Tacoma 2nd gen questions... Need help shopping.

[Smksignals]

Hey everyone. I am thinking of switching up my current set up, and am looking for a little help on the Tacoma's. My goal is a 2nd gen 4wd double cab 6cyl automatic, and eventually have a Flip Pac on it. This is going to be geared towards an expedition rig, and not a crawler or desert racer. My questions are about the different packages and the real life necessities. I understand many people have different opinions and preferences. I would love to hear them !!

SR5 4WD, non TRD packages. Do they perform well enough without the extras?

TRD sports package. Is it worth the extra money for Blisteins?

TRD off road package (Bilsteins and rear e-locker). This would be my first choice, but they are the most expensive.

The resale value on these trucks seem to be quite good. What would your thoughts be on a new 4WD SR5 compared to a used TRD off road package?

Thanks for the help. I really need it !!! :ylsmoke:

 

[ballz716]

I just bought a new TRD off-road double cab this past summer and love it. I got the off road because I didn't like the hood scoop and all the painted things such as the mirrors, door handles and bumber on the sport. Also there is a difference between the sr5 and trd models which are the seats, which was another thing I wanted and find them to be more comfortable. I can go on forever but a really good forum to check out is www.tacomaworld.com Has helped me tremendously. Also I paid just under 28k for mine before tax and title.
Hoped that helped you

 

[Plannerman]

I would also strongly recommend the TRD Offroad over the Sport. The two versions have significant differences beyond aesthetics. Yes, they both have Bilsteins, but the OR version also has a smaller sway bar and offroad tuned springs. The OR version also has a beefier brake system (although I don't quite recall the specs). I don't recall whether they have the same skid plates and such. The e-locker is also a significant difference and greatly increases the vehicle's capabilities. Finally, find out whether the Sport has the same electronic traction control system. The A-TRAC system on the OR is quite impressive.

I also drive a TRD Offroad Tacoma. It is an exceptionally capable overlanding vehicle.

PS: www.tacomaworld.com is a fantastic resource and worth investigating.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Dont get the base SR5, the seats are horrible. The TRD seats are VERY nice.

Off Road versus Sport?

Beyond the appearance stuff, Off Road gets the locker and 16 inch wheels. Sport gets the limited slip and 17 inch wheels. Brakes are all the same IIRC. Either way you'll want the towing package IMO for the electrics and cooling stuff.

A big difference to consider is the bed... Off Road models only have the 5ft bed, Sport models have the option of the 6ft bed.

If I bought new today, I would consider the Sport for the long box, that extra foot makes a difference especially when carrying a FAMILY on overland trips. Plus, if you add the FlipPac your shell/interior room is bigger

YMMV.

 

[Smksignals]

Thanks for the reply's !! The local dealer has a 2010 SR5 4WD double cab long bed, white in color. I was thinking of seeing how low I could get them on this truck. But the more I think about it, I am gonna save my pennies and buy a TRD Off Road Package when the time is right.

 

[rynosurf]

They are hard to find but if I could do it all over again I would just get a non TRD double cab 4x4.

The stock TRD bilsteins are junk in my opinion, I use to bottom out the front end pulling into my driveway. I replaced them pretty much right away with aftermarket coil overs.

The BFG rugged trail tires are fine for around town but got replaced as soon as I could afford to.

The locker is nice but for the $4500 Off road package you could probably buy an after market locker, better tires and a coil set up and have a much better ride.

If you buy used you might get a deal but if buying new I would just go with the SR5 for the tow package, seats and other creature comforts.

 

[rynosurf]

I was typing when you entered your last post. If you can get a deal on that truck grab it then save you pennies for a locker!

 

[Smksignals]

I was typing when you entered your last post. If you can get a deal on that truck grab it then save you pennies for a locker!

Thanks. I was thinking the same thing. I really like the longer bed. And if the OR package only comes in a 5' bed, this rig might be an a good option. This truck also has the 16" alloys on it. A lot better variety of tires if I am correct.

