View Poll Results: Get a TRD for the E-locker, or the SR5(non-TRD) and add an ARB air locker?
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Buying a Taco: Get TRD or add ARB locker?
09-29-2005, 07:56 PM
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Buying a Taco: Get TRD or add ARB locker?
I'm in the market to buy a used Tacoma right now, and I'm a n00b. I'm getting an X-tra cab, with the 3.4, and standard tranny. I have a dilemma though.
I am not sure whether to get a TRD or just the SR5 package. Pretty much the only reason I'd get the TRD is for the E-Locker. However, I'm thinking it may be more cost effective to get a non-TRD and add an ARB shortly thereafter because of the price difference between the TRD and plain SR5.
I plan on doing a lot of mods. This would include all new suspension, so the "better" shocks of the TRD are not even in the equation. I plan on putting bigger tires on it, and thus regearing. Would there be any problems with the TRD's e-locker and regearing? If regearing involves nothing extra with an E-locker(TRD), then it seems that may be the most cost effective route. I plan on spending somewhere in the $10-13k range. Also, any big differences in the different years that I should be aware of? I'm mainly looking at 98s - 02s. All advice welcome.
Help me decide!
-YB
I am not sure whether to get a TRD or just the SR5 package. Pretty much the only reason I'd get the TRD is for the E-Locker. However, I'm thinking it may be more cost effective to get a non-TRD and add an ARB shortly thereafter because of the price difference between the TRD and plain SR5.
I plan on doing a lot of mods. This would include all new suspension, so the "better" shocks of the TRD are not even in the equation. I plan on putting bigger tires on it, and thus regearing. Would there be any problems with the TRD's e-locker and regearing? If regearing involves nothing extra with an E-locker(TRD), then it seems that may be the most cost effective route. I plan on spending somewhere in the $10-13k range. Also, any big differences in the different years that I should be aware of? I'm mainly looking at 98s - 02s. All advice welcome.
Help me decide!
-YB
Last edited by youngbuck; 09-30-2005 at 06:49 PM.
09-29-2005, 08:21 PM
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If it were me, I'd definetly get the E-lock'ed TRD. You can regear an elocker just as you can any other 3rd member. It takes regular "V6" Toyota 8" ring and pinions. (NOT the regular Tacoma "8.4")
09-29-2005, 08:24 PM
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i say go TRD unless buying the non-TRD is so much cheaper that it will cover an ARB locker + other mods. i don't think gearing would be any more difficult for one or the other, just the fact that TRD is 8" and non-TRD is 8.4".
plus, i hear those TRD stickers add HP!
plus, i hear those TRD stickers add HP!
Last edited by garrett1478; 09-29-2005 at 08:39 PM.
09-29-2005, 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by garrett1478
i say go TRD unless buying the non-TRD is so much cheaper that it will cover an ARB locker + other mods. i don't think gearing would be any more difficult for one or the other, just the fact that TRD is 8" and non-TRD is 8.4".
plus, i hear those TRD stickers add HP!
plus, i hear those TRD stickers add HP!
I maybe if it was more cost effective to go with a non-TRD, the TRD would be more time efficient: "its already installed on there!"
09-29-2005, 10:22 PM
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hmm, for $2-3k less, you could easily have an arb locker installed and use the saved money for other mods you'd want to do. if you save close to 3000 you could probably regear and double lock all at one time and then start saving for lift/tires 
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09-30-2005, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Localmotion
get the TRD and you wont have to worry about 1) anything going wrong with the locker 2) covered under warranty 3) dont have to put your truck in the shop
09-30-2005, 09:36 PM
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I'm willing to be the E-locker is more reliable than the ARB. I've heard of issues with compressor failure on the ARB's and such. Not that that happens often, I'm sure. But for ~$3k less, you could lock it F&R with ARB's.
I've never heard of anything about the rear ends being different? Anybody know more about this?
I've never heard of anything about the rear ends being different? Anybody know more about this?
09-30-2005, 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by jimabena74
.....the trd comes with the 8" rear end, a non trd taco has the wierd sized one, and is harder to find parts for
If the regular Taco has the same rear end, i would think saving $2-3k over the TRD model would be most cost effective by just putting an ARB in it. Nothing else besides the E-locker on the TRD is worth that much extra (that is unless the rears are different as you mentioned). Anyone else know about this?
Originally Posted by calg3
Get the TRD package then add the ARB bumper later, it is a lot easier and cheaper that way.
10-01-2005, 04:40 AM
#14
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He is right, the TRD Tacoma has an 8" rear and the non-TRD has an 8.4" rear, the 8.4" is actually a little stronger. I would go with the TRD though, the elocker is more reliable than an ARB, I have heard lots of complaints about them. Also when you remove your TRD suspension you can sell it for better money than non-TRD.
10-01-2005, 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by TACOMANATOR
The TRD comes with a clutch start cancel button that can be usefull if you kill your engine on a hill with the manual trans.Just another cosideration.
