2007 TRD vs. 2013 TRD

haha how is that relevant to what you just quoted?

The OP just said what truck he is getting, he's good.

 

Because of the OP's statement of wanting to be sure he could turn off A-TRAC in the mud...

My reply was to counter the tons of 'anti-A-TRAC' propaganda that has naturally confused the OP into thinking A-TRAC turned off is somehow better!

If you are in low range 4WD, there is just no way I see that 2 wheels turning (A-TRAC OFF) is better than all 4 wheels turning (A-TRAC ON). Before A-TRAC was installed, we would have to use front and rear lockers to get that kind of traction... and Toyota doesn't offer front lockers on the Tacoma.

 

I am pretty sure system never goes completely off unless somebody pulls the fuse out.
Nothing makes life more interesting than truck cutting power to engine mid slippery hill climb with trailer behind you.
Cant wait for Part 2 of this saga

OP. I would take new truck for a spin with out trailer first.

 

How about the Prerunners? Do they have the atrac or the locker in the 2009+?

 

Prerunner TRD Offroad will have a locker , no ATRAC though , that's only on '09+ TRD Offroad 4x4's

 

Ah, ok.

 

A-TRAC is only a Low Range 4WD system... for crawling up, out of, or over conditions where up to three tires can be off the ground or spinning free... and with just one tire, even a front tire, can pull you through.

As Oz said, only on the 4WD OFF ROAD TRD TACOMA, standard since 2009. Has been on other Toyota and Lexus vehicles for more years, however.

 

I don't understand why Atrac has a bad rep. I have only heard good things about it. And you can turn it off. You can run with a locked rear diff and enable Atrac to help the front traction.

On an unrelated note, what kind of maintenance have you done to your 07?

 

Exactly, I don't need atrac to be my "nanny"

 

ATRAC doesn't cut power. It applies brakes to the slipping wheel. The system is actually designed so the brakes get can still get full assist when the throttle is open. (The other Tacos lose vacuum assist when you give throttle.)

ATRAC doesn't arm until you consciously hit the ATRAC button in the dash.

 

Minimal, fluid changes, 2 sets of front brake pads, 1 rear full brake job, TSB on rear springs, 2 sets of shocks, 3 or 4 cv axles due to torn boots (never broke one), 2 bent shifter cables (sticks on logging jobs), all ujoints replaced, all control arms on front replaced-upper and lower (bushings worn so just replaced the whole arm), 2 or 3 wheel bearings, 1 blower motor, 1 leaking a/c line and refrigerant recharge. I think that's about it-which is way way less than the 3 previous Chevy 1500's that I had in the woods at work.

 

A-Trac at work on a Prado (foreign 4Runner). Note the wheel is braked when it loses contact with the ground:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyl7ytk1YIw

 

Better not get a new one then

Ermahgerd

 

I've run in the mud with A-trac on, It doesn't do any nannying. It did help me pull into and out of the the deeper muck and go around the stuck Jeep.

 

Wow, dragr1 and OZ-T, really? Nothing 'nanny' about traction control that works or that you can turn off. If you won't believe me... can you believe the others or the video clip above? The A-TRAC mimics a locker in the front and rear. Notice that when the front tire leaves the ground, it isn't braked to a stop but is matching the rotation of the other tire in front, giving a near 50-50 split in torque.

Than you KenLyns for the clip! Looks like Ayers Rock in Australia, but I am sure they don't let you drive up it. It is real steep and one solid rock (I climbed it in 1970)!
A-TRAC works great on loose rocks too... that's where I got amazed with it... and how it pulled me out of a couple places that my previous Tacomas would have required a pull!

 

I disagree , VSC / TRAC is nanny mode , I wasn't talking about ATRAC as I have no opinion or interest in it

In summary , I don't care about ATRAC

 

I understand amigo... Have you tried to spin-out your truck on a wet road in 2WD, only to find that the VSC actually works at straightening out the truck, almost like you were in 4WD? I guess that was what impressed me about VSC. As for TRAC, it is very minimal in 2WD, but in 4WD (without any engine regulation) it is a big boost in traction ability as I have discovered going to the same places as I had in my '05 and '01 Tacomas. I guess I am lucky to be able to compare the old with the new in various conditions (desert, beach, rocks, snow) living where I do? Have a nice day, ok!

 

I am not a fan of VSC in low traction ( snow ) conditions

I guess I am lucky to have learned how to drive in snow without it

 

Once again , to summarize

I wasn't talking about ATRAC , I don't care about ATRAC

 

I think there is a lot of confusion going on here. ATRAC is different from TRAC. ATRAC only comes on when you push the button and are in 4lo. It doesn't cut power, it gives LSD like effects all around. You can also turn on your locker at the same time if you please. TRAC in 4lo is OFF.