100 in the sand dunes... problems! (80 comparison)

[e9999]

well, I for one used the acronym indiscriminately, so disreguard any presumed implied subtleties. I just meant the "brake-based-traction-control-affair-that-comes-on-with-a-light-when-a-wheel -is-spinning...."



on another issue: about this 4Hi vs 4Lo. FWIW, on the 80, I put on an ATF temperature sensor. Going at about the same speed in the dunes, the ATF temp was as much as 40F higher in Hi than in Lo... I'll stick with Lo and crawling cuz I like my trans the way it is...

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Going at about the same speed in the dunes, the ATF temp was as much as 40F higher in Hi than in Lo... I'll stick with Lo and crawling cuz I like my trans the way it is...

Many folks have told me on the trail to use 4L on the steep slopes even though the V8 does OK in 4H. They state it lowers the heat and strain on the AT. I got yelled at in CO when I ran a wing of the Alpine Loop and never used 4L in the 100.

 

[dclee]

on another issue: about this 4Hi vs 4Lo. FWIW, on the 80, I put on an ATF temperature sensor. Going at about the same speed in the dunes, the ATF temp was as much as 40F higher in Hi than in Lo... I'll stick with Lo and crawling cuz I like my trans the way it is...

This is definately an issue in low traction conditions like sand. I noticed lots of people spinning tires indescriminately this weekend, and all I could think of was: "Cooked tranny fluid..."

I did it myself for a minute at the entrance to camp (where it seems everyone got stuck, even Christo!). Finally gave up in the interests of saving my tranny and let more air out out of my tires. TRAC didn't help a bit.

 

[wngrog]

I would never use 4H for anything but wet or icy roads. When you get off road, 4L is the only way to go.

 

[Brentbba]

I've never used low or locked up fronts/rears on those dunes and haven't had a problem. Aired down to 15 psi each time. First time on 275's and the other times on 285's. I'm absolutely no expert as I've only driven Oceano three times (my extent of expertise in this area), so take the comment for what it's worth. I'm a very conservative driver also - maybe not as much as Eric, but I'll bash myself a little by saying I'm probably close.

 

[wngrog]

Not that driving in H is wrong, just try it in LOW. The available power and throttle response is awesome.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Many folks have told me on the trail to use 4L on the steep slopes even though the V8 does OK in 4H. They state it lowers the heat and strain on the AT. I got yelled at in CO when I ran a wing of the Alpine Loop and never used 4L in the 100.

John, is that the climb up Engineer Pass?

I was wondering about the hi/low thing. On a couple of steep sections in CO, I used 4wd low. I could have made it w/ 4wd high with a little strain, I think. My "theory" was that at a certain rpm (or is it vehicle speed?), the torque converter will fully lock up rather than slip, at least in a higher gear (i.e, maybe it won't lock at all in 1st gear but will in 3rd-5th at certain rpms). I figured this would be better on the clutches and generate less heat do to no slippage. Is it true or am I totally off base?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

John, is that the climb up Engineer Pass?

I was wondering about the hi/low thing. On a couple of steep sections in CO, I used 4wd low. I could have made it w/ 4wd high with a little strain, I think. My "theory" was that at a certain rpm (or is it vehicle speed?), the torque converter will fully lock up rather than slip, at least in a higher gear (i.e, maybe it won't lock at all in 1st gear but will in 3rd-5th at certain rpms). I figured this would be better on the clutches and generate less heat do to no slippage. Is it true or am I totally off base?

Nope on Eng Pass. That's pretty steep. I was in 4L most of the way from Ouray to Eng Pass. I ran from Lake City to Animas Forks in 4H. Heck, they widened the two were-bad switchbacks. I just didn't ever struggle. I was still scolded though at the Forks.

 

[e9999]

short of wanting to go very fast, I don't see any reason *not* to use Lo when wheeling besides the odd ice etc situation. Surely, it's much easier on the engine, especially cooling wise I think.

 

[bigdog]

Yes...yes....the last thing you want is A-TRAC like the Sequoia, Escalade, and others have. TRAC kicks in an you sink in the sand and mud. The 100 won't cut throttle thank god.

