4x4 / Off-Road TechThis section contains all discussion related to taking the FJ Cruiser in Off-Road situations, 4x4 applications and any armor modifications.
I want to thank you all for making clear in a convoluted way what Toyota or their dealers could not. I just bought an 07 Manual without A-TRAC upgrade package and saved $4000.00 (upgrade packages seem to have gone up in price in 07 and diff lock is now standard). I mucked it up in the back country pretty good and these are my conclusions. TRAC in H lets you keep the revs up pretty good at over 15mph in 1st or 2nd. If the computer bogs the revs to much you can go to HL but loose the TRAC which can also overheat the brakes and shut down the system anyway. At low speed in LL with diff lock there is plenty of traction. Given the vagueness of just what A-Trac is $4000.00 could go a long way in aftermarket radio and accessories. I'd sure like to know how to wire the so called $40.00 A-TRAC switch solution?
Well finally had the chance to try out the mod this weekend and I'm going to have to give it a big thumbs up! At the crest of this climb was a nasty drop off to the left. Since the conditions were muddy and slippery the vehicle would naturally slide down to the left towards some trees. On the right side the front right tire would catch some big roots which meant there was not grip to be had.
Well after some careful manuevering back and forth I was able to shimmy outta the bind. With the rear locker locked and A-TRAC off the front tires would spin with no grip. As soon as I enable A-TRAC I was able to progress forward enough that I could change my approach angle and get out of that tight bind. Once I was facing the direction I wanted to go I turned off the A-TRAC. I wanted some tire spin and a bit more speed to get out...worked like a champ.
Last edited by Hotrodguru : 09-19-2006 at 02:21 PM.
Well finally had the chance to try out the mod this weekend and I'm going to have to give it a big thumbs up! At the crest of this climb was a nasty drop off to the left. Since the conditions were muddy and slippery the vehicle would naturally slide down to the left towards some trees. On the right side the front right tire would catch some big roots which meant there was not grip to be had.
Well after some careful manuevering back and forth I was able to shimmy outta the bind. With the rear locker locked and A-TRAC off the front tires would spin with no grip. As soon as I enable A-TRAC I was able to progress forward enough that I could change my approach angle and get out of that tight bind. Once I was facing the direction I wanted to go I turned off the A-TRAC. I wanted some tire spin and a bit more speed to get out...worked like a champ.
Did you try this with just A-TRAC (no rear locker)?
Did you try this with just A-TRAC (no rear locker)?
--Bill
If not mistaken Bill I did try it without the rear locked. The left rear tire sat in the drop-off which caused the right rear to lift a bit. My buddy Chris was stuck in the exact same spot before I attempted the climb so I'll ask him to chime in. Another thing is that I was on OEM stock tires. I am still impressed with the capablity even in stock form. Tires this month for sure if some dinero I'm awaiting comes in.
I went up first and couldn't see the drop off to the left or the roots to the right. Pretty blind as you come over the crest. I thought I was going to get the rig stuck between trees. I couldn't open my door. The left rock rail was taking some of the weight off the wheels I'm sure (in Jay's case the plastic on the door). Even with the BFG MTs (not aired down though) I was sliding to the left. The only thing that bothered me was how this little cut was fenced in on one side by trees. The ground was packed pretty hard up here and slick as ever. I went with the cut a couple of feet and then back up on the path after clearing the roots.
It was neat to see the different colored paint on some trees.
The question was whether or not you used A-TRAC alone or A-TRACK with the rear locked. I think my rear was locked the entire time and I was toggling between ATRAC on and off. Bill wanted to know .
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Linear Mode
