TRD sport limitations to upgrading to offroad+ status?

Hi everyone,

I'm currently shopping around for a taco for an overland build, (need a bigger rig for bigger trips) trying to figure out the ideal base truck to start with.

I will be adding quite a bit of parts and effort into the build, so a lot of the stock upgraded parts don't particularly matter to me.

Example: spring/shocks don't matter to me as I will be upgrading to aftermarket parts (currently looking at the OME BP-51s) so getting a TRD Pro fox bypass isn't necessary.

Some of the difficulties I'm seeing with the truck selection is the lack of manual trans option in an access cab EXCEPT in TRD Sport. (manual trans is a must for me until toyota comes out with better automatics)
Access cab is ideal, as I can carry a larger load without increasing wheelbase.

As I'll be adding a locker to each diff, lacking the stock e-locker doesn't bother me, but I wanted to confirm that the driveline component sizings are still all the same between the TRD models?

Also if anyone can think of a reason why I shouldn't start with a TRD Sport, please let me know why, I don't want to start on the wrong platform and make my life more difficult.


And some pics of what I'll be upgrading from because pics are always fun to have

 

you'll be fine with that and your plans if you're already doing suspension & lockers. the one main consideration in my mind is the Sport models come with hill assist. i would absolutely not want that on my MT.

 

Tundra?

 

Canada has the AC in TRD OR MT. Not sure what it would take to get one across the border.

 

I am essentially doing the same. For the reasons you list. Soon I will have 5.29 gearing and air lockers front and rear.

The OVT tune is mandatory IMHO.

Suspension is TBD but undulating and washboards with the Sport suspension is terrible.

Hill Assist doesn't bug me too much I was used to it on my 2014 WRX. Not sure if it can be disabled.

 

is that the bridge down in Georgia near Savannah GA I think? Near Tybee?

 

The Off Road comes with the rear locker for virtually for the same price as the Sport. It's a no brainer.

The Sport also has a smaller rear diff.

 

The MT same size.

 

That is not correct. MTs, even the SRs, get the 8.75 rear ends.

 

Harrop or ARB for your lockers?

It’s not a bad idea to skip the crawl control or ATRAC and get a strong aftermarket locker setup.

 

Did you read the part where he’s putting in his own locking differential regardless?

 

Meh, front lockers aren’t needed especially if he’s just “over landing” crawl control or ATRAC will he just fine.

Unless of course he just wants them then by all means.

 

I chose the sport for similar reasons.

 

Thanks for the confirmation, hill assist is simply using the brakes to keep the truck from rolling backwards? I've never had a vehicle with that feature but I don't see why I would hate it yet.

there are trails that I'm concerned that the taco would even fit in... I'm used to a 101" wheelbase rig currently. I'm not ready to go to a fullsize.

More effort than I'm willing to expend at least, I know it's not easy.

How big of a tire are you planning for 5.29?

Nope, this is the Mackinac bridge between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan

the price isn't the issue, the lack of a short wheelbase longbed option in the Offroad is the issue.
Thanks for bringing up this seemingly controversial issue of the diff sizes. Do you have any sources that show the sport has a smaller diff?

I've been windowshopping ARB, but haven't fully decided anything yet

Of course, front locker will be something I'd hope I don't need to use, but always nice to have. My blazer lacks a front locker currently and I know I come across that limitation all too often.

 

Currently tires are around 31.5. Eventually may go 33 but don't anticipate issues with 31s.

 

5.29s for a 31.5? that sounds pretty extreme, not planning on hitting regular highway speeds much?

 

The Hill Assist is just a line lock on the rear brakes controlled by the ABS module. It only actives over certain angles and only for a couple seconds. It will also hold the Taco if pointing down hill and starting in reverse. Definitely not a must have, but I feel that it saves some wear, so that works for me.


Again, all 3rd Gen MTs, even the 2016 and 2017 SRs, got the 8.75 rear. Here's my door sticker:



Here's the axle codes:

 

I don't have anything useful to add. But, that second picture with the reflection in the water is awesome!

 

Didn’t realize the diff sizes were controversial. All automatics have the 8.0, unless it’s got diff lock, then it’s the 8.8. All manuals have 8.8.

Jeff

 

???

Not really that extreme. You do know 5 and 6 are both OD? MAYBE 150 OR 200 more rpm at 70.