Which 4x4 Package on new Tacoma?

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a new Tacoma.

I'm wondering which package would be best?

On the Toyota "build it" website I selected a short bed, double cab, 4x4, 5-spd auto, V6.

I'm trying to decide which package is better, TRD-Sport, or TRD-Off-Road. From what I can tell the TRD Off-road would give me the e-locker, off-road tuned suspension, "off-road" tires (that I assume are crap), and it looks like a different 4x4 system?

The TRD Sport gets the body colored grille and hood scoop.

I guess what I'm wondering is, eventually I plan to do some modification to the truck to make it more capable off-road, so does it make sense to get the off-road package, or should I go for the sport package?

I like the body colored grille and looks of the hood scoop on the sport model (I hate chrome), and I'm just wondering if all the "off-road" stuff I'd be paying for on the off-road package would just end up getting replaced anyway?

 

Short bed, Double Cab, 5 speed, TRD-Off Road.

 

If you are planning on moding it- I wouldn't spend dough on the TRD stuff unless you want the seats or something really bad. The gear is good- but aftermarket is much better.

If you do buy a TRD package- offroad- because you get the locker and the auto-LSD...

IMHO.

 

Tires: You'll end up replacing them both... they both suck.
Cosmetic: Yes the Sport has color matched stuff, which IMO looks better, but if you do end up going with an off-road, you can buy this stuff later on if you hate the chrome
Locker: Sport doesn't have this, so off-road clearly wins.
Shocks: I believe they are the same, but if you really want to off-road, I'd recommend a lift-kit of some kind.

So basically, I'd go off-road and add on the hood and color-matched items later.

 

go with the TRD Off Road.
it has a traction system that the sport does not have.

 

Strike that- Reverse it. The SPRINGS on the Sport are "Linear" The OR springs are "Progressive". The shocks are all the same last I knew.

 

x2

 

Yeah the Yellow and Blue "Fleet" Bilsteins ones go on all the TRDs...The progressive shocks increase spring response as they are loaded (flexed). The OR also has a 1mm (iirc) thinner anti sway bar for "better" wheeling articulation/feel.

 

Go with Trd off-road. That was my mistake when i bought my sport, it does not come with a locker. But as soon as i get the money i putting a ARb locker in both the front and rear then it wont matter

 

Wow thanks! Fast responses!

Sounds like TRD Off-Road it is!

 

One other thing that's dumb, why can't I get a manual transmission with this setup?

 

Get a fully optioned out Off Road V6 with the 6 speed manual and wait for someone who will swap the plain hood with the hood of a Sport...

 

because they say you cant.... thats the only reason i know

 

Do you care more how it LOOKS or more on WHAT IT CAN DO?

The Can Do part is what my money is best spent on... 4WD, OFF ROAD TRD, AUTOMATIC... Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) is unreal... no need for lockers, it is better! See the Mision Santa Maria trip reports by HB Murphy and I in the Off Roading forum...

 

I care more about what it can do by far, so I'm pretty much decided on the off-road package now. I'll worry about the looks later (Not that it looks bad stock by any means). Thanks for the head's up David K. I'll check out your reports.