I just bought my 4Runner. My salesman recommended I find videos about the 4W functions. He wasn’t very sure how they work. I’m headed to Big Bend in a few weeks, so I need to be educated about this. Thanks for putting together some videos that are very clear and easy to follow.
Moral of the story is if you don't go wheelin' like these guys all you'll ever need is A-trac. Unless you are actively putting yourself into sticky (and fun) situations, all you need for the zombie apocalypse is basic 4x4 with A-trac.
Thank you so much for this explanation. I got to use ATRAC while wheeling with my 13' 4Runner Trail and my buddy with a 2001 Durango. The Durango struggled to make it up a rock climb when one of his tires lifted off the ground, and he had to try several times to finally get the right spot to go up. Me watching him struggle i put it in 4L and enabled ATRAC and went up the same route he struggled over. As soon as my wheel lifted ATRAC activated, braked that lifted wheel, and I drove up the section no problem. Its an amazing off road feature to combine with rear-locking diffs and the others.
I totally agree...ATRAC really is an amazing tool. The modern traction control systems can pretty much solve most of your problems. And if they can't...I guess that's what winches are for ha ha!
Subarus system although not really intended for serious off roading, does this as well, it sends the torque to the wheels with the most traction while braking the low traction. No buttons or switches needed.
@@ahahuehafook4207 had 2000 durango with s 5.9 bought new. Full loaded , came with Goodyear Wranglers AT tires. Truck Was totaled in 2019. Bought 2021 4 Runner. I notice that the Dodge with tire setup was way better in the snow than the crap Dunlop ATs that came on the Toyota truck is all over the place in the snow. Was disappointed in the snow performance of the truck with the Dunlops compared to the Wranglers on the Dodge. Dunlops ride nice on highway but look like car tires. AT? Naa. What is a tire that would give me better traction with out noise or crap gas mileage?
Another gem of a technical video. You make this information much easier to understand and apply compared to just reading the manual. Thanks for taking the time to produce this content!
Big thanks for the nice words! Mostly, I just was trying to figure some of the ATRAC functionality out for myself and found the Toyota literature a little lacking. I hope I didn't get anything too wrong but trust people will chime in and let me know if I did.
Really good video! From the moment you said "an open diff splits the torque 50/50" I knew it would be a proper run through, I don't know why so many people get that wrong and think a locked diff is a 50/50 split? I guess it is hard to visualise that locked rotational speed does not equate to the same power/torque going to each wheel. That said, what this video shows is that nothing beats a good set of lockers. I wonder what all these systems cost to implement compared to simply adding a factory option for front and rear lockers to the relevant cars? For a novice I suppose it is easier to use a locker at the wrong time, or forget to turn it off and damage your drivetrain.
That is hands down the best observation ever: How much do these systems cost to implement compared to simply adding a factory option for front and rear lockers?!
@geepuller1 The problem with LSDs is that they are exactly that, limited slip, they don't stop slip. Where lockers do. But traction control can as well. Its way more effective at controlling wheel speed differences. Torsens often dont cant control wheelspeed at all. So when one wheel leaves the ground it just keeps spinning. And no enough torque is generated to actually activate the LSD. Thats why vehicles with traction control can sometimes preform better than vehicles with LSDs. That's why so many vehicles switched away from them to traction control. But nothing beats a fully locked 4WD system though
I love doing research so I can drive and off road at max efficiency so I don't sustain critical damage. I have so much fun watching videos and people like you who make content heavy, to the point videos make it SO much more easy and fun. Thank you for the hard work good sir!
OMG, thanks so much! I’ve struggled for years on how to understand my system effectively! You definitely cleared some things up! I recently got stuck in sand and was using MTS when I shoulda been using ATrac! I had to use maxtrax because I was ignorant to best use of both systems!!! Your video makes total sense for those of us who are not “savvy” with this shit!!! Many thanks!
Thanks! I liked your ice demo video. The one where your 4Runner would slide down the driveway and then you'd put it in 4WD and go right back up no problem. They really do have amazing traction control.
As an old school off-roader, I added a couple of inches of lift and 33" aggressive tires to my 2019 SR5 4Runner to get around the Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho mountains. I tend to ignore gadgets and instead focus on good tires, good clearance, and good lines to get around off road. Loved this video to explain to me why and when I should use that button on the overhead console off-road.
I approach off-road driving basically the same way as you do: focus on good lines, good tires and good driving. The buttons are nice to have as a backup. I watched your review video of the Cooper Evolution MT long-term. Nice job on the video and legit 4Runner!
