2014 V6 vs i4 Double Cab 2X4, real world diffs, paved road driving

dang my reply dissapeared some how but in a nut shell is all the tracs electronic stuf reliable? can the owner troubleshoot and fix? can you use a arb with the electronics . looking at a 2014 sr5 4x4 dbblcab my other option is a 2004 sr5 double cab 4x4 with 222,000 miles for $7000 Im scared of the miles some. but ive known the truck since new and this electronic traction system stuff may not be for me

 

It is still fairly simple if you don't let people like davidk confuse you.

A locker is simple it is just that. A mechanical locking device in your differential that locks the rear wheels.

All the TRAC, ATRAC, LSD and all that crap is just your truck using the computer to control the brakes on the truck when it detects wheel spin.

If you are into mud bogs or rock crawling then YES get a locker. Other than that all the other crap will work for 99% of all driving conditions you will encounter.

Good luck and don't let the long posts get to you.

 

Actually, I post to make it understandable. Toyota made it confusing with both the number of options and the names they give them... TRAC = Traction Control/ Limited Slip. TRAC OFF (is more TRAC than TRAC ON, seriously!??), AUTO LSD (is TRAC OFF in 2WD, so why isn't TRAC OFF in 4WD also called AUTO LSD???), VSC OFF (is really TRAC turned off along with the VSC off!!).

 

And I would assume you think this ^^^^^ is not confusing also?

Yes you just transfer the confusion from Toyotas mouth to your mouth.

If you would first explain that all that crap is the computer detecting wheel spin and applying the brakes to individual wheels under a certain set of parameters and conditions. Then explain when each of those technologies can be set off and what they are trying to do.

 

All a personal decision for sure...my two cents worth.... I bought a used 2013 manual I4 accesscab 4X4 with 3,000 miles on it mostly because the dealer had no traffic for it and would sell it to me for $23K vs all the up-priced models in stock that were more like $30K used. Looks just like the Pre-runner from the outside, and I drive it mostly around town, and occasionally in the snow on mountain roads. For what I use it for, it works, power is fine, will run forever, and I like the way it looks. Your uses and needs are the most important factor.
My son has 2012 DCSB 4x4 V6 and he will definitely beat me up the hill....but i'm ok with that.

 

This is about as simple as I can make the Toyota created drive modes for anyone to use:


What Drive Mode to Use...

1) H2 TRAC: most driving.
2) H2 TRAC OFF (AUTO LSD): if rear tire spins when you try to move.
3) H2 VSC OFF: you want the tire in back to spin
4) H4 TRAC: slippery pavement or gravel roads normal speeds
5) H4 TRAC OFF: off road, loose surface normal speeds
6) H4 VSC OFF: you want front and back tire to spin
7) L4: your front and back tire can spin, slow, climbing/crawling speed
8) L4 A-TRAC ON: you want to go most anywhere, slow, climbing/ crawling speed
9) L4 Rear Locker ON: you want the back tires to have equal power, front may spin
10) L4 A-TRAC + Rear Locker: for pulling others out, no spin if speed drops under 3 mph (A-TRAC works the front tires at that point to keep you moving). I have used in snow with good results.

2012+:
All Tacomas now have 1-3
All 4WD Tacomas have 1-7
All 4WD OFF ROAD TRD Tacomas have 1-10
2009-2011 Tacomas do not have #4 (they have #5, but it was called TRAC then)

 

Here's some change op. I've had many 4 bangers, some 6s, and one 8. All used the same way, to work & play. Above avg miles, stop & go city to hilly out skirts. The avg mpg has been between 12-17. These are #s off full years of service, so there were higher & lower number within but at the end of the year they all avg out very close.

When it came time for me to upgrade, the choice of engine wasn't even a thought. My base 09 2wd standard cab avg 16 mpg due to the type of use and the load it was hauling daily. My 13 is avg 15 mpg at mostly winter use, I'm confident that once the summer #s ring in that will increase.

In a nut shell, it's all in the way you are going to use it and your area.
FWIW I can't imagine a DC with i4 being a eco vehicle.

 

Best answer ever, thanks man. I dont see why I or the average Joe would need most of these settings. H2 for normal driving, H4 for the beach/snow, and H4 + TRAC off if you want to get out a sticky situation. Seems like all I need. If one wants to do more hardcore off roading, L4 + ATRAC looks like the best solution.

 

Thats the problem is that MOST of this is automatic. It is made to sound like you have a lot of choice here.

You're only really main choice is 2h, 4h and 4 low. All the electronic crap kind of does what it wants and is always on in the back ground. So there is really no need to even think about all of that. Plus some of those functions if you hit a certain speed they turn themselves back on or off. So you really don't have as much control as you think.

KISS

If it is dry or wet on paved roads leave in 2h
If it is icy/snowy on paved roads leave in 4h
If off road and 2h is slipping put in 4h
If off road and 4h is not geared low enough put in 4LO
and if you have a locker hopefully you know when and when not to use it.

 

Well, if you glance again, I say H4 + TRAC Off (2012+) for 'off road' (beach, snow, loose dirt)... This was the standard mode 2009-2011. I figured they added engine regulation to TRAC in 2012 for those of you who use H4 on paved or gravel roads...?

 

I am for the KISS as well... but it was Toyota that made the options. TRAC OFF (limited slip without engine output regulation) in either H2 or H4 does work and you do need to push the button for it (except for pre-2012 in H4).

The L4 traction system, A-TRAC (Off Road TRD only) is no joke, and you must push the button the first time you use L4 to activate that system.

The only mode that will come back on is VSC OFF if you are about to roll or spin-out... if you were dumb enough to engage VSC OFF MODE (holding the button down while stopped) in the first place (that is one mode I never recommend, as it seems purely for the kids to do donuts on icy parking lots and not hear the beeping).

 

You say that but I am still hearing a lot of preaching going on here

 

Wow, this guy hates the V6 lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn-ZP3FLpWI

 

LOL, that guy is a douche. has really no clue how to evaluate trucks. and seriously, can't figure out the bed track system after 5 minutes? It literally took me 90 seconds to realize it's spring loaded. Also, it's a truck not a Cadillac. Not to mention there is a reason Toyota sells so many, people actually "like" them and know what they are buying.

 

That guy I a dumbass I couldn't even finish the video