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Re:Driving in the snow
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Date: 2006/11/07 01:17
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By: Robotchef
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Status: User
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Karma: 10
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F.J.C.O. Pro
| Posts: 235 |   |
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I went to my first stampede last summer in Calgary - great city!
Which of the stock tires were on your FJ - the Bridgestone or Dunlops? Did you do any on-the-fly 2WD to 4WD shifting?
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Re:Driving in the snow
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Date: 2006/11/10 18:26
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By: wideman55
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Status: User
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Karma: 0
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F.J.C.O. Rookie
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Where are you from? If you ever head back we'll have to head out to the mountains. Thre are some great trails around here. Lots of oil money so you wouldn't believe some of the 4x4's out here.
I've got the Dunlops on mine. On the fly shifting is no problem. I have been running 2wd for the most part, switching to 4wd at snowcovered traffic lights. Slid right through a stop sign the other day going very slow. The ABS was engaged the whole way through, kept me straignt but no chance of stopping on black ice.
Mayme some winters arn't such a bad idea.
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Re:Driving in the snow
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Date: 2006/11/10 21:06
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By: Robotchef
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Status: User
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Karma: 10
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F.J.C.O. Pro
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I'm back East in the US (NE-PA) - somewhat in the Pocono Mts.
Not likely I'll make it back that way, still have the SouthEast of the US to explore.
Was curious about the snow handling because I slid right past my driveway during a heavy rain, while I was in 4WD. Also seemed to skid around in a parking lot earlier that day. It got me thinking... if I'm hydroplaning on wet surfaces, what will it do in the snow? I've had no problem with the traction in 2WD - just 4WD. Would like to know if the RR DIFF LOCK or A-TRAC might help -or- are they only useful in low speed L4 conditions?
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Re:Driving in the snow
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Date: 2006/11/11 00:38
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By: streebeck
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Status: User
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Karma: 5
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F.J.C.O. Pro
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Robotchef wrote:
Would like to know if the RR DIFF LOCK or A-TRAC might help -or- are they only useful in low speed L4 conditions?
Hi Robotchef:
RR DIFF LOCK only works when L4 is engaged; the manual states that it isn't a good idea to drive over 8 mph with the rear locker engaged as it is hard to control the vehicle with both rear wheels turning simultaneously (I don't know if driving over 8 mph would have any negative mechanical consequences).
A-TRAC can only be engaged while in L4 as well. That is, unless your name is Runner_Ryan and you have trick-modded your A-TRAC to work while the rear locker is engaged. Basically, A-TRAC is a computer-controlled system that electronically (and automatically) applies the brakes to any "slipping" wheel while the vehicle is in motion. I've found that A-TRAC is a nice feature to have in the dirt when traction is an issue; however, in the sand it didn't do me much good. I plan to see how it goes in the snow, provided we get some here in So Cal in the near future. I'll let you know how it goes, though being out east you'll probably encounter snow a few weeks before me...
Post edited by: streebeck, at: 2006/11/11 01:40
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Re:Driving in the snow
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Date: 2006/11/11 02:45
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By: Runner_Ryan
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Status: Admin
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Karma: 30
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Admin
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My A-trac only works in 4lo. There is a hack available to make it work in 4 hi (as well as make the rear locker work in any mode), but I haven't bothered doing that yet. The A-trac is really only the traction control working in lo range. The only difference is the traction control will hit the brakes the same as A-trac will, but also limits throttle input, where A-trac doesn't limit throttle input. I have also found A-trac not much use in loose sand/gravel pits. When I drive on gravel roads, or snow covered roads, I'll just leave it in "H". That is the "street mode" for the 6 speed manual. That still gives you 4wd, plus the traction control. When you put it in 4H, it shuts all that off, and you have to (gasp!) rely on your own driving abilities.
Oh, and FYI the rear locker can be used (if you hack it) at ANY speed. The rear diff in my 5Runner is welded, which is basically the same thing...just isn't selectable. It will push a little in corners, but once on the highway, you don't even know it's there. There will be no mechanical problems, besides more wear and tear.
So, in short,  light snow/ice, it's best to leave the traction control to take care of things, but in deep snow, or sand, it's best to have wheel spin, so shut off the A-trac, and use the rear locker. By deep, I mean over a foot deep.
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