A-trac really works

Yep, sheetmetal is mostly common between the Prado and GX. Those two share the same frame and suspension as the 4Runner, though. Depending on country, the Prado also lacks much of the GX's luxury equipment and is priced closer to a 4Runner. Rented one in Costa Rica while on vacation. Pretty cool!

 

I really like the lower part of the Bumper/Skid on the truck!

 

Thanks, it a U.S. Off Road winch mount bumper...it occasionally doubles as a bash-plate.
https://www.usoffroad.us/store/bumpers/tacoma-2012-15-winch-mount-bumper/

 

I used a-trac today, was driving around some woods Dad and I used to hunt, came upon a bad wash out. In 2wd truck stopped when right rear tire went up in the air, so I backed out, went to 4Lo and a-trac, crawled right through it all.

 

Hi Everyone!
Some of you have made the discovery that I did back in 2009 shortly after getting my 2010 Tacoma with A-TRAC. I spent many hours reading what others had posted and testing my new Tacoma to totally understand A-TRAC. I had two previous 4WD Off Road Tacomas (2001, 2005) with the rear locker, but no limited slip or traction controls.

I then made it a personal mission to TRY to educate others about what A-TRAC is and how or when to use it. I have learned that keeping it simple works best because (as this thread proved) you all don't read much other than Tacoma World short posts.

1) A-TRAC is best described by me as AUTOMATIC front & rear LOCKERS.
The key word being automatic. Lockers are 100% and that is the best IF you need all tires locked to rotate exactly the same. The problem is a truck is hard to steer using lockers... so only use the locker to move, if you are stuck, or the truck won't travel without the locker(s) engaged.
A-TRAC alone (not with the rear locked) automatically will stop any tire from spinning soon after it does, and matches rotation across the axle, so both tires rotate the same giving you the best power to earth ratio (no free spinning non-traction tire). Here is why A-TRAC can usually be used without the rear locked, and at any speed, every time you are in low range:

2) A-TRAC does NOT affect steering! Unlike lockers, A-TRAC will only 'lock' when there is a loss of traction and not stay 'locked' when you don't need it. It activates automatically in L4 (low range) any time a tire begins to spin, FRONT and BACK. Push the A-TRAC button in the first time you use low range and LEAVE IT IN! Unless you need the tires to spin wildly to fling out mud or snow, there is no advantage to spinning.

3) A-TRAC only brakes a tire when it looses traction and is not "heating up" your breaks any more than normal unless you are just doing some long-time crazy off roading. I have had the A-TRAC on for a 14 mile/ 3 hour slow 4WD run and it never shut off from overheating. Most of us use low range just for a few minutes at a time when getting up or over some nasty terrain.

4) A-TRAC is on standby at ANY speed while you are in L4 and the button has been pressed.

The 3 MPH max for A-TRAC is ONLY IF the rear differential is also locked. If you are moving, you don't need A-TRAC, so once you drop below 3 mph when locked, you are getting stuck, the A-TRAC goes active on the front and will "un-stuck you".

5) DON'T even use the rear locker with A-TRAC on UNLESS you actually get stuck with A-TRAC alone. The locker is for emergency. So trust the 4 wheel drive A-TRAC system and not use the rear wheel locker for non-emergency travel.

A-TRAC alone has yet to not take me anywhere I have attempted to go and has more easily taken me places I needed a rear locker for in the past.

Any questions?

 

I edited a few words, just now... I think this is good. I would like everyone who has been using the rear locker and A-TRAC together for their extreme four wheeling to please try the same without the rear locked and use only the A-TRAC. Please report your findings!

Perhaps the one activity (and it is an emergency) I would lock the rear (and A-TRAC) is pulling another vehicle up a grade. A-TRAC alone may use engine regulation to prevent over-revving (spinning) and if you lock the rear, the regulation is off (over 3 mph) if you need to banzai up or over an obsticle.

A final note, if you are climbing with A-TRAC on, and the truck stops moving forward/ up, put your foot into the pedal and it will "wake-up" the system. You are telling it that you can't back down, there is no other choice, and it will turn into a Sherman Tank and get you to the top. That is what I found out, and it is really gratifying.

 

Back in 07 it was TRAC... part of a optional equipment package that included VSC, TRAC, HAC, and DAC... here's what mine looks like:

 

Yes, we all have TRAC/TRAC OFF (AUTO LSD in H2) limited slip since 2009 and was optional before, as with your '07. It is a great system in H2 and H4. For non-Off Road Tacomas, they can do the 4LO TRAC MOD to have limited slip in low range... not as strong as A-TRAC but a lot better than an open diff without any TRAC.

The A-TRAC is only on 2009+ 4WD Off Road TRDs and has the hydraulic brake booster (vs. the vacuum booster for TRAC)