Few noob questions....

I want to get a vehicle that can be used both off road (not rock climbing!) and can use as a daily drive. Initially was going to go with a Jeep but after extensive research, I realised the Rubicon is the only one that can actually go off road as stock. The Rubi is out of my price range plus I'm not entirely happy with the reliability or ride comfort of the Jeeps.

To this end, the Tacoma springs to mind.

My questions are really easy so should not pose a problem for you guys (and gals);

The rear diff locker. How do I know it's on the 1st gen? Do all TRDs come with a rear diff locker?

What are the things to look out for when buying a 1st gen?

Thanks in advance!

 

I believe the TRD Sport didn't come around until '05. Meaning, yes any 1st gen TRD will have the rear locker. Other recommendation, get the double cab. Good luck, good choice!

 

Not sure about 1st gens, but on the 2nd gens only the TRD Off Road edition comes with the locker. I'm not even sure if 1st gens came with lockers from the factory

 

theres a rr lock switch to the left of the steering wheel. Just because it has the sticker on the bedside doesn't mean it's a TRD, anybody can slap a sticker on and ask for more money.

Check the frame, many of the first gens have rusting frames. not to mention your buying a used car, don't get giddy when you find one, go over it with a fine tooth comb, to make sure your getting what you actually want.

 

Yeah, I saw the button on some pics.

From wikipedia;

Just wanted to double check.....

 

You don't need anything as hardcore as a Rubicon to go off road. Any stock Wrangler will have better departure/approach angle than a stock Tacoma.

The reason I went with a Tacoma over a Wrangler was because 1) I only like the JK.. which means I would need to shell out more $$$. 2) As much fun as I had with a 4door JK (Sports trim), I knew that I really wanted the versatility of the truck bed.

I anticipate I would get pretty much the same level of off-road ability whether be the JK Sport or 03 Tacoma TRD... Yeah e locker will be nice in certain situations but I didn't get stuck at all with the JK. The 4door JK rode MUCH better on-road than my Tacoma TRD.

 

I hear ya. It's the whole locking diff thing. I used to drive a Land Rover Defender and the locking diffs come into there own when off roading. Not too mention the weak dana 35 axle the Wrangler has too.....

The versatility of having a bed too also is a plus.

 

What's the rear axel on the 1st Gen TRDs? Stronger than Dana 35?

 

Good point. I have no idea. I assumed it was as I haven't seen anything bad about the Tacoma axles plus, if you lock axles, they are under way more strain that limited slips so, again, I would assume the Tacoma axles were competent.

 

Not too sure about the axle question..

However, I was a Jeep guy before I bought my Tacoma. A stock TJ (97-05 Wrangler) is a very versatile 4x4 even without the Rubicon package. Just find one with a Dana 44 rear (the D35 is garbage). Back on Jeepsunlimited.com the guys told new guys to start 'wheeling stock or mild to know the capabilities of you and your vehicle, then start building from there.

I'm not trying to turn you away from a Tacoma, they're the best truck on the market, period. However, don't limit yourself just because you can't find a locking differential..heck, you can always add one of those on down the road anyway!

 

not all TRD branded tacos came with a locker...

the lockers were only tacos that were TRD, but vice versa does not apply...

dont worry so much about the locker... worry more about the motor and tranny... like Jay said, you can always add the locker later...

 

I have 4x4 but don't have a locker. It's my daily driver and it's capable enough off-road (but not hard core rock climbing).

 

I think it's already been said, but 4 cyl TRD Tacos didn't come with a locker.
Don't worry too much about the frame rust either, Toyota will replace it free to you if it's bad enough.