Considering a 2015 Tacoma - a few questions

[Adventurous]

Not trying to start a pissing match, and really its just whatever the individual prefers, more than one way to skin a cat. :sombrero:

My reason for getting the off road package... An ARB, Compressor, and install is going to be nearly 2 grand. Now if your re-gearing right away you can mitigate install cost, but your still going to pay 1-1.5k for the locker/compressor. An ARB compressor will air up tires, but it won't be that great. For me a locker is a must have when offroading, and a selectable locker is a must have considering the expo aspect as a full Detroit locker does not have great on road characteristics. The other reason for me, re-sale. The transmission cooler to me is very important, especially if you are running in 4 High, this heats up your transmission quite a bit so it is helpful not only when towing. The seats, all the electronic traction stuff, rear bed plug in all make it worth it for me. If your building a hardcore rig the base model is probably best as you will be upgrading everything. If you buy a TRD off-road, put on better tires, you have an expo rig ready from the dealer in my opinion. Again, every one has there own opinion and it comes down to what the individual really wants/needs. If the OP wants tru tracs front and rear then off road is a waste, but the ATRAC alone will out perform tru tracs and will work from the factory, and be under warranty.

Now if they would just do the off-road package with color matched bumpers from the sport and just put on a good tires from the beginning.

Lucas

I think you hit the nail on the head. If you intend to take the truck, throw on some good tires and go enjoy it, the Off-Road is the perfect platform to do so. If you intend to do a full "build", it's probably worth skipping in favor a base model.

 

[Scott B.]

The off road package with Atrac and a real locker will hands down be better than front and rear tru-trac from Detroit (basic limited slip) and a waste in my opinion.

Unless you have the money to buy the truck and instantly do your mods my opinion is the offroad package is the best in the long run. You can make a few hundred selling the suspension if you upgrade. And reap the benifits right away of the traction upgrades and reliability of an OEM locker.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My plan is start building the truck as soon as I get it. Currently having a built truck, I do not look forward to idea of driving a stock one...


What sort of differential is in the front and rear of the trucks (not counting the elocker) with TRAC/ATRAC? They must have some sort of limited slip, not just an open diff, right?

 

[brianjwilson]

What are the restrictions on the TRD locker? Most manufacturers limit the speed, gear, 4x4 selector position etc which a locker can be engaged. Wouldn't the tow package on a non TRD have the same trans cooler?

 

[RedwoodCruzr]

What are the restrictions on the TRD locker? Most manufacturers limit the speed, gear, 4x4 selector position etc which a locker can be engaged. Wouldn't the tow package on a non TRD have the same trans cooler?

I used to have the TRD off road. When I bought my 2013, I opted for the SR5 with towing package. It DOES give you the transmission cooler. ATRAC is cool, but for me, ARB lockers are sufficient for anything I need. I actually prefer the softer SR5 seats over the TRD seats, here's why: I put form fitting seat covers on. The squish of extra padding on the SR5 seats getting compressed into the seat covers has made a more comfortable overall seat, IMO. To each their own though. Last thing to think about when making this choice: bed size. I found the 5' bed impossible to lay down in with the tailgate up, even though I thought laying down diagonally would be okay. The six foot bed is so much better for cargo and lying down, clearance is rarely going to make it worth it to me for use as my DD truck.

 

[Plannerman]

ATRAC is a brake actuated traction control

 

[brianjwilson]

I used to have the TRD off road. When I bought my 2013, I opted for the SR5 with towing package. It DOES give you the transmission cooler. ATRAC is cool, but for me, ARB lockers are sufficient for anything I need. I actually prefer the softer SR5 seats over the TRD seats, here's why: I put form fitting seat covers on. The squish of extra padding on the SR5 seats getting compressed into the seat covers has made a more comfortable overall seat, IMO. To each their own though. Last thing to think about when making this choice: bed size. I found the 5' bed impossible to lay down in with the tailgate up, even though I thought laying down diagonally would be okay. The six foot bed is so much better for cargo and lying down, clearance is rarely going to make it worth it to me for use as my DD truck.

Good to know. Seat comfort is subjective for sure. I have lower back and neck injuries and basically every seat sucks anyway!
Personally I'm planning on an sr5 or basic dclb. Re-gearing so I'll throw in arbs anyway, and icon/ome suspension so the trd does nothing useful for me. To each his own. I spent a lot extra for my rubicon and replaced all of the rubicon stuff anyway.