2006 Toyota Tundra Traction Control

[FairfaxFWC]

I am hoping that those of you with 2006 (or earlier) Toyota Tundra Double Cab, 4X4 can help me out. I took my new (to me) truck on it's first long trip last weekend and had a strange experience with the traction control (VSC) system. On about 4 or 5 tight right turns the traction control system activated, including the alarm and braking system. I did not feel a loss of traction at the time, but the system obviously thought something was amiss. I have a Hawk camper, Bilstein 5100 shocks, Hellwig sway bar and Firestone Ride Rite air bags. I also have BFG AT tires...C rated. The only think I can think of is that the sway bar may have been lifting the inside rear tire causing it to spin a bit and the VSC system kicked in at this point.

Any ideas, help or similar stories would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Lighthawk]

Hmmm. Would like more detail on the VSC issue. I've got an 06 Tundra AC rigged nearly identical: Helweg, Bilstein 5100's, Ride-Rites, BFG (E rated) + Hawk and have not experienced anything unusual. You say you were doing tight, right turns. I assume you were in 4WD low? Uphill or downhill (my guess)? What happens when the alarm/brake system is activated?

 

[Ted]

The only think I can think of is that the sway bar may have been lifting the inside rear tire causing it to spin a bit and the VSC system kicked in at this point.

You may be right. We had an identical set-up except for the sway bar and E-rated tires and never had a problem.

 

[SunMan]

I've got the exact same set up as you minus the sway bars and you have me baffled. More details might help.

 

[FairfaxFWC]

Here are more specifics. I was in two wheel drive, the tires are at about 47 lbs and the sway bar is in the middle of the three available positions...figured that was a neutral place to start. I was going about 35-45 entering the turns on a paved, and I think mostly dry road. At the apex of each turn the VSC alarm would sound and, although I was probably on the brakes, the truck would apply them harder than I was. You could also tell that the ABS was being activated. I'm going to take the truck into the dealer to see if they notice anything and I'll report back. I'm a little worried about the "C" rated tires. I had "D" rated on my T100 and they seemed to be overly stiff and overkill for a 1/2 ton truck. "E" also seemed to be overkill...more for a 3/4 ton or 1 ton. I couldn't find "D" rated BFG's that would fit my 17" rims without going to a much larger size, so I decided to go with the "C"'s. They do seem a bit softer and the truck does sway a bit more than I would like, given that I have good shocks, airbags and a sway bar. This may have contributed to the VSC activation as I said above.