TRD vs SR5 reliability?

Im in the market for a Tacoma and have begun looking at whats available in my area in my price range. There is 2 specifically that I like, one being a TRD sport the other is a stock SR5. Both 2009, both double cab. The TRD sport has 80,000 and the SR5 has 50,000 miles. The TRD is about a thousand cheaper and is really nice. All blacked out. While looks arent that important to me, at the same time im dropping a decent chunk of change I might as well have something I really love, right? What im wondering is though, is the TRD going to cost more to maintain? Is it one of those things where its more to break. This truck will be on the beach a lot, as im a avid surfcaster. While I know I dont need a TRD for the beach, maybe the slightly beefier 4x4 components will take more abuse. Just looking for some advice and any help will be appreciated.

 

No.

TRD Sport is aesthetics and consumable items like different shock absorbers when compared to an SR5 that is otherwise identical. They're no different, really, outside of those minor differences - mechanically, one is the same as the other.

I'd buy whichever appeals to you the best, whether that's your aesthetic vision or your wallet, or both. The TRD shocks are due for replacement, likely, anyway - so all you're really buying is a different paint scheme on your bumpers, different front seats, and a hood scoop.

Suspension wise, no gains to be had. The SR5 will ride better offroad.

 

Thanks for that. I thought the TRD sport had a different differential and locking mechanism.

 

That would be the TRD Off-road model.

 

The TRD sport has a limited slip differential that is either mechanical or electronic (brake controlled), depending on the year. I think 2009 was the last year of the mechanical LSD (controlled via friction plates), so 1+ for the TRD. In terms of size, I think both the TRD sport and the SR5 base use 8.4" ring gear in the diff. The TRD Off-road, which has the E-locker, has an 8" diff.

The TRD Sport is an upgrade over the SR5 package, so to my knowledge it will have the same features of the SR5 plus upgraded shocks (bilstein 4600 series, all corners), the LSD, and then some aesthetic upgrades as listed above.

From my experience in my 06 Sport, I would not trade it for an SR5 base. My Sport has the SR5 options included in it.

 

I would go for the newest one with the lowest miles. the sr5 sounds to be a good deal. the trd sport with 80k on it is going to need a suspension overhaul very soon. which is going to cost you the thousand dollars you would be spending on the sr5 with plenty of life left in the suspension.

 

Most TRD Sports will the tow package....giving you the hitch, trailer light connections, trans and engine coolers

 

Trd has sr5ii package fwiw

 

Thats a good point. Whats involved in the suspesion overhaul? I saw another member wrote something about replacing the shocks, anything else involved?

 

Thanks for the detailed info. Hows your 06 held up? I know its a hard call to make, but with whats on paper for the 2 I mentioned, which one would you lean towards?

 

yeah upper and lower control arm bushings, ball joints, shocks, maybe even leaf springs if the tsb springs haven't been put on

 

Whats the recommended mileage for the overhaul..90k?

 

about that. I've got almost 100k on mine. having to do lca bushing and ball joints now. as far as the rest goes I'm updating it all with a lift. don't forget wheel bearings as well

 

Thanks man. Does make me lean towards the SR5 a little more, although that may be a good bargaining point to get them to drop the price a little.

 

worth a shot. which ever one you choose, look at the frame! make sure it is rust free

 

Yea I've read up a lot on that. Especially since I will be taken it on the beach it is a major concern. Thanks again man.

 

right on, doing your homework is gonna benefit you a ton. are you one the west or east coast?

 

East coast. Chasing them stripers on Long Island.

 

Get the one with less rust on the frame...

But seriously, check that very carefully

Other than that can't go wrong with either model, both great trucks