Questions before buying, any help would be great.

Hello all!

First post here, and it seems there's an incredible amount of information.
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask the question, so, I'm posting to the 4 cyl thread 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

 

No A-trac but maybe vsc. But why not get a v6 and an auto it is the best combination on the Tacoma

 

two threads?

 

mfree,

The 2.7l, 5-speed, 4X4 Tacoma did not come with a rear locking differential. The only way to get one from the factory is to buy the TRD Off Road package. However, this package is only available on V-6 Tacomas.

All of your questions can be explained in this thread that explains what VSC, ATRAC, and LSD's on Tacomas. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...uto-lsd-explained-easy-understand-i-hope.html

Good luck finding a truck.

 

Most people regret getting a 4cyl.

 

Thanks for the help. I'll be looking for one with the VSC option, and do the modification.

I'm set on a 2.7L for a few reasons. First off, I live in the flatlands, do little if any towing, and will be using the truck for everyday use. The difference in gas milage, although slight, will mean quite a difference in the long run to me. From everything I've read, and many people I've talked to the 2.7 is a blast to drive with MT. I won't be doing any serious offroading, as there's a beautiful '83 land cruiser with a lift in the garage for that.
Another consideration is that the 2.7 will share all of the hardware with the 4.0, meaning I'd really have to thrash it to do some damage. Over the life of the truck, this will most likely relate to less in repairs etc. ..although I'd look forward to doing plenty of work myself.

Just trying to think about the long term costs, and what I really need. I've got a motorcycle for going fast, and a off road rig for having fun. Just looking to cover that gap.

 

Only TRD Off Road has the ATRAC. Could be worth it, but unless you are iffy on whether you need lockers front and back, I think you wouldn't use it much.

TRD models are only offered with the 4.0. Honestly, I think it's worth it for the initial cost difference, the 4banger doesn't get much better mileage than the 6...may e 1 or 2 MPG difference real world.

2009+ has auto LSD with better vehicle stability control and the option to turn it off.
2005-2008 has mechanical LSD (though I think it's only if equipped)

The best motor for these trucks is the 4.0. The best transmission is the 5 speed auto, as it came from the V8 4runner, and can handle abuse.

If you're looking at a 2.7, it will not be a TRD. It will not have ATRAC, will not have the e-locker, nor will it have the tow package that is quite popular on the V6's.


Personal opinion. Really test drive the 2.7 and 4.0 before you get your heart set on the 2.7. Most people get it to save gas and end up regretting it.

 

OP, I live in Florida. My truck is my daily driver aswell.

As far as costs, these truck rarely break down. Getting the 4.0 you will theoretically work the engine less hard than the 2.7. Due to the large number of vehicles that have the 4.0 vs the 2.7, I would assume parts are cheaper and more readily available.

 

I think 09+ all have VSC. That's just the thing that cuts the engine. Helpful in the rain, but a real pain if your in sand or Offroad.

 

I believe base, SR5, and TRD all three have different seats (just not sure about pre-09). General consensus on here at least tends to be that BASE isn't as good as SR5, which isn't as good as TRD.

 

I have driven both the 2.7 and the 4.0 in the past.

Last year, I put about 2,200 miles on a 4.0 5 AT. The engine is wonderfully powerful, and I found myself smashing the gas all the time just for a blast of acceleration. I averaged about 17.3 mpg. which was about 60% highway driving. It was fun, but I wasn't crazy about it.

My experience with the 2.7 has been a bit less, but still enough to know I liked it better. The 5MT left me feeling much more connected to the truck, and as a result I didn't drive it nearly as hard. Over about 600 miles, I averaged 22.7 mpg. More importantly, I just enjoyed driving the 2.7 more. It had more than enough power when I needed it, and with the transmission, felt much more exciting.

The difference between the two was mainly how they affected my driving style. I ended up with a rough difference of 5.4mpg between the two, which translates to 31% better fuel economy. In the end, I just enjoyed the 2.7 much more, which is why I've decided on this set up.

Thanks for helping clarify the differences. Would the 2.7 4x4 be considered an off road model? I'm set on 4x4, but could really go either way on a locking differential. Just wasn't sure about it even being offered.

 

If a 07 or 08 had VSC, I would have the option of disabling it? I was less interested in the VSC/TRAC, other than the weekend trips out to a campsite etc. where it may come in handy. In this case, is VSC included in the SR5 package?

Sorry for so many questions, Craigslist and dealer postings aren't the best on going over what's included and what's not. I'm just trying to get a better handle on options.

Do you have any preference on Mechanical LSD vs Electronic? I have heard a few more positives toward the mechanical side, but imagine the ELSD could be much more aggressive in applying power.

 

Yeah, there's a specific TRD Off Road package. It is only offered with the 4.0, so any 2.7 won't be a TRD Offroad. That said, your truck will be more than capable off-road. If you later find yourself in need of a locker, you can always add one aftermarket.

Sounds like you know what you want. Based on what you said, defiantly get the 2.7 4x4. You have done your homework.

 

I'm pretty sure the trucks either have it or don't...don't think it's offered on some options and not on others. VSC is going to do more harm than good off road. All it does is cut throttle and get you stuck.

No worries...I'm bored at work.

Mechanical LSD is better...period. It's smoothe and kinda just distributes power. The AutoLSD uses the brakes to prevent wheel spin, so theoretically its just holding power back...no one wants power held back...

 

If you want to see the tacos traction control and what they are and how they're used...maybe check these out..

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...ds-vsc-trac-hac-dac-alsd-atrac-explained.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html

It explains how to use it, but also what it does and which models have what.

 

Awesome. That's the set of answers I was hoping to hear.

A part of me is a bit old fashioned, in not wanting extra electronic bits on a truck. Less to interfere, less to worry about, any probably much easier to fix if the need ever arises.

I had driven a friends Camry (or something car shaped) a while ago, and the VSC did frustrate me plenty of times in the rain or snow. I normally just turned it off while driving after a certain point. I wasn't sure if the TRAC system in 4H or (modded) into 4L was some wonderful creation or just another iteration of rapidly cutting power right when you needed it.

As for offroad, I'm not really worried about getting stuck, just interested in having something I can flick the back end out while in 2wd but still get plenty deep into the woods without any issues. I've long been cursed with an open diff, so up to this point my daily driver was essentially useless.

The old land cruiser is a tank, rebuilt about half the frame and all the suspension from scratch, and at 8mpg, only gets dragged out for the big fun stuff.

Seems like I'm on the right track. Taking the plunge this weekend then. Thanks again for all the help.

 

No problem. Hope to see pics when you finally get it sitting in your driveway.

 

Would the M LSD be standard on an 07-08?

If not, is there a code on the door tag or differential itself I should look for to determine if it has it? I'd probably hold out for one, as I'm not in a huge rush.

If I can't find one, I'd have no problem dropping something in myself. I just figure a LSD would cover all of my interests without any additional work.

 

Ahh! Found my answer. I'll be looking for a sticker, and they are indeed rare.

Bummer. Time to look into aftermarket options.