Advice on choosing my first Tacoma

First and foremost, I have searched multiple forums all day for any and all topics discussed below. I do have a couple of unanswered questions, and I'd appreciate any opinions regarding "the decision". I'm looking to get into the Toyota 4x4 scene again after being absent for over 10 years. My first truck was an 88 Toyota 4x4 Pick-Up that I loved off-roading in. I've got two used Tacomas on my radar. 2011 TRD Sport V6 AC with 40,000 miles, 6 speed manual ($25,000), or a 2009 TRD Off-Road V6 AC, 5 speed manual with 63,000 miles ($21,900). I do not do any off-roading or trail riding. I only use 4x4 to commute to work through either ice or snow two or three times a year (live in the south). I have owned both GM and Ford 4x4s over the years, and I have always seemed to be just fine with the factory LSD systems (never put much thought into what rear differential I had, just as long as I had a 4x4). I think I only used 4 Low one time in 10 years in a Ford 4x4 F-150 to get out of a snowy ditch. That being said, it feels like I have read a lot of people regarding the TRD Sport as inferior based on the LSD rear end, and all of the negativity has me a little freaked out (this could just be serious off-roaders complaining). I don't want to get the Sport and have the feeling that I have an inferior 4x4 even though I will not be doing any off-roading.

Now, here are my questions. In a 2009 TRD Off-Road 4x4, is the rear differential open until the locker button is pushed, or is the rear differential a limited slip until the locker is pushed? Am I right in that the rear locker is only used in 4 Low? The LSD works in that if one rear wheel is slipping, the torque is then shifted to the non slipping wheel to increase traction? Does anyone here have any gripes or complaints about how the TRD Sport LSD 4x4 handles in snowy or icy conditions?

The TRD Sport is only 30 minutes from my home while the TRD Off-Road is about 4 hours away so I will be viewing the Sport first (that's if I even make it to the Off-Road.) Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. Sorry for the newby questions.

 

All Tacoma TRD models are completely OPEN diff. It is locked when you push the button.
Yes - rear locker can only be used in 4lo (unless you modify things yourself)

NOTE:
The 2009 and newer models have the non-mechanical LSD and is actuated via the brakes. In fact, I'm pretty sure all models have the brake actuated LSD.

The 2008 and older models have the mechanical LSD. I honestly can't comment on the 'brake' LSD as I only have the mechanical LSD.
This thread might interest you.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/27223-2009-vsc-trac-auto-lsd-snow-test.html

 

Without getting into the nitty gritty and for what is practical for you, the 2011 Sport will be my vote. And I have the Off Road : D

 

the 2009 v6 has a 6-speed manual..4 cylinder is a 5-speed

 

Well overall condition of both vehicles would be my main deciding factor but with all things being equal I would pony up the extra 3k and pick up the 2011. It's 2 years newer and worth more money. Good luck.

 

My bad, it is a V6 with a 6 speed manual. Thanks.

 

For what you are using the truck for, i would go with the Sport aswell. While the Sport does have the brake actuated LSD (and it sucks) you can work around it with better driving, DIY mods, or a Trutrac or even an air locker, but it doesn't really sound like you need one of those. I offroad some in my 2010 Sport and have never had any issues, but my version of offroading doesn't include climbing rocks.

 

I'd look for a sport with the automatic. As a diehard manual transmission fan the stick shift in these trucks ain't worth it. The auto is much more stout and returns better mpg and performance. The sport for the LSD. I have an OR and I think I've only locked it up once for shits and giggles. v6 or bust.

 

2011 dclb sport 4x4, no issues track control is pretty awesome. Here's a few pic's.


Not much else to say.