New to TW, not new to Toyota trucks

Hello all, I have been browsing since Feb of this year. This is my second post and 3rd toyota truck. My 2nd Tacoma. I have owned a 1988 toyota pickup, standard cab 4x4 4cyl 5sp (red). Then I bought a 1995 1/2 Tacoma standard cab 4cyl 5spd 4x4 (green). All bought new. Now I have my 2010 4cyl AC 4x4 5spd (Barcellona Red). I personaly think the trucks have gotten better, I have found love again. TW has been so helpfull, I just hope I can pay it forward with my own experiences with this truck and my 1995 1/2 I once owned.

Enjoy your 'Yotas (Tacos)

 

Welcome Mark.... Glad you finally signed up!!!

 

Welcome from Vermont

 

Welcome... like you, I joined this forum long after I was driving Tacomas. I came here to figure out what were the traction controls on my 2010 that my 2005 didn't have.

 

I really don't like the traction control so far, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm old school, traction control is done with the accelerator.

 

Well, think of it this way:

OLD SCHOOL (open differentails):

You slam on the accelerator and only one tire spins in back (and one in front when in 4WD)... That is because the torque goes to the tire with the LEAST amount of traction (ie. the one the spins the easiest) and NOT the tire that will move you forward. If you are in sand/ mud/ gravel/ wet pavement on half the truck... Then you may be STUCK!

NEW SCHOOL (limited slip 'TRACTION CONTROL'):

You accelerate and torque goes to the tire(s) WITH traction and power is transfered away from the tire(s) that just want to spin and do nothing to move you.

RESULT: You move forward!

In 2WD... The standard TRAC (traction control) is 'lite' and if you need stronger traction like you are in mud or snow trying to drive away, push the VSC Off switch quickly. This puts you in 'AUTO LSD' which is a stronger limited slip for 2WD and has no engine output regulation. Both tires will spin and then just the traction tire(s) will get torque (like Posi-Traction).

If for any reason you still want to be 'old school' and have open differentials, stop the truck and hold down the VSC Off switch for a few seconds until the VSC Off light comes on.

If the computer thinks you are getting crazy and are close to wrecking your truck, the VSC (and TRAC) will come back on.

Now, how is that for driver's choice and maitaining Truck stability?