4WD system differences

doh.

 

I wouldnt be driving a tacoma if it didn't have a manual option.

 

seems to work in mine too in 4wd. i just have a base model SR...

 

I wasn't calling Auto-LSD itself "TRAC", I was referring to the names of the different modes of the system.
However according to the link in 2nd post (the one you keep saying to refer to), Auto-LSD is not "separate" from TRAC, Auto-LSD mode simply turns off throttle intervention in 2WD. TRAC always operates regardless of mode unless you turn it off by pushing and holding the VSC-OFF switch (or if certain Off-Road/Pro features are enabled):

So, accordingly, TRAC is not what cuts throttle, VSC is.

VSC is disabled by default in 4-LO. Where it is not, you can disable it with the VSC-OFF switch.
My own observations match with the above as well.

Yes, the TRAC system does work at all four wheels. It's not the most elegant system (there is a fair bit of slipping and grinding as the system is working), so you probably won't want to try to rely on it for serious rockcrawling, but it'll easily get you up a rutted or off-camber trail or help you deal with muddy/icy spots. Pushing and holding the VSC-OFF switch for a few seconds disables all of everything (giving you two fully-open diffs and a throttle you're free to use however you please). Toyota gives you plenty of options with this system.

Apparently that is how all 3rd-gens are. When I read posts #3, 5, & 6 in this thread I was like "Huh? That's not how mine is", and is what caught my attention here as a longtime lurker lol.

 

Yep, seems to be working in
4WD.
https://youtu.be/BXYFxXUcdYA

 

I knew Toyota wasn't that stupid. If you read the manual over it never states Auto LSD does NOT work in 4WD.

 

Welp, this is conjecture based on multiple experiences, but I do not think Auto-LSD is simply TRAC with VSC turned off. For one, Toyota gave it a different name. Secondly, TRAC works in 4wd, but Auto-LSD does not. Thirdly, Auto-LSD seems more aggressive than TRAC at controlling uneven wheel spin.

It's pretty unclear to me whether it's VSC or TRAC that cuts power when the wheels start to spin and I don't have a truck that I can conduct a TRAC ON and VSC OFF experiment with (I have an OR). My guess is that VSC is only activated when the truck starts to yaw. I've experienced VSC activating when drifting in snow many times and it's quite different than what happens when the wheels start to spin when getting started from a stop on snow/ice.

 

weird that they don't explain this in the manual

 

It is weird. Maybe it’s just TC kicking in in the video?

 

That's one of the videos that caused all this confusion about what Auto-LSD is.

In the end, maybe it boils down to simply a difference in names. It's not completely clear if 2hi Auto-LSD operates any different than 4lo TRAC ON VSC OFF except for the number of wheels nor is it perfectly clear if its VSC or TRAC cutting power to the wheels when they are spinning with no yaw.

 

AFAIK, they are demonstrating TRAC and calling it Auto-LSD.

 

All of the "systems" are just using the ABS with different logic. Technically it's marketing hype if you think about it.

 

it's not really hype if it actually works

 

It's not marketing hype. It works and is often underestimated.

 

TRAC OFF is basically what Auto LSD is called in 4WD-HI, 2012+. At least in the second gens.

2009-2011 TRAC in H4 had this higher level of traction control without throttle cut. The addition of needing to press the button was added in or around 2012.

Basically, we have three degrees of traction control in H2 & H4: Light (Trac), Strong (Auto LSD or Trac Off), and None (VSC Off).

 

You are correct, and incorrect. They are using the ABS and/or throttle control and in the case of the Auto, gearing too. All at different levels of vehicle engagement depending on the specific mode set by the driver. As for hype, I would say no. These systems used correctly work very well. ( I am not a fan of the Auto LSD system, personally )

 

I wish there was an area (in this wretched state) I could take this off road to test. I'll have to wait for some snow to fall I guess.
At any rate I feel better now knowing I'm not totally screwed without the locker option in 4WD.

 

IMHO 2wd to 4wd is a much bigger difference maker than 4wd to 4wd-with-rear-locker. I think people tend to worry too much about not having a locker.

Also 4wd is way better than 2wd plus traction control.

Your state doesn't have any off-road parks, ditches, logging trails, gravel pits, or construction sites?

 

@gudujarlson

I agree with your honest opinion.

 

The state is controlled by progressives who deemed all off-road vehicle recreation areas as "off limits" and closed them about 30 years ago. We had some really nice areas too.