TRD Off Road vs Sport

Hello,

I’m on the coast in BC and looking for a second gen double cab tacoma that can handle logging road trips (especially in the winter) and boat trips.

New to trucks but it sounds like the ideal for this purpose would be a TRD off road short box. However, I realize in this generation I haven’t seen many around and none yet for sale over a few months of watching.

We expect that we’ll take the truck on logging roads all seasons in order to access trails and camping, but probably not on too much narrower track or super bumpy stuff.

A few questions for those with experience:
- Do you think a TRD Off Road is necessary, or could we get away with a Sport or even SR5?
- How important is the short box part to off road use? Understand it effects both wheelbase and turning radius so seems better to be short
- If you had to pick between short box and TRD off road which would you pick?

 

I handled everything fine with my sr5 4x4. Even did the whipsaw trail in it and got through just fine.

 

2005-2008 Off-Road trucks are fully open. No Auto-LSD.

Personally, I rarely use the locker.
And would benefit more from an LSD in my use. If the truck is a 2009+ just get the OR.

 

The TRD Sport should handle what you are looking for. Especially if you are in Lower Mainland or the island where it rarely snows.

Just keep in mind that it is limited in its capabilities if you want to go crawling or anything super serious, due to the lack of a Rear Diff Lock.
Only Mechanical LSD or break controlled “LSD” for the Sport.

-A1: TRD OR is a great to have, I wanted one but getting it is difficult in BC. (One that met my criteria’s. Tow Pkg, no rust, long bed, budget, etc)

A2 & 3: I compromised and got a sport long bed. I mainly use mine for work carrying and hauling cargo or trailers.

But that LSD tho…. I guess if I get stuck I always have a friend nearby to pull me out.
If I had to choose my dream ride. TRD Off Road long bed with Tow Package and manual transmission.
but OR and long bed don’t exist together.

 

Sport rear diff is stronger. Mechanical LSD is also overpowered by big tires.

 

I have an Off Road long bed Access Cab -- I have the same short wheelbase as the 4-door short-bed guys, but get the convenience of a long bed (carrying dirt bike, camping stuff, Home Depot, etc.).

 

this is the way