TRD Sports vs Off Road

Looking at a new Tacoma. I need 4x4 and want the TRD option package. I actually like the look of the 'sport' model (no chrome in grille and bumper). I don't necessarily love the hood scoop but can live with it. Lastly, I like that it has 17 inch wheels...which I will replace with actual off road tires quickly.

Now for the question...is there any 'real' difference in the sport tuned suspension and the off road suspension? I don't off road much so figured the 'sport' would ride a little better. I know I would be loosing engine skid plate, rear diff lock etc...but those also aren't a big deal for me.

Thoughts?

 

To my knowledge there is no difference in suspension. They both get the Bilstein shocks regardless but springs and shocks are the same. The differences are in what you already noted. The locker and tire sizes. If you are going to replace tires on the Sport the tire selections are limited for the factory 265/65 17's. Not saying there aren't any out there but you definitely don't get the selection you do with the 16 inchers on the Off Road package. If I was going to do it again I would go for the Off Road model just for the locker alone. If you are lifting and changing to a larger size altogether it is kind of a moot point.

 

Welcome to TW!

You can always trade your scooped hood for someone else's off-road hood of the same color. They are popular so you will have no problem finding takers.

 

The 16 inch wheels on the off-road package will give you an extra half inch of sidewall over the sport package wheels, which is useful for airing down. IMO the locker alone justifies the off-road package.

 

Hey, I just joined the forums for the sole purpose of responding to this post.

I bought a new 2005 access cab four years ago. It has the TRD off-road #2 package on it and I put nearly 100K on it. I just traded it in for a 2009 double cab with the TRD sport package on it. I can definately say the ride is a whole lot smoother on the sport. Someone mentioned that the suspension is the same, and I must respectfully disagree. There is something in the suspenion, be is shocks, struts, whatever, that makes the ride of the TRD off-road package a rouger ride.

Just my .02

And if you are in Columbus, Ohio, Toyota West is the place to buy a Tacoma. I plug them only because they've given me a killer deal twice now, and they gave me top dollar on my trade.

 

Two more things to consider, I had a lot more agressive tires on my TRD off-road. That could be one cause. And two, when I first test drove the Tacoma four years ago, I distinctly remember a difference in ride of the two trucks. That could be related to tires as well, but I test drove on a pot-hole filled road and the sport was just play smoother.

But your part number facts are really throwing me for a loop because I just can't discount my own butt-xperiance.

This really has me wondering how I could have such a different ride even though those part numbers are staring me in the face.

Anyone else driven both trucks?

 

If you get a silver one, I'll trade you for the scoop.

 

I had an 06 TRD sport for about 4 months then upgraded to an 08 TRD Off road... I noticed no difference in either ride both seemed really smooth both also have/had the three leaf springs instead of the beefier four, FYI. I'll take your hood if you get Black

 

TRD Off Road has progressive coils, TRD Sport does not.

I personally think the ride in my truck is perfect.

 

I was not aware of that, I thought it was only the Off Road. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

the suspension is tuned differently on the sport and off road. ones more stiff than the other

 

ive ridden in both and do feel a slight difference in bouncyness

 

bingo