Really can't decide between DCLB or AC (4x4)

I don't do rock crawling or mudding, but gf and I do like taking car camping trips (Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Inyo, etc) I have used the locker a handful of times in the 2 years I've owned my 99 4Rrunner to get un-stuck, and I was glad to have it. I know the DCLB's don't come with a locker but LSD instead. Has anyone who does my type of off roading use a DCLB? Or does anyone have one and wish they didn't? My 4Runner has a bunch of brush pinstriping from seeing where small roads go. With the DCLB I would probably be giving up this "exploration" just because the f'er would be too big to follow where my 4Runner could go.

DCLB
1. Can throw co-workers/friends in when golfing/camping etc
2. Space for things I dont want to get wet/dirty in the bed.
3. Dog can be inside truck at times, and not always in the bed with gear.
4. Driven one, dont' really mind the turning radius/parking.
5. Maybe throw in an ARB locker down the road if I need to.

Access Cab TRD Off-Road
1. Easier on road
2. More nimble off road
3. Rear Locker

Also, DCLB's are pretty easy to find used (09-10) asking 27-28k, while I can't find a 2009-11 Access cab in Barcelona red or Silver Streak to save my life. That means I would probably have to go new to get the access cab. BTW, need the long bed, so no DCSB for me.

Thoughts?

 

Just so you know, only the TRD Off Road comes with the locker in the AC and only the 2005 - 2008 TRD Sport (and some of the SR5's) have a mechanical LSD. The newer models use AutoLSD which basically just uses the brakes to mimic limited slip.

Your call on the cab size... All comes down to personal preference in my opinion.

 

Sounds like you've already decided on the DCLB based on the dog, etc. which is what influencd my decision on the same model. I really enjoy having enough room and options for everything. I need more space more often than I need a locker I can install later, anyways.

 

My dog loves having the whole backseat area. I used to have a 2001 ext cab.

 

My friend who is a member here, acdronin has a DCLB and we take it 4 wheeling. He has no locker on and it we have not gotten stuck yet. We even took the black diamond trails.

My BARCELONA RED *hee hee* AC is basically a mall crawler.

 

I would like the interior space, but I don't want to forego all or a lot of off road capabilities to get it. If that makes sense...

 

DCLB!!

 

This might convince you. A huge amount of us (60 vehicles) went to Hollister. There were a few DCLBs. We all pretty much hit the same trails. If you have time, browse through here and you might find some pics.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/no...9-massive-hollister-hills-picture-thread.html

 

You won't be foregoing anything if you get a DCLB and throw an ARB air locker in it. You won't need it unless you're really into wheeling but it's there when you want it. I think it's dumb you can't get them from the factory. I've only been stuck once in mine and wished I had the locker. I do plan on getting it but overall I'm extremely happy with my DCLB for what I can carry in the can AND in the bed. I think ours (cause you're probably going to get one after reading this post ) are the optimal Tacoma once you throw that locker in. Can't be beat.

 

DCLB!

 

Not my trucks, but maybe will help influence your decision

 

That is a whole lot more intense 4x4'ing then I will be doing. Good to know the dclb can handle that.

 

I'm the friend, get the DCLB, it is going to have all the room you want. I'm never going to try to crawl mine, it's too long. With out the locker you just have to pick the right line.

 

Thanks for the tips. I will throw some sliders on it and 265/70/17's so hopefully that will help with highcentering and rocks hitting body panels.

 

This guy is a friend of mine, I have his LCA skids (it's what you are looking at in my sig picture), and I'm going to be getting sliders from him as well, it will greatly increase what this truck will do, here's the slider thread: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/ba...ion/180798-b-m-f-rock-sliders-all-trucks.html

 

IMO, the locker is a great thing to have...but judging by where you live (I'm from OC and have been on trails in all the areas you mentioned) there aren't too many places you can get so badly stuck and there wont be somebody else with a winch nearby. Anza and Inyo (Alabama Hills) areas are mostly dry, with the exception of some deep sand in Anza...but we ran into so many Jeeps and other 4x4's who ALL had recovery gear in the event that somebody actually got stuck. JT and Yosemite don't really have any trails I'd take, unless you're outside park boundaries.

I contemplated the same thing, between a TRD Off-Road or SR5 4x4. I opted for the cheaper SR5, because I really didn't think I'd get that stuck out here, and I haven't even gotten close yet. Other guys back east or in the south have to deal with very slick mud and other obstacles where the locker really comes in handy.

I'll probably install a set of ARB lockers when I do the regearing down the line.

 

Thanks Traveler. Good to hear from someone who has been around the same stuff. You hit the nail on the head. The thing I would be most concerned about happening is getting stuck in sand in the middle of the desert on one of those 90-100 degree days. I would just have to get myself out some other way (another 4x4, wood planks, shovel, hi-lift as a winch, etc)

 

I've run the Dunes up in Oregon with my non-locker, air down and throttle, throttle, throttle, and when in doubt, more throttle

 

Sounds to me like you've sold yourself on the DCLB. No reason not to get it if that's what you like. As far as capability,unless you're in some bigger rocks or trying to climb some pretty big faces where you might high center it,you'll probably never notice the extra wheelbase. And you can add a locker later if you feel you need one.

 

Now THAT is some thick sand...I could barely walk on those dunes when I was there last summer...good to know! and yes, when it doubt, rev it out.