A few questions before buying a 2.7

Hello all!

First post here, and it seems there's an incredible amount of information.
I'm not sure if this is the righ place to ask the question, so, I'm posting to the general 2nd gen forum as well, mods, please direct me if I'm in the wrong place.

I'm looking to buy a 2007-9 Tacoma, 4x4 access cab with a 5 speed.

I've done quite a bit of searching both on and off this site, and I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out a few things I'm not quite clear on. Mainly, what came with this model originally.

I'm trying to figure out if this configuration comes with VSC or ATRAC, or even just TRACK in general? Right now, I'm pretty sure these years would have a Mechanical LSD. I had read in a spec sheet that the 2.7L 4x4's had auto locking hubs, and wasn't clear on if a locking differential was ever offered as well. From what I can tell, it seems this was only on the TDR 4.0L versions, but after so many threads, things are just blending together.

If VSC/TRAC/ATRAC was an option, is it worth it to you? I'm having a bit of trouble finding taco's in this configuration locally, and am wondering if it's worth holding out for this add on?

I'm currently driving an 01' Ford Ranger in 3.0 AT and 2x4. It leaves quite a bit to be desired. Oddly enough, the 2.7L would be a noticeable step up in power and capability. My current open differential isn't winning any awards either.

I've been sold on the Tacoma even before buying my last truck, but at the time couldn't afford one, as they held their value so well. Have been kicking myself for years, and just want to understand the minute options before taking the plunge on a truck for the next 10-12 years. (I hold onto vehicles for a quite a while usually)

Thanks!

~Matt

 

the 2.7s are available only in the base models, or the SR5's. Neither of those models have ATRAC, that only comes on the TRD Off Roads. They do, however, have VSC, and TRAC, which use the electronic braking system to stabilize the truck in slippery conditions. You can shut them off by pressing/holding a button, you can also cut a yellow wire behind your glovebox in the 4WD ECU that will keep TRAC on even in 4lo, which it is not designed to do from the factory. This is SIMILAR to ATRAC, but nowhere near as agressive. It will still work well, but you will need to generate quite a bit of wheel spin before it kicks in.

VSC/TRAC both work well, however, i didnt feel like i lost anything by going from a 2011 base model with it, to a 2008 model without it.

 

Go for the v6 truck it has a ton of power compared to your ranger

 

Having owned a Ranger myself, a 2.7 Tacoma will have a ton more power. Plus you may like the mileage better. My Ranger got horrible mileage.

 

I own a 2.7 reg cab 5 speed prerruner sr5. Mine is base everything manual windows, locks and all. Great little truck for what it is. Its no powerhouse but it pulls my 13ft Whaler just fine. I dont kno much about the ATRAC on the tacomas but my FJ has ATRAC and the locker and it has got me out of a few iffy situations. Ive had the taco for 7 years now and i love the thing to death but if i had to do it all over again i would have gotten the v6 DC TRD offroad... i just couldnt afford it at the time

 

I had a 2000 Ranger for 12 years - similar to yourself I bought the Ranger because of tighter finances, but wished I had. Sold the Ranger a year ago and picked up my Tacoma.

Ranger - RWD 2.5L auto regular cab

Fuel economy was better than I get with the 2.7L (25 mpg combined vs. 22.5 mpg combined) but my Tacoma is also 4x4

Brother's Ranger (2003) - RWD 3.0L manual extended cab

Fuel economy with careful driving around 23 combined (mostly city).

Loss in FE of the Ranger for the ride and style of the Tacoma was worth it to me. Both are great little trucks, but I'm glad I moved into the Tacoma.