Will not be doing extreme mudding, just back mountain unpaved, very rough roads, snow and ice in winter, on pavement and some rough roads.
What system would be preferred? Yes, I searched. Lots of info, but not clear, what would serve me better. I'm thinking elocker. Wanting 3rd generation
I would go with ATRAC + a good set of tires appropriate for road conditions that you are encountering. A few notes:
- if you go with e-locker on 3rd gen, then you should know that the ABS system is inferior to 3rd gen with ATRAC. Elocker 3rd gen only had a
3-channel ABS...that is, ABS computer is not capable to brake each wheel individually.
- if you go with e-locker on 3rd gen, then you won't have stability control (VSC), which is of enormous help in bad weather because it will prevent you from spinning out of control on snow/ice. VSC needs 4-channel ABS...and thus, all ATRAC-equipped 3rd gen has 4-channel ABS along with VSC.
- Elocker does not really help in foul weather. It may make it worst. In addition, elocker can
only be activated in 4-LO. Now, if you are stuck in a snowbank or under a pile of snow, then e-locker may you get free. And in that rare case, then e-locker is preferred over ATRAC because ATRAC/VSC can kill momentum at times. (You can overcome this somewhat in ATRAC vehicles by locking the center differential and push aggressively down on the gas pedal.)
In other words, IMO, if you're into rock climbing or technical off-roading, then e-locker is the answer. For YOUR case, ATRAC/VSC is far superior over e-locker IMO.
Hope this helps.
