Mid Travel Build Starting Point: 2023 SR5 or Off-Road

I want to buy the most basic version of the 2023 Tacoma possible & build a Mid or Long Travel rig. Thinking V6 / Auto / 5ft bed / 4x4 / Ice Cap White.

From what I have seen, I think I can possibly save 7-10k by getting an SR5 vs Off-Road.

If true, do you guys see any reason I shouldn't get the SR5? Wouldn't I end up replacing just about everything extra that comes with the OR?

The only difference I can find is the Locking Rear Diff but I can add an ARB Air Locking Diff(s) later, right?

Use: Daily, beach, desert, mud, national parks/forests, cool points, FUN

Excited to get the last of the 3rd gens being sold and start building, thanks for the help!

Inspo Builds Attached:

 

I got the off road for the black fender flares, DRL’s and better screen inside and all this time later I am now cutting my fenders, replacing my headlights and head unit. If I had to do it all over again I’d have saved the cash and gotten an SR5. Just know everything adds up quick. Suspension, wheels, tires, CMC OR CMR will add up to close to $7-$8k going with pretty nice stuff, there are less expensive options and more expensive options. Bumpers/skids/sliders are over $1k each. Then you have lighting which isn’t cheap either. Either way, you’d be replacing all those things on an SR5 or OR, may as well go with the less expensive SR5 in my opinion.

 

If you want the most basic wouldn't you start with an SR double cab 4x4 V6.

 

I rarely use my rear locker and my Crawl Control even less, but happy to know it's there if I need it...

Something I seriously thought about, upon purchasing my OR. Otherwise, I'd gladly rock and SR5.

 

Thanks for the rundown, I am definitely tempted by OR & Sport because I like the stock look as well... But I figure, the worse it looks at purchase the faster I'll be motivated to upgrade... I guess I'll try & use the $$$ saved off MSRP as my budget, ha

 

Fair enough, you caught me... There are 2 creature comforts I like in the SR5 over the SR (Keyless entry & Push Start), but I just realized those can be added as options to the SR.

So it'll probably come down to what is available at the dealerships near me!

 

Yeah I don't see myself wanting to use the Crawl Control, and I figure I'll learn my lesson and add the locker after the first time I need a recovery lol. Thanks for thoughts

 

TRD off-road has an 8.75” rear differential vs 8” with the sport and SR5. It is slightly stronger and better if you regear due to the larger ring gear. If I had it to do over I would have bought an SR5 and then used the $15K I would have saved towards SAS with the Martec Engineering 3 link kit front and rear on tons and 40s.

 

Is that even relevant though? I mean, if youre doin shit to bust an 8" diff, wouldnt you be doin shit to bust an 8.75"? In which case, you should probably rethink the tacoma as the platform imo.

I dunno i could be wrong

 

I dont get the Sport. It's an SR5 with makeup. No off road goodies.... If your gonna spend that much, why wouldn't you get the Off Road goodies????

 

Sounds like a good plan to me OP. I did the same thing, although I don’t plan on doing a LT build. Here is a pic of my truck the night I bought it and how it sits now…

Day of purchase:


Now:





With all the swapping and upgrading you plan on doing, I think an SR5 would be smart.

 

Good catch, I didn't even realize they had different size diffs until your post. So many variables hidden in the weeds.

I tend to agree with you, I cannot find anything concrete on pros/cons. Something that gives me a little peace of mind, I will be regearing with the Nitro Gears 5.29.

On the Nitro Gears description, they do mention: "The 8" rear differential found in 3rd gen Tacoma has been known to be quite weak. We recommend at minimum upgrading to the Nitro Helical Gear LSD unit as a strength and traction upgrade: TORS-TV6-30"... Not sure what to make of that I will try and talk to someone over the phone.

 

I was planning on an SR5 4x4 like my 1st gen, possibly a off-road. I couldn’t find a MT in either after a year of searching. Caved and bought a Pro that did not have a ridiculous market adjustment. Very, very capable truck stock - As are SR5s.

I get the build the truck desire - If I planned on dumping big cash, I’d go SR5. Odds are you are going to regear anyways, so toss lockers in at the same time, CMC/CMR possibly trim fenders for larger tires or new glass with a wide LT set up. Or, as mentioned above SAS with Martec’s 3 link kit.

Sky is the limit if your wallet can keep up.

For what it’s worth a bone stock Tacoma SR5 4x4 can do all of what you mentioned you would like to do and then some. But again, sky is the limit and plenty of vendors with solid hard parts for 3rd gens.

 

You should just buy mine and take it across the finish line

 

Toyota marketing team gets paid good money for a reason, customers love options... I think the "makeup" appeals to people who don't intend on doing the aftermarket song and dance and want something that looks good off the lot.

 

I wanted a smart key, and in 2022 that meant I had to go TRD. 2023 added it to the SR5.

 

For me it was the only way to get an access cab and a manual. Those two options were worth it for me with how little
I used the locker on my 2nd gen even with extensive off-roading.

 

That's why I got mine over the pro. I knew I'd be changing stuff.

 

Also why I got mine, knew id be changing stuff.

And , key.

 

Always reminds me of this scene..