Traction: Better to have it and not need it

Tomorrow the mud will give us a chance to test the many levels of traction control, or perhaps just go for the maximum... A-TRAC?!!

 

I have been using the rear locker in conjunction with A-TRAC more in the snow and mud the past two outings (Saturdays) and have had no problems with moving along.

 

Excellent explanations ,ought to be a sticky.

For me,I get enough traction and not need it with open diff and winter/all terrain tires, but my driving is about 4 tires on the ground ,even if I end up off road for short distances. Would like a LSD,trutac perhaps ,but for the last 25 years havent needed to chain up (I carry em anyway) , or been in the ditch. I'd say the biggest mistake people make is over estimating their setup's capability, or not respecting a tires limit. Dont forget to air down too..and back up for the hiway.

If you think a tire might end up hanging in the air in your 4wd adventures.... locker that axle!

 

Thanks!

 

I hope those new to Tacomas have been finding all our posts on TRAC and A-TRAC. It has been quite some time since I have seen and new questions on how it works or what it does!

For those who thing having 9 traction choices is a bit over-the-top, be comforted in that the standard settings in H2 and H4 wil be fine for most if not all of your needs... and when you need to go into Low Range, just push the A-TRAC button once, and it will always be active and on stand-by each time you go into L4.

Best modes for most conditions:
H2: TRAC (limited slip rear with engine regulation)
H4: TRAC (limited slip front & rear with no engine regulation)
L4: A-TRAC (automatic near-locking front & rear)

Optional modes:
H2: AUTO LSD (limited slip rear with no engine regulation), and VSC OFF (no limited slip action)
H4: VSC OFF (no limited slip action)
L4: Open differentials (no limited slip, A-TRAC off), Rear Locker, & Rear Locker with A-TRAC

(the 9 modes are only available with the purchase of 2009 or newer 4WD Off Road TRD Tacomas.)

 

I ave a 95 Tacoma, v 6 5 speed. which of these systems do I have?

 

there are only 3 reasons a truck gets stuck. a lack of traction, momentum, or liquid courage

 

Without more details from you, I couldn't say...

In 1995 you might have 4WD and you might have an aftermarket locking or limited slip differential... You should know?!

 

Good answer!

 

Naturally, to achieve traction with the ground, a good set of tires is your best friend... and then adjusting the air pressure for maximum grip on rocks, or floatation in sand.

Traction control gizmos won't do nearly as much good if you lack good rubber under your truck!

 

When it comes to tires, tread pattern is important, but size is very important. The larger the tire, the more surface contact. The more surface contact the more traction and flotation, two things that keep you from getting stuck.

Larger tires are also minimize the influence of obstacles. Getting a 33'' tire to roll up a rock face or through a ditch is less difficult than getting 28'' tire. Larger tires also provide more ground clearance and a softer ride offroad when properly inflated for offroad use.

 

TRUE!

The largest tire you can put on a stock truck (without it rubbing) is 1" taller than what they sell it with. I have wheeled a lot with both the stock 31" (265/70-16) and the bigger 32" (265/75-16)... and as long as you have new or most of the tread rubber, you will get through with some careful or skillful driving, and the traction aids of 4WD and additions of limited slip, A-TRAC, or lockers for severe conditions.

 

That's where lift comes in, which is an indirect aid to traction in that it keeps the vehicle from scraping the ground, which will cause a loss in traction.

 

Well, yah... if you are on a road that the 9+ inches of stock minimum ground clearance is not enough!

Another good answer from Mxpatriot!

 

Thanks for the info. Didnt know all of that.

 

You're welcome...

 

Good time of year to review this, lot's of newbies... lot's of snow... and as always, the desert is full of sand and rocks!