Just bought a 4runner off road a month ago and was thinking that if get stuck I dont even know how to work the off road system. I never even knew what the a trac was. Ive had a few 4 wd trucks and love the idea of a transfer case lever and a locker but Im glad you explained this.
I’ve watched so many videos and this is the first time I can say that I really understood the differences between the two systems. This is the best explanation I’ve seen, even better than what Toyota themselves made. Thank you very much!
Dang! That was a lot of information and you did a great job explaining it all! I thought my 2020 Cherokee Trailhawk was complex. I only have a rear locker and it will apply the brake on the spinning tire up front, similar to your A-track, but there's no button to engage it. Most of the time I forget to use my MTS. Rock mode seems to make the most difference to me, with very little wheel spin allowed and 1st gear gets held into higher rpm.
Yes, A-Trac/MTS has a lot of detail and I didn't even cover crawl control ha ha! I seem to default to use of lockers. But, I like knowing how all the systems work. They do work great and are a great backup!
Great video. I watch alot of 4WD tech. videos and this one stands out as being really informative because you actually demonstrate (with proper offroad driving) and describe the tech. features correctly and accurately. I can't say this about alot of other reviewers.
Nice explanation of MTS. I have a GX470 which is essentially the same a a 4th gen 4R. I have been able to use Atrac in both 4H and 4L. Not sure why you're only able to use it in 4L. Maybe because the GX is full-time AWD, then 4WD when we turn on the CDL. For me, instead of looking at the speedo keeping it under 5mph, I think it's simpler to look at the RPM and keep it under 2k RPM, which has worked well for me. And if I need that wheel spin in mud/sand/snow, I'd just go past the 2k RPM. Great video.
Thanks! That is a great add and very helpful info for the GX470 viewers. We actually have quite a few as the GX470 is a great overlanding platform. By the way, I loved your Drive Through Oregon video. Very nice capture of the State.
Amazing explanation of the entire 4wd Toyota system!! I own a TRD Tacoma 4wd but with your explanation I now know there is way more to learn!! Thank you soo much
@@OverlandPNW i bought a T4R ORP a year and a half ago and have taken it on many off-road trips. Thought I had a pretty good understanding of all the features, but learned something from your video. I like how you separated atrac for moving from a standstill and MTS for mobile situations. MTS got me out of an icy ditch when nothing else worked. Great work on the vid!
I am fairly new to trucks, and my latest experience in snow with my Tacoma and four-wheel-drive. All I did was put my truck in four-wheel-drive high & manually shift into second and third gear, thereby reducing my sliding in the snow. I have an automatic transmission.
Really good explanations. I am new to 4x4 and just started using ATRAC and was wondering about MTS and this video explains it really well. I think I need to head to an SVRA to play around and apply some of what you shared. I am also thinking I should add front lockers - that seems the most powerful option.
I love my ARB front air locker. It engages instantly. E-lockers almost never instantly engage. You have to drive forward and sometimes backward to get them to engage. Air-lockers also can be engaged while driving. The ARB info on it states: "An ARB Air Locker can be engaged at any speed as long as both wheels are spinning at the same rate." You want to be very cautious with this because if one wheel is spinning faster than the other, what is called “crash locking” will occur and can cause damage. That said, I use this feature all the time off-roading. I engage and disengage on the fly as needed. I also have engaged the front air locker as needed while driving over the pass on snowy roads. I'm not sure how fast I was going but probably 35-40 mph. For me, this is a huge advantage over e-lockers. So, I agree that adding a front air locker is probably the best. But, it really all depends on your driving style. For the average off-roader or overlander, A-TRAC and MTS will handle almost anything you get into.
Awesome vid Jon and Steve!!! VERY VERY Informative and now I'm a lot more educated on how these systems work and what to apply in certain circumstances!! I really enjoy all the informative content, humor and your style of adventures. For 2022 I plan to keep kitting out my '14 Trail 4R a bit and get out there as much as I can...#obsessed. I really want to get into the high alpine lake areas for some fishing and hiking, so looking forward to making that happen!! CHEERS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Very well explained. Very helpful video. I have a Land Cruiser rather than a 4Runner but I believe the CRAWL system I have is very similar to A-Trac. I live in Bend so it is fun to see someone exploring out there near to home!
I'm a Land Cruiser fan. They are great off-road platforms. We are filming in Central Oregon a lot. This video was made near China Hat at one of the OHV playgrounds. Cheers!
Huge congrats on the 2022 TRD ORP! A dream vehicle for sure. I'd actually love to have a new one to do another build on but that will have to wait ha ha!
