Dumb Question- Model Identification

That title gets my attention all the time...lol

I am a caretaker for a Toyota Tacoma (I do not not own it nor did I buy it) but I am really confused about model names.

The VIN seems to indicate Pre-Runner (according a web page I looked at) and it says "TRD" on the bed sides and it's 4WD with 6 lugs per wheel. I am told Pre-Runners are NOT 4 wheel drive. It's also a 6 cylinder.

It's a 2005 so what I found says it's a second generation.

Please help me understand the models and what I am taking care of.

Thanks

 

that makes absolute no sense if the VIN indicates prerunner then it should only be 2WD unless the owner of it did a 4x4 conversion 05-14's are 2nd gens and generally the V6 tacos come with the 6 lug pattern

 

No conversion. Don't know if the VIN site was accurate either. There is definitely a drive shaft on the front. Has ABS too.

 

All 4x4 and Prerunner Tacoma Trucks have the 6 lug pattern.

If it has a front drive shaft it is a 4x4 and is Not a Prerunner.

A Prerunner 2x4 has the same configuration as a 4x4 with the exception of the front drive components.

 

The VIN site could be wrong.

PreRunner models have a "PreRunner" badge above the "SR5" badge on the right side of the tailgate:

 

Not easier than 4x4 mudflaps ? No Prerunner owner would be that dishonest, would they? lol..

 

Replying to multiple posts

No shift knob besides stick for manual transmission. There is a rotary switch I hadn't noticed before for the transfer case (H2, H4, PUSH and L4 are the positions). I have only driven the truck about 20 miles in three different trips.
Front wheels definitely have a drive shaft with a male spline connecting the wheel flange on the front bearing.

Again badging says "TRD Off Road" on the side. Says "V6 SR5" on the back.

So that means it's a Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD? Not an X-runner, Pre-runner or base model?

 

It could have been hit in the back, or the tailgate stolen, and the shop that did the replace/repair didn't know what badges to use so they used them all. If it was wrecked, they most likely had to replace the bed side decals.

Since the bumper is chrome, I am guessing SR5 or TRD Off Road, but something is fishy here if the VIN says PreRunner. Since the OP is asking, I am guessing that they smelled something fishy as well.

 

Not lowered either. Is a 4WD model called "Base"? Very likely the the Vin check site was wrong or I miss-read it.

It was purchased from a Toyota dealer as a used vehicle. Hard to imagine it was a wreck but a tailgate getting replaced is likely IMHO. The dealer does have a good reputation.

 

I'm confused by you saying you're a caregiver for a Tacoma. What does that mean?

It is not a Prerunner, so erase that from your mind. It's a Tacoma SR5 with the Off-road package. Which includes updated seats depending on year I think A-Trac rear E-locker. Also depending on year reverse camera inside auto dimming mirror, and overhead temp gauge. I think that's about it.

Also curious, why are you asking?

 

Truck belongs to a family member who is not available for a while. That's all I can say, it's a private matter. I am doing some needed work on it in the mean time.

Thanks for the answer. When I look for parts on-line at sites like Amazon and select Tacoma there are only 3 sub categories, Pre-Runner, X-runner and Base. A little different at rockauto, just select Toyota and get engine size and 2/4WD options and see parts listed all kinds of different ways. Very confusing. Never seen any selection for SR5.

I couldn't tell what wheel bearings to buy so I went local with the old one in hand to make sure. Wheel bearings in and now I can see it needs tie rod ends.

 

Uh oh. Doing time! J/K!

Anyway ,yeah websites are strange with that. Anyone I have been on has been like that. I don't know why the don't break it down a little more.

As far as the wheel bearings, think they are all the same, no? Maybe the 5 lug and 6 lug might be different, but I'm not sure. I have no idea though.

 

I meant for 2nd gen. Sorry. Are they all the same?

 

Ok.

 

Complete hub assembly, if you want to go this route too.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...s-4x4-sale-complete-best-price-ever-save.html

 

TRD Off-Road wouldn't have the SR5 badge. Me thinks the best course of action would be to contact a dealer and have them run the VIN. The owner of this vehicle obviously did a lot of modifications.

 

My off-road had the SR5 badge also.

 

Yes my 09 4x4 OR had an SR5 badge on it as well.

 

I bought two Moog bearing hubs and pressed out the old flange and reused them. Yea, I know what I'm doing with bearings.