Figured I would revive this thread a little with my experiences:
I have a 2002 tacoma 4x4 regular cab, 4 cyclinder 5 speed, and added an ATC Bobcat shell about 5k ago.
To get the truck ready I rebuilt the suspension with the 2" Old Man Emu Kit (with Dakar rear leafs), I purchased the D6XL add-a-leaf that is recommend if you are carrying greater than 200 lbs constant load.
- The D6XL add-a-leaf DOES NOT FIT in the Dakar leaf pack as shipped. The center pin hole is too small for the pin in the leaf pack. OME knows this and I was instructed to just "drill it out." I was unsuccessful and the price quote to get it done at a local shop was more than what I paid for the add-a-leaf. I find this to be just plain stupid on the company's part, they intentionally sale you stuff that is not compatible.
- Even without the add-a-leaf the truck does not sag unless the camper is fully loaded with 2 peoples stuff and two bikes hanging off the Thule hitch rack.
- Because of the above, I plan on adding air bags.
To the argument about the 4 cylinder being enough:
Yeah, it is. Is it great? No. I cruise loaded (2 people and stuff/bikes) at 65 mph even though my tires are an inch taller than stock. I live in SW colorado and frequently drive over the high passes. On a really steep grade the 4 banger would only pull 3rd without the camper, it still pulls third with it. Is it slow? Yes, but I still pass VW buses.
I get 20-21 mpg on road trips, and figure the trade is fair for driving slow. If you really just have to drive fast then this set up would make you crazy. If you don't care then the set-up actually has it's benefits. The payload capacity of the regular cab 4 cylinder is the highest of the 4x4 Tacomas by about 18% over the typical V6 trd model, and you get the added benefits of a shorter wheel base.
I plan on building out the interior in a fairly spartan style to save weight, when I do this the air bags and a return to stock tire height are also going to happen, will let everyone know how it pans out.