1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Newb ? bout comparing 4x4 & PreRunner...

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by JLMann82, Oct 6, 2008.

  1. Oct 6, 2008 at 11:03 PM
    #1
    JLMann82

    JLMann82 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    6
    StL
    I've been lurking the board for a lil bit now, tryin to learn my brain...
    I'm looking into getting an 05+ double cab long bed, and lifting 6 w/ 33's. Thats a given!
    My dilema lies in either settling for a Pre-Runner or playing the LONG waiting game for the 4x4.
    So I am asking for opinions... Is the wait is worth it, or am I wasting my time?
    The ONLY time I really see myself using the 4x4 is winter months. I'm in the midwest, so I couldnt tell you HOW our winters are. They change every time you sneeze. How do the Pre-Runners do in snow, w/ some weight in the back?
    Anything else that would hinder my decision one way or another?
    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Oct 6, 2008 at 11:26 PM
    #2
    RelentlessFab

    RelentlessFab Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2008
    Member:
    #4772
    Messages:
    15,719
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Sparks, NV
    Vehicle:
    07 AC 6mt>03 SR5 >08 Sport and 17 6MT TRD OR
    Relentless Armored! Too many others to list.
    i'd say wait for a 4x4 if you can. if not, find one with the limited slip in the rear. my only concern would be if you dropped the front end into a hole or nose down a hill and cant back up with that long of a truck. if you're running studded tires in the snowy months then the 2wd should be ok but 4x4 will always be better when the going gets tough.
     
  3. Oct 6, 2008 at 11:27 PM
    #3
    RelentlessFab

    RelentlessFab Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2008
    Member:
    #4772
    Messages:
    15,719
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Sparks, NV
    Vehicle:
    07 AC 6mt>03 SR5 >08 Sport and 17 6MT TRD OR
    Relentless Armored! Too many others to list.
    BTW welcome to Tacomaworld!
     
  4. Oct 7, 2008 at 7:16 AM
    #4
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Member:
    #3284
    Messages:
    6,445
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Southern Tier, NY
    Vehicle:
    2015 F150 3.5EB SCEW 6.5ft
    I'd go 4x4. I don't really see the point in lifting a 2wd truck, especially when you never know what winter will bring.

    I think 33's on a 6" lift will look funny. Most people do 35's on a 6" lift, and end up regearing due to the torque loss from the 35's. However, 33's on a 3" lift are perfect.

    And don't forget, if you're getting the long bed that means you have more torque on the front end trying to spin you out on a turn in the snow since the rear wheels are so far back. Having the front pull and keep you on track would definitely be better! And the mpg between 2wd and 4wd isn't significant enough to notice.
     
  5. Oct 7, 2008 at 10:03 AM
    #5
    JLMann82

    JLMann82 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    6
    StL
    Is it true that the 2WD DC LB's w/ the TRD Sport pkg dont have LSD? What about the Off-Road pkg...in 2WD?

    I've seen enough pictures that I'm set on that lift/tire setup.

    All are relavant points for me to consider. Now the question is, do I have the patience when I see the one I want?.?. :D
     
  6. Oct 7, 2008 at 10:06 AM
    #6
    Agent475

    Agent475 "Mark It Zero"

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2008
    Member:
    #8829
    Messages:
    2,856
    Gender:
    Male
    Waldorf, MD
    Vehicle:
    2006 Red TRD Sport
    Hood Struts, 3" Tuff Country Lift, Shortie Antenna, WeatherTechs, Tinted front windows, custom TRD seat covers, custom pedals, debadged, custom USMC badging, quasi-functional hoodscoop (i.e. I cut it open), black front Yota emblem, Tailgate Theft-Prevention mod, Horn Relocation mod, Old Man Emu Carrier Bearing Drop, Brighter Backup Lights Mod, Smittybilt Reciever Hitch Tow Point, currently working on Satoshi Grill Mod
    4X4 will have a better resale value... just my $.02 worth.
     
  7. Oct 7, 2008 at 10:44 AM
    #7
    FamouzStarz

    FamouzStarz The illest taco

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2007
    Member:
    #3168
    Messages:
    4,383
    Gender:
    Male
    505
    Vehicle:
    21 TRD PRO
    ICON Build and then some
    4x4 you don't want to be a in a situation with 2wd and then realize i should have opted for the 4x4
     
  8. Oct 7, 2008 at 10:48 AM
    #8
    zero niner

    zero niner romeo oscar bravo

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2008
    Member:
    #8681
    Messages:
    527
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Pacific Northwest
    Vehicle:
    09 DC SB Prerunner
    All Pro front plate bumper, 5100 1.75" Bilstein up front, 1" block and TSB in rear, UWS lowpro tool box, Toyota Side Steps
    I like my prerunner but from what you're looking for, I'd say 4x4. Why are you having a hard time locating the 4x4's? Are you speaking used or new? The market is so bad right now, there are many out there that are available. I can tell you the dealers up here in the Pacific Northwest are holding a lot of stock on 08 and 09 taco's in 4x4 that they are letting go for a song... When the economy sucks, it's great for the consumer. Be patient, take your time and search locally and perhaps within a certain radius and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. Best of luck in your search and welcome aboard!

