Tacoma TRD worth the extra money?

[Winky]

I have sold my built Rubicon to a nice gentleman in Oklahoma.

Now it's time for the vehicle search. Ever since I have been active on this forum I have been lusting after the early DC Tacomas. What I am wondering is should I hold out for a TRD model to pop up or just go with a non-trd version? I would like the locker and I believe that only comes on the TRD trucks. It wouldn't be a huge deal adding ARB lockers to a non-locker equipped tacoma, because I could do all the work myself and it ARBs are tried and true. What else does the TRD version come with that would make it worth holding out for and probably paying a little bit more for? I appreciate any advice you can give me in general about the tacomas. This will be my first Toyota truck and as much as I love jeeps (i'll own another soon) I am looking forward to a smoother ride and power doors and locks. Thanks all.

Josh

 

[Dave Bennett]

The E-locker alone is worth the extra dough.

Other than that its jus "upgraded" shocks and springs and a cool looking decal IMO.

I would get the TRD version.

 

[98sr5]

i think the package is like 2800 im not sure but i think for that much you could have a full arb locker setup. but if your gonna go bigger than stock tires dont get it and just do the arb and gears later. its cheaper plus when you get the trd it comes with all that color coordinated crap which isnt worth it imho

 

[98sr5]

yeah its actually a $3045 upgrade not worth it if your gonna go bigger like 33s and want an arb in it plus it comes with power everything. the way i would do it would be get a base pickup 4wd with a 6 speed then upgrade to 33s regear and put arbs front and rear cost a little extra but well worth it.

 

[Streakerfreak]

I do not have the TRD version. I figured if I am upgrading everything anyways, why pay the extra dough. If you plan on getting an ARB then there is really no point to getting a TRD. My rig is very capable with out the e-locker and I do not see any reason in my near future where I will need anything more then what I have. I have power everything and an LSD(so far no problems at all with it) Its a V6, 6 speed manual and I love it.

I can't remember what package it is though, but that does not matter since your looking for an early model Tacoma and not the new models. No matter what year you get you will probably end up taking a lot of the stuff off and upgrading it anyways.

It would help if you knew what pre-05 model year you were looking for.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

You can find the e-locker in non-TRD trucks, starting in 97'. I don't know if a locked non-TRD DC ever existed though?

Is it worth it? Well while the TRD package might have added $3k new, it doesn't seem to add half that on the used market... in fact when I was searching for my DC, it mabey added $500-1000. Even when in stalling the ARB yourself, your still paying $1000+ for the parts. In the end you get a stronger 3rd member, and a better differential IMO. If you find a clean non-TRD for the right price, do it and install the ARB. If you plan to add an upgraded suspension, the locker is the only tangible upgrade.

 

[Overland Hadley]

IMO I would get a TRD.

Here is the current TRD Off Road package. From Toyota's website.

TRD Off-Road Package (OC) -- SR5 Package #2 plus off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein® shocks, 16-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich® Rugged Trail T/A tires, locking rear differential, engine skidplate and fuel tank protector, front tow hook, 115V/400-watt deck mounted power outlet, multi-function overhead console with compass and temperature gauge, sport seats with sport fabric and driver's lumbar support, and TRD Off-Road graphics (V6 models)

 

[Jacket]

On the 05+ Tacomas, the Sport seats that come with the TRD package are a pretty nice upgrade. Much more comfortable sitting for long distance travel. Not sure of the prev gen Tacomas offered that tho.

But I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to get a Toyota e-locker, and would probably hold out for a truck with the factory locker.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the assumption he was only looking at the early DC's? In that case the only major differences were the e-locker and the front suspension.

 

[98sr5]

the old one was just lockers and shocks the new ones are dressed up models with all the options

 

[keepontruckin]

The tires aren't LT, so you'll want to replace them right away. The suspension, especially on the older DC models, is awful. I opted for some Donahoe's. Really the only useful thing is the locker. But if you can swing an ARB, it might just be better to do it all yourself and avoid a big pile of expensive trash.

 

[Winky]

I am looking at the 01-04 DC Tacos. I don't think it is worth only looking at the TRD models. I'll just find one that is priced right and then upgrade as needed.

 

[Streakerfreak]

I am looking at the 01-04 DC Tacos. I don't think it is worth only looking at the TRD models. I'll just find one that is priced right and then upgrade as needed.

Good plan. If you find a TRD that's a good price then why not, but there is no need to go out of your way to find one.

 

[98sr5]

its what i did

 

[Cackalak Han]

90% of the 01-04 DC Taco's I've seen are TRD versions. I've also seen some Limited trims around here. I can only tell that the difference is a sunroof? I looked inside and could not tell any difference from the SR5. Anyone know the specs? They probably came with 16" wheels/brakes and maybe a couple of little things, but nothing major from what I could tell.