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Prerunner "locking" confusion

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by rickcrna, Nov 17, 2012.

  1. Nov 17, 2012 at 8:06 PM
    #1
    rickcrna

    rickcrna [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've been doing some preliminary research on first Taco purchase and I am leaning towards the access cab, 4 cyl, AT, prerunner. My interest in the pre runner is based on the higher stance and thus easier for me to enter and exit the cab. Here is where the confusion comes in. I've also gotten the impression that the prerunner has some capability of locking the rear differential but I don't see anything to this effect on the Toyota "build" website.
    Is this locking feature inherent with the prerunner or is this something that requires after purchase modification later on?

    Thanks for your comments.

    Rick
     
  2. Nov 17, 2012 at 8:43 PM
    #2
    the.sight.picture

    the.sight.picture Wishes he was in the woods.

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    Check out my build thread (Beginning of Money Pit)
    This ^ and what do you want to do with your truck in the long run?
     
  3. Nov 17, 2012 at 8:45 PM
    #3
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    The mechanical locking diff is part of the TRD Off Road package. As far as I know, the TRD packages are still only offered on Access Cab V6 models.

    I think that even the base models have the electronic traction control that can be put into Limited Slip Differential mode. My work truck has that on it, seems to work pretty well, but I'm not going wheeling with it, so don't know how well it would do in a true low traction situation.
     
  4. Nov 17, 2012 at 8:48 PM
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    rickcrna

    rickcrna [OP] Well-Known Member

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    To clarify further, I was looking to add the SR5 package. This truck would not likely be used off road very much if at all. Yes, we get the occasional snow here in the northwest but again, this is an infrequent occurrence.

    It's been really difficult to narrow down the choices in the Tacoma line and feel like one is making the right decision.

    Rick
     
  5. Nov 17, 2012 at 8:52 PM
    #5
    the.sight.picture

    the.sight.picture Wishes he was in the woods.

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    Check out my build thread (Beginning of Money Pit)
    If you are not going to OR. Just get a V6 Sr5 4x4. No need for the extra goodies. Unless you want the seats.
     
  6. Nov 17, 2012 at 9:08 PM
    #6
    rickcrna

    rickcrna [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the feedback so far. So, looks like I am narrowing this down further to be a 4 cyl, AT, Access Cab, SR5 model. As I mentioned initially, I was only looking at the PreRunner for its added height to making entering and exiting the cab easier.

    Since I don't plan on towing much and would like to optimize my fuel economy, the 4 cylinder is probably the way to go.
     
  7. Nov 17, 2012 at 9:33 PM
    #7
    rickcrna

    rickcrna [OP] Well-Known Member

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    According to the toyota website ground clearance for a 4x2 access cab is 8.1 inches and for PreRunners and 4x4 models is 9.3 inches. That is what caught my attention as far as height and ease of getting into and out of the cab.

    Ultimately, I'll have to try them both out and see what best fits the ol' body.
     
  8. Nov 17, 2012 at 9:41 PM
    #8
    davidpick

    davidpick NWXPDTN

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    the ground clearance is roughly the same, but you're right -- the prerunner will have the higher stance of the 4x4 model, making it much easier to get in/out.

    as far as options go, if you're not going for the 4x4, i wouldn't worry about the locker. the locker is generally not a good idea in snow as it can cause very uncontrollable handling. the locker is more for getting unstuck from a low-traction situation rather than long-term driving.

    with a good set of tires, some weight in the bed, and the careful application of the skinny pedal, the prerunner can do alright in the snow, especially as infrequently we in the PNW see it.

    welcome from everett, wa, by the way (i grew up in vancouver -- my parents still live there)!
     
  9. Nov 17, 2012 at 9:53 PM
    #9
    davidpick

    davidpick NWXPDTN

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    nope. locker is for getting unstuck from sticky situations. not for use on roads/highways (and especially turning) where you have plenty of traction unless you like wearing out tires super fast and possibly ruining your diff.
     
  10. Nov 17, 2012 at 10:10 PM
    #10
    Spoonman

    Spoonman Granite Guru

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    4x4>>>>>>>2wd locker
     
  11. Nov 17, 2012 at 10:41 PM
    #11
    rickcrna

    rickcrna [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks to all for the fast responses to my initial inquiry. This forum has an amazing amount of fantastic information from some great folks.

    Rick
     
  12. Nov 29, 2012 at 3:50 PM
    #12
    Greencard

    Greencard New Member

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    If it's a "locker", there'll be a button on the dashboard. I bought a 2003 Tacoma, pre-runner, SR5 with a painted matching camper shell in August - 2.7 with 4-speed (yuk) automatic.....I LOVE IT!!!!! I go out once a week here in Southern Oregon and drive logging roads (don't need 4WD)....have never had any problems, tons of road clearance and I get 20+ mpg........paid $13,500 with 89,000 miles...
    Curt in Medford
     
  13. Nov 29, 2012 at 3:59 PM
    #13
    worthywads

    worthywads Well-Known Member

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    Try out a base model non-prerunner. I'm 6" and have never felt it hard to get in/out because of height.
     
  14. Nov 29, 2012 at 4:29 PM
    #14
    DriverSound

    DriverSound Señor Member

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    Before making your decision, test drive both the 4cyl and the 6cyl to compare. MPG difference on both are not that far apart.
     

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