2wd with locking diff or basic 4x4

I don't know much about 4x4 trucks so I've got a pretty basic question.
I've started looking at newer Tacomas. My needs are pretty basic and
I'm looking at the base model 2.7l 4 cylinder 4x4 with manual trans.

I do a lot of driving on desert dirt roads to get to hiking trail
heads. Most of these only require 2wd with high clearance, but the
occassional road is 4x4 recommended. These are not really hard core
roads, although sometimes sandy. Even if I have 4x4, I'm just not
willing to go on crazy roads as I'm often by myself.

Question - I'm looking at the basic 2006 Tacoma 4x4 with the SR5
package, not the TRD. This does not have the locking differential. Do

you think this will meet my basic needs of light 4x4 use?

On 7 Oct 2006 17:24:50 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

>I don't know much about 4x4 trucks so I've got a pretty basic question.
> I've started looking at newer Tacomas. My needs are pretty basic and
>I'm looking at the base model 2.7l 4 cylinder 4x4 with manual trans.
>
>I do a lot of driving on desert dirt roads to get to hiking trail
>heads. Most of these only require 2wd with high clearance, but the
>occassional road is 4x4 recommended. These are not really hard core
>roads, although sometimes sandy. Even if I have 4x4, I'm just not
>willing to go on crazy roads as I'm often by myself.
>
>Question - I'm looking at the basic 2006 Tacoma 4x4 with the SR5
>package, not the TRD. This does not have the locking differential. Do
>
>you think this will meet my basic needs of light 4x4 use?


Good question. The 2wd would get better MPG and if you installed a
aftermarket rear axle locking device with some good tires and some
skillfull operation, you could likely do just finebecause you seem to
know you limitations well and project a sensible attitude about it
too. Maybe you cound install a 600lb pull which on front just incase
you get over your head or care a couple of come alongs and some straps
with you just in case.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

"SnoMan" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
On 7 Oct 2006 17:24:50 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

>I don't know much about 4x4 trucks so I've got a pretty basic question.
> I've started looking at newer Tacomas. My needs are pretty basic and
>I'm looking at the base model 2.7l 4 cylinder 4x4 with manual trans.
>
>I do a lot of driving on desert dirt roads to get to hiking trail
>heads. Most of these only require 2wd with high clearance, but the
>occassional road is 4x4 recommended. These are not really hard core
>roads, although sometimes sandy. Even if I have 4x4, I'm just not
>willing to go on crazy roads as I'm often by myself.
>
>Question - I'm looking at the basic 2006 Tacoma 4x4 with the SR5
>package, not the TRD. This does not have the locking differential. Do
>
>you think this will meet my basic needs of light 4x4 use?


Good question. The 2wd would get better MPG and if you installed a
aftermarket rear axle locking device with some good tires and some
skillfull operation, you could likely do just finebecause you seem to
know you limitations well and project a sensible attitude about it
too. Maybe you cound install a 600lb pull which on front just incase
you get over your head or care a couple of come alongs and some straps
with you just in case.
--
TheSnoMan.com
-----------------------
You could get one of these for the desert,Im planning on getting one.
http://www.pullpal.com/
Check this out to see what magazines said,not just there ad. http://www.pullpal.com/quotes.html

--
When Religion ruled the world ,
they called it the dark ages...

Don Farr
Roswell NM 88203
D-Farr AT cableone DOT net
-----