Hi All. I've been reading this forum for a few weeks and it has been very helpful in guiding me toward my decision about purchasing an FJ. I will buy one new w/in the next couple of days.
First, my situation: I currently live in Florida, but will be moving to Denver in October. I am not a hardcore off-roader, but I will use the FJ to access trails for camping & fishing.
My question: how necessary is ATRAC for my application? The FJ I am looking at is 4WD, auto, w/ locking rear diff and, of course, it has TRAC.
I understand that the ATRAC switch can be installed later to enable the system, but is ATRAC really useful?
ATRAC is a wonderful tool to use if you ever find yourself in the situation where it is needed most. It allows you to just drive over things you couldn't without a lot more skill if it weren't available to you.
In particular, sideslopes and climbs involving turning in the middle or the wheel lifted scenario (which happens frequently because of the vehicle's less than stellar axle articulation) can be quite fun with ATRAC.
Get the switch, it's definitely worth it and a "signature" feature that enhances the vehicle's capability tremendously.
__________________
Women and cats will do as they please,
men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea
Not at all...its a genuine toyota part. you just plug it into the pre-existing wiring. Its as easy as plugging in a vacuum. will take you not even 20 seconds start to finish.
__________________
----------------------------------------------
2007 Black Diamond FJ
Future Mods:
TRD CAI
TRD Exhaust
Skids
Suggestions?
As for USEFULNESS of ATRAC, I'd like to add that even while activated it sits there unobtrusively monitoring things UNTILL it is needed. It doesn't affect steering, or power delivery, and can be easily turned off if it's causing a hinderance and is not needed. I find it a great tool for even Mild (no wheels in the AIR) trails when conditions are very slippery, like SNOW/ICE, wet Grass/leaves etc. There have been a few occations, while climbing twisty slippery hills where ATRAC has been there to help out and allowed me to make a moderately challenging climb look EASY while others, with capable, but non-locked, non-electronic'd trucks have to pay close attention, and work a lot harder... Basically it's a great little "get out of jail free card" that can be played anytime you want to. Especially when youre right on the threshold of spinning a wheel, losing momentum and stopping your ascent, or worse, sliding backwards down a slippery hill.
__________________
For those who "Get It", no explanation is necessary.
Atrac is great.
I've been wondering if Atrac is better in some situations(icy, slippy) than even being fully locked?
Actually I use it extensively while wheelin' in Moab, it doesn't "bind" or "push" in high traction situations. I find the people that are fully locked have less manuverability than me, yet I am able to climb everything they can.
Linear Mode
