New member... Excited about my first Tacoma

I just bought my first Tacoma yesterday and I couldn't be happier about the decision. The buying experience was very good... No high pressure and got what I thought was a good deal.
I have an appointment on Friday morning to get a set of 265-75-16 Duratracs installed to replace the stock BFG Rugged trails. Other than that I don't have specific plans for other modifications yet, I want to drive it for a while and see what, if anything it needs.
This is my first Toyota and made up my mind to buy it based in large part on what I have learned on this forum while I have been lurking over the past several weeks. I appreciate all of the great advice that is given and also the patience of the members while answering questions from noobys like me.

Thanks to everyone... Brian.

 

Enjoy it... the A-TRAC rocks! (if you got a 4WD)

 

Yes it is 4X4... I need to read the owners manual to understand all of the options/features.

 

welcome to tw! enjoy your new addiction

 

You will soon regret those words. It's a disease.

Welcome.

 

welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW

 

That is why I came to THIS web site... because the owner's manual was totally lacking in the details (I like) on the various drive/ tractions choices we have!

This is fun for me, so allow me to post some stuff...

The list, below itemizes the drive modes... we have nine!

1) 2WD: VSC and TRAC active, engine regulated ('Limited Slip Lite').

2) 2WD: 'AUTO LSD' ('TRAC OFF MODE'). No engine regulation for 'strong' limited slip. Activate by pushing quickly the VSC button (the car with wavey lines below).

3) 2WD: 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC is off for 'open differential'). While at a stop, push and HOLD the VSC button for several seconds.

4) 4WD-Hi: VSC and TRAC active. No engine regulation for 'strong' limited slip.

5) 4WD-Hi: 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC is off for 'open differentials'). While at a stop, push and hold the VSC button for several seconds.

6) 4WD-Lo: VSC and TRAC are both off in L4 ('open differentials').

7) 4WD-Lo: 'A-TRAC' on gives a 'locker-like, super strong' limited slip, front and rear. Push the A-TRAC button.

8) 4WD-Lo: Rear Differential Locked and open front differential (A-TRAC off).
Push the RR DIFF LOCK button whild stopped, and then start moving... if blinking light doesnt go solid, it is not yet engaged.

9) 4WD-Lo: RR DIFF LOCK + A-TRAC on, 3 MPH limit.

Now, don't panic... You really don't have to do much, unless you like to 'play' with your truck (as I do)... and try the limited slip options in different conditions.

The main thing is, if you want 'easy'... then don't do a thing in 2WD (TRAC) or 4WD High (TRAC). In H4, TRAC is much stronger than it is in H2 and really gets you over stuff. In H2, you do have AUTO LSD... and that is great for the 2WD Tacos, because it makes the rear end like posi-traction.

It is if you need to crawl up, down, or over difficult stuff then put the truck into L4 (Low Range) AND PUSH the A-TRAC button (down by the cig. lighter).

A-TRAC is like having LOCKERS on the front and rear... With only one tire on firm ground, even a front tire, the A-TRAC will pull you through.

Unless you push the A-TRAC button again, every time you go into L4, the A-TRAC will be on. You will not need the Rear Locker with the A-TRAC on, and I don't know of any condition I would be in L4 and not want maximum traction provided by the A-TRAC.


More data in my link: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...uto-lsd-explained-easy-understand-i-hope.html
or just ask here!

Go do some four wheeling!

 

it's impossible not to catch the mod bug

 

congrats and welcome to TW

 

David,

Thanks for breaking down the nine(!) modes! sounds confusing at first but I think I get the general idea. I also am going to like experimenting with the different modes in different kinds of conditions and traction...

Oh, and knowing the modding that I've done to previous trucks, Im sure this one won't be any different. I guess I had better start working mor overtime to pay for toys.

Thanks again, Brian.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

No problemo... it is kind of fun, as with any new TOY. I guess what was so wild for me is that my last Taco was a 2005 and identicle (4 door, TRD Off Road 4WD, silver)... yet mechanically, so different!