PLEASE correct me if I am wrong, but locking the dif only defeats the VSC NOT the ATRAC. The ATRAC is what kicks in when the system detects wheel spin and pretty much stops you from both spinning (good thing) and powering through slippery stuff using speed/momentum (bad thing, especially in snow/mud). The only way I know of defeating the ATRAC is manually pulling the plug on the brake fluid reservoir or like a few hard core off-roaders have done, installed an interupt switch to that sensor and then wiring it the cabin.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread....3&page=17&pp=25

One could just disconnect the plug pictured above immediately before hitting deep stuff, or if it is too late, get out and unplug it and give it another run with all the systems off.

I have tried this before and it does work great. After re-connecting the plug, you do have to turn off and restart the engine to reactivate all the "safety" systems.

Interrupting one of the O2 sensors will also throw a CEL which will disable the VSC and TRAC systems. Not sure if you have to restart the engine after this...

Does ATRAC go off when your in 4-lo?

I don't think manually creating open differentials would help with powering through anything. As long as the vehicle is not powered by a lawn mower engine, the ATRAC is not going to keep it from powering through, quite the opposite. Without it you have two wheesl (one front, one back) spinning like mad. With it, you have four wheels powering. The ATRACed wheels don't get locked up when it gets applied. They just slow down enough to send power to the other wheel on the axle.

One could just disconnect the plug pictured above immediately before hitting deep stuff, or if it is too late, get out and unplug it and give it another run with all the systems off.

I have tried this before and it does work great. After re-connecting the plug, you do have to turn off and restart the engine to reactivate all the "safety" systems. [/B][/QUOTE]


Yes,works fine.
Just been to lazy to install the switch.

There are situations where no ATRAC would help but the system does help more then if it were disconnected in most. Locking the center does help more then disconnecting the ATRAC.

No system will shift 100% of the torque to ONE wheel.

The Toyota system will send up to 70% to the front wheels (without locking the center diff) and then the ATRAC will pulse the brakes to divert torque to the wheel with traction. This system works better then a limited slip/posi system. This is a VERY capable system as we all know. I was skeptical at first but now I believe.

Koz

I believe that they are both turned off. Well, at least I know I am able to do donuts when the diff is locked. It will however warn me that I am sliding sideways.
CV

Oh My God, did you mention DOUNUTS, that is against the LAW!

Koz