So i took my 2008 Ex 4WD MT out today for a "quick" drive on some dirt roads (very few dirt roads here in Steeltown Ontario) to see how she performs when driven more like a rally truck than a commuter.

Much to my dismay, there was little to no mud, so she's far too clean for my liking, however, i'm very impressed with the VSA (and moreso the fact that i can turn it OFF!). I was coming down a decent grade, around a corner at the bottom and then up and around another corner, so at the bottom I downshifted to 2nd, stepped on it and lost traction on the front wheels, the back wheels engaged, also slipped (i was around 6000rpm at this point)...

then nothing.

All four wheels weren't slipping, the rpms were at idle and i was not having any fun. So for all those who don't want to have any fun with their truck, it can do that for you. me? not so much.

so i reached down, pushed the button that makes the triangle stay on, and then got all 4 wheels spinning and sliding sideways around every corner, tossing gravel everywhere. This thing really hauls around the corners and I have no problem breaking the traction in an instant and having some fun.

I must say that the OEM sidesteps are really loud when gravel is ting'ing off them, also they do dirty the truck up a lot more as the debris hits the front and sprays up on the doors. Not that I mind in the least.

Yeah, watch the dirt truck series on speed channel. The 2wd trucks are fast on the dirt but spend a great deal of time sideways. the 4wd are faster and still a little sideways, you can hold a drift angle much easier with all 4 wheels churning. Or watch the world rally series, those guys (and gals) are really good!
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Much the same will happen in the snow. I turn the VSA off to play in the snow. 4WD doughnuts are cool.