Would like to buy a taco soon (TRD OFF ROAD) but need some help with questions quick.

Hi,
Looking to buy a taco soon, but I do have a couple quick questions that I have not been able to find out for the life of me so any help is greatly appreciated!:

I'd be looking for a TRD Off Road equipped taco. I would love one! I know they are known to be bullet proof but these 4 things have been really hard to find.

First, what kind of differentials does it have? I know that the rear is lockable- but- can you still lock it in 4 high (because many only allow you to lock the rear in 4 LO)? Also, when it isn't locked, what does it default to? Limited slip or open?

Second, when you put the truck in 4 high, does it lock the fronts or simply turns it into a limited slip diff and when its not in 4 wheel drive I'm assuming its open.

Third, is it just me or are they still drum brakes in the back and if so- do many people change them to discs?

And lastly, why does everyone say they have a weak tailgate? What exactly goes wrong there?

Thank you a ton! I really didn't know who to ask anymore and the dealership had no clue!

 

hey man i just bot one 2 weeks ago!!awesome lil truck. mise is a double cab TRD offroad package. the diff will only lock in 4lo. it does default to a limited slip. i dont kno on the 4hi question about whether its limited slip in front or open. i wud say open. aint found out on the weak tailgate yet. ive been a diesel owner for the past 5 yrs and dont plan on goin back!!! The taco is everything i need!!!

 

tailgate problems are fixed on the new ones i think

 

Tailgate issue remedied. Not an issue on '09 or '10 model years.

 

1. Stock it only locks in 4Lo. You can remedy this by doing the locker mod. This allows it to lock whenever you want it to and is a ton of fun! Pretty easy to do, kind of freaks you out a bit to cut wires in a new truck but I did it the first week I had it.

2. The front diff is an open diff. When you're in 4hi or 4lo it's still an open diff, no locker or limited slip up front, the power goes to the path of least resistance. If you have the locker engaged you'll essentially have 3 wheels driving at all times.

3. yep, drums in the back. It's pretty spendy to convert them to disks, the drums work fine.

4. weak tailgate has been fixed apparently, I was lucky enough to get a hold of a gator saver before Seth quit making them.

5. Sounds like a retarded salesman, they should at least know the basic operation of the vehicles they're selling!

Hope this helps!

Edit: This applies to 05-07 at least, not sure if/how much the newer electronic controls affect things. I like to be able to take it sideways without beeping and blinking lights.

 

Great Info. good post.

 

So is it safe to put a Gixxer 600 or R6 on the bed/tailgate lid without it breaking or bending the tailgate? Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW from TX.
They are great trucks.

 

Cool thanks a ton this really helps! Yeah I'll probably end up doing the locker mod like you did- but with help (haha) yeah I'll want someone else with me for the "cutting wires on a new truck" part.

Do you know if anyone does any kind of locker mod for the front or does it go through a lot as it is?

 

Thanks so much guys this really helps! Keep'em coming if anyone has some of the newest years for the taco! Getting a feel for what year I will get is huge!

 

There is a write up on how to do the rear locker mod on here somewhere, try the "search"

there is no locker for the front. You would need to add one yourself. like and ARB air locker, etc...

 

Most of these answers have been posted on here a thousand times but i feel your pain as i still dont quite understand the 9 different drive modes of button configurations.

I just get in something deep and put her in 4 HI and drive it like i stole it. Hasnt failed me yet and I have went places that jeeps with 6 inch lifts and 35s and duramax's with 33's cant go.

 

if you are buing new, tacoma has $500 cash back or 1.9%apr promo till march.

 

Thanks for the info guys. So far I have one confirmation that the rear defaults to limited slip instead of open. Anyone else able to confirm that?

 

No problems with 08 tailgates