Different 4x4/4wd Models

Howdy,

I'm in the used market and just bought a 2013 TRD Sport from a dealer. It was basically all I could afford so happy with my deal BUT I got a little confused looking at 3 different models.

I understand my Sport and the Off Road differences BUT does Toyota make just a 4wd model?

Dealer has a 2015 with 15K LESS miles than the 2013 I got with a shell and the double cab (I got the AC) for about the same price. Looking at online specs it just says "4WD" and LSD, o mention of DAC, Locker etc one would expect with OR.

Also.... no TRD sticker....

I know TRD is more than just bells and whistles on the 4x4 side. Has beefed suspension etc.

So is Toyota making a plain old 4wd with street suspension etc??????

Sorry but salesmen are totally ignorant unless the topic is iPhone games it seems! Seriously most of the staff was goofing around and couldn't answer specifics..... Rant off.

Thanks,

Warren

 

There is a basic 4WD truck option without being either TRD - OR / Sport.

 

yes there is a base model (SR5) which has 4wd. The sport has the Limited Slip, blisteins, body colored panels, hood scoop, inverter in the bed, and a few other things over the base model.

 

Only the 2005-2008 Sport has a limited slip differetial. Since 2009, all Tacomas have open differentials only with electronic/ABS traction control. Called TRAC and AUTO LSD in H2, called TRAC and TRAC OFF in H4.

Only the Off Road TRD has A-TRAC and a rear locking differential.

 

My access cab "SR" is 4wd as well. No Bilsteins or locker.

 

Sounds like my Sport!

What's the different in the Sport? The sticker?

Thanks,

W

 

Sport TRD (since 2009) is primarily a looks package. Non-functional hood scoop, colored bumpers and mirrors. It has the same traction systems as base Tacomas.

Off Road TRD is a traction package. Locking differential originally and since 2009, on the 4x4s, A-TRAC with four wheel traction control that matches wheel rotation across both axles without compromising steering as lockers do.

2016+ the A-TRAC is incorporated into MTS on automatics.

 

god aka david k hath spoken.


like stated, the base or sr5 4x4's are identical as far as functionatlity compared to the sports. the TRD sport is literally only an appearance package.

 

Please, I am not (a) god... just a messenger.

 

Tacoma SR, SR5, and Sport are the same freaking truck with different appearance and trim levels.

The Tacoma TRD Off-Road is where mechanical changes happen:rear locker, A-Trac, etc

Outside of the E-Locker in the Off-Road package ALL Tacomas are fake limited slip (brake controlled traction control).

If you really want to take a Tacoma for off-road purposes the factory suspension upgrades on the Off-Road will probably get replaced anyhow. LOL

 

Well, fake to you perhaps but I could tell a big difference between my 2005 and my 2010 Off Road TRDs. Also, the A-TRAC is no joke and provides superior traction over the rear locker in side by side tests.

 

Do you know if the TRAC in a 4x4 TRD Sport also includes the front diff, giving it the same "fake limited slip" as the rear while in HI-4?

 

BASE MODEL FTW

 

There is a base model that isn't even an SR5.

I have one. Those matte flares drop all the panties.

 

YES, but it is hardly fake since one can experience a total improvement in traction between a non-TRAC Tacoma and one with TRAC. Because the slip is limited with brake pads instead of differential clutches doesn't mean the slipping changes.

 

Hell ya imo I think the base models with the matte black fender flares look better than the sr5/trd also if you noticed the 3rd gen trd now have those same flares now soo some one out there must agree with me to have done it to the 3rd gens

 

Does the "yellow wire mod" give TRAC in 4lo front too?

I assume it must but somehow got the impression it only effects the rear.

Thanks,

W

 

Exactly what the Sports and other non-Off Road Tacomas do to have traction control in L4. It isn't close to A-TRAC but it sure a lot better than nothing from the open diff's (slipping tires). The mod is also called the 4 LOW TRAC MOD. Here is the original thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4low-trac.51946/

 

That's pretty awesome to know. New to Tacoma's so had no idea the TRAC and ATRAC had so much ability. Makes me wish I tried harder to get the Offroad. At least I have the TRAC though. I wasn't sure if it included control on the front diff but it makes more sense now.

Still need to learn more about what condition I would use the Auto-LSD for... Since it's only available for 2wd mode, makes me wonder if it has something extra in the rear or could the front use a mod that can make it act the same way?

I definitely wanna do the yellow wire mod and anything else that would help but don't want to while it's still under warranty. Maybe a bit later.

 

Auto LSD in H2 is the same as TRAC OFF in H4... the quick push of the VSC Button.
Keep in mind, TRAC OFF is the higher level of TRAC and means engine regulation is turned OFF for a stronger limited slip.