Topic: Limited Slip versus Open Diff 4x4

[davidy]

I have Ford's AdvanceTrac system on my Ranger 4x4. I don't like it much during the winter. I try to turn the stability and traction controls off as much as I can....especially when it is really slick out. I don't think that I can totally turn it off. When it detects slippage, it starts controlling the vehicle (eg. computer starts pumping the brakes on it's own). It's happened a couple times...once in the middle of the left hand turn at an intersection...I was really lucky nobody was coming from the other direction. Stupid system IMO.

Dave

[Fobroader]

My fiance has an 07 Jeep Wrangler with the ESP/ETC and an actual clutch type LSD. I hate the electronics, much like davidy, this idiotic electronic nanny has casue more than a few pucker moments when trying to accelarate on an icy road. Also, her Jeep is the first vehicle Ive seen that eats its rear brakes teice as fast as the front because the system is constantly trying to stop wheelspin using the brakes.

[HeliDriver]

I have no complaints with the Stabilitrak system in our Suburban. Not once in four years have I been annoyed by the system cutting in when I felt it shouldn't.

But, I usually keep the transfer case in "Auto 4WD" when the roads are slippery. Yes, it's a crude slip and grip system, but it still lets me get the power to the ground quick enough when I need to.

[johngenx]

Different drivers have different preferences, so I wish more systems offered variable levels of intervention.  My wife's E-Class Mercedes' ASR/ESP system intervened very quickly.  She liked how it operated, I found it very annoying.