Another Sport vs Off Road Dilemma

About 2 months ago I purchased a sport, and I live about 30 minutes from the Rockies. The dealer I talked too seemed to be very honest in regards to the truck models. They had several to chose from so there was no need to sell one vice the other. He stated that he has sold Off Road editions and no one has ever came back and said they used the locker. Having grown up in Colorado, and owned a few other 4X4s I had to throw the BS flag on that. So I sneaked onto some city property that has some decent hills that are pretty damn steep. They are shale bluffs, so there is several inches of loose shale from top to bottom. My Sport didn't balk at any of them, and I did not feel any wheel spin what so ever. I did hear all of the active control gadgets going ape shit though, but it stuck like velcro. Then I locked it into 4 low and 1st (automatic) and once again, absolutely nothing. All traction gadgets are off in 4 low from what I have read. No wheel spin, nothing at all, just a snails pace to the top.
I was seriously questioning buying the Sport until that day. I am sure if you wind up stuck in some deep mud where wheel spin rpms, traction and all tires getting it is the only way out, then you probably need the Off Road. If you don't see yourself crossing a bog or swamp, then the Sport will ride a little firmer but you will never be disappointed.
Now, why a 6sp? 6th gear is just an over rated 5th. You will have to be cruising at 80mph+ to get any use out of 6th gear. I had a Frontier (booo boooo) with a 6 speed, and I never used it. Well for a trip to Florida from Alabama once. But around town, and close in driving, never.
I have the auto and last tank I got 22.3 mpg with a DCSB, V6. The days of the standard out living the auto are over, and autos now get better mileage from the start. What I would do over, is get a TACO that was made in Texas not Mexico. You can google the plant codes. Not sure why, must be I'd rather pay a US guy, over someone that is probably getting screwed but thinks he's living large.
Good luck, and whatever you get will be good to go.

 

There is a mod that can be done to keep the traction on in 4 lo. I think it's called the yellow wire mod.

 

Sir,
You have my attention . Having not been in any situation where that may be helpful, would it almost be a poor mans locker?
That is pretty interesting, as it climbs hella good in 4 high. I cant imagine a snails pace on velcro.

 

Here is a link. My understanding is it's like auto LSD in 4 lo, or like a slightly weaker ATRAC system than what the offroad comes with. The offroad is a little bit more responsive.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/51946-4low-trac-3.html#post1039300

 

I test drove a 6 speed access cab. I intended to buy a six speed. I ended up with the automatic after I drove it. Dont knock it till you try it.

 

Wow, sounds too easy to pass up. I have saved info and added to the "list". Hopefully here soon, I can get out to engineer, black bear, and tin cup pass and see if there is any indication to do the mod. On the shale cliffs that truck stuck with street tires. Hell the Dunlops do not even look like good all season tires.
Thanks for the info, I was looking for it and not having any luck.

 

Lol this ftw. I have a six speed and it's not the best driving. Other than off-road where you need that extra control I would prefer the auto.

 

Gotta love it when a fella comes in, asks for opinions, and then dismisses them offhand.

I've only been here a short while, David, but I have learned that a lot of the guys here speak from experience, so at the very least, more research is in order before you just cross your arms and stamp your foot and say "No auto!"

Just my opinion...

 

I'd rather have a manual. No TOB issue for me yet and supposedly the 2005 manuals are especially bad. Yeah on a cold morning it doesn't feel buttery smooth and it's a bit of extra work (especially in traffic) but it's way more fun to actually drive when it is nice.


Gaing or losing 1 or 2 mpgs is really nothing compared to how you drive... Especially when you throw on different tires, sliders, what ever else.


An ARB locker is about $1000 before install and the air compressor. You can trade for a hood scoop for about 200$.

 

If we're gonna have the auto vs manual discussion...

Ultimately, you have to figure out what your priorities are and then decide which compromises to make. For me, the most important priority was getting a truck that I knew I would enjoy driving day in and day out for the next 5-10 years.

The automatic transmission may be more efficient than I am, and maybe 6th gear is as pointless as you say, and maybe you can't get a manual DCLB, but I can deal with that. In the end, I would rather take a short box, pretend like it's a 5 speed, and pay a little more at the pump than have to drive an automatic every day.

Call me illogical, or silly, or whatever you like. I'm going to do what makes me happy. Sounds like OP is doing the same. This thread would be a whole lot better without some of those early snide remarks.

 

People hate on the MT all the time for the gas mileage and then give Toyota $5000 for a fake skewp and to colour match a few things.

 

Not this shit again , it's not $5000 more for a Sport

 

Agree. Where I got mine the price difference is negligible between an OR and a Sport.

 

Up from a non TRD it is.

 

Where I got mine, I had to drive 5 hours to look at it and then 5 hours to get it home again. It's fucking hard to find a used manual double cab, never mind one that has been well looked after and is still in good shape.

I had been searching long enough that I would have taken pretty well any package configuration so long as it was a 4x4 manual double cab. I just lucked out in finding an off road (with a few other nice options too!)

Though I will say: Fake or not, that's a sexy lookin scoop. I kinda wanna go find a Sport hood from a wrecker or something.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ed-hood-non-scooped-hood-trade-thread-22.html

 

So while people debate manual vs automatic and long bed vs short bed, lets talk about something important; ride quality and handling. The OR has progressively wound coils which gives a more compliant ride vs the Sport's coils which will give a rougher ride, but better handling.

For me the OR is the logical choice because handling and pickup truck go together like military intelligence or government organization. It just don't make sense. But the topic of handling will probably devolve into an endless discussion of what is better.

 

If the OP doesn't want the locker , get a 6 speed SR5 and buy a Sport hood

 

Ok so here's a few thoughts I have after hearing from you all.

Auto vs manual - I'm not buying this truck with the expectation of great mileage. I've got a Hyundai Accent for that (it's a manual too). As I said before, auto is not an option. On a side note, what is this TOB issue?

Another question... will the 2015 TRD Pro's be available in a manual?

David

 

Squeak.

I'm at 56k right now and I am going to have mine replaced before the 60k warranty is up. Already had it in once when it started intermittantly and they told me just wait unitl it is a bit closer to 60. Free fix.