2009 tacoma TRD sport in snow?

Hello Everyone.
I have been researching newer tacomas for awhile now.
This site has been great! loaded with info.

Anyway, There's one thing I can't figure out about the new model tacoma, 09/10. The TRD sport edition has the auto lsd. From what i've gathered on that, is that it only works in 2x4. So am I correct in assuming that the 4x4 mode has a open differential? Then would that mean that the new tacoma TRD sports are worse in the snow, then the previous models(TRD sport)?

I know that the older tacomas have a mechanical lsd which will work in 4x4.
I need a tacoma that is great on deep snowy longing roads.

Thanks for your help!

 

My Sport did great with the stock tires in deep snow last year. Well, aside from the light back end since I had nothing in the bed haha. Can't wait to test out the new Duratracs in the snow.

 

Ah Alright thanks, thats what I was looking for..
so A-TRAC is just a better version then TRAC?
That seemed to be the general gist I was getting from the other posts

 

If you get some better tires than the stock crap they sell them with you will have a very capable rig .

BC Rep !

 

Thats good to here!
I love living in BC!

 

A-Trac works in 4Lo- Useful for slow (it limits your throttle) offroad sections. Trac works in 4Hi, but is disabled in 4 Lo. There is a mod to be able to use Trac in 4 Lo if your truck is not equipped with A-Trac.

 

The OP has a SPORT TRD... so NO A-TRAC... That requires an '09 or newer 'Off Road 4WD TRD'. A-TRAC is only in low range, as well.

TRAC is the limited slip in 4Hi and it is quite effective. With some modifications you can get TRAC to work in 4Lo (see 4-Low Trac mod or Yellow Wire Mod posts) if you have a non-Off Road Tacoma. Otherwise all non Off Road Tacomas have just an open differential in low range.

Auto LSD is the limited slip in 2Hi with a push of the VSC switch, otherwise it is in TRAC in 2Hi, which is a lighter limited slip as it has engine output regulation.

 

Just to be clear, there is no 'throttle limit' with A-TRAC, just whatever speed you are able to use in low range... which of course isn't a lot. A-TRAC only goes into action when sensors on each wheel detect a loss of traction... otherwise, you are open differentials, and steering isn't affected. When it does go into action, it works!

 

Sorry if I misspoke- I have only heard what others have said about A-Trac limiting throttle. Since you own a truck with it, I assume you are correct.

 

It is the names Toyota uses that make it confusing...

TRAC is limited slip WITH engine regulation in 2WD (normal)
AUTO LSD is limited slip WITHOUT engine regulation in 2WD (push button)
TRAC is limited slip WITHOUT engine regulation in 4WD-Hi (normal)
4WD-Lo is open differentials (normal)
On Off Road 4WD TRDs:
A-TRAC is extreme limited slip in 4WD-Lo (push button)

Holding down the button (while stopped) will turn off traction control in 2WD or 4WD-Hi, if desired.

Maximum traction is available on the Off Road 4WD because of its hydraulic brake booster for the A-TRAC (enhances TRAC and AUTO LSD as well).

 

No worries friend... See the You Tube of my run up One Tree Hill... in low range with A-TRAC active (I always do 4 low with A-TRAC active)... It is posted in my A-TRAC info post.

If it does 'limit throttle', you wouldn't know it... It is busy braking the non-traction tire... forcing torque to the opposite tire on the ground.

 

Yes, it is confusing, but it looks like you've got it!!
except- the push button for Auto-LSD is to turn it off. I believe it is on by default.
Auto LSD is rear only- Trac is traction control on all 4 wheels.

 

See, that is why it is confusing when Toyota uses the word TRAC for two different operating systems... one in H2 and the other in H4.

ALSD (AUTO LSD) is really the same animal as TRAC in H4... just one axle instead of both.

What is different is TRAC in 2WD... it has engine regulation, the others don't.

Levels of traction...
1) TRAC in H2
2) AUTO LSD (only in H2)
3) L4
4) TRAC in H4
5) A-TRAC in L4

Yup, TRAC in H4 is more able than Low Range without A-TRAC. Open differentials are useless compared to limited slip or lockers.

 

Gotcha- Toyota should put on a course!

 

Between Christian and I there is hope to clear up this Toyota name mess...

AUTO LSD is enhanced traction control in 2WD... by pushing the button once. TRAC is normal mode in H2. In H4, it is also called 'TRAC' but is really AUTO LSD on all 4 tires.

 

So, is Auto LSD in 2WD like TRAC without engine regulation? Or is it rear axle only?

 

Yes... look at the chart I posted. 'TRAC' is the name in both 2WD and 4WD. In 4WD there is no regulation.

AUTO LSD is 2WD only... it has no regulation.

TRAC in 4WD and AUTO LSD in 2WD are the same animal. TRAC in 2WD is different.

 

OK- I get it! BTW thanks for posting that chart- it is really informative.

I think we scared off the OP though.

 

You gotta be tough around here!

 

Wow , David ... 7 posts and not one mention of the hood scoop . There's been some real progress in 2010 .