Great video, as long as people understand when you say acceleration you mean throttle input, atrak is great for getting unstuck or not getting stuck in the first place, I turn it on when I'm in 4 low and like you said it only works at very low speed not that 4 low is gonna go too much faster than 15 or 20
Great explanation. Real lesson learned here folks....... You don't need all these fancy traction gadgets. Lockers and a few IQ points will go MUCH further. These gadgets are to help people who don't know how to drive properly still succeed. If you don't know how to drive properly, you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place. *common sense*
Very cool! Were you in a Tacoma? By the way, you did a great job on your WBDR, Route 2 video is ! Route 2 is awesome. Bethel Ridge and Beehive Washout are a ton-o-fun!
@@OverlandPNW No Tacoma that day we were riding dirtbikes. Thank you for the kind words on the WABDR video! I need to post more on here but mainly post on Instagram
Nice Video. I've been searching and watching videos all week for something like this. I'm new to wheeling, and have read the manual but, I thought it was not very useful or lacking as some of the comments have stated. That said, I 'm looking to try some difficult trails the the Carolinas , I've done some easy ones and looking to do more moderate trails, but wanted to get some expert knowledge by video before I run out there and tear up my rig. 20189 TRD Off Premium. Like I said, I'm green to all of this, so the language at t his time is my stumbling block, changing modes on the fly or in neutral or full stop....'m learning the terminology. Thanks for sharing
I had the exact same experience as you: I could find any good information on A-TRAC/MTS and the manual was not very useful. It was so difficult to find decent, reliable info on A-TRAC/MTS. So, this video is really the culmination of my own learning curve gleaned from all the tech data I could find. I did have a Toyota mechanic send me a note. He said that the video was accurate and that he could not have done a better job, which was a very nice thing to say. Thanks for taking time to leave a comment, wheel safe and cheers!
@@OverlandPNW The MTS/ A-TRAC systems and Crawl Control simply use the brakes to control wheel spin, thereby transferring torque to the wheel that needs it most. I found it fascinating that there are no physical differences in parts for the different trim levels to support those systems, other than the electric brake booster. Even the standard trac on SR5's 4x4 are impressive when put in a pickle.
Honest question from an overlanding newbie: if you're going relatively straight on a loose surface, why wouldn't you just lock the diffs and keep them locked rather than messing around with all this open differential + added braking tomfoolery?
It is really just a question of driver preference and driver experience. I have had several comments from off-roaders that do not like computerized traction control systems of any kind. I get that. For me, I almost always do what you described: just lock the diffs. But everyone in our group has had mechanical failures of the factory installed e-locker on the rear axle. So, it is nice to know a little about A-TRAC/MTS as backups.
Thanks and good question! We did not try it with just the rear locker but my guess is that it would have made it up. Hey great job on that ladder installation video! I just watched it.
Thorough and logical, excellent! However, I have a manual 6-speed TRD OR (with Locking Diff and A-Trac and no MTS) but would enjoy an equivalent video on the features for those of us who like to row our gears. If you can advise or redirect to another source I'd appreciate it, thank you.
Thanks! I just watched your video about the two cameras you use. I keep thinking I need to add a DSLR into the mix. So far, I've just been using GoPros which have their limitations.
Thanks 👍. I just watched your Tool Rethink video. That was a great topic! I think I add extra tools on every trip. I probably have more tools in the vehicle than in the shop now ha !
Excellent information on how to get out of those situations. This is something that will come in handy to know, when I'm back in Australia, driving in the outback.🙂👍
The silver 4Runner is my brother's rig. For info on his modifications, you can contact him through his RU-vid channel Aired Down Overland. Here's the link youtube.com/@aired-downoverland9239
I had a 2021 Tacoma TRD 4X4 Premium that have both MTS and Crawl control. I used in extreme off-road fun . The rear locker got me out of bad situation too. I want to try MTS in 4H without Crawl control and see it any function works.
Big thanks! Your 4th-Year-in-Review video is great! Your channel is one of the best 4Runner channels out there. I am a follower and a fan of the legit driving on your channel. Cheers!
Why does my 2021 Toyota Tacoma not have an A-TRAC button? The Tacoma owner's manual provides one answer to this. The owner's manual treats A-TRAC and MTS as mutually exclusive features of the manual and automatic transmissions respectively. Manual trans has A-TRAC. Automatic trans has MTS. So my question coming out of your video is, what should I use in my 2021 automatic Tacoma when im stuck and starting from a dead stop? Your video pitches these features as for slightly different purposes, but the Toyota manual implies that they are similar enough to be applied to the different transmission types. Would "MTS Rock" be the closest thing my truck has to A-TRAC? Thanks!!
