difference between trd sport and offroad

here's a thread that some of us started. It should cover that question http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/si...lunteers-before-you-buy-sticky.html#post87773

 

copied directly from the linked post

TRD Sport Package: MSRP $3,915 – Invoice $3,142
Includes: SR5 Package, Color Keyed Bumpers and Grill, Upgraded Fabric, Sport Seats, Sport Suspension, Bilstien Shocks, 17 Inch Alloy Wheels, Limited Slip Differential, Bed Power Point, Fog Lamps, Hood Scoop, Color Matched Door Handles and Mirrors


TRD Off Road Package: MSRP $3,755 – Invoice - $3,013
Includes: SR5 Package, Sport Seats with Lumbar Support, Off Road Suspension with Progressive front Coils, Bilstien Shocks, 16” Alloy Wheels, Locking Rear Differential, Bed Power Point, Fog Lamps, Engine and Transfer Case Skid Plate

 

the difference between a locking and limited slip differential?

the LSD is best for normal on road use and the locking differential is for off-road use only. The LSD will not distribute equal amounts of torque, like the locker can; but the LSD is on full time.

 

How much are you peeling out? The clutch on the LSD will eventually wear out. I don't think there is a specific mileage, but it will depend on your driving style.

 

No locker in his truck -- he's got the sport.

Apply the brakes slightly as you apply the gas. It'll provide some resistance on the wheel without traction and help the limited slip do its thing.

Consider the LSD the same as an open differential when offroad. As you've seen, when 1 wheel loses contact with the ground it doesn't do a whole lot.

Compensate with driving skill, and failing that, more speed.

 

Any expense can be worth it depending on the application. If you wheel hard and/or often, then hell yeah it's worth it.

Bunches of different lockers out on the market.
http://www.4wheelerssupply.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/470_496_22

The TRD Offroad comes with an electronic selectable locker, meaning you can turn it on and off at the push of a button and it uses electricity to engage. ARB's model uses air pressure to engage, as an example of a different approach.

You could install a locker in your current axle, find an axle out of a wrecked TRD Offroad and install that under your rig (and figure out the wiring to make everything work), or just upgrade your whole rear axle to something that has many different lockers available (Ford 9", for instance). If you take that last approach you might as well find one with disc brakes while you're at it.

Regardless of the route you choose, figure a grand+ for the conversion. Less if you're handy and can do the work yourself. Going with an automatic locker over a selectable one would keep cost down too, but know what you're getting into as you'll need to be extremely aware when driving on pavement.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what manufacturers make lockers for our axles. I went with the Offroad package specifically for the factory locker.

 

Exactly what I was thinking. It's like he's been a member of the site since the very beginning!