Confused about TRD sport performance

Fellas,
I'm trying to replace a 1989 pre-tacoma that I love and does everything I need a truck to do. There is a low mileage 2006 TRD sport tacoma available where I live that I'm considering buying. I don't do anything remotely hard core 4-wheeling, mostly just getting to trailheads and some obscure hunting and fishing spots here in Colorado. I am off road frequently but not hard core 4 wheeling if that makes sense. I've been reading some negative stuff on here regarding the off road capabilities of Tacoma TRD Sport trucks and I dont even have a basic undertanding of how these things work so....my question is simple. All else being equal, will a 2006 double cab TRD Sport Tacoma perform the same or better off-road as my 1989 SR5 pre-tacoma? Why or why not? Help me understand.

I'm just not a truck junkie or mechanicly inclined and really dont understand how these two trucks differ in off road capabilities and could use some help. Thanks a bunch. Doug Dillingham Ohio CIty, Colorado.

 

From what I hear (I own an SR5) the Sport is great for around town, hauling kids and bicycles, and things of that sort. But, it's a Tacoma. It'll take a bumpy dirt road, easy. I've done my fair share of wheelin' with my SR5's stock suspension, and it's been totally fine. The Sport has Bilsteins, which are better than the stock Toyota shocks, but not the best by far.

It does, however, have a limited slip differential and various other optional traction control systems that the old truck doesn't have.

Never driven an '89 Toyota pickup, but so far, I love my truck, and it'll take anything I throw at it. And mine's just the SR5.

 

The sport will be an improvement

 

I actually owned an '89 pickup for a while and I honestly don't remember if it had a rear locker on it...but I don't think it did.

As far as off-road performance goes, the big difference between the SPORT and the OFF-ROAD is the rear differential locker. Now, probably about 95% of OR owners have never used the rear locker or even know what it does (I am not referring to people here at TW, I'm talking general population). The rear wheel differential lock is meant to be used at very low speeds and only to get you out of the tightest jams, and if you don't really do any serious off-roading, you probably won't *need* it.

This page may help clarify (or further confuse...):
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html

The TRD Sport also comes with 17" wheels standard and shorter tires. Compared with the OR's 16" wheels, the Sport will theoretically handle pavement driving better, but the 16" wheels and taller tires of the OR will do better for off-road. Now, I will tell you the quality of tires can make a huge difference, but I don't personally the difference between the 16 and 17" rims does...just my opinion though.

Bottom line, based on what you describe your intended driving environments, you should be A-OK with the Sport. I have a TRD Sport and love it. I also had a plain 'ol TRD package '05 previously and never had any issues with that either for that matter.

 

I own a 07 Sport and before I modified it, it handled very well offroad. The suspension was a bit stiff but nothing unbearable, the only down fall was the stock tires. So if you put a good set of tires on it then it will be a great truck. The 4wd systems in the tacoma are very good and very reliable in my opinion. I say go for it.

 

I did 200 miles of dirt, minimally maintained, and logging road a couple of weeks back in my TRD sport while camping in northern Minnesota. This includes some time crossing beaver dams and other remote areas.

Other trucks got stuck, but not mine. A stock taco is extraordinarily capable. You won't have any trouble with it.

 

I had an '88 Toyota and loved it. Like everyone says the TRD Sport will be fine. I know my '88 didn't have a locker or limited slip......i don't even think it was an option from factory​

 

I had an 05 sport, throw some good tires on it and your good to go!

 

Sport is fine for almost anything off road, unless you are one of those that intentionally looks for things to make it more "challenging".

 

It's a TRD sport 4x4, not an X-runner.

It's still got 4 wheel drive, low range, decent ground clearance, a front 'skid plate', etc. which is all the the equipment that 90% of the 4wd trucks out there have. The biggest handicap is the road oriented tires. Realistically with good tires you can go almost anywhere a modded up 4 wheeler will go, you just might have to take an easier trail or an easier line thru the obstacles to get there.

 

My TRD Sport, even when stock, is infinitely better than my modified patrol Colorado on the same trails, and some of them are pretty intense. You will be fine.

 

Sports ftw!

TRD OR guys love to hate on the sports

 

X2

 

You will be fine. That is basically how I use mine.

Oh I tow alot too, but not what this thread is about... Its great for that too.