My 4Runner has both MTS and A-TRAC but if I had to choose only one system, for me it would be MTS. So, your Tacoma has a nice traction option. The Toyota manual is right, A-TRAC and MTS are similar. In fact, there are many off-road scenarios in which either system would be just fine to get the job done. With regard to your last question, I do not really think of MTS in terms of which function is closest to A-TRAC. MTS is really designed around terrain types. So, when I use MTS, the settings I select are based on the terrain that I am on. I'm a fan of both A-TRAC and MTS and have spent a fair amount of time trying to learn what they can do. However, my own off-road driving practice is to use lockers. That's not a criticism of A-TRAC/MTS. I've been off-roading since I was 16 and it is just habit. So, you'll see us go to lockers a lot in our other videos. Cheers!
As far as the situational ending, do you think you could of made it over the rock with just doing rear locker? I heard ya mention doing front & rear locker where 4Runner off road only comes stock with rear locker. Amazing video by the way !!!
Good point and I wish I had tested it with the rear locker! I actually went back through the stock footage double checked to see if I did. It was a pretty loose gravel mix in back but, based on how the dual lockers pulled it out of there, my guess is that the rear locker with A-trac engaged would have done it.
Anything in low will not limit throttle. In high, traction control will. Traction control is disabled in low. MtS rock mode will limit when L spin to 1/4, increasing each settings sand. Attractive and mts in low, with rear locker on will activate and work on the front. MTS is a premium feature for a good reason. It is atrac plus. On difficult/extreme rated rock crawling trails, mTS will work were atrac does nothing. I never use atrac as it is inferior to MTS. But, for sr5, it is certainly better than nothing and can be superior to other brands systems. I roll with MTs on and only when i know I will slip, lock the rear. Recall, it’s better to never loose traction than lose it, have to activate a system, and get into more trouble or out of trouble. These c9mputer systems don’t wear out, it’s fine to keep them on. Regardless, all the same metrics are being measured anyway by the computers.
@@OverlandPNW Does any of your guys 4runner 4.0's exhibit steering pump whine? Kinda sounds like a low supercharger whine. Now some say its normal, but others claim its a timing chain guide fail. What are your guys thoughts.
@@KJV0812 Nope, we have not experienced that. At least not yet. With 34s, I wondered if a beeper steering pump would be in my future. But, so far so good.
Awesome video! Can you tell me what roof rack setup is on the silver 4Runner? I'm looking to utilize my factory roof rack system as best I can because I'm on a bit of a budget with my 4Runner build.
If you are asking about how Open Differentials work then no, it is not unique. It is a characteristic of all open differentials. However, please bear in mind that in my description I tried to distill a complicated subject into a few, easily-understood sentences. With Open Differentials, Limited Slip Differentials, Torque-Vectoring Differential, and computerized torque splits.... it becomes complicated and it is not always exactly as I described. That being said, in very general terms, yes open differentials split torque equally. If you were asking about how A-TRAC applies brakes to the tire in the air, that method of traction control is used in many vehicles with computerized traction control systems. The A-TRAC system itself is a Toyota system. Cheers!
How has your front ARB locker worked so far? I was pondering adding both FR/RR to my SR5 but I have heard the front CVs are rather weak with the locker and you should not run locked with any steering angle, then I discovered RCV's CV's (not cheap $1000 a side but makes the Front as strong as a D60 they claim) The rear factory E locker only works in 4L although there is a wiring hack to get it to stay engaged in 4H but I was thinking ARB Airs on both ends would solve all that nonsense. Then add to the fact I want to re-gear to 4:56 while im inside both pumpkins for 34's+ (the li$t goes on LOL) like everyone else, I have learned more about Atrac here than any other vid - thanx! I thought A Trac was only for going downhill 4L cruise control instead of being relied on as an any-angle passive locker.
I like the way you think! Twin air lockers on an SR5 would be amazing. XOverland put twin ARB air lockers with 4:56 gears on their new 4Runner build. I absolutely love my ARB air locker. I'm not a big fan of the factory E locker. Everyone in our group has had mechanical failures with them. They also almost never engage instantly. You have to drive forward and sometimes backward to get them to engage. Air-lockers engage instantly, can be used in 4L and 4H, and can be engaged at any speed while driving. The ARB website states: "An ARB Air Locker can be engaged at any speed as long as both wheels are spinning at the same rate." You want to be very cautious with this because if one wheel is spinning faster than the other, you will “crash lock” and have damage. That said, when off-roading, I engage and disengage on the fly all the time as needed. I also have engaged the front air locker as needed while driving over the pass on snowy roads. You are right that you should not run locked at any steering angle. So, I flip the switch on the fly and disengage on turns. I re-engage the locker after the turn. I re-geared to 4:88. If you go bigger than 34s, 4:56 is definitely the way to go. I decided not to install after-market CVs. My thinking was that if I make the CVs stronger, then I'll just break something else. CVs are relatively easy to replace even in the field. I've never broken one. Anyway, ARB airs on both ends would be as good as it gets!
