Explain some Toyota truckology to me?

What is the big deal about having a Tacoma 4x4 with a "TRD" decal on the side? What does this mean to the average Joe? Is this equipment I really need? What about the decal "Sport"? What does "Prerunner" mean? How about "Xrunner"? What is all the hoopla about SR5?

If the truck has such decals as "TRD" and I buy used, how can I verify that the decals are correct and not just something that got stuck on the side aftermarket? How do I know exactly what I am really getting when shopping for a used Taco? Is it a real "TRD" or is it a fake?

 

They do get stuck on and there are a lot of fakes out there.
I saw a 5-lug "TRD Prerunner" in LA a few weeks ago.

The good news is, for the most part, it doesn't matter.

Prerunner is obvious and can't be faked. It's just a 2wd version of the 4x4 truck... spring over axle. A lifted 2wd 5-lug is going to have taller springs and maybe a shackle flip. Prerunner is also a 6-lug 2wd.

TRD Sport has a hood scoop and color-matched grille.

X-Runner is a 5-lug 2wd with 18" wheels, body skirts, and an "X-Bar" rear swaybar.

 

TRD stands for Toyota racing division.

TRD OR comes factory with a rear locker and upgraded susp. 6 lug wheels

TRD Sport HAZ SKEWP. and the same suspension as a TRD OR, but no rear locker 6 lug wheels

Prerunner is a rear whee drive only truck that looks like a 4x4 OR. 6 lug wheels


Only trucks that have a V6 will have the TRD badge. Each truck can be ordered with different options per package. but all trds have 6 lug wheels

Everything you get depend on what you want to do with the truck.

 

TRD means Toyota Racing Development

 

Now I feel dumb..

 

There is the plain 4 cylinder 5 lug 2wd.

A prerunner which is a 6 lug 2wd that can the I4 or the V6. (For playing in the dunes and such)

An Xrunner which is an Acces cab 5 lug with the V6 and manual tranny only. (For racing)

The TRD sport which is the only model that can be both a double cab and have the 6ft bed. It also has some color matched body parts instead of chrome and some form of LSD in the rear and a hood scoop. (For Looks)

The TRD Offroad which has a rear locker instead of LSD and a few other offroading options like downhill descent control. (For offroading)


I believe that the SR5 is on almost all of the Tacomas now and it doesn't really mean anything. Maybe a couple extra options like a sliding rear window or something.

 

There are 2 TRD packages, the off-road and the sport. They both have upgraded bilstein suspension. The off-road comes with a rear diff locker and 09+ have upgraded traction aids. The sport comes with a scooped hood, color matched grill, rear bumper and mirrors. Pre '09 sports have a mechanical LSD. Pre-Runner is the same suspension as a 4x4, just without 4x4. SR5 is an upgrade package with standard power windows, locks, color matched fenders and a few other options standard.

This is an X-Runner

 

To the average truck buyer TRD means "look at me and how much money money I spent to look cool".

There is base model, then SR5, then TRD, in that order.

SR5 adds chrome grille and rear bumper, intermittent wipers, sliding rear window, power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control, all the nice options. You decide if you want that stuff.

There are two different TRD packages.

TRD Off Road has locking rear diff for better off road performance, "sport" seats, different shocks and struts, and the stickers.....maybe an extra skid plate or two. TRD sport has a hood scoop, color matched grille and mirrors, and does not have the rear locker. All TRD trucks are going to have the SR5 options on them as well. The TRD package also has the 120V invertor outlet in the bed.

Prerunner is the 4WD ride height without the 4WD. XRunner is the lowered 2WD, go fast looking version. Some handling upgrades, and the only way to get a V6 in a non prerunner 2WD Tacoma.

 

Forget about the rest of the mumbo jumbo. As long as you get a TRD Sport with the hood scoop, you will be getting so much pootang....you gonna need to set up reservations just to make time for the ladies.

 

Because ladies love non funtional things.....

 

Toyota provides all details on the various packages on their website:
http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/options.html

 

and trd off-road has a locking rear differential. to average jo that means "push this button when you cant get over an obstacle" aside from the actuator on the rear diff, i usually just glance on the driverside switch panel and look for the "rr dif lock" button.

the trd sport has a limited slip rear diff which actually does make a difference in light, off-camber terrain. the mechanical diff was replaced in 09 i believe when all 4x4s got the auto lsd, which accomplishes the same limited slip benifits without wearable clutch-packs in the diff. cool feature but no substitute for locker when doing serious business.

both trd models have bilstein shocks all around and i believe the off-road has progressive coils. . . not sure what the benifit of those coils is.

sr5 is what most people need, power windows, door locks, etc. color matching on the fenders, bumpers whatever.


edit: when i wrote this there was only one response

 

Also the TRD sport comes with crappy highway tires, and the TRD off road comes with crappy trail tires.

 

* Depending on the engine and body

2.7 RC is not available with cruise or fog lights even in SR5 trim.
Not 100% positive about the AC and DC, but I believe none of the 4-bangers are available with cruise.

 

Hmmm. Did not know that.

I guess I should add that there are no power windows available on regular cabs either. Power locks?

 

TRD...
The Real Deal!

 

yeah! that!

 

I had forgotten about no power windows... ya... SingleCabGuy wanted to do the conversion on his but the panels won't fit the doors.

Power locks go with windows (control panel) so I guess that's a "no"

 

they are a little softer then firm up as compressed and allow more flex.
someone correct me if i'm wrong