A-TRAC or ARB?

[cruizernewbie]

I am considering purchasing a 2010 or later FJ and was wanting to get input regarding whether I should purchase a truck with A-TRAC or purchase one without and install an ARB.

The truck will be used as an all around vehicle, including moderate wheeling.

To be honest, I guess I really don't understand the benefits of the A-TRAC feature.

Any thoughts or personal experiences regarding this matter is appreciated.

Thank You!

 

[ToyotaDon]

Search for ATRAC mod, I believe any of them can have the switch added inexpensively.

And when you speak of ARB, you need to clarify what part you are talking about. ARB makes bumpers, lockers, etc.

 

[BirdManzFJ]

I know some that love the atrac. I however am not that fond of it. It just seems counter productive to use your brakes when trying to go forward. (yeah" I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is") And I love my ARB front locker. After install, I NEVER use the atrac again.

It's called the MAGIC BUTTON, for a reason.

 

[Mtbcoach]

ATRAC is Toyota's version of off-road traction control. If you buy an FJC, make sure it has the factory e-locker, then you will have the ATRAC enabled ECU. Adding a $50 switch gives you ATRAC.

IMHO, ATRAC is a valuable asset for the FJC, making for less need to engage the rear locker. It is also my opinion that few "need" an ARB front locker (assuming that is what you are refering to) unless one is planning on pushing the limits of the FJC.

If you are thinking of the ARB rear locker, that would be your resource assuming you don't have the factory e-locker. As I said above, if you don't have the factory e-locker, adding ATRAC is combersome, very costly and not worth it my opinion. Some have found work-arounds, that aren't really the same.

Hope this helps...

 

[cruizernewbie]

Thank all of you for your response. This has been most helpful.

I need to learn to be more definitive in painting the picture before asking a question. I apologize.

Anyway, I plan on purchasing a truck with the factory installed electronic locking rear differential and was asking whether it would be better just to buy the truck without the ATRAC feature and install a front locker on my own. I generically used the term ARB in reference to a front locker. Again, I apologize.

Not ever personally witnessing the ATRAC feature in operation, it just seems that a ture front locker would be the better option. However, this may not be the case for moderate wheeling, considering the costs of the locker.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Much different when driving an IFS and using a front locker. CV damage is very easily done without a locker, let alone with one.

ATRAC uses the brakes to slow the wheel that is spinning, comparing side to side. When people first hear it, they think something is wrong since it "stutters" the spinning wheel.

I found it very effective with moderate and extreme wheeling. My use goes something like this: ATRAC on all the time, on hard obstacles, rear locker used 20%, front locker on 5% of the time.

 

[BMThiker]

Atrac is like magic in many scenarios and often works better than just the rear locker. I have one of the original models that turns Atrac off when the rear locker is engaged. There are well known workarounds for getting ATrac and the rear e-locker to work simultaneously [front wheels get Atrac and rear wheels remain locked], but I have not done this mod.

Several folks have installed the ARB in the front diff and know to be very selective when using it. It is my understanding that once you install an ARB in the front you cannot use Atrac and the front locker together....snapped CV axles is the mental picture I have.

Given that you plan to buy a truck with an e-locker anyway, I say spend the $50 bucks on the Atrac switch and try it yourself. If it doesn't do what you want it to, then consider the ARB option. Atrac is not for every situation, so educate yourself as best you can before thinking it can do anything. I tend to leave the switch off until I need it and then turn it off again once I'm over that obstacle.

 

[Tapage]

good demo video of A-trac working

toyota - a-trac system - slow motion.mpeg - YouTube

 

[Mtbcoach]

Several folks have installed the ARB in the front diff and know to be very selective when using it. It is my understanding that once you install an ARB in the front you cannot use Atrac and the front locker together....snapped CV axles is the mental picture I have.

Not my understanding Rick. If they are locked, they are turning at the same speed = no reason for ATRAC to engage. ATRAC only works side to side.

If so, I dodged many bullets since I never turned ATRAC off, regardless if I was locked front or rear...

 

[1911]

Not my understanding Rick. If they are locked, they are turning at the same speed = no reason for ATRAC to engage. ATRAC only works side to side.

If so, I dodged many bullets since I never turned ATRAC off, regardless if I was locked front or rear...

You are correct Jerry; A-TRAC cannot work on a locked diff, it must have some slip on one side or the other to function at all.

 

[monniepoo]

Atrac is like magic in many scenarios and often works better than just the rear locker. I have one of the original models that turns Atrac off when the rear locker is engaged. There are well known workarounds for getting ATrac and the rear e-locker to work simultaneously [front wheels get Atrac and rear wheels remain locked], but I have not done this mod.

Do you have anymore info on this mod? I have an 07. I heard that the newer models will allow to work together.

 

[Mtbcoach]

There is the "no cut" and the "cut" ATRAC hack. I did the cut version on mine, the thread I linked also has a link to the no cut version...

Rear Locker + ATRAC - Write up - TTORA Forum

 

[monniepoo]

There is the "no cut" and the "cut" ATRAC hack. I did the cut version on mine, the thread I linked also has a link to the no cut version...

Rear Locker + ATRAC - Write up - TTORA Forum

Thanks!

 

[monniepoo]

That's looks really easy. So turning on/off the rear lockers won't effect anything else? How long have you has this mod? Have you seen any problems?

 

[Mtbcoach]

Over 5 years, no issues, no different than how they sell them now...

 

[monniepoo]

Over 5 years, no issues, no different than how they sell them now...

Awesome!

 

[cruizernewbie]

Thank all of you for your input.

I think I have a better understanding; however, I want to clarify one thing.

In the later moderl FJCs, including 2010 and later, the ATRAC and locking rear differential are configured such that both can be utilized at the same time, thus negating the need to 'trick' the computer into thinking that the rear locker is always off by making the noted wiring changes. Is this correct?

I know I am pretty clueless about all of this, but the only way to learn is to ask questions.

Thanks again for all of the help!

 

[Mtbcoach]

The change happened in the '08 models if I recall correctly, so yes, no need for a hack in models after that...

 

[BMThiker]

Jerry/Lee, I stand corrected. Thanks for clarifying. So, you can still use Atrac, if the front locker is not on.

 

[1911]

Over 5 years, no issues, no different than how they sell them now...

Same here; same mod (cut version on the wire harness by the brake master cylinder) and same time frame - 5+ years and 125,000 miles.

So, you can still use Atrac, if the front locker is not on.

Bingo. You can leave it on; it will work on either/both axle(s) (front or rear) that is not locked, and do nothing and harm nothing on an axle that is locked.