Best Trim to Buy to Start a Build

No manual on the DCLB, if transmission is a factor.

 

As everyone said, if you are buying it with intentions of overlanding, then the TRD Off-Road is probably the best model you should go with. It's got the crawl control and already equipped with the more off road oriented suspension system. There's really no point in paying the premium for the Pro when you could essentially build it how you want with the left over money.

 

If you are planning to do light offroading then any of the trims would be fine.

In my opinion, TRD Pro would just be a waste of money if:
- You plan to replace the suspension
- Don't care for the extra "luxury" options
If you want the leather seats, nice grille, upgraded sound system, tech package, etc. then get it.

TRD Offroad is a pretty good trim to build on. The only difference it has with the Pro aside from the luxury options is the suspension so you are not missing out on a lot of stuff unless those luxury add-ons are priority to you.

The TRD Sport and SR5 doesn't have the following compared to the TRD Offroad/Pro:
- Crawl Control (from experience: I don't think its worth it unless you are new to offroading and don't know how to get unstuck. If you are experienced and you can't get out, the crawl control won't help either)
- MTS (I would say it's pretty helpful especially in sand)
- Rear Locker (You can always install lockers down the road. Best to do it when you regear)
- Smaller size rear diff. (Sport/SR5 has an 8" rear diff compared to the Offroad/Pro 8.75". I honestly don't know if it would matter, the science behind it points that it's weaker than 8.75", but I have seen SR5s pushing the envelope then I would want to take my vehicle to with no problem so I don't think that matters too much unless you plan to drag race your truck and try to pull as much torque out of it as possible).
With that being said, the sport/SR5 can be a nice clean slate to work on.

 

It comes down this honestly. The bells and whistles are nice, but there are some features you cannot add on to a model.

As terrible (or awesome) as it sounds, I literally bought an Off-Road over the Pro, Moon Roof. (This has since changed since 2017, but that’s what it was). Sport was never in the conversation since it’s cosmetic stuff. The scooped hood is sweet. Worst case I can swap out, not about to have a moon roof cut in but a non-robot.

 

The SR5 doesn't have skid plate either and also sits lower to the ground if I'm not mistaken..

 

Gottta love being a damn limo on the trail!!!!!

 

OP Taco Twonz lol???

 

Sport with MT comes with 8.75 rear end as well. Dont forget about us please

 

oops sorry
Not 100% sure, do all MT come with 8.75 rear not just sport, but SR5 as well?

 

Sr5 is not offered with MT unfortunately, only SR is offered with 5 Spd MT, making it a true sr5

I would have bought an SR5 if it came with MT. Had to get a sport since thats all thats offered here in DC and MT. Quite sad. Also no SR with 5 spd over here, i would have highly considered it as well.​

 

This is my vote for what you plan on doing. Saves you the money and time of finding painted body parts and allows you to focus on more useful mods like suspension. From what it sounds like you plan on doing, I’m not even sure you will need much more than just the 4wd. I think the lockers may be a waste for your plans. And go long bed. My one regret on my truck was not getting a long bed. I love everything else about it

 

I'm looking for an SR5 but I don't plan to do a lot of off road and overland. Only some forestry trail and such occasionally and for north east winters. I have some off road experience so I don't care about crawl control. I have been off road in my Liberty many times and several times stock and lifted at Rouch Creek off road park. Ive managed to come home unbroken every time too. I'm over 45 now and just not sure I want to do that crazy stuff anymore.

I think if your goals are for more off road than what I'm currently in to you should look at the TRD off road. It's more but comes stock more set up to do what you will want do with it. The locker especially is the key feature you will want.

 

I think you quoted the wrong member sir

 

hahaha!! Actually I meant to quote you simply because you taught me about that rear end

edit: that sounded way dirtier than I had intended

 

I think he did mean to quote you. Sports don't have the shiny bumper cap.

 

Off roads with tech package come with color matched rear bumper as well. My buddy has 19 off road and no chrome bumper caps.

Buddys truck in pic.

 

This is what I’m getting done in a few weeks.

 

Forgot to add fender flares. Offroads come in black and I think sports match body paint.

 

Get a long bed. Of the innumerable useful things I’ve learned from TW, I read somewhere that guys with those get laid more often. Unless, of course, that’s not important.