What would I be missing out on without TRD

I did some research but did not find what I wanted so I thought I'd ask. I am looking at a 1999 tacoma 4x4 v6 SR5. It does not have the TRD package. What will I be missing out on without it?
Thanks for any help.

 

A rear locker! Don't buy!

 

Just get an arb locker and air from ARB.

 

Not to sure with earlier models but is there differences in the suspension?

 

Saw it was 4x4.
You don't need a locker (TRD) but it would be helpful in some situations.

 

You don't need a locker.... until you get stuck in 2WD (and don't have 4WD)!

Since the OP has 4WD, the rear locker will be an advantage if climbing steep, loose, rocky grades, going over deep ruts, deep mud or snow, pulling someone else out... BECAUSE with regular 4WD just one tire in front and one tire in the rear (the ones that spin the easiest) will spin, and the tires that have better traction get nothing. A locker splits the power evenly between the two tires on that axle, greatly improving the odds of you not being stuck or not getting over an obstacle.

TRD before 2005 was OFF ROAD. 2005+ added another TRD, the 'SPORT'. ONLY the OFF ROAD TRDs have the locker.

 

Very helpful, the one time I got stuck I would have been fine if I had a locker. But the regular 4x4 with open diff has gotten me through some very difficult offroading

 

OP, what is your plan for the truck?


The suspension is more plush too.

 

The TRD package is just a sticker and a locker pretty much id personally just get an ARB locker since you can get it set up for the front and rear.

 

It will be primarily used for hunting. So mid level off-roading.

 

Just buy it if you like it. The locker isn't necessary but it is nice. The plush suspension has probably been replaced by now. There's no reason to waste $2500 on lockers that don't engage when you want them too.

 

If you're mostly gon a use it for hunting locker is not that important,
I've. never gotten stuck when hunting and I go down some very serious trails so if you want it get it.

 

Thanks for all of the help guys. I will probably be going to check out the truck sometime next week.

 

I see the TRD package as the Big Horn package on a Dodge. You get a leather wrapped steering wheel for a extra $4000, and some really cool stickers and badge's. Ok, the TRD locker is free for that price,,and you pay for the stickers. (however you want to look at it)

Save your bucks and add on stuff as YOU see fit,,not someone else at the dealer telling you that you need this or that.

I bought from TRD back in the day when they first made available to the public factory racing parts,,and it was almost impossible to get anyone on the phone to talk about what you needed. Ordering lightened and proven racing pistons and cams for a DOHC setup(18RG). It was still a pain,,but you got alot more for your money than you do now.

 

Used TRD rigs are probably about $2000 more than non-TRD. To add an ARB to just the rear of the truck would cost around $1500. Other traction-aiding devices are less than half that.

For just hunting and moderate wheeling, do what I did, put a posi in the back. Works automatically (no air pump, air lines, wires, switches, fuses to fail). I installed a Detroit TruTrac and it made a huge difference in traction.

 

I live to hunt. Look at my avatar. I don't have locker and never been stuck except for 2 ft. Snow. Make sure you inspect frame for rust, and 4WD hi and lo. Just got to use common sense. Truck put jeep wrangler to shame on hunting trail!! Yeah a few hundred lbs. over rear axle in bed and roll on.

 

Thanks for the help guys.
I have another question but am not sure if I should make a new thread so I'll ask here: How much off-road capability would I lose getting a 3.4l prerunner TRD as opposed to a 3.4l SR5 4x4?

 

A LOT... 4WD is a big step above a 2WD with a locker (which is a lot better than a 2WD without a locker).

4WD with a locker is the top (of what the factory provided for the 1st Gen Tacos).

 

Hunting can go from mid level to high level off road pretty fast. If you like to hunt,,and you are out there away from close help,,I would definitely get a 4x4.

 

I've got an unlocked prerunner and did fine at our last time at the hunting property. Now I have new tires and am gonna put in a truetrac, and I think it'll get me through what I need. I look at a prerunner as for someone who offroads very occasionally, not enough to justify a 4x4. Prerunners are very capable trucks if you know how to drive them. But it sucks not having 4x4 when you need it. I would get the 4x4. If you don't do crazy off-roading, look into the truetrac if you find you need more traction