New 5th gen owner

[Wardbird]

This is my first post in this section of the forum. Long time owner of a 2006 4th gen, which I still own, but as of yesterday I now also own a 2022 5th gen TRD Pro in Lime Rush with 13k on it. Got it for a good deal. Still a lot to learn about all the dials and buttons. Hopefully my pic attaches. I do not ever seem to do it correctly.

My son has now assumed control of my 2006 with 96k miles on it to do a few mods for off roading.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

 

[Lexington]

This is my first post in this section of the forum. Long time owner of a 2006 4th gen, which I still own, but as of yesterday I now also own a 2022 5th gen TRD Pro in Lime Rush with 13k on it. Got it for a good deal. Still a lot to learn about all the dials and buttons. Hopefully my pic attaches. I do not ever seem to do it correctly.

My son has now assumed control of my 2006 with 96k miles on it to do a few mods for off roading.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Here I made this to help new 4Runner owners with the help of the community on this forum. This should help.

4Runner Off-Road Controls Quick Reference Guide Final Version

 

[Lexington]

The hardest time I had was figuring out was when it was best to use A-Track or Multi Terrain Select. Both do basically the same thing but in a different way.

A-Track/Craw Control heavily use the ABS breaking system to stop a free wheel from spinning in order to force torque to go to the wheel that has contact with the ground thus giving you better traction. MTS controls engine throttle to regulate wheel spin to optimize traction for the terrain you select but will engage A-Trac should a wheel come off the ground.

When to use:

A-Trac
Pro: A-Track is more aggressive than MTS. Its better suited for when your stuck or are starting from a stopped position.
Con: Its drawback is its harder on your brakes and transmission. If actively working for a long period of time you can cause your brakes and transmission fluid to over heat and potentially cause damage to these systems.

Crawl Control
This is A-Trac with slow speed cruise control

Multi Terrain Select
Pro: MTS is better suited for longer range cruising over difficult terrain. MTS also allows you select the terrain type in order to regulate wheel slipping and optimize traction for the terrain you are traveling on. It also puts less stress on the brakes and transmission compared to A-Trac. Mud/Sand/Dirt can be used at higher speed.
Con: The computer takes always some throttle control from you to regulate wheel spin.

In most cases you can use either A-Trac or MTS for the same off road conditions but this gives you a better idea when to use them.

 

[Wardbird]

Thanks for your input. It is much appreciated. I spent time today with my son in the 4th gen and the 5th gen runners.

 

[Muskrat14]

I’ve played around with MTS, but really never use it.

If things look tough I engage rear locker. If I need more than that, A track also.

I do use crawl control for steep inclines and for long rocky trails when I get tired of peddling.

Not knocking it, just never felt I needed it.

Great vids on YouTube of all the off-road features.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lexington]

I’ve played around with MTS, but really never use it.

If things look tough I engage rear locker. If I need more than that, A track also.

I do use crawl control for steep inclines and for long rocky trails when I get tired of peddling.

Not knocking it, just never felt I needed it.

Great vids on YouTube of all the off-road features.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I generally use MTS for flat level off roading to moderate hill climbing. For steeper climbs and descents I usually use A-Trac. If I get stuck A-Trac and or differential lock or both. (Only had to use the rear locks once) Crawl is great for going up and down steep hills. For the most part I’ve found the 4Runner very capable without having to use these special features.

 

[DAW89446]

Not knocking it, just never felt I needed it.

I feel the same about the new fangled electronic stuff. But then again, I’m a senior and old school off roader. Nowadays my off roading is limited to my seasonal hunting trails near the house. But all of them involve Class 4 and some Class 5 trails.

I have an ‘18 SR5, so my electronic aids basically boil down to A-Trac and the downhill (forget it’s acronym label - far right button on the overhead console). I’ve used the A-Track numerous times as a quasi locker and it works. When I get on a trail I know that it will help, I engage it when I engage low range and leave it on. I don’t wait until I’m spinning or stuck. In my former ‘02 Tacoma TRD I did the same with the rear locker - engage it early and leave it engaged.

I don’t like the downhill control. Too much noise and drama. I just keep my transmission locked in first gear and go against compression and use the brakes when necessary.