    Rob
     
  9. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM
    #9
    JLMann82

    JLMann82 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    6
    StL
    Shoulda specified... I'm looking for used right now, around $21,xxx and LOCAL. Thats worst case scenario, being that I'd hafta trade in. If I can sell my car outright, I can find more, in a better/higher price range AND doesn't hafta be local. I am also being a lil picky on colors and having to have a TRD pkg.
     
  10. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:07 AM
    #10
    Hotdog

    Hotdog My hair is all natural Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2007
    Member:
    #872
    Messages:
    10,245
    First Name:
    Hotdog
    Vehicle:
    2007 PreRunner SR5 Double Cab
    Wet Okole Underwear
    All TRD Sports come with the LSD. All TRD Off-Roads come with the Locker.

    If I could go back and do it again, I think I might go for the 4x4 (but it would probably be wasted on me)
     
  11. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:12 AM
    #11
    zero niner

    zero niner romeo oscar bravo

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2008
    Member:
    #8681
    Messages:
    527
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Pacific Northwest
    Vehicle:
    09 DC SB Prerunner
    All Pro front plate bumper, 5100 1.75" Bilstein up front, 1" block and TSB in rear, UWS lowpro tool box, Toyota Side Steps
    Cool, with the current market trends you should be able to really negotiate with dealers, especially those that took in on a trade a tacoma that people don't want right now with the high gas prices. The dealer mark ups on used are huge and they need to get out from under the over inventory problem 90% of car dealers are having. Those are just ideas, just trying to help ya out. Good luck with your search. I know it's tricky to negotiate when trading in a car. I just traded in my 05 Tundra for my 09 Taco and got $1000 above the KBB private sale price for my truck, not to mention it was 60k miles, needed the service, new tires and some belts. This dealer beat my other dealer that I was dealing with by $5000 for the total price and package. There are some really desperate dealer out there right now. Also, I know you're looking now but past the 20th of the month, most dealers are a lot more agressive since the end of the month is coming up. Sorry for the ramble, just thought I'd share my opinion today...

    Rob
     
  12. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:19 AM
    #12
    neontrail

    neontrail ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈ ✈

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2008
    Member:
    #5844
    Messages:
    10,109
    Gender:
    Male
    Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2004 NISSAN XTERRA XE/SE
    De-badged, Tint 20%, Blue 48 LED dome-light, .......
    go for the prerunner, I predict that you would use your 4x4 eight hours a year. You will be very happy with a prerunner.
     
  13. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:46 AM
    #13
    zero niner

    zero niner romeo oscar bravo

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2008
    Member:
    #8681
    Messages:
    527
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Pacific Northwest
    Vehicle:
    09 DC SB Prerunner
    All Pro front plate bumper, 5100 1.75" Bilstein up front, 1" block and TSB in rear, UWS lowpro tool box, Toyota Side Steps
    Yeah, my Tundra was 4x4 and I lived in Norcal at the time and now the Pac NW for the past year and a half, I used my 4x4 once in 3 years. So when I traded in my Tundra I got the prerunner thinking if I ever needed a 4x4, I'd just rent it (for snowboard trips or what not). No need pay extra in vehicle price and insurance if I'm rarely going to use it. But that's me. I'd ask you to look at your intended use and actual use when making those decisions. Mine was easy...

    Rob
     
  14. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:56 AM
    #14
    JLMann82

    JLMann82 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    6
    StL
    LOL! Now all the Pre-Runners are chiming in... It looks like it'll prolly end up being whatevers slapping me in my face if the time/price/colors are right.
     
  15. Oct 7, 2008 at 11:58 AM
    #15
    JLMann82

    JLMann82 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    6
    StL
    Noticed you were from Klammoth! I've been up there a handful of times helping out the Air Guard unit. I earned myself a t-shirt from Trappers, the bar on base... :D VERY pretty area!
     
  16. Oct 7, 2008 at 12:07 PM
    #16
    longbow

    longbow I see you now..................

