Offroading a non TRD

So I have a 2014 4x4 Taco NON TRD and was looking to do some offroading. I was just curious as to what others have done who are also NON TRD.

 

I don't think non-TRD's can even go offroad, can they? I think it's specified in the owners manual.

 

In a former life I had a 2.7L 4x4 non-TRD. It was more than capable for light off-road in bone stock form. Mild 4wd trails like the Alpine Loop were a piece of cake. I wouldn't take it rock crawling to Moab though.

 

I mean I don't see why not? I'm lifting it and getting different tires. I don't plan on doing anything crazy, but I definitely want to run through some mud, and trails. Definitely wouldn't be rock crawling but hopefully I could go over a small bed of rocks!

 

It'll be fine.

 

He was joking.

 

If you have 4x4, you don't need a locker to have fun or get to most places. Picking good lines, knowing your clearances, and avoiding stupid crap like mudholes goes a long way.

 

SR5, the correct term for a 2nd gen "NON TRD". Tacomas in general are good offroad. The SR5 actually have a "stronger" rear diff than the TRD e-locker versions. I have dubbed mine SR5 Off Road.

 

Oh damn, didn't notice he is from Jersey.

 

I work my base model pretty hard. It does great - better than a stock TRD OR, for sure.

 

The only real advantage is a locker. You learn to keep the wheels planted with open diffs. There's not that big a difference.

 

I meant Shwaa was joking

 

We have property near Cook Forest in PA and we always are running our trucks in trails, and across the terrain. My 2.7 SR5 does everything my friends '13 TRD OR does (mine isn't totally stock but not modded way out either). I don't do any serious crawling or anything but to blaze the trails and whatnot you'll be fine.

 

I'd say your main concern traction wise is tire choice. The open diffs won't help but with 4X4 you can wiggle your way through most stuff so long as it isn't too off camber.

 

Silent rage.

 

Oh yeah, well he just pounces on every new thread with a dickhead comment right off the bat, usually post #2.

 

In 4hi you are in limited slip which will do better at climbing hills and such. In 4lo you are true open diff. There is also the yellow wire mod which allows the LS mode to work in 4lo.

 

Any recommendations for tires, will be mostly highway driving with the occasional off-roading when we go to ride ATVs? As of right now I just bought the 3 and 1 leveling kit.

 

I have Hankook Dynapro A/Ts and then BFG KO2s are in the garage to go on after these are done (from my last truck). Both have been good for what I do.

 

Michelin LTX AT2