Advice - What 2nd gen model to buy for buildup

Hi All,

Please don't hate on me if there is already a thread on this, but I couldn't find it. I will soon be a Tacoma owner, but first I need to pick the 2nd Gen model I should buy. I've been a Landcruiser guy for the last dozen years, but I want to go with something with an open box. What I do know I want in the Tacoma is the 4 door version, V6, automatic tranny, and 4x4. That's about it. Would like advice on the rest.

I plan on doing a lot to the Tacoma. Suspension, gears, ARB air lockers, snorkel etc.. Is there any point going for a TRD version? Are the TRD trannies, diffs, axles, gearing etc. better? I don't want to go out and buy a more expensive model, then end up taking the stuff off I just spent more money on (i.e. electric locker, shocks, others?). I have read that the TRD diff with electric locker is not as strong as the diff in the other non-TRD Tacoma's. Is this true?? Also, if I'm running a snorkel, I don't see the need in having a hood scoop aside from looking cool.

I'm wondering if I should just get the base model of the 4 dr 4x4, and go from there? Any help would be appreciated. I want to go shopping!

Thx
Eric

 

I would go with as basic of a truck you can yi get everything you want.. You sound like you know what you should do no point in getting a e locker if you want a arb..

 

DCLB SR5 4x4

 

I wish I had known how much I was going to build up my truck before I bought it.

My Opinions:
- I would say go with a Short Bed. I have seen plenty of Long beds wheel hard, but they are definitely a trail limo. I wheel with FJs and I don't find the break over angle to be an issue, but I come pretty close. Unless you need the extra foot of storage I say go short bed.
- Can't speak for the Axle strength, but I have the E locker out back and an ARB air locker up front.
- Even if you wanted ARB front and rear. The E-locker is pretty easy to sell (from what I have seen/heard)
- Scoop on sport models is purely cosmetic. I have a snorkel & recommend Airflow for the very reason that it fits second gen perfectly!

 

SR5 or TRD sport. The sport will get u better seats and the AC power inverter. Not much else that would be important.

 

Yea do the SR5 and you choose the length of bed.

 

In Canada he can only get LB if requirements are DC, 4x4 and auto.

 

Thanks for the advice guys! If I go new, which likely is not the case, I am limited to the long box if I go with an automatic transmission in the quad cab configuration. I wasn't sure about previous models. I guess selling the e-locker is an option if I get a model that has it and decide to swap it out for an ARB.

 

Can only get the e locker in a TRD Offroad which only comes in AC in Canada