I still have my 2003 Chevy S-10 CrewCab LS 4x4 ZR5 with add ons beginning with Rough Country 6inch TD suspension lift Performance Accessories 2inch body lift riding on 31x10.5R Dakota Definity Mud Tires mounted on stock 15x7 wheels, next step different wheels and tires with 33x12.50R 15 tires mounted on 15x10 wheels last and final step will be a solid axle swap Dana 44 front and rear both with lockers riding on Nitto Recon Grappler 325x65R18 mounted on Moto Metal MO970 18x10 wheels which I already have, I am just going thru the steps, having fun along the way, until the Good Lord calls me home.
The S10 and ranger were definitely segment leaders. Both fantastic trucks. Tacomas were over priced and under equiped, and the 3.7 in the dakota didnt compete with the 4.3 or 4.0 in the bowties and blue ovals. The Toyota v6 was reliable enough but lacked low end torque, that engine was better suited in a sedan or crossover.