A-TRAC/TRAC/AUTO LSD Explained (Easy to understand, I hope!)

Great write up! I have one small question. I have a 2012 TRD sport and was out offroading last weekend trying it out, Amazing what it will do bone stock. I see you mention the A-Trac button. I dont seem to have that one. I have the VSC button though. Your post cleared up a lot of questions with that little sucker but also reading in the mods section about the Locker mod using a relay. Without the A-trac do i have the capability for that mod in my 2012?

 

THIS... as well as the rear locking differential. Two major traction systems only on the OFF ROAD TRD 4WD.

Actually there was some A-TRAC before 2009 on Off Road Tacomas, but only on special order.

 

For all of those that think Traction control is better than having lockers


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2wkW05Pc6c

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


Yes... I have ARB Air lockers front and rear. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

This is about the system that comes with the Tacoma. If money is no object and you are into rock crawling... get the lockers!

A-TRAC comes on the truck and is covered by Toyota warrantee... and it is amazing the additional traction it provides without spending another dime after the huge cost of this truck!

 

don't be intimidated...I am a huge fan of A-TRAC. It is the only reason I have not gotten a front locker. Although, I am extremely motivated to buy one.

 

Get one. You'll never look back. Like iPhone owners that buy droids

 

Pfft....not so much about the iPhone....

 

I've had all versions of the iphone. Bought an s4 and never looked back.

 

Nothing wrong with A-TRAC. It has it's place and time. It's just that some people have the misconception that it's better than having a locker and thats simply not true.

 

It is better in two areas, which anyone should agree:

1) It is included (on the Off Road 4WD) in the price of the truck and warranted. So it is great on the budget.
2) It doesn't interfere with ease of steering, as a locker does. So it is great on tight mountain trails.

 

Those two items do not make it better for traction and thats what we're talking about here.

In my point, budget is not a concern and as far as turning is concerned a selectable locker will solve that issue in a hurry.

And lets not say how hard it is to turn on and off a locker. My ARB's go on and off with the flick of a switch. Besides, you shouldn't and wouldn't need to be moving fast enough to be concerned about not being able to steer when you have a locker in both the front and rear as the video shows. No high wheel speeds are needed like that of the traction control vehicles or the LSD vehicle shown in the video. The locked vehicle just crawled right up without drama. Once at the top, turn the front locker off and your a happy camper.

 

This is a thread I started years ago, so I know what we are talking about here... I am trying to keep the subject on topic... the traction systems that come on the Tacoma, not aftermarket equipment.

Lockers are better for pure traction... no argument there. I used my locker often on my '01 and '05 Tacomas... The A-TRAC is proven better because it 'locks' (matches tire rotation) the front axle as well. It out-climbs the use of the rear locker without A-TRAC on.

When money or warranty is no object, then get a real front locker (ARB is the best, imo) if you want... great times... it just is not available from Toyota, so any discussion should be in a thread on them and not in the factory installed traction systems thread.

If you rock crawl a lot, and can afford it... then a front locker will climb better, smoother, without noise and slippage... If it isn't in your budget or you don't climb rocks that often, then the Off Road 4WD A-TRAC system will get you through much easier than any other stock Tacoma... and perhaps far beyond the limits of any other stock Tacoma.

 

And once again, collectively, there are far more peeps that have been helped by your efforts. You have put up with an immense level of trolling and you keep on going. 'Bless you! I use both.

 

Oh brother!!!!

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA