I'm new to 4Runners so bare with me. So what I'm gathering is that Toyota sent to VSC in 2001 thinking that it would replace the available rear locker option? Is that true? How does it compare offroad to a locked rear? Do all 2001-2002 4Runners have VSC? I did a search on VSC and there are a lot of complaints with this system. Is it a good system?

thx-Chris

 

definitely not a replacement for a rear locker. i think(key word, *think*) that the VSC is a center differential that means the 4runner is AWD when unlocked(you can drive it safely on the street like this) and 4wd when locked.

you'd still have an open differential in the rear, i'd personally rather have part time 4wd and a locking rear diff than AWD and a locking center diff.

 

VSC is vehicle stability control, and supposedly helps keep traction to the wheels. It doesn't replace the capabilities of a locker.

 

I am not familar with the systems in 3Gen 4Runners (pre 2003). I do know a little about the 4Gens (2003,2004).

The 4Gens have a system called VSC and another called ATRAC. VSC, variously called stability control or skid control, functions only to prevent over and understeer during turns it is not really an integral part of the AWD system. ATRAC is the system that is an integral part of the AWD system and takes the place and function of locking front and rear differentials.

With an open differential, the amount of torque that can be applied to any wheel on an axle is limited to the minimum amount of torque that will make either wheel slip. If one wheel on the axle begins to slip (thus very little torque against the ground) then the other wheel will also only get this samll amount of torque. A locking differential locks out the open differential so that full torque can go to whatever wheel has traction. With ATRAC the open differential is not locked out but when ATRAC senses (using the ABS components) that a wheel is slipping it applies the brake to that wheel to prevent slipping so that the open differential can send torque to the other wheel.

 

Talk to Aurora Sandman, he has a 2001 or 02 and he just installed a rear ARB.