which model year is best for 2nd gen

I have it. It functions great in soft sand, ice, and snow. Pretty much anything loose, it's good in.

No idea how it compares to the e-lsd. I just don't like any added electronics.

 

If you get a manual transmission just beware of these shit (Luk) brand clutches Toyota used in the factory like my 2007 has. I am about to order a new AISIN clutch to replace this slipping mexican Pos.

 

I have an 08..no rust issues or anything...the only gripe I had with it really was no IPOD connector. The FJ's had them that year I never saw why they didn't put them on tacomas...but they did put them on the 09's...

 

I have a Truck with mechanical LSD and Wifes truck with E-LSD (VSC/TRAC/ATRAC/ALSD)
I take mechanical Limited slip over electronic junk anyday. Its much safer on icy roads. Its Predictable, not affected by temperatures or which way wheel is turning. When weather gets really bad we take my old fashion vehicle.

 

Wait... The X-runners have the mechanical LSD in them? I guess I could see that but I didn't know that. haha

I have all the fancy electronic stuff on my 05 and I have a fancy switch I wired in that gives me Trac in 2wd (basically E-LSD) and it works good off road, but seems to be utterly useless on dry pavement. I've only tested it lightly a couple times on dry pavement but I roast one of my tires rather than the system correcting that. The 09+ system maybe more responsive since it is designed to function in 2wd whereas I rigged up the 4Hi system to work in 2wd.

 

My info is false. It also says I have a transfer case (4x4) and a thermonuclear fusion engine... lol

 

Ah! I missed the thermonuclear part. haha I saw the "transfer case mod" part but just assumed you added in a transfer case. I've seen a thread or two on people converting Pre-runners to 4wd's. haha

 

To call it a "grocery getter/family van" is a pretty gross exaggeration. Browse my pictures and you'll see plenty of off-road shots. I would assume your comment is just trying to get a rise out of me. But then I would also assume a LEO would spend a decent amount of time at vehicle accidents and would appreciate the leaps and bounds made in safety and keeping people alive. Also, the vocal minority do not make up for the thousands of members of this site. I would be willing to bet, don't worry we will never know, that 95% of all the miles driven by every member on this site are on paved roads. Something a lot of members here tend to forget ..

I would also say that 100% of my off-roading adventures begin on pavement with my wife and kids and end at my destination with my wife and kids. Getting there safely is much more important.

 

I would say 08 and under would be best. VSC started in 2009 (along with camera) and smog pump thingymajiggy under the hood in 2012.