2WD VS Prerunner std and options

I'm interested in knowing the OEM differences between the an 2wd and the prerunner. I'm aware that there both 2wd, and the prerunner also has a small lift. but I cant seem to find other info on the differences, eg 4wd frame? suspension? etc.

thanks
Bryce

 

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prerunner vs 2wd
Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by brownbagg, Oct 26, 2011.

 

The PreRunner has better suspension and driveline components. It’s as close as you can get to a 4WD, without actually getting a 4WD.

Better suspension
Better hubs and bearings
Better differential w/different gears.
Better brakes…….

 

if that's the case then the payloads would be different too, right?

I'm looking to put a pop-up camper on a 2wd platform that weighs 300 to 500 lbs as well as gear. maybe 1000 lbs total.

 

Why 2wd? 4wd is worth it's weight in gold when you need it, which quite often happens when you think you won't.

 

I would be spending more time on paved or unpaved roads. I'm retiring soon and love to drive and camp instead of motels.

FYI: it will have 2.7l and m/trans

 

In this case, I would %100 recommend a PreRunner.

I had a 2.7 manual trans PreRunner before I bought my current 4WD. Great driving truck. The 2.7 doesn’t get a lot better mpg. So don’t count off a 6cyl.

I went 4WD because I tow a lawn equipment trailer quite often. I needed 4WD for wet yards and the extra power from the 6 cyl was MUCH better.

I will say, the 2.7 w/5 spd was such an easy truck to drive.

 

Pre-runner will have 6 lug axles and 4 piston brake calipers on the front, tow rating isn't much different on the 4 cyl between a 5 lug and 6 lug but you would have slightly better stopping power on a 6 lug.

 

WOW, this is all great info that would've taken hours/days to find.

 

Don’t forget increased ground clearance. It sounds like you’re interested in my truck. 2010 Prerunner AC 2.7L 5MT with 160k. Super reliable for 13 years and still fun to drive. Best of luck finding what you’re looking for.

 

Also you can find what was offered on each model by looking at the brochures.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-ebrochures-2001-to-2017.486957/

 

nice truck and your right, it is what I'm looking even the color! I'm looking at one here locally.

 

A Prerunner is a 4WD truck without the 4WD drivetrain. Mine has the tow package and rear locker. Perfect for driving off road, but not "four wheeling".

 

what exactly does the Tacoma tow package consist of?

 

Note the tow package is only available on V6 trucks.

Towing package includes:

27F battery (non Tow Package has 24F)
130 Amp Alternator
Engine Oil Cooler
Auxiliary Transmission Cooler (A/T only)
Class IV Receiver Hitch
7 Pin Trailer Connector with Trailer Brake Control Harness in Cab (Brake controller not included)
2012 and up models added Trailer Sway Control Programming in the VSC System

Bumps the tow rating from about 3500# to around 6400# when using trailer brakes.

 

The following might help better illustrate the front end & suspension differences between the 2WD 5 lug and the 2WD 6 lug / Prerunner. You'll notice the differences in their shock towers, control arms/mounts, spindle lengths, shock/coil lengths, etc.

2WD 5 Lug

Pictures: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...toyota-never-made.690223/page-2#post-24593957

Service Manual Diagram: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...toyota-never-made.690223/page-2#post-24593951


2WD 6 Lug / Prerunner

Pictures: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...toyota-never-made.690223/page-2#post-24593949

Service Manual Diagram: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...toyota-never-made.690223/page-2#post-24593946

 

Sorry, forgot to mention I had the V6. I don't tow anything but I am happy to have this stuff, especially the coolers. Hauls my 30 lb mountain bike easily.

 

thanks for the pics and technical info. very resourceful, a huge difference, it also explains the price differences.

 

Not sure if it's Pre-Runner standard equipment or a TRD Sport package upgrade, but my truck also has a factory inverter with a plug-in in the bed. Super useful when I go camping. Might be something you want to keep your eye out for when shopping

Also (and again), not sure if this is a Pre-Runner thing or Turd Sport pack, but I also have an LSD that's proven dang nice in wet/slick stuff

 

The inverter I believe is standard on TRD Sport and TRD OffRoad trucks and optional on SR5 trucks.