Thoughts on Prerunner?

Hi guys,

I recently bought a new to me Tacoma pre runner Access cab 2007. I wish I had a 4x4 but I don’t think I’d really need it here in Southern California. Not much of an off roader but will go to camp sites every now and then. What are your thoughts and past experiences on the pre runner ?

 

It's just a 2wd Tacoma with a 4wd suspension package so it sits higher than a standard 2wd Tacoma, it's still just 2wd.

 

you'll be fine

 

I bought and drove a lot of 4x4 trucks (S-10's and Dakota's) over a 35 year period. That was when I needed 4x4 to get me down the beach for surfing or out to the hunting lease. When I no longer really needed a 4x4, but wanted a truck that could handle light off-roading and forest roads for camping and riding my dual sport and woods bikes, I bought a Prerunner. Suits me fine. Less to go wrong and you don't have to worry about driving it in 4x4 once a week or so to keep it going.

 

Good point there

 

why 4x4 in SoCal

-there are places to use 4x4 nearby or travel to
-it holds more value
-it does not necessarily always cost significantly more to get 4x4
-being in SoCal does not mean permanent requirement to be there for life
-it’s probably easier to get a 4x4 than do a conversion later

only you can decide

it’s once a month. Whether I do that or not never had an issue.
Just put in a front diff with stock ADD, unknown history, that’s been sitting around for a long time. It works.

monthly engagement likely becomes unnecessary when upgrading to ADD delete.

 

It’s better to have 4WD and not need it than to need it and not have it. Plus I think if you own a truck it should have 4x4.

 

Seeing as you already have the truck, don't sweat it. Just enjoy it. I seldom use 4wd. Just be aware of what you are getting yourself into and learn what the truck can and can't do.

 

Unless your use case never needs it.

Compensating?

 

Hahaha

 

Once this truck can’t run anymore I’d consider a 4x4 taco or 4Runner but for now this is going to do

 

We have a pre-runner and 4x4 Tacoma at home. Just depends on what/where you're using it. The pre-runner does everything the 4x4 can except off-road on technical trails where the rear would surely slip. Otherwise, the pre-runner is a good everyday vehicle.

 

If you want a little better capability, you could install a locker in the rear. I did that on an F-150 years ago and it made a big difference. You could get into WAY more trouble with it.

 

I had my Prerunner for 9 years and 145,000 miles, and there were exactly two times I couldn't get where I wanted to go. And that includes a ton of unimproved forest service roads and a few snow outings (both issues were snow-related, I'll add). Chains would have eliminated the problem, but I never bought them for that truck.

I actually outgrew the access cab before 2wd became a real issue.

 

Unless you're camping in sand, mud, or have to travel difficult terrain to get there, a 2wd will get you there. Won't hurt to get some traction boards in case you have to park on a soft surface. I've owned 3 prerunners over the last 25 years and I've never once needed 4wd, and I also do plenty of camping and travel backroads to get to sketchy fishing spots.

 

You'll be waiting for a while

Don't sweat it, Prerunners are dope in dry climates. You get a solid 6-lug suspension and brakes without lugging around the weight of a front diff and drivehafts

 

A great truck for driving off road but not off-roading.

 

Prerunner are great trucks,I use mine for hunting and camping everywhere in Nevada,I never have to post ( my 4x4 won't engage ) like tons of others do,lol.

 

Remember this forum is 4x4 fanboy site,with tons of 4x4 mallcrawlers that never leave the blacktop but swear they need a 4x4.

 

Nah he asked about our opinions on a prerunner and just giving my opinion.