1) Absolutely
2) Tires and Air Pressure
3) It's likely more capable than you are.

One thing I've learned in years of off-road driving, is that technique and driver skill can often times trump equipment.

Being able to throw money at the problem is one thing, but you still need to know how to drive on whatever it is you are driving on.

I used to get stuck a lot in the sand, but after learning how to read the terrain, where not to start/stop, keeping the revs up to prevent bogging down... I have yet to use my traction pads once... Not saying I don't need them, but after learning a lot of hard lessons (like digging out a truck that is buried to the frame in sand), you generally start to drive in a way that is optimized for the terrain.

If I owned a 2WD 4Runner, I would build it up as a Prerunner rather than a typical 4x4 crawler build, but I also have a lot of desert around to be take advantage of something like that.

Looks jacked up!

Do you have anymore info on the Ocala National Forest? I was looking it over last night to plan a trip for next year. What trails would I be able to do in 2wd? It says OHV permit/pass or something along those lines for some trails. Or does that apply to all trails?

Agreed. I built Old Grey to take a beating, stout lift spindles with an Icon Stage 2 suspension. Having a solid suspension allowed me to keep my speed up in the sand. With the intake and Flowmaster dual exhaust it sounded like I was in Baja... and I loved it.

It was about 9" over a stock 4Runner, in the end I had 34" Nitto Trail Grapplers, an Icon Stage 2 lift, 4"lift spindles in front, 3" Icon Overland Springs in the back AND a 1.5" Body Lift.

I never got a permit of any sort. We would just ride around the logging and fire roads, most trails lead to a main artery (paved street) that will take you back to civilization.

Oh I see. So you never went on the OHV trails. This is where I saw the info.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ocala...TELPRDB5160490

If youre talking about a 2wd 4runner you can absolutely go offroad - my last trip i kept it in 2wd most of the time, and probably could have the entire time left it off. It wasn't anywhere extreme but it was off roading.

The terrain is by far the biggest variable in the equation. We have seen 2WD's go through some incredibly difficult terrain. As a general rule 4x4 is much more forgiving because you can go slow or even stop without getting stuck. 2WD's have to keep/carry momentum to avoid getting stuck.

2wd I go to the desert and cruz around with no problems

Resurrecting an old thread.
Looks like I’m finally heading to Ocala NF third week of February. Still have my 2wd T4R with some mods to take up there. This will be my first time going and very little experience with off-roading. Any suggestions where to go and not get stuck? I will have the family with me so keeping it simple but still want to get a little dirty off road.

What can you guys recommend to do there for off roading, exploring, etc...

Don't try to fool yourselves. The difference with 4wd is night and day. You need low range. All the spinning in 2wd is stress on the diff and heat buildup in the trans.

Thanks for your input but not trying to do anything hardcore. Previous posts indicated that it’s very doable in Ocala NF so why not try it. I’m considering a 4x4 in the future but don’t want to let go of my 2wd just yet. I bought it new in 2006 and its my daily driver.

I agree with above.

I know nothing about Ocala, so sorry this isnt relevant. You'll likely do better with a local 4runner/ off road club who can give you specific advice and the lift, skid plates, sliders, tire type and recovery equipment they recommend.

With uneven terrain, wheels up in the air, losing traction 4wd and locking differentials go a long way towards safety, preventing you getting stuck and recovery.

Certainly, familiarity with the trail and where/ how to drive is important. You may be able to go around certain obstacles in some conditions.

The term "off-road" means a lot of different things. You can likely go to the beach/ desert without 4wd. you can do gravel trails with pot holes or some mild dirt and mud. but if you're climbing mountains, having some big inclines, loose terrain or havin obstacles to climb over - Id make sure you have 4wd, locking diff or a buddy with that to recover you

Our trip to Ocala NF is this weekend and excited to see area. Just wondering if anyone has been lately that could give some insight on the current terrain there. I will be asking around when I get there to see how I’m going to manage with 2wd. Also a friend of mine might join that has a 4x4 jeep with winch,37’s etc... If he goes then I’m just following him around and if I get stuck he can get me out.

I'm always worried before I go. Especially if it's a trip with family. My son is eight months old. He's the main road moderator.

Enjoy your trip with your family and stay safe