I have a 2008 FJ that only has A-trac and rear diff lock. I'll look through my manual, but I swear my A-trac has activated (when I had it on) in 2wd at medium speeds (15-25 mph) I'm wondering if the A-trac systems are different
Just wanted to say thanks for your time on this...also have you had any problems with your ARB Locker? I'm thinking of getting one for my Tacoma too. On another note...did you get a chance to fish the Metolius and Deschutes? Because I would...
Hi and thanks! The ARB air locker has been absolutely bomb proof. No problems whatsoever. I actually use it all the time. Much more often than A-TRAC or MTS. Maybe because you can engage it on the fly so easily. I also regeared to 4:88 at the time the locker was installed. Yes, I have been fishing the Metolius and Deschutes. I was just on the Deschutes about 10 days ago. I haven't done any filming of recent fishing trips as I just wanted to focus on the fishing experience. I had planned to go last weekend but other things came up. Not sure when I'll go next as I have other things scheduled. Let me know if you get the ARB air locker in the Tacoma. I'd be interested in what you think about it. Cheers!
@@OverlandPNW Thx for getting back...yeah I would be getting the 4.88s too...you must live close to the fishing..I'm in So.Cal...if you want a hoot for your fresh water gear and want to see your reel frikin fly land some benita in Redondo Beach Harbor...down to the backing I might add...but once you hook up watch out for the seals...you just slowed the benita up for them...you have to reel in fast or you'll come up with just the head...1 1/2" hook white feather yellow, pink....boom!...anyway thx and keep on keepin...maybe one day we'll hook up..I'm almost done with work..retirement coming.
Thanks! That roof box is on my brother, Steve's 4Runner. He has the stock side rails but Victory 4x4 crossbars; they’re flat and will hold a roof top tent. The basket is an old Rhino Rack, which he has had on two previous vehicles. The 4 Maxtrax are attached using Maxtrax mounts, which bolt directly to the Victory 4x4 crossbars. The waterproof storage box is a Pelican or similar brand. If you want the exact brand of the box, I can ask him.
@@OverlandPNW Thanks I have the stock side rails and the dealer through in the oem crossbars. I’m looking for a basket for bins ect for summer. Any recommendations would be great. Really enjoy your content it’s so useful and entertaining.
I am from seattle WA i am in the market for a 4runner i was going to get a rav4 xse or limited but its not capable for what i want granted i still like the rav4 but these 4runners are so amazing, i still need to drive one but i am looking at a trd off road. I do like the trd pro but the extra 10G i dont think its going to be worth it for me that is i dont plan to do crazy off roading soft roading yah camping and enjoy the outdoors. but the gas on these things dont look good at all
Hello Overland Pacific Northwest . The real locker come standard but the front locker it must be installed by auto repair shop , is that right ? Do you know how much it cost to install the front locker ? Thanks
You are correct, the front locker does not come standard. It is an ARB air locker. You'd have to check with a shop to get installation quotes. Mine was installed 5 years ago and prices have changed a lot.
I'm assuming you can use A-trac or MTS when the rear diff is engaged, then, in a stock 4Runner? I don't see how the diff would affect brake application or throttle control, so I can't see it being an issue.
Yes, you are correct you can use A-TRAC/MTS when the rear diff is engaged. However, as soon as you engage the rear locker, A-TRAC/MTS will only work on the front axle. It will not work on the rear axle. A-TRAC/MTS only work across an open diff when tires on the same axle can spin at different speeds. So, if your rear diff lock is engaged, A-TRAC/MTS will not work on the rear axle. As mentioned, they will still work on the front axle within the speed and other parameters discussed in the video. To answer you specific question, it is not the diff that affects brake and throttle control. A-TRAC/MTS sensors are not connect to the diff. Cheers and best wishes for 2022!
1:33 , every 4wd jeep made after 2005 will get out without pushing anything if they're in 4wd or 4wd auto. BLD kicks in. I'm not convinced that atrac is better than BLD . I could be wrong.
You don't have to turn on rear diff lock. Both systems work without rear diff lock. Both systems also work with rear diff lock. However, if the rear locker is active, A-TRAC will work (in front) only when vehicle speed is less than 4 mph.
