"Lateral" Move to a non-TRD Tacoma

The cost of the body work and other random rusty parts has me trying to move into a truck from the south. Found a good one I think. I'm considering going from my White 2002 Xtracab TRD Tacoma to a Gold 2000 Xtracab non-TRD Tacoma. Both trucks have 3.4L, 4WD and manual transmission. Is the only difference the rear locker? The non-TRD doesn't have any rust, dents, looks very clean and has only 170,000 miles vs my 250,000 miles with rusty rockers, rusty/cracked windshield and chipped paint (but good frame). Rebuilt title with the Gold 2000. Passenger and front side accident I guess. Current owner only had a year and knows nothing. I've replaced a lot of stuff on this 2002. I think I prefer the 01-04 look over 98-00. Overall I would pay roughly the same amount (~$1,000 give or take) to make the move. Just feels a little off going non-TRD but in my two years I've never used, nor needed, the rear locker.

My truck...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2002-tacoma-rust-belt-restoration.769596/

 

Pretty sure the only two differences with the TRD trim was upgraded shocks (which should have long since been replaced) and the locker. You can always swap in a rear axle from a TRD truck (that's my plan with my non-TRD '03).

That being said, there's a benefit to knowing what you have, and sounds like you've gone through yours pretty thoroughly. I'd personally at least look for a clean title truck with no accidents on the Carfax if I were to make a move like what you're considering. Just my $0.02.

 

One you upgrade your suspension and add an Eaton rear locker, your non TRD will be way better than a TRD model.

 

What is the difference in suspension? Are the leaf springs actually different? Coilovers?

 

I don't believe the leafs were different. Pretty sure it was just the e-locker and tokico brand shocks. Also don't think TRD models came with crank windows or 60/40 bench seats but rather buckets with a center console and power windows.

 

Here is the option listed on my window sticker. I don't think the wheels, over fenders or center console were unique to the TRD package, so it pretty much comes down to the Bilstein/TRD shocks, the tire size or maybe type, and the e-locker rear diff.