advice on the rear locker vs ATRAC for a newb
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No question that there are times.... but the OP's question was about stability (accident avoidance).
That is pretty much what i said several post back. . . . Atrac slow, rocks, off camber and one axle locked blast through slurpy stuff (sand mud). It can be spun either way.
I agree Atrac and triple locked would be ideal. Check out these ARB videos on the Internet and they show you how lockers work better than traction control.
Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control Part 1 - YouTube
Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control Part 2 - YouTube
Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control Part 1 - YouTube
Air Locker vs LSD vs Traction Control Part 2 - YouTube
There is no substitute for lockers.
i agree, but where do you draw the line. 1, 2, 3 lockers. All atrac has 1 locker(all be it center) with atrac. When does the amount of lockers exceed the atrac plus 1. I am not arguing a point, more so, asking a question. However, I believe a center locked atrac rig, with the same equipment will out preform a rear locked vehicle only, for most cases. I know this varies wildly and as been discussed thourouly. For me, i hope to get to 3 locks and atrac sooner than later.
Personally, i disagree.
ATRAC requires a good bit more tire spin, to actually get it to work and will most times make you go faster than you need to because you HAVE to give it throttle to work.
I also think it damages tires more on technical trails using only atrac vs lockers due to the extra wheel spin needed. My BFG ats are significantly more chunked (only 10K miles on them) after taking them to the same parks and trails as i took my FJC and 80 series with the same tires. I rarely ever used atrac on the FJC.
I wish there was a way to turn off ATRAC like you can in the FJC.
ATRAC has its good moments and in some sections it can perform well. Others, it is horrible. Loose semi long hill climbs are one of them.
After realizing the vast benefit of front and rear lockers on my 80, getting ARBs front and rear on the 100 was a no brainer. Went ahead with 4.88s while i had everything apart as well.
Also, i bought my 01 for less than 13K with 140K miles. Keep looking and you will find something. Don't be afraid to have a very broad search. My 100 was 8 hours away.
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That's a pretty right on assessment including the hill climb example. But you have the everything package - meaning lockers and ATRAC so you get to pick the best traction aid for the conditions.
Again the OP wanted to know about stability and the VSC ATRAC combo provides that over a rear locker only 98 or 99.
[Video] Hollister Hills SVRA - ATRAC vs Lockers
Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
This is 100% true. My BFG AT's are severely chunked from using throttle/ATRAC to overcome rough off road obstacles. The ATRAC worked and I got through anything I tried, however the tires definitely took a beating.
Not totally disputing the need for the tire spin, as that is how the system works, however
1- BFG ATs a chunking machines
2- With the right brake gas combo, spin can be limited
1- BFG ATs a chunking machines
2- With the right brake gas combo, spin can be limited
[QUOTE mud makes it tough for ATRAC to work as wheelspeed is usually needed and ATRAC will not engage with higher wheel speed.QUOTE]This is the reason why I don't like traction control. And mud is not the only time wheelspeed is needed. When going up long slippery hills where speed and momentum are needed. I've seen tons of vehicles get stuck because the traction control just slows them down and then they end up getting stuck since all momentum is lost. Driving up and off of frozen lakes and up long and icy boat launches in the fall are prime examples. Sometimes it works great other times it doesn't.</p>
You can always add lockers if you "need" them.
You can never add A-TRAC / VSC.
Having both lockers and A-TRAC / VSC is the best of both worlds.
You can never add A-TRAC / VSC.
Having both lockers and A-TRAC / VSC is the best of both worlds.
Entering an icy parking lot, I turned the wheel and gunned it (unlocked) only to have my VSC thwart my fun. Elsie was beeping at me and flashing "VSC" on the dashboard. She went straight. I couldn't turn. I think my VSC is a hinderance in snow and ice as the car thinks its a better driver than me and won't let me gas it to get back on my desired track. Locked center is a different story. She handled like a 4wd and the snow play could begin! Point. Gas. Go. I'll be doing some trails this summer and let you know how well the ATRAC works in the dirt, but all open ice driving has been an interesting experience with VSC.
PS- I've read a locked center and rear with an ATRAC front is a pretty sweet offroad combo.
Trouble is it only improves traction on ONE axle. Nothing aids the front.
TRAC aids both axles
TRAC doe snot "pull" of "slide" you
TRAC allows for 100% turning capability
Those videos had a triple-locked model. No subsitute for that on THAT TYPE of obstacle.
NOW...take those same obstacles and make them 30* off camber and re-test. Lockers will slide you right into the ditch. TRAC will not.
100% turning capability? I was on a trail the other day and told my buddy a few times how much better my turning radius was with my center open. I agree with better than a locked front, but 100%?
THIS. Anyone who argues otherwise doesn't have a lot of experience.
I vote buy a 2000+ and then add ARB lockers front and rear and then everyone else can be jealous....Seriously its only money, you can always go make some more 
^^ AMEN
