Can someone give me the low-down on equipment and options?

Long time Tacoma owner looking to move into a 2nd gen Tundra.
I'm very well versed in Tacoma options - base, SR5, TRD, etc.
On the Tacoma, I know what the TRD brings, and what an SR5 *approximately* will be equipped with.

The Tundra, on the other hand, I kinda have no idea. I wish I could find a thread that broke it all down so I could make a more educated decision.

1. What do the trim levels really mean? I'm assuming TRD models have a lock-able diff? Different suspension, a bit of a lift, different wheels
2. What about other packages? Looking on KBB, I see cold weather pkg, appearance pkg, rock warrior pkg, and work truck. I have a general idea of what these mean, but anything special?
3. Other than the obvious front driveline, is there any difference with 4x4 trucks? They look almost identical to my untrained eye. They have similar posture. If trying to adapt it to my Tacoma knowledge, it would almost seem to me that the 2wd trucks are equivalent to "prerunner" where, with the exception of snow/off-road, you would never know the difference.
4. Does iForce really mean anything...?
5. I've already felt the massive 4.7L hate. But what about the 4.6L? I read it is 'basically a de-stroked 5.7'. Enough power, or still no? Does this one provide any advantages, MPG perhaps?
6. 4x4, how do these trucks perform in the snow? Only driven a Tacoma in snow, and ground clearance is what got me stuck. Not sure how a larger, heavier truck behaves in snow.
7. Can someone tell me the deal with the interior layout? I see some Tundras with the "cockpit" arrangement (which I quite like), center console mounted shifter, etc. Then I see some with like an open bench in the front with a column shifter. What configuration brings these? Is it simply a 07-09 vs 10-13 update?
8. Rust??? I know early 2nd gen Tundras were included in the frame replacement fiasco, but I haven't been able to find much info about rust on these trucks, even after searching. Where do the frames rust out, how bad is the issue? etc

Thanks a lot!

 

I can't help with everything you had but For items #1,2,7 see this link and brochures for different years. Minor changes from 07-09 an 10-13. TRD = Skid plates, 18" wheels, Bilstein shocks/non linear springs, negligable difference in ride height. NO LOCKING DIFF like the Tacoma has.

http://www.auto-brochures.com/toyota_trucks.html

Being in Colorado I will never own a 2wd truck, I also go for largest engine/performance so cannot comment on the 4.6. Also no rust issues on any of mine here.

 

Thank you so much!! This is exactly what I was looking for!
I wish I could, hypothetically, go to like a 2008 auto show to see the cars on display there. Obviously that's not possible, but this is the next best thing.

Crazy to read that the 5.7l was only a $1250 option in 2007!!! The difference is more than that for a used truck today! Amazing

 

thanks cu52! that page rocks