 

[rynosurf]

I'm not sure about the brakes and seats. I would imagine the SR5 would have the heavy duty bakes along with the tow package. I would check out the seats in the TRD and see if they are that much of a difference but that wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

 

[Smksignals]

There are 2 buttons on the lower left of the dash, 1 is the RSCA for the air bags, and the other has 2 tires kinda skidding. What is this button? Thx.

 

[ballz716]

The difference in the brakes is that the off road has a bigger brake booster for the A-trac system where as the sport and sr5 have a smaller one since they dont have the A-trac

 

[Rigged]

There are 2 buttons on the lower left of the dash, 1 is the RSCA for the air bags, and the other has 2 tires kinda skidding. What is this button? Thx.

That I believe is the switch for the ATRAC, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control all built into one. See below for functionality.


This is taken from a FAQ of ToyotaNation.com
(http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3104086&postcount=4)


1) 2WD: VSC and TRAC active, 'Vehicle Stability Contro'l and 'Traction Control' (Limited Slip Diff.).
2) 2WD: Switch turns off 'TRAC' and 'VSC', and turns on 'AUTO LSD'. Gives maximum power to tire with traction by braking spinning tire, without cutting power.
3) 2WD: 3 second push of switch turns off VSC, TRAC & AUTO LSD for open differential.

4) 4WD-Hi: VSC and TRAC are both on. No engine power is cut in TRAC while in H4.
5) 4WD-Hi: 3 second push of switch turns off VSC and TRAC.

6) 4WD-Lo: VSC and TRAC are off (open differentials).
7) 4WD-Lo: Push of A-TRAC button activates A-TRAC (Locker-like limited slip).
8) 4WD-Lo: Push of RR DIFF LOCK switch to lock rear differential.
9) 4WD-Lo: RR DIFF LOCK and A-TRAC combined. 3 MPH limit.

* Active TRAC (A-TRAC) -- During 4-wheel-drive operation on a snow-covered road or in rugged off-road conditions, A-TRAC controls engine output and brake fluid pressure so that the drive force is distributed to the wheels that have traction. This enhances drivability in extreme road conditions, an effect that is similar to a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Off-road drivability is equivalent to having the center differential locked and a Limited Slip Differential on both front and rear axles.
* Auto Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) -- Auto LSD uses the TRAC system to achieve the capability of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) when driving in 2WD mode. (On a 4WD vehicle, Auto LSD only operates when the vehicle is being driven in 2WD mode.) Because Auto LSD and Rear Differential Lock perform similar functions, vehicles may have one system or the other, but not both. While Auto LSD components are similar to those in the TRAC system, there are important differences.
* Downhill Assist Control (DAC)3 -- DAC allows the vehicle to descend a steep hill in a stable manner without the wheels locking. It does this by controlling hydraulic brake pressure at all four wheels, helping to maintain a constant, low vehicle speed.
* Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)3 -- The basic function of the HAC system is to help increase control on steep upgrades and stopping and starting on slippery surfaces. The HAC system is designed to help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways during transition from a stopped position to climbing an upgrade.

 

[ballz716]

A-trac has its on button below the climate controls. It says A-trac on it.

 

[Scotty Skan Skeeny]

trd off road with flippac

Hi,

I purchased an 05 double cab trd off-road and added a flip pac, with very much the same intentions as you.
Had to upgrade the rear leaf springs for the weight of the Flippac (Alcan leaf springs in Grand Junction, CO). The new leafs lifted the rear by 1 inch, so I have installed Bilstein 5100 on all four corners and added Eibach springs up front to level it out (trucks rides better than it did stock). This will allow me to put 265/75/16 with no issues.
Did all the work myself with a friend.

Some of the things I've noticed:
-Gas mileage dropped by approximately 1mpg from weight of Flippac.
-The rear locking diff has been great to compensate for the extra weight over the bed when crawling over nasty terrain.
-No problem with power loss
-I love this truck even more now, and I am a camping/exploring machine.

It is a really good set up... enjoy!

 

[Plannerman]

Sport Vs. Off Road Brakes

Reviving the dead (been meaning to post this for so long...)

The Off Road models have a hydraulic brake booster instead of the vacuum booster found on the Sport and non-TRD models. I assume this is one of the components needed to run A-TRAC effectively.