Is locking diff worth upgrade to TRD from SR5 for 2WD?

Hi All,
New to the forum here. I'm extremely excited about finally getting into a Tacoma (my dream truck). I've payed my dues with a 4 cyl ranger reg cab for over 5 years, and I hope to be pulling the trigger on a new 2012 Double Cab V6, sometime in the next couple of weeks. I live in Florida, so I've decided on 2wd for sure. However, I wanted to get some opinions on TRD vs. SR5. The only reason I feel I would opt for the TRD is the locking rear differential. I duck hunt and fish, and that sometime requires launching a small trailer in some muddier areas. From you guys' experience, how much difference does it make to be able to engage the locking diff in mud or sand situations where a normal 2WD would have gotten stuck? Would it justify the extra ~$1700 bucks? Also, is there no way to get the off-road TRD, and the hood scoop?

Many thanks for any feedback in advance, and I look forward to being a contributing member!

 

Difference in MSRP between 4x4 SR5 and Prerunner TRD Off Road is only $520, may want to get a 4x4 if you can negotiate a reasonable deal.

For a RWD truck's locker to have any effect, you are depending on the ground traction to differ significantly within a span of 4-5 feet. On a slippery boat ramp a rear locker won't make much of a difference.

No way to get the hood scoop on TRD Off Road unless you do a hood swap yourself - won't be cheap because 2012 aftermarket body panels aren't common yet. There are stick-on scoops, which arguably look better than the tiny "slit" on 2012 trucks. Note the scoop costs more than 2005-2011 aftermarket hoods.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300487417095

 

Welcome. TRD offroad does not have the scoop. Scoop is for looks only it does nothing but look cool. As for diff locker I like mine. I was driving out of a wash or dry creek bed and had 1 rear tire about a foot in the air. I think the locker really helped me get over the 3 foot side of the wash. Also went up some pretty steep bumpy uneven hills with no probs. It depends on what you do but I suggest getting it if you can afford it. You may wish you had later.

 

I agree $520 for 4X4 would be good.

 

SR5 4x4!

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. That's a good point on the 4x4 just being ~500 extra. I'm a bit hesitant to go with the 4x4, because of the impact it would have on gas mileage (albeit slight). Even 2 mpg, on average, difference would have a pretty significant impact over the course of 5 years, as prices climb. KenLyns made a great point about the locking diff and the 4-5 foot span, I think in 90 percent of cases I wouldn't be in terrain that made the locker useful.
Anyways, I guess I still have some debating to do :/


Thanks, everyone. I'll be reporting back, hopefully in a couple weeks with pics of the new truck!!

 

My DCLB 4X4 gets better average MPG than my previous AccessCab PreRunner, although most of that is due to the auto transmission being better geared than the manual. Point is the added components of the 4X4 doesn't really effect fuel economy that much.

Believe me (and the countless others on this forum that have made the same mistake), if you have the slightest inkling that you might make use of a 4 wheel drive truck, GET IT! Don't "settle" for a PreRunner. It will cost you more later when you realize you made an egregious error and have to trade up to a 4X4.