what is the TRD package?

I have ben looking around at first gen trucks for sale (wanting a 6cyl) and was noticing a lot of 2wd trucks touting the TRD package.

I know it stands for Toyota racing division and it says off road on the sticker but what does this actually mean is different then the average run of the mile regular prerunner 2wd?

so what is different? is it going to have more payload capacity and a much rougher ride because of heavier off road springs and different shocks?

these trucks with the TRD package are average asking an extra $1k because of it so there must be something to it other then a pretty sticker

 

Bilstein shocks, rear electric locker, skidplates, and some other things here and there

 

so does this make it ride rougher/stiffer?

I like a soft comfy ride (more like a car then a truck) and if this is a stiff ride package I want to avoid that so do the Bilstein shocks make a smoother or rougher ride?

as for the skid plate I guess I could pull that off and sell it since anything I buy will be a pavement princess strictly

I guess the most important question I am really asking is, does the TRD package make any difference in ride quality or feel and if so is it a stiffer ride or a smoother ride?

 

I myself think the ride is a little harder than normal suspension, but to me its a truck not a car so just my .02

Most get the TRD package for the rear locker

 

another question I have is I see one with Axle Ratio - 3.91

is that good or bad for gas mileage? im looking for the best mpg I can get from a v6

can a 2wd even use a rear locker? I also have heard they don't put the skid plate on the 2wd TRD trucks either but I know nothing for certain so that's why im asking for this info

yes I see they say it includes the "sport" seats but im not sure if that's just the seat cover pattern or if the seat itself is in any way different

 

we have used the rear locker once in the past ten years. we were trying to get to a remote lake in early spring, and the road was tall hard pack snow with wagon wheel style mud ruts. we came upon a dip in the road, and we decided to "gun it," and we got high centered. the rear differential lock was what saved us, and allowed us to drive out of there. otherwise we were looking at a long cold walk to cell reception

 

I think trd is also the speaker system too. I could be wrong. You definitely get a cool horse power adding sticker. I believe the seats don't change until you get to the limited tacomas, again I could be wrong. Ive never ridden in another tacoma but my own (04 dc prerunner trd) but i can say it's pretty Bouncy.

 

He is talking First Gen TRD... which was the Off Road TRD (Sport TRD was invented for the Second Gen 2005+). I had a 2001 1st Gen TRD 4WD (Off Road). I would never dream of paying so much for a new truck and not get a locking differential (or some advanced traction) that would take me beyond where all others without it can go. Seats? Without owning some non TRD to compare, I can't say... To me the Tacoma is as comfortable as any passenger car, but I bought a truck for what it can carry and where it can go... not how cushy it is!

 

is yours a 4wd or 2wd?

this is where im confused, can you lock the rear end on a 2wd truck? or is this just for the 4wd option?

can anyone confirm if 2wd trucks can have locking rear wheels?

so is yours a 2wd? all preruners are 2wd correct?

do you have the locking rear axle? also (if 2wd) do you have the skid plate on yours?

 

YES, the OFF ROAD TRD is a 2WD or 4WD Tacoma option... with a locking diff. The 4WD locker only works in Low Range 4WD. The 2WD locker works anytime you push the button under the correct conditions...

 

I have a 98 PreRunner TRD V6. Its 2wd but im pretty sure the TRD package is all the same things a 4WD has, except the 4WD. It has different shocks, skid, plate, the diff. Locker, and other things here and there. Oh, and the sticker of course. ;D But to answer the locker question, mine is 2WD and i use the locker all the time. It helps when offroading.

 

Is that a sticker for a 4WD?
Mines a PreRunner and I definitely have had the locker on wayyy past 5MPH

 

Yes all prerunners are 2wd unless converted, and yes i have a locking rear and skid plates. The diff lock has helped me out several times over the years

 

The 5 mph is a safe speed to use the truck with the locker on... as it is to get unstuck, and not leave on. Steering is impaired when the truck is locked... open differentials allow the tires to turn at different rates without scuffing/ binding if on pavement. Locked takes away this feature, so steering is strained.

 

thanks guys, im clear on things now

I think I was confusing this locker with locking in the 4wd when I think of a locker

 

Selecting or 'engaging' 4WD: 2 possible wheels to 4 with power... power normally goes to the easiest to spin tire on each axle... why you see one tire in front spinning and one in back spinning (when stuck). This is normal for an 'open' differential.

Limited slip differentials & Traction control (TRAC & TRAC OFF) applies clutches or brakes on any one tire that spins so power will also go to turning the other tire on that axle, increase odds of getting through, or getting unstuck.

A-TRAC matches tire rotation across the axles so that both tires rotate together, equal power, and automatically frees up when there is no more loss of traction under any tire so steering is unaffected.

Locking Differentials match tire rotation across the axle so that both tires turn the same, have equal power. Manual deactivation required, otherwise steering will be difficult.

 

HAHAHA I've used my locker past 70mph

 

We all know it works at any speed for you 2WD guys or modded 4WD guys... Stock 4WD guys can only lock in low range... so no great speed there without red-lining!

It is because steering is compromised the Toyota lawyers say to not use over 5 MPH, I would guess?
Seriously, if are on a road that permits 70 mph, then why do you even need to lock the differential?

 

All the 4wd guys need to do is the grey wire mod & you can use it whenever you want, when I'm off road I always turn the locker on & just so happen to hit a high speed section while offroading...

 

A locker, a fancy sticker, stiffer suspension and better seats. That's about it.