deciding on model

Well ladies and gents, I've been on the forums for about a month now, mainly reading and trying to learn! So anyways, I'm pretty close to purchasing my tacoma now, I'm starting to take into consideration picking up a 09 if the price is right, but I'm still looking for a 2010. Now being a sports car guy, I've never really done any offroading, but I'd like to get into that scene. I've read that if I plan on not doing a lot of offroading, I should go with the sport. Likewise if I plan on getting aftermarket suspension. I was originally looking at getting the offroad for the few extra goodies it comes with. I do, however, plan on eventually upgrading the truck and tuning it as I have done with all my previous vehicles. I plan on taking the truck offroad at least two whole weekends evry month. I suppose I'd like to get your opinions on the best course of action to take? Thanks gents.

Tom

 

Since you plan on wheeling it--Trd Offroad 4x4 . Not sure what kind of terrain you plan on wheeling it in, but the 4 wheel drive and locker will definitely come in handy.

 

Haha, well honestly, i can't tell you what terrain either! I'm sure the basic offroading that California has to offer. I don't plan on turning my truck into a huge rock crawlin rig. I'm sure the type of wheelin' i want to do, is quite timid by some of everyone elses exploits offroad! The truck is going to be a DD and a sportbike hauler, and military gear hauler, so i don't think anything will get too out of hand! I'm seeing alot of people go with three inch lifts out there. I've read a bit on the whole "lifting things you need to know" unfortunately alot of it is gibberish to me! I'm used to learning about things to make my vehicle go faster! For a basic weekend warrior goin down dirt trails and over some rutted roads and hills and what not...what kind of a suspension package would you guys recommend for me? Like a full kit, everything i'd need for it to be reliable and a DD. I'd figure something like a 2 or 2.5''?

 

just make sure you get what YOU want.

 

If i had to chose a model, i would go with jessica alba

But i found the sr5 had everything i needed, and im not afraid to take it off roading.
Just didnt need a locker or a hood scoop

 

Honestly, go with the the TRD Off-Road since you're planning on taking it out. Cali has a lot to offer, like Arizona right next door... and you're better to have the locker and never need it than not have it and really wish you did have it. That said...

If you want to do a TRD or URD supercharger or other performance mods... the Sport's LSD would probably be more valuable, and the LSD can help you out a bit (plus the 4wd) out on the trails you'd probably be doing. I bought my TRD Off-Road PreRunner thinking I might do a few light trails.... now I'm hooked and beat myself up all the time for not getting 4wd. It's a way different experience than the sports scene, but in a lot of ways it's just as, if not more challenging to drive.

If you're going PreRunner... and want to do trails, definitely get the Locker (off-road). Doing 4x4... you'll probably do fine with either. Also the color matched panels on the sport aren't that big of a deal imo, for about $600 you can swap the front grill and rear bumper and you're damn near done (unless you want the hood, matched mirrors, ect... all little stuff).

 

Thanks for the helpful advice bro. I was lookin at the OR originally, just wanted a little bit of re-assurance from my fellow forum friends before i get around to pullin the trigger!

 

No problem. I will say coming from sports stuff myself (awd vr4's, G35, ect) running an open diff truck is a bit of a shock... but I got used to it pretty quick lol. (note, the trd off-road e-locker is normally open, unless you lock it... and only do that on a surface that will allow slip)

 

Right on! I def liked the Vr4's. I'm def excited to get into this scene. Seems like a lot of down to earth nice guys/gals here and in the offroad community. And from what i can see, as nice as the sports car scene guys are, everyone here seems to be willing to actually help one another out, whether its borrowin tools or helpin with mods, def good vibes.

....plus adding on mods to these trucks are MUCH easier than adding mods to a corvette!

 

LOL pretty much spot on in every point. The sports car area seems to be a lot more "elitist" "I'm better than you" "you're an idiot for not knowing to use XYZ model part#4242-124242 from batch #342 for optimum performance."

Around here, especially TW... people keep it plain, simple, and fun Defiantly a lot more positive experience imo. Even out in the desert tool'n around... a lot of people now seem to through the "ford vs toyota vs chevy vs....." out the window and will help everyone and anyone get home. Sure you'll get the 'friendly' bashing but most everyone is willing to lend a hand. Definitely pretty awesome I must say.

 

If you don't get the TRD OffRoad, I will have no respect for you...

But seriously, the rear locker that the OR comes with is more than worth it's weight in gold. Just be sure that whatever you end up getting, get rid of those awful stock tires that they come with.

 

True that, the stock tires are horribad.

 

Wow I didn't know that... that really makes the 09+ sport useless then imo...

 

Offroad....unless you care a ton about ride quality then go sport

 

Well, I meant in terms of any real mechanical advantage over the normal SR5 package Don't get me wrong, I love the color matched pieces, sport seats, and the rest of the TRD stuff... but if I were to drop the extra coin I know I'd definitely be dropping it for the locker now without hesitation I don't mean disrespect for the sports, just with a mechanical LSD you could at least build up power and have a better way to put it to the road than having to use 4hi... that's all

 

TRD Off Road, Double Cab 4.0L V6

In speedway Blue

 

I say go for the off road unless you really want a hood. I bought mine cause I like to go camping and take it off road. But get what you want. This is the order I would choose. The only thing that is left on my truck that is TRD are the seats and rear locker.

TRD Off Road 4x4
TRD Sport 4x4
TRD Off Road PreRunner
TRD Sport PreRunner
SR5
Base

You will be happy either way...it's a Tacoma and I have seen Locked PreRunners go pretty far.