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Member:
    #7586
    Messages:
    4,029
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bill
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    05 Tacoma Silver Mica TRD 4 Door
    Toy-tec Coil over lift, Eibach 700 lb springs, Sway bar relocate, Total Chaos UCA's, Moto metal wheels, BFG mudterrians, HID, custom 3 piece grill, Highlift jack w/custom mount, Highlift jack cover, bed matt, de-badged 100%, storage box lock mod, using defrost w/o AC mod, short antenna mod, horn re-locate, Tire Gate flat spare tire mount, engine cover painted, bed light (1) mod, wreck bar carrier, Blue Sea 5026 fuse block, center console outlet, flash light mod, Blue Sea inline fuse, Shrockworks sliders, All-Pro front bumper, Piaa 510 driving lights, Warn shackles front, Kennesaw rear bumper, "Tag Boltz" plate lights, Warn shackles rear, Warn M8000 winch, devil horns, BHLM, weathech liners front and rear.....T.W. sticker of course. Custom Sock bed decal for Michele
    +1.......beside you never know when you will need 4 wheel drive.
     
  17. Oct 7, 2008 at 12:12 PM
    #17
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2007
    Member:
    #3496
    Messages:
    4,809
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Myrtle Beach SC
    Vehicle:
    07 Prerunner SR5 DC/SB V6
    Magnaflow 12576 muffler & chrome tip, Westin step bars, 27% tint, Pop N Lock, AFE ProdryS, bed mat, Husky liners, D-rings added, Access Literider tonneau, Pioneer 4-ways all around, GY Wrangler Duratracs 265/75/16, 5100's @ 1.75", 1.5" AAL
    Higher up front cost = wash.

    If you think you'll need it, get the 4X4. Personally, if I lived somewhere where it might snow, like my former state of NJ, I'd have a 4X4. In SC, I absolutely will never need it.

    BTW, every time we have this discussion someone always uses the "better to have it and not use it than not have it and need it" argument and I have to laugh. You could say that about anything in your life. I have a handgun but you never know, I might need an M16. You just never know, right? Only YOU can know what your needs are.
     
  18. Oct 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM
    #18
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Member:
    #3284
    Messages:
    6,445
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Southern Tier, NY
    Vehicle:
    2015 F150 3.5EB SCEW 6.5ft
    I would seriously get the 4x4. You've already said you never know what the winters are like so I take that to mean one year you get 1inch and the next you could get 5ft. Weather that unpredictable could leave you stranded somewhere with a 2wd. Not to mention you want to lift it 6 inches! I mean, seriously, are you going to stop for terrain that normal 2wd's can't handle once you're 6 inches taller than them and "can just drive over it"?

    Just ask yourself that! :laugh: If you're willing to use the lift for looks alone and never try to go offroad or drive through deeper snow "because I can" then by all means get the 2wd. Otherwise, get the 4wd. Tall truck, lots of ground clearance, I'd expect it to go where ever I wanted and would drive accordingly. :laugh: Thus, I would never have a lifted 2wd! :D Well, ok, maybe a normal pre runner or 3" lift, but certainly not a 6! I would get myself stuck somewhere.
     
  19. Oct 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM
    #19
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2007
    Member:
    #3496
    Messages:
    4,809
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Myrtle Beach SC
    Vehicle:
    07 Prerunner SR5 DC/SB V6
    Magnaflow 12576 muffler & chrome tip, Westin step bars, 27% tint, Pop N Lock, AFE ProdryS, bed mat, Husky liners, D-rings added, Access Literider tonneau, Pioneer 4-ways all around, GY Wrangler Duratracs 265/75/16, 5100's @ 1.75", 1.5" AAL
    ^I agree, I think for his needs, he should get a 4X4. I've seen those midwest winters on the Weather Channel and they don't look like a heck of a lot of fun for a 4X2.
     
  20. Oct 7, 2008 at 12:20 PM
    #20
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Member:
    #3284
    Messages:
    6,445
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Southern Tier, NY
    Vehicle:
    2015 F150 3.5EB SCEW 6.5ft
    Yes, but you can go buy an M16 to carry with your pistol, shotgun, hunting knife and home made explosives for MUCH less money than the cost of a new truck! :D

    I think the point is it's better to spend a little more for 4wd and only use it occasionally, than be stuck somewhere by yourself or with wife/gf/kids wishing you could get out. Certainly not the easiest thing to exchange if you realize you've made a mistake.

    Then again, I was boyscout years ago and "Be Prepared" always comes to mind. :D Air compressor in truck, recovery straps, jack, pocket knife, cell phone, multitool.... Doesn't cover everything, but you never know right? And I'm still prepared for most situations. :D
     

Products Discussed in

To Top