Buying a Tacoma - off road advice

Hi,

Looking to purchase a 4x4 double cab in the next month or so and need some advice. I go off reading for hiking/camping, etc which sometimes requires the occasional creek ford. Should I look to get one of the TRD off road or sport packages? If so, which is best? This is my first truck as I drove a 4-runner for 10 years. I really appreciate the help!

 

Depends on if you want lockers. with a chrome grille and chrome rear bumper. or
a TRD Sport with 4x4 only. and color matched grille and color matched rear bumper. i have trd off road. either way. you can't go wrong.


TRD off road comes with factory lockers.

 

Id do the TRD Off Road with Rear locker, Its always nice knowing you have that back up locker if you get yourself into a issue. Locker in my 4Runner has saved my ass many of times.

 

Locker meaning locking rear differential? What's the difference in locking rear differential and limited slip diff in the sport if that's the case? (I have the sport 4x4)

 

I've had both and went with a Sport the second time around for the slightly larger rear end after the stock R&P went plus a few 4.56s. I ran a Detroit locker in the rear of the Sport with an ARB in the front. The Detroit lasted about 60k miles before it got sloppy, so I replaced it with a TJM air locker. But honestly I wheeled it with just the stock limited slip initially and stock gears and it did surprisingly well. And come to think of it, l even did a rather hard trail in Moab and Ouray last summer with only one wheel drive (front diff actuator decided to fail for the second time and my newly installed rear locker blew an airline).

 

Yes
The locker (when engaged) makes both rear wheels turn at the same rate, no matter what, when it's disengaged the differential is open, meaning the tire with the least resistance (in slick grass, or in the air) gets all the power.

There is no limited slip diff in the sport anymore, they got thrown out in 09, now toyota has software that controls the brakes to simulate a limited slip diff.

The limited slip diff transfers the power from one tire (the least resistance) to the other, great for everyday and light offroading.


OP, if you were looking at a used truck i'd look at the 4x4 sports (my preference because of the lack of chrome, and slightly stronger rear diff, and the LSD for street driving)
If you're looking at a new truck might as well pay for a E-locker instead of some software.

 

As long as you don't plan on running more than 33 or 35-the trd OR will work great. Rear locker from factory. Very helpful.

 

An SR5 will get you in and out of more spots that you can imagine. Upgrade the tires to something a little more aggressive, and you're good to go...

 

Don't forget with the Offroad you also get ATRAC!

 

Thank you so much everyone! Very helpful. Sounds like I may lean towards the off road package but can't really go wrong either case. Obviously I am new to the 4x4 buying even though my 4-runner was a V8 4x4. I never had any issue with that SUV. Another question. Looks like the TRD off road comes with 16 inch tires and the sport comes with 17 inch. Does that difference get you any advantage in an off road situation? This truck will be both off road as well as the weekend truck to haul, etc. When I saw the 16 inch I was surprised that they weren't wider but I really don't know what the 17's will get you. Thanks again everyone.

 

I don't think you'll find any big capability difference between the 16s and 17s...

I guess the real question is, are you going to be doing moderate to challenging offroading or are you going to be doing easier forest service trails type of offroading...

If in doubt, get the offroad package... it has lots of electronics to help you should you need it. The sport package is all about appearance... color matching, skewps, etc.

 

Thanks. Good point. Mostly forest service roads with some creek fords.

 

And..... Wait for it..... DAC! At least mine does.

OP... either one would probably suit your needs. I have the OR and I like it. Sport has more cosmetic things on it (which I personally like). You mention running through a few creeks. If that is the case you will want to do the rear diff breather mod. Many threads on here about that and it is very easy to do. Will save you some headache down the road if you do get into some deeper water.

Good luck with whichever you purchase.


*EDIT* Oh... one more thing. You will want to either take off, trim, or buy a different set of front mud flaps. They will drag on the reflectors in the middle of the freeway when changing lanes they hang so low.

 

How deep are the creeks youre crossing?

 

go offroad... e-locker is awesome.

 

Yup DAC on all 09+ offroads I reckon

 

Depends on rain, etc but most of the time it is mid way up the tires but sometimes it has been above the tires of my 4 runner. Out of curiosity, why you ask? Should I consider something specific? Appreciate the help.

 

Thanks. Much appreciated. I will look at some of the threads around the rear diff breather mod.

 

Dont know if this little tidbit will sway your choice but the sport scoop gives you an extra 15hp.

 

I believe he was just asking to see if it was advisable for you to do the diff breather mod.