A few questions from a newer guy

Before I got flamed, yes I did use the search function.

First off, my truck is my daily driver. I also use it to tow my small boat, and trailer for my ATV. I do some off roading to go hunting, get to shooting ranges and camping in the back country. Nothing too crazy, but I do use it! It is a 2007 Prerunner access cab.

I own this truck, so I am looking to build it up a bit. It is already lifted with a 3'' spacer lift the previous owner put on it, but I am not digging that.

What I am thinking: I want to make it a little more off road capable, and I was thinking about getting a locking rear differential. Do any of you guys recommend a specific brand? Have you ever needed it, and did it make a noticeable difference.
Secondly, I really dig Long Travel! I think hauling ass around some trails and jeep trails would be fun as hell. I have been looking into builds and what not, but I am not seeing too much info on prices, and how the guys like them. Can I get some info from the guys who have recently converted to LT. How do you like it? How much did it run you? Would you recommend LT for what I am looking to do?

Thanks in advance

 

ARB Locker is popular... Welcome from a fellow San Diego County TW'er.

 

That sounds a little pricey. I'm not looking to go that far into debt haha. Ill have to look into it a little more. I might run out to our ORW here in SD and pick their brains a little bit.

Hey David, thanks man. I love San Diego. I gotta get the scoop on some good trails and camping spots from ya!

 

im pretty happy with my 5100s with eibach springs. they handle the offroad really well

 

Please refrain from saying " scoop " around David

 

Oh shit, I must have missed something...

 

Well, last year during a TW debate on the Off Road TRD vs. the Sport TRD I mentioned that the fake hood scoop (which is there for looks only) also cuts some visibility that is much needed when doing some steep hill climbing... Less hood is better than more. Seems so many of the kids here on TW just love that hood scoop...

As for local trails, having 4WD is nice but several of the SoCal Tacomans get through in their PreRunners... Have a look at the photos and video clips of our Oct. 15 run, that start on this page of the thread (11):
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/so...-min-trail-run-backcountry-10-15-11-a-11.html

There is also Corral Canyon ORV Park, east of Pine Valley and some grove roads near San Marcos and I-15 at Deer Springs Road variously called 'Welk Run' and 'Panda Jerk's Drug Airport'...

 

I'm not a kid , I'm 43

 

Kids of all ages... you know, like those who go to Disneyland!

 

as mentioned ARB would be your best option for a rear locker. i will always recommend in a selectable rear locker on any DD.

i think for what your are describing, LT will be overkill. you'll be just as happy in running a nice mid travel setup that should incorporate aftermarket upper control arms and a quality set of coilovers such as Fox, King, or even Icon. certainly will be a billion times better then your current setup.

even just running the 5100's will be a very noticeable difference as far as how the ride quality feels

 

Thanks for the advise Monkey! I'm going to do some more research, but at this point it does sound like LT is a little over kill, and way out of my price range. I will post updates as things develop.
Thanks again fellas.