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

I invite you to reconsider this statement.

In a low-traction situation, one wheel per axle may suddenly lose traction and spin *faster* than the vehicle is moving as a result of traction loss.

The vehicle begins to slow, as as result of loss of power, however still has a certain amount of momentum that will keep it moving until application of brakes on the free-spinning wheels equalizes power application across the axle.

No, I haven't driven ATRAC. But I have followed FJs up a low-traction hill where the system was engaged and working and talked with them afterwards about what the system felt like inside the car. The feedback was they could definitely feel the system working. However, from my perspective outside, it was clear that at no time did the vehicle come to a stop, or even visibly slow down.

 

Good luck with no momentum on snowy inclines

 

Tell me this: How do i use my downhill assist, when i click the button it just flashes, never seems to change anything.....

 

At the top of a steep grade, you are in L4, press the DAC button and roll ahead... Do not touch brake... it will control the downhill speed at about 2-3 mph and will prevent any one tire from skidding so your truck doesn't get sideways... Cool set up... I only have used it a few times.

 

Every situation has a one or more ways of crossing it. You will even see me use some momentum when I do some hill climbs... What I discovered is the A-TRAC does nothing until you need it to take over when tires begin to spin/ lose traction... Now, on a really steep grade... you may come to a stop... Don't give up... Put your foot into it, turn your tires to grab fresh traction... and it will (or has for me) pull you up, like a tank.

Nothing beats good tires... and if you have tires that don't self clean well, then get different tires.

I am not talking about smooth... I am talking aboung thrashing/ bouncing your truck because you are going too fast for the road condition... You should be able to crawl up anything with low range and A-TRAC or lockers and not have to drive at a speed that could break something. That's what Pre-Runners do!

 

I admit my 4WDing is rarley in snow... I have posted my photos in snow, but most of my off roading is in the desert or in Baja.

 

Also, drop the transmission down to 2 or L.

 

L4, that's what i've been missing

 

Yup, just like A-TRAC... DAC only works in LOW RANGE!

Use it on the steep stuff you would normally be in low range for... using engine compression instead of brakes to roll übber slow! Well, DAC uses the brakes but without allowing any tire to skid... like ABS on steroids.

It makes some weird noises... ticking, etc. that you also hear some of with A-TRAC.

 

x2

 

May need this thread for later! Good info!

 

This thread is still alive?

 

You can ask me, via the PM here if you wish. Could you be more discriptive of just what happened to make you say A-TRAC 'failed you' in snow. Have you been successful with it in other L4 situations? In other words, did you put your foot into it when the truck seemed to stop moving? Most who complain just give up instead of making it work.

I don't get to do too much snow four wheeling, but did a couple times last winter... When I was in need of slow going because the snow and mud was deep, I had A-TRAC on (always in low range) and I also engaged the rear locker (mostly to put it to some use, since I normally don't use the locker with A-TRAC).

Anyway, I did just fine with A-TRAC in snow... but again... we are talking not very deep.

 

Good thing it is just a quick button push to turn off... Did you lock the rear differential?