ATRAC for on road, snow and ice driving (1 Viewer)

[lucky dave]

Getting ready to purchase used LC. (1997 thru 2001) are possibilities. Mostly off road driving but some winter snow and ice, on road driving. ATRAC and skid control became available in 2000. How useful, valuable are these features in this situation?

Tks for your thoughts.

Dave

PS: Will probably add ARB lockers if can not find LC wih factory lockers.

 

[bwbski26]

atrac is defiently worth it for snow and ice. ive had a 98 and now have a 2003 and it is night and day differnce between the two in the snow

 

[calamaridog]

You want the 00+ Land Cruiser or LX470 for TRAC and VSC. You can add the ARB lockers later on. Is it safer? Hell yes it is. Useful in the snow? Absolutely.

 

[NMuzj100]

Atrac - useful on snow and ice.
Skid control - potentially life saving in all weather conditions.

I haven't used either in a LC. I have used both (comparable GM systems) in a POS Tahoe and they really do make a big difference. I assume the Toyota versions are probably even better.

The full-time four wheel drive of a 98-99 is very good in low traction situations. I've never had traction problems going forward. Slowing the 3-ton monster on steep ice I have had issues with and this is not addressed with these technologies. Just remember the 100 is heavy for it's size and on glazed ice there may be no traction available no matter what you do (my problems were a combo of bad glazed ice, too much speed, and a steep but thankfully straight hill). Most AT tires are mediocre in snow so consider snow tires for the winter . Not to go forward, but to stop and turn.

You won't find any 2000+ with lockers but can still add the ARB and have the best of both worlds.

 

[lucky dave]

Tks for good input guys.

May I follow up with another question? So, now talking about 2000 or 2001, are there any advantages to Lexus vs Toyota? I am wondering about adjustable ride height and ride stiffness?

Tks again

Dave

 

[calbo]

Adjustable height and ride stiffness are nice to have, but if you are using it (as you wrote in your first post) mostly off-road and in some snow/ice, you're probably better off getting a Cruiser and lightly modifying it for your purposes.

 

[calamaridog]

The VSC does work. It saved me from a major accident on the freeway. I was resigned to the fact that I was about to eat a big s*** burger and the VSC helped me control what could have very well been an uncontrollable situation.

I have done a good amount of high speed type driving training and threshold driving for work driving sedans, SUV's, and passenger vans. I have a pretty good feel for when you are going to loose it.

I'd rather start with the safety systems you can't add later, which is why I limited my search to 2000 and later vehicles.

 

[pint]

Both the Atrac and VSC have saved my bacon a number of times. They both work well and are worth a little extra money upfront.

 

[LXPearl]

The TRAC/VSC in the 100 is excellent, better than other versions within Toyota.

I prefer the 01 over the 00 for several convenience issues (compass, auto up down windows, etc.).

I love the AHC for trips - great for packing up in LO, then it auto levels when driving - hard to tell you even have a load, the ride is the same as always. As far as the sporty settings, I use them depending on the load and on road conditions - they really work. Fully loaded up, it handles great on curving mt roads in a sport setting. The high setting makes it easy to access under the vehicle for maintenance, as well as for off roading - even while on a trip with family and luggage on board.

The AHC works well on gravel roads and the ABS has an off road programming to it.