What is my Tacoma 4cyl 2x4 good for?

I have a 02 Tacoma SR5 PreRunner 4cyl, 2x4 and was wondering why have a 4 wheel drive suspension if I don't have 4 wheel drive? I bought it because I think they are the most dependable compact trucks on the road and I like the way the PreRunner looks. But is the 2x4 even with the 4x4 suspension useful? What do I gain by having it?

The 4cyl seems to have adequate power on the road, for me at least, but how will it perform towing a light trailor with maybe a riding mower or motorcyle? I have had a 600lb motorcycle in the bed and it seemed to be adequate. Is it worth me getting a tow package added or will I be wasting my money? Any insight to what exactly I have would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

The prerunner had 4x4 suspension, and a locker, which makes it more offroad worthy than a reg 2wd tacoma with open diff. Welcome to TW!

 

I thought only the 2.7 had locking diff. I think mine is the 2.4L unless all PreRunners in the 4 cyl are 2.7....??

 

I thought the prerunner only came in a 3rz... anyway. Pretty sure you have a locking diff, but what the hell do i know. Wait till someone else chimes in.

 

02 4 cyl Prerunners had the 2.7L. Locker only came with the TRD off-road pkg.

2.4 was on std 2 wheel drive 4 cyl. Tacomas.

 

Forgot to mention my Tacoma is the TRD.

 

Its got 4x4 suspension without the 4x4 driveline because its a PreRunner. In desert racing, the teams have 2 trucks. One that is a 4x4 that they use for the actual race and other that is identical to the race truck, other than the fact that its not a 4x4. It is used to practice or, "pre run" the course and that is where the concept of a PreRunner comes from.
In the case of Toyota, the appeal of a PreRunner is for someone who likes the taller stance of a 4x4, but doesnt use 4-wheel-drive enough to justify spending the money for it.
For someone who lives in a place that doesnt have snowy winters and doesnt need a 4x4, but still wants a truck that looks like a 4x4, the PreRunner is a good option.
Whats the sense in paying $5,000 more for a 4x4 and dealing with the potential added long-term maintenance of you dont use it?
Also, for people that do mild off-roading (where they need the added ground clearance but dont really need a 4x4) a PreRunner is another good option.
PreRunners are actually pretty capable off-road. With the rear locker, they will go 90% of the places that a 4x4 will. Obviously, when you start getting into the serious stuff, such as rock crawling or deep mud, you need the added traction of a 4x4, but for a lot of people, the PreRunner is all they really need.

 

And for older guys like me, the added height makes it easier to get under on a creeper

 

The e-locker was not included in the TRD Off Road Package on 199X-2004 4-cylinder automatics. The locking differential by itself was not offered as an option on 4-cylinder automatics, either ...

 

Or go back and get a 4X4?