I have a Seq 4x4 and its never failed me in the mud or snow with stock tires. I was not a big believer in A-TRAC but it has worked every time for me. Is there a difference between the 100's A-Trac system and the Seq's A-Trac. I thought they were the same.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Yes...yes....the last thing you want is A-TRAC like the Sequoia, Escalade, and others have. TRAC kicks in an you sink in the sand and mud. The 100 won't cut throttle thank god.

I have a Seq 4x4 and its never failed me in the mud or snow with stock tires. I was not a big believer in A-TRAC but it has worked every time for me. Is there a difference between the 100's A-Trac system and the Seq's A-Trac. I thought they were the same.

The systems's the same in all Toyotas. It's the programming that differs. 2 magazines reported the Seq getting stuck easily in deep sand and mud. They stated the system cut throttle. ??

 

[bigdog]

The systems's the same in all Toyotas. It's the programming that differs. 2 magazines reported the Seq getting stuck easily in deep sand and mud. They stated the system cut throttle. ??

I never felt the system cut throttle when I was on a deep muddy road. Do you have the names of the two magazine articles that reported this?

 

[FirstToy]

The traction control system is NOT the same in all Toyotas. Sorry but doing a bit of research will tell you this.
There is also alot of misinformation about ATRAC, TRAC & VSC.

 

[Rusty Phillips]

Dunes "MODE"

-No Spare tire
-No Rear seats
-8 gallon of gas in the sub tank

el3 - what kind of tires are those - they almost look like agricultural rib tires ?

also - what is the opinion of our friend from the UAE in center diff locked / unlocked?

 

[EL_3grab]

el3 - what kind of tires are those - they almost look like agricultural rib tires ?

also - what is the opinion of our friend from the UAE in center diff locked / unlocked?

http://www.pnkmarketing.com/web/pro...74&PHPSESSID=8c751edf267807f545be9bb1263027e5

...

Mine is 900-16

When I'm aired down to 12-10psi... Un-locked (RWD)... I can easily drive on the sand... you can feel the flotations very well... I don't engage the CDL only if get stuck or demanding more control when cursing at higher speed...

I never get stuck in the sand when I'm aired down and CDL engaged... only when I'm trapped like one tire lifted in the air and the other is down... all the power goes to the lifted one... no more traction... when RDL or FDL most needed

 

[1loudLX]

when cursing at higher speed...

hah, you mean cruising? lol anyways....do you use that tire on the street also or do you have another set for road?

 

[EL_3grab]

hah, you mean cruising? lol anyways....do you use that tire on the street also or do you have another set for road?

Damn spell check

..

Like the site said... "- Flotation tire for desert and on the highway"

It's been driven on them over 100+ mph many times... Scary, but can handle it

 

[1loudLX]

interesting, no i saw that it said highway use also, but I'd be kind of reluctant to use such a tire at such high speeds with these trucks....or any car for that matter.

 

[siglo]

interesting, no i saw that it said highway use also, but I'd be kind of reluctant to use such a tire at such high speeds with these trucks....or any car for that matter.

These tires are arguably the best for sand.. but unfortunately they really suck on-road.. a little rain (or snow in your case) and you'll be giving bystanders a free Disney-on-Ice-type show

A good set of aired down A/T tires would perform sufficiently on the sand and would easily get you were you want to go.. I think these Siam tires are for having fun on the sand not for people who want to cross the sand to get to where they want to go

 

[ZJ2UZJ100]

Air down to 10-12lbs.

I'll avoid the alphabet soup discussion...And I can't compare an 80 to 100 Series. I've never been in a place to enjoy WOT with "rooster tails of sand flying back from wheels" kind of driving. That sounds like fun.

My 12 years of driving on Cape Cod National Seashore, have been at (or let's just say NEAR) the 15 MPH speed limit. I regularly climb up and down a couple of pretty steep sand hills there and have found airing down is the most effective way to improve performance for all vehicles.

At 12 Lbs. on 275/70R16 (which I think is stock), the '00 TLC with unlocked center diff in 4HI seems to perform as well as with the CDL locked and either 4HI or 4LO. I notice very little difference at speed, with bumps, and with frequent stops and starts. I don't notice any engine power cut at low speeds or when a tire starts to slip.

The Jeep used to behave a little better with locked CDL (in 4LO), but the viscuous coupling in 4HI never got me stuck either. '96 doesn't have any sort of VSC.