Rear Diff Lock vs. ATRAC

[2003Can4runner]

What's everyones take? I suppose this could also be called "3rd gen. vs. 4th gen.", but more specifically, what do you prefer? A Rear diff lock or ATRAC? I would say lockers are superior, but if we are only talking about the rear I would almost have to say ATRAC has the advantage because its at all 4 wheels...

Any opinions?

 

[EH007]

What's everyones take? I suppose this could also be called "3rd gen. vs. 4th gen.", but more specifically, what do you prefer? A Rear diff lock or ATRAC? I would say lockers are superior, but if we are only talking about the rear I would almost have to say ATRAC has the advantage because its at all 4 wheels...

Any opinions?

This has been pretty much beaten to death already. 4Runners with a rear locker are very rare, whether they are 3rd gen or 4th gen.

ATRAC is definitely a very capable system, but I think ATRAC and a rear locker is the best combo. Unfortunately, you can only get that in an FJ Cruiser or a new Trail Edition 4Runner.

 

[2003Can4runner]

I apologize if this has been beaten to death. I had a 3rd gen 4runner with the rear locker and loved it. I just picked up a 4th gen Sport Edition today and thought I'd spark a conversation/debate.

 

[Thai]

For pure off-roading, the rear locker is better...the harder the terrain, the more the locker will separate itself from ATRAC. There is no substitute for a locker off-road. No contest.

For general off-roading (camping, mild off-roading) and all-season (all-weather) use, ATRAC is superior. With ATRAC, you also have a superior ABS system (4-channel vs. 3-channel), rear disc brakes (4th gen only), EBD, and Brake Assist. The latter points are especially important when you talk about on-road safety.

As a 4th gen owner, you can always argue this...you canNOT add ATRAC to a 3rd gen 4runner with rear locker, BUT you can indeed add a rear locker (ARB for example) to a 4th gen 4runner with ATRAC. Or you can simply get the 2009 4runner Trail Edition and have the best of both worlds instantly from the factory.

Therefore, the rear (+/- front) locker can be added to a 4th gen 4runner...so, the lack of a rear locker can easily be fixed by aftermarket parts (or getting a 2009 TE). But ATRAC (and the other safety benefits that come with it) canNOT be added to a 3rd gen 4runner (prior to 2001)...in other words, ATRAC cannot be retrofitted to an older vehicle that came without it from factory.

 

[RedApe]

ATRAC cannot be retrofitted to an older vehicle that came without it from factory. [/B]

Great read guys..ATRAC was something I was not very familiar with.

I think the above statement is a little harsh...anything can be retrofitted to anything else, with enough time, machining and know-how.:biggrin2:

Some examples of engineering feats:
- TJ with a Cummins, AND Unimog Portals...
- Samurai with dual TRANSMISSIONS SM 465, behind a 4.3L Vortec(not dual Tcases, transmissions) :bigok:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Great read guys..ATRAC was something I was not very familiar with.

I think the above statement is a little harsh...anything can be retrofitted to anything else, with enough time, machining and know-how.:biggrin2:

Some examples of engineering feats:
- TJ with a Cummins, AND Unimog Portals...
- Samurai with dual TRANSMISSIONS SM 465, behind a 4.3L Vortec(not dual Tcases, transmissions) :bigok:

I agree when talking about mechanical systems that are truly "stand-alone" and mounted on/in a platform. To retrofit a system as electronically integrated as ATRAC/VSC get's pretty tough. The aftermarket is just now beginning to have basic ABS braking and full-on, turn-key EFI engine management. There's just not enough support. Now, with enough money and time...

When I was a kid (12years old) I helped the neighbor install a 327 Chevy into a Triumph TR6. Everything was fabbed, fitted etc and it worked. It was also VERY mechanical. The starter, alternator and electric choke coil were the only electrical/electronic things that were different than the TR6 even though the car had been highly modified including suspension, chassis and brakes.

A dream car for me might be a an old Woody Wagon with new, currect safety features including VSC etc. About the only way to do something like that, IMHO, would be to take a long Trailblazer with a V8 and figure out how to get the body onto that chassis. That way I could have Stabili-trac, ABS etc. A 5.3L would be a nice start for a cool DD too.



:cheers:

 

[EH007]

Great read guys..ATRAC was something I was not very familiar with.

I think the above statement is a little harsh...anything can be retrofitted to anything else, with enough time, machining and know-how.:biggrin2:

:

It may be possible, but it is certainly not something that you'll ever see because of the cost and complexity involved. To actually make it work would basically involve swapping out most of the drivetrain as well as the PCM and other related electronics from a 4th gen into a 3rd gen.

Maybe someday someone will find a 4th gen in the junkyard and use it as a donor vehicle to upgrade a 3rd gen with ATRAC. Hey, you never know....it could happen.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Maybe someday someone will find a 4th gen in the junkyard and use it as a donor vehicle to upgrade a 3rd gen with ATRAC. Hey, you never know....it could happen.

I wonder if the 1st gen ATRAC from a 3rd gen would retrofit to a '97 or '98? That might be doable if you found a wrecked '02 donor. From what I have read though the 1st gen ATRAC left a little to be desired.

 

[alejo2112]

all 4th gen 4R have ATRAC ??????

 

[Thai]

all 4th gen 4R have ATRAC ??????

All 4th gen 4wd 4runners do.

 

[alejo2112]

A-TRAC in 2006 SR5

Hi..

How I know if my 2006 V6 SR5 4RUNNER HAVE A-TRAC ????

 

[RonMAIDEN]

When did the 2nd gen ATRAC debut?

I've heard the 2nd gen version was quite a noticeable improvement.

 

[alejo2112]

But it

 

[CJ3Flyr]

When did the 2nd gen ATRAC debut?

I've heard the 2nd gen version was quite a noticeable improvement.

'03. I really like it. I don't claim that a locker wouldn't be an upgrade for certain terrains but overall the ATRAC is really good.
:cheers:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

But it

 

[alejo2112]

ok thanks...let