Did I make a mistake buying TRD Sport instead of TRD OR?

There is only so much airing down can do with 4x4, if you have not needed a locker it is not because you some pro trail runner, it is because you don't do hard stuff. If OP doesn't get himself into tough situations, then a locker isn't needed.

 

This statement is critical because the line between need and want isn't hard-fast. I engage my locker often on intermediate trails, not getting stuck in the first place is better than slipping a wheel and having to try again. There's also a case to be made that the chance for breaking things is lower with a locker engaged. You always have a 50/50 torque split.

In my old truck I had front and rear Air Lockers and I broke CV axles at a lower rate than average because I would use the front when I could. With a front you obviously have to weigh trying to steer and fighting that. But I'm basically a wimp and never want to intentionally try to break my truck, so I tend to be conservative. I'm not into creating drama. ;-)

That's the argument for having 2WD low, isn't it? Not my cup of tea to go out of my way to make things hard on purpose but I agree that it's about having fun and using your junk for what it's intended to do.

 

'Hard Stuff' is relative to your skill and the capability of your vehicle. I could easily say if you I have never winched your locker loaded vehicle you've never seen hard stuff. Then one could say, if you've never broken your winch while trying to winch your locker loaded vehicle, you have never seen hard stuff.
And we could go on and on and on.
Just a little logic to think about!

 

Just use the same excuse I use on my non-Rubicon Jeep - Put big enough tires on it that you need a regear and have lockers installed at the same time.

 

Judging by how many times you've already gone, you made the right choice. The 4x4 Sport is more than adequate.

 

Wow !!! Talk about a rude response to a spelling error. You need to think over your life buddy !!!

 

Yep. I just found the same errors in mine because I used voice to text and failed to proof read. On top of that I have big fingers, it's hard to type on these little keyboards, and then the autocorrect function screws shit up and you don't catch it.

 

Haha, I knew I know that hill in the vid, Gulches in SC Love gulches. rear locker and atrac helps tremendously


https://youtu.be/lp3yuQjlYVc

https://youtu.be/UnQmCs929T0

https://youtu.be/snYyjXxYLkU

 

^^^ this, very well stated

 

Autocorrect.

When I said upgrade tires, I meant a better thread pattern. You can keep the same OEM size. The thread pattern is the difference between gripping and slipping... to a certain degree (pun intended).

I agree, an ARB locker is the way to go.

Autocorrect.

Autocorrect.

I love how people judge on their phone's autocorrect.

 

LOL.... i can put a open diffed 4x4 truck (aka TRD SPORT) to shame on stock tires n 2wd with a rear locker in certain situations (IE tires in the air flexing). That stated, OP if you like your truck and hardly do much off roading you wont miss the locker.

Is there the "yellow wire mod" for the 3rd gens? If so OP look into that, that will give you some auto lsd / traction aids down in 4lo which 4lo off road will make life MUUUUUCH easier in the manual trans.

Also locker makes for drifts n doughnuts MUUUUCH easier.

 

If you would like an off road ill help you with a hood swap and then just get a locker and you're all set!

 

You did good OP. The Sport is arguably the most attractive and aggressive looking truck on the market right now IMO.

 

Might want to proofread your post prior to laying down smack talk about someone else's spelling errors.

 

I agree with this statement. It really depends on where you want to go and what type of terrain you will be driving over. I will just comment by saying that some of the places that I've been driving on required my truck to be on 4LO and aren't the type of trails that I want to speed through and bounce around in so lockers came in handy while slow-crawling over terrain where it was common for a couple of my tires to not be in contact with the surface. There are other tools/methods that you can use in lieu of lockers to get you out of the situation, but the difference is really the convenience.

 

I wouldn't consider it a big mistake even if you decide you absolutely need a locker. There are plenty of aftermarket locker options. Air, electronic, automatic, and they will be just as reliable as the stock one and it will cost you less than trading in for an OR.

Enjoy your truck, if you reach a limit and feel you need a locker, have one thrown in there.

 

What did you call me?

LoL Autocorrect makes modern life more amusing. I have to proof read every text I ever send.

 

There's no mistake as long as you brought a Tacoma!

 

wow, what an exciting thread. Thank you everyone. This is why I like TW. I have read all the posts and I think I have one option now is to add the ARB air locker when I feel I need it. Just have to find a mechanic that I can trust to do the job? Anyone knows anybody in Nor Cal?

Also, does the locker only become helpful when you try to climb up steep hill like the 1st video I attached rather than get you out when you're stuck because that's the job for Auto LSD?

 

A locker "locks" the rear diff in place meaning one wheel can't spin faster than the other. So in any situation where 1 wheel is spinning and the other isnt (like if one wheel is under load and not spinning while the other one is in slick mud or up in the air) the locker will allow both of them to receive the same amount of power.

Watch this video and you'll understand how rear diffs work.

OP, I'd go on some wheeling trips and see if you really need a locker or not. My first trip I didn't really need it and stayed in 4H most of the time. The 2nd trip I did was a lot harder and was in 4L for most of the time and had to lock the rear to get some hills. So, go see what you're willing to put your truck through first before spending the cash