Hi,

This question may have a one sentence answer, but I want to make sure it's the correct one sentence answer.

I'm researching my next Tacoma purchase and I need to know: was the "PreRunner" package/designation a 2wd only option, or are there also 4x4 PreRunners? And what exactly is meant by the term "PreRunner", and are the PreRunner and TRD packages synonymous?

FWIW, I'm looking at 2001-03 Tacoma Double Cab V6 4x4's. I've already made at least one bad assumption about this vehicle being available with a factory M/T -- WTF, Toyota? In a similar vein I always assumed the PreRunner package/designation was a 2WD-only deal, however, my CL and other searches have shown this term used in 4x4 descriptions as well as 2WD descriptions, so I'd love some clarification on just what this designation should mean and which drivelines it includes.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
"The Toyota Tacoma PreRunner model was added to the impressive line of Tacoma mid-sized pickup trucks in 1998. This interesting model name was inspired by the vehicles used to 'pre-run' off road race courses prior to their completion for competition purposes. As such, the PreRunner was promoted as being able to expertly undertake the same driving conditions that are presented on a typical race track. However, much of the PreRunner is about show and image. Although it looks like a sporty 4 x 4, it is not. This truck does do much better than other two wheel drive pickups during off road use due to its increased height, locking rear differential and huge all terrain tires. However, much of what this pick up looks like it can do it cannot. In appearance, large fender flares and a rough and tough looking grille and front end definitely allude to much more under the hood.

The PreRunner has received the same upgrades throughout the years as the rest of the Tacoma line; bigger engines, more refined interior, and the integration of better technologies. Many people did not understand the attraction of this pickup truck and the deceptiveness of its appearance in regards to actual utility, but many in the younger generation definitely understood the appeal. It looks expensive, it looks like more than it is; these things appealed to younger drivers lacking an abundance of money in search of a lot of style in a hot little pickup truck. Without the actual components that make up the heavy duty suspension of 4 wheel drive models, the PreRunner was substantially less expensive but still looked great."

 

this may help
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st...prerunner.html

 

for an easy answer, its a 2wd with 4wd suspension and rear axle...

 

Awesome info -- that last link was great.

My takeaway: Basically, when used as Toyota intended, a PreRunner refers to a 2wd vehicle in 4wd clothing. To quote from that link, it's "a 4x4 model, without the transfer case, front diff, or 4 wheel drive shifter (two more cupholders in it's place)."

Of course, a seller can misuse any term if they are ignorant of what it really means, but in general the above description is accurate, right?

Edit: or what yotaman85 said

 

All prerunners were auto and 2wd. All double cabs are automatic.
Also they made that body style double cab from 01-04

 

Thanks.

> Also they made that body style double cab from 01-04

D'oh, I knew that/meant to write that. Typo.

 

My dad has an 01 dbl cab Prerunner without the TRD package (which gets you the locker and alloy wheels). Interestingly if you decode the trim tag you discover that the non TRD prerunners got the bigger diff from the tundra (8.8 vs 8) albeit with an open diff.

 

The Tundra had the "8.4" diff, which came in ALL Prerunner/4X4 Tacomas that were non TRD.