4low-trac

L4 with the added torque in sand is more likely to bury you as it causes the tires to spin. You don't want to spin in sand, as that just sinks you.

I find that H4 with traction control without modulation (Trac Off on 2012+) works best, and I only need to deflate extra if I have a heavy load.

Tire pressure dropped to about 50% of normal for A/T tires is the best way to cross sand. Mud tires and 3 ply sidewall tires need more air removed... to about 10 psi.

 

Interesting. Thanks!

So you prefer H4 with trac over L4 with a-trac in sand?

If you got stuck would you use a-trac or the locker to help you get out? It would have to be some really deep and chalky sand to get stuck on the beach in a Tacoma with aired-down tires. These trucks are sick.

 

When I had no load in my new 2010 Tacoma and experimented on the beach in Baja with all the traction options... and without deflating the tires:

On the deep, dry sand (bottomless) I could drive about in H4 (standard mode), which then was TRAC with engine output modulation turned OFF. Since 2012 one needs a quick push of the VSC button ("TRAC OFF MODE"), as TRAC in H4 now has engine modulation, same as it has in H2.

On my 2005 Tacoma, I would get stuck in this type of sand unless I dropped the tires to 15-20 psi. So, right away I saw a big advantage with TRAC limited slip in the 2010!

Next, I stopped the truck and pressed and held in the VSC button for VSC OFF MODE (no VSC and no TRAC)... this made my 2010 like my 2005... and in a few feet I was stuck!

So, before going to the fail-safe method of getting out of sand (deflating the tires), I tried A-TRAC... and low and behold, the Tacoma drove itself out of the stuck!

I went back to standard TRAC ('TRAC OFF' since 2012), and continued to drive about with a big smile!

This proved to me that TRAC limited slip works... and enhances the truck over regular open differential 4WD greatly.

I also found that A-TRAC is a miracle device for going more places than before and getting out of stucks or high centered conditions. With just one tire, even a front tire on the ground, A-TRAC will move you!

Here's photos of my truck's first time in deep sand in Baja (Jan. 2010):







These photos were taken by a friend while I was zipping about in H4, and the tires were at 32 psi.

When I came back to this coast, loaded heavily for camping, I had to drop the tire pressure... the weight was just too much and the sand was very loose (it has a lot of crushed sea shells mixed with it).

 

Good stuff! Thanks

 

I been lurking on the site thought I'd try yellow wire mod,will it work on my 2014 trd sport 4x4?

 

was my question not worth anyones time to reply?

 

Sorry the others ignored you, I don't need that mod as I have A-TRAC, but my guess based on all I read here is YES, it still works to give you TRAC in L4. I am not sure if that will be with or without engine modulation, since the change made in 2012??? Maybe both using the VSC switch since it is fooling the truck into thinking it is in high range?

 

....So I'm a complete newbie to trucks, Tacomas, 4x4 and everything involved with that. My last vehicle was a VW GTI and I did some mods to that.

I'm teaching myself about everything I can (including what TRAC is. Does it stand for something??).

Without asking too many reaaaaally stupid questions, I'll just ask the one: Is there any reason NOT to do this?

I'm picking up my 2012 TRD Sport in a couple days. Can't effin wait to Taco

 

If I add an arb locker to my 2014 4x4 sport do I loss my trac function?

 

TRAC = TRACtion Control... an electronic/ brake assisted limited slip system so you can avoid being stuck as easily as those without it, like when one tire is on ice or mud and it spins, while the good tire on firm ground does nothing (see 'My Cousin Vinny')... The "What is Posi-Traction" scene.

 

Only on the ARB axle when you engage the ARB.

You will only need the locker for extreme steep climbs or extreme mud, etc. The TRAC system will get you through places where non-TRAC Tacomas cannot go.
A locker (ARB or Toyota) or A-TRAC will get you beyond where the TRAC can take you!

 

thanks for the help

 

So, from reading, I'm relatively sure a 2005 sr5 wouldn't benefit from this mod?

 

If you even had TRAC on it, as it was an exotic option back in 2005. My 2005 did not have TRAC and I didn't even know it was available when I got my truck, and I thought it was loaded! TRAC was standard on all Tacomas from 2009 on.

TRAC is electronic limited slip in H2 and H4. This mod fools the truck so when you are in L4 (Low Range 4WD) you can get limited slip in there, too. Limited slip is a great traction advantage off road and in low range is only surpassed by A-TRAC (2009+) or lockers.

 

can i do this mod on a 2011 sr5?

 

Yes, I did it on my 2011 sr5 non TRD. See my post on how I did it so that you return it to an unmolested state if necessary.

 

I have a 2015 model TRD. Is the wire schematics shown early on in this thread the same as my 2015? Same plug and wire locations?

 

Just did this on my 2014, it doesn't work. If you cut the second yellow wire down, check engine light and Trac light stays on, and if you cut the top wire, vsc stays off with check engine light on. unless I missed a post, it's a no go.

edit: it does work, I just knocked a vacuum line loose while doing the harcoal filter. However the second yellow wire down is now the one with the THICKER black tracer...but still second wire down, just like before

 

Will it work on 2015 SR5 in the same way?