Do I even need a TRD if I'm lifting n future?

I looking at buying a "for the most part" stock 2ed gen Tacoma, and trying to save Money so I was wondering if I'm going to put lift kit and rally bumbers and new gears, does the trd models come with anything worth having?

 

the only big difference is that sr5 models don't offer a rear locking diff. other than that there are small things like the power inverter in the bed, and seats. but honestly if your'e gonna build the truck up sr5 would be fine. there's always the arb air locker you could add on in the future with the sr5.

 

My tacoma is a 2004 TRD SR5 and has a rear locker. I think with the TRD you get a different tire size, shocks, and the always cool sticker. But if you're going to be building your truck up anyways none of that would matter I wouldn't think. Might save a little by not paying for the upgrades you're going to pull off anyways...

 

If you're gonna be modding the only thing you are really missing is the locker which you can just get aftermarket. And the better seats.

 

x2 seats, locker, and outlet pretty much. The deciding factor there really being the locker. If you need it and if you want to put an aftermarket one in when you regear or not will tell you which to get between sr5 and trd.

 

the locker is a HUGE plus IMO, and sometimes hard to justify the cost of after the initial vehicle purchase.

 

Ok that was great info, but I had an 99' Tacoma w/ locker and I rarely used it even when 4x4'n. When do u use the diff locker? Or a good time to use it?

 

ATRAC has saved me in the past. The OR TRD is where it's at

 

x2

 

X2

Once you figure out how, and where to use it properly, it's an awesome tool.

 

i think the seats are worth it alone

 

Well I would say that a rear locker is really expensive and A-trac in the front is almost priceless so i'd check the box next to worth it. Unless you can save enough on a non-trd model to make up for the price of front and rear lockers plus labor install.

 

care to elaborate and pass on some knowledge?

 

Stick to the SR5, build it your way, get an Air locker and have onboard air!

 

A locker will help you to climb up and over ledges like this on a steep incline. It also help in any situation where both rear tires need traction.
A locker was needed here. A non locked taco with beefy tires could not get up this.

 

nice pic, and cool story to go with it. I know enough about the locker to know when it should be used, for the most part, i guess what i'm wondering is when not to use it. I think i once read that open front and rear are better in deep snow with momentum, im not sure if that is true. I guess you wouldn't want the locker on in the back on a slick trail with a lot of turns.

Growing up with ATVs we had no choice, every atv is locked in the back by default. Fsbrains posts seem to suggest that he had mental list of when to use and when not to sure the rear locker.

 

If you intend to regear anyway, an ARB air locker will add about $900 per axle (based on ECGS prices). An ARB low-end air compressor runs about $200.

Inverters are easy enough to purchase and install yourself if you care about having the AC 120V port (I don't). A 400W unit is $30 at Harbor Freight:

 

We don't get enough snow in Texas to comment about using a locker in it. I would say go wheeling till you can't get over an obstacle and then engage the locker. Also a locker can help have more control over obstacles by allowing you to go slower.

 

i bought a TRD Offroad model with no regrets at all, i knew i was going to mod the truck from the get go but things like Down Hill Assist are rather handy when im out in the mountains and need a consistant controlled speed down the hill

 

Does the locker make that much more of a difference over the LSD?