Need opinions, I have a stock 2018 Tacoma SR. Is it worth it to make off road mods to this trim

I have been browsing this forum for a while now and learning all I can. Ive noticed that almost all the mods and discussion revolve around either the TRD off road or the sport. Ive seen very little about SR or SR5 trims, so I was wondering what the general opinion would be about making off road upgrades to my SR, if the differences between the packages are enough to make it not worth off roading with. I will say that I have the 4 cylinder model, I know that's not ideal for off-road so lets not dwell on that.

 

If it's 4wd, it'll be fine. Even if the 4cyl doesn't have as much power, you can always gear it to get anywhere you want.

Toss in a Marlin Crawler and some decent tires and you'll out crawl the TRD OR trucks.

 

The 4x4 system is the same across all models with the exception of the bigger rear diff on the offroad and pro models and the crawl control.

So, you can get a lift and a air locker if you need it, otherwise a sr 4x4 will wheel the same as a sport or limited, you will need the air locker to compete with the offroad and pro models.

 

No it's 4WD

I figured the 4WD was the most important part, I worry most about ground clearance, so new tires and a suspension upgrade would be the first major mods that Id make. That crawler is something ive never heard of before so thanks for that!

 

I would say yes if that fits your lifestyle. Do you off-road enough to justify the price of upgrades would be the question I would ask you. 4cyl vs 6cyl can be worked around with gearing. If your truck isn’t 4 wheel drive would dictate how aggressive you could be off-road as well. Tires would be a tremendous help and probably get you to most places you want to be.

 

You're good to go, mod it. I got a friend on 35's, regeared (and took the time to air lock front and rear), roll cage, etc. He's usually the guy I won't follow, and often can't follow.

He bought the SR cause if you're going to change up everything anyways, why pay for the stuff you'll pull out. It's a great platform, and much less expensive to pay off so you can start to get to the good stuff!

 

I would leave it alone and upgrade things you will use every day like the stereo. Other than that you could put slightly larger tires on the stocks like 265/75 because the stockers are kinda crap imho.

 

That's re-assuring to hear. I don't know much about regearing or if I'll get into terrain where that's really necessary, but its good to know that if I want to make upgrades its not a waste of money thanks for your input! I will definitely be starting with tires and possibly some suspension in the next year here.

 

Sure it is worth making your truck more capable of going off road if you want to go off roading. Put on some all terrain tires and some rear lockers for starters. Take it easy out there, don't destroy your truck. You will figure out what you need after you start getting out where you want to go. You don't want to start buying a bunch of equipment and add ons that you would never use.

 

Couldn't agree more. This is definitely going to be a slow process, when I start getting out there more ill have a better idea on what I want to do.

 

I see SR build threads on here frequently. I think you are good to go.

 

This.

'Upgrading' sans experience for your needs is like bench racing. Pointless.

Tires are the biggest single improvement you can make. Then gain skill driving, learn how judge if you should proceed an obstacle or no, learn to recover if you do get stuck.

Once you are to that point, then mod based on what you know for sure will make your offroad time better.

 

Before tires, consider the normal recovery gear — shovel, traction boards, maybe a come-along and a compressor, etc. I rarely use my recovery gear, which means I don’t really need any mods for the way I use my truck. Until you know what you need, you don’t know what you need.

Edit: changed to get these^ things before tires, because your stock tires might be fine for what you end up doing.

 

If it’s 4x4 you’re good to go! Build it!

built 4x4 SR5 > stock pro

 

The compressor mod is something that's already on my list of things to do, the recovery gear is a good look though. Ill look into that thanks

 

Nothin at all wrong with deckin out an SR.

Just do some minimal purchases not spending alot of money then let the mission drive the gear.

 

Really the biggest functional difference between the OR and the SR is the rear locker. You'll have to figure out how far you're going to take your truck in the off-road scene. If you're just trying to get to some squirrelly spots to setup camp and you might encounter a boulder here and there - get some minor armor, bigger tires, and a basic suspension upgrade and be happy. If you're rock crawling every weekend, ding the piss out of your rocker panel, can't keep the rear bumper intact, have to drive your truck in the slow lane with the hazards on bc you went full send and grenaded something in your drivetrain, think chicks dig trail rash like they dig battle scars, etc. then you can always get 35's, re-gear, and drop in a locker and be on-par with a built TRD OR.

 

Is 4WD available on the 2.7 engine?

 

I think in access cab only.

 

I think that's correct.