SR5 is the Equivalent of the old Gen-2 Pre Runner?

I've just ordered a TRD Sport 2x4 after driving a 2005 SR5 Pre Runner for the last 17 years.
Back in the Gen-2 years, there were two ride heights; the SR5 Pre Runners, and the low-riding SR and X Runners. Nowdays the all seem to have the same ride height up to the Limited version.

My understanding is that our Gen-2 Pre Runners had the 4x4 suspension and height, but without the 4-wheel drive setup, correct?

Are all 3rd-Gen SR/SR5/TRD Sport/TRD 4x4 and Limited Tacomas the same height and suspension setup? (the high-ride Pre Runner setup?) It looks that way. Unlike with the Gen-2 Tacos, where you could buy an X Runner or an SR that rode low.

If I am buying the 2022 TRD Sport 4x2. Is it the same suspension (in terms of components, construction and sturdiness) and ride height as the TRD 4x4, but without the 4x4?

I took my old Pre Runner to mild-to-medium trails a few times and it performed great within the limitations of a 2x4. Will my 2022 TRD Sport perform just as well, stock?

To make my question simple, is a 2022 SR5 the equivalent of a Gen-2 SR5 Pre Runner in terms of its underpinnings?

 

Never had so called pre runners, but i've had sr5 toyota pickups since the very early 80's. They all similar as far as a basic drivetrain arrangement. They never came with a locker, or a bilstein shock package. The sr5 was built more for asphalt driving especially in winter conditions when 4wd is needed, yet its still very capable for less serious off road use. One newer trick toyota has come up with on the sr5 tacoma 4wd is a poor man's posi that uses the brake to stop the wheel thats spinning, so the one that isn't will now get power to it. This believe it, or not does work 1/2 way decent to crawl out of a sticky spot.

 

I too drove a 2005 AC PreRunner. Same ride height and springs AFAIK as the 4x4's. No Bilsteins and it had the standard vacuum boosted brakes with ABS module on the passenger side.

To answer your question more fully. They did get rid of the lower riding trucks like the 5 lug SR and Xrunner. Everything starts at 9" clearance

 

I believe the 3rd gen is the 'equivalent' of the 2nd gen 6 lug configuration.

 

A simple answer to your simple question: Yes. It is.

 

I know little about 2nd gens, but by most accounts the suspension is identical across 3rd gen trims except for the shocks. The Pro is also reported to have a 1” higher ride height in front. All trims have the diameter tires as well, but the tire width and wheel diameter slightly.

 

The 5-lug chassis was discontinued after 2015. The 2WD 6-lug chassis was called the Pre-Runner up to 2015, but with the 5-lug being discontinued, the Pre-Runner name was dropped.

So yes, all 2016-2022 Tacoma 2WD's would technically be "Pre-Runners" if that name was still being used.

Jeff

 

“Pre-runner” AFAIK is just a marketing label used primarily in states that have desert racing. I’ve owned 5 pickup trucks, 3 of which were 2wd, and I had never heard term pre-runner until I joined this forum. Where I live, a 2wd pickup is something you buy if you cannot afford a 4wd.

 

Tacoma Pre-Runners say "Pre-Runner" on the tailgate, doesn't matter the state.

Jeff

 

While i never owned 1st or 2nd gen tacoma's, pretty sure every true 4wd toyota pickup i ever owned had 6 lug wheels.

 

5 lugs and x-runners were the low slung 2nd gens. They did away with the 5 lug on the 3rd gen so every one sits at what was pre-runner/4wd ride height on the 2nd gen. (on the 2nd gen pre-runners were 2wd with the 4x4 height suspension)

 

I don’t doubt that, but I’ve never seen or heard of one in my state.

 

Actually, anything that’s not a 4x4 is equivalent to the previous generation Prerunner. I have a 2023 Prerunner that is a step below the SR5. My son has a 2016 TRD Sport that’s a 4x2. In 2015 that same truck would have been badged a Prerunner.

 

Since SR5s can have 4WD and now a locker like the OR (2022 SR5 Trail Edition) they just keep blurring the lines and using up the parts bin

 

Whats next for the sr5, a better off road shock package?