphone.
You can interchange them in the same generation vehicles. You can also add Apple Carplay features in 2016-2019 model vehicles.
Suspension system
You can swap suspension systems from 3rd generation Toyota Tacomas in 2nd generation for better ride control and comfortability.
It will also increase the ride height by 1″, which positively impacts ground clearance and convenience in driving.
You can also upgrade it by buying TRD OFF-road or sport package. I have successfully replaced suspension from 2016 Tacoma with TRD OFF-road in my 2006 model. You have to take care of the right sides of the front coils as they are specific for each side.
You can also borrow suspension parts from 2nd generation Tacoma for 1st generation to add a facelift and prevent sagging while loading.
Instrument cluster
You can swap instrument clusters from 1995-2004 trucks without much modification or wiring work.
You can also interchange it from 3rd generation pickups 2016-2021 in 2nd generation models 2005-2015.
However, you have to go through wiring diagrams and make necessary connections according to the color codes to make it work properly.
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