I was referring to the brake based traction control system, not the differential

pedrocr · on March 15, 2019

That's also what I mean of course. All modern AWD systems and even just FWD/RWD cars use the ABS to do traction control with open-diffs. The base AWD system in a Subaru is three open-diffs and then ABS braking is used on any wheel that's slipping to make sure the torque still reaches the other wheels.

fingerlocks · on March 15, 2019

Right, as I mentioned, I'm an 80's VW van enthusiast. I've transplanted subaru engines into VW vans, but I always clip the unused sensors (like traction control) from the wiring harness. I haven't touched anything newer than 2005 yet.

So, despite "everyone doing it" by your words, I was just unaware of how it worked because it's not relevant to me. My VW syncro van has both forward and rear locking differentials anyway.