2/1, 265/70's, and skids = Trail ready???

[Toy4R4Me]

Hi all,

I am facing the inevitable urge to go off-roading, but I have quite a few things that are holding me back. First, I'm 22 and headed to grad school, so I am very limited on funds. My parents helped me significantly with the purchase of the truck and I really really can't afford to **** it up. Right now, I have a 2/1 lift and 265/70's and that's all I plan on doing as far as lift and tire size (gas mileage). I am wondering if I can get my truck to the point where I can safely take it off roading without screwing things up. I want to go to the Uwharrie OHV park and do the moderate/easy trails. I am thinking about getting some takeoff FJ sliders (all you naysayers- yes, it can be done) and maybe trying to fab up some better skid plates. Would this be enough for moderate off roading or do I still run the serious risk of f'ing things up? I am entirely new to off-roading as I have always been a car guy. Should I just try and save up and get a cheap/sacrificial tail rig?

let me know your thoughts.

thanks!

- Jon

 

[A10MileHusker]

You're on a better start than I was when I first bought my truck :lmao:

Go for it!

 

[Casper421]

Im not familiar with Uwharrie OHV park but you should be just fine with your FJ springs and 32's. A stock 4runner is a very capable off road vehicle as long as the driver has some knowledge of trail driving and common sense. Dont push your vehicle too much the first couple times out till you find some confidence in your driving.

A set of sliders is a great idea for off road travels as well as some better than factory skid plates. Condsider the two an investment in keeping your 4runner dent and scratch free!

Good luck in your travels and remember, always have fun! :cheers:

 

[G.I.G.]

A stock 4runner is a very capable off road vehicle as long as the driver has some knowledge of trail driving and common sense. Dont push your vehicle too much the first couple times out till you find some confidence in your driving.

+1

Our 4Runners are equipped well for easy/moderate 4-wheeling right out of the factory. While aftermarket skids are a great investment, I don't think they are absolutely necessary right off the bat. The factory skids aren't the greatest, but they serve their intended purpose for easy/moderate 4-wheeling. My skids have taken a beating and I plan on replacing them soon, but at least I got a few good years of wheel'n out of them.

You're already off to a good start with the spacer lift and the 32 inch tires. If you don't already have some recovery gear (snatch strap, D-shackles, etc.) I would invest in that first. I've done some fairly challenging trails here in CO (Radical Hill, Red Cone Pass, etc.) with nothing more than a 1" spacer lift in the front and 32" AT tires, so don't let your lift and tires hold you back.

If we all waited to go 4-wheeling until we had our rigs built exactly how we wanted them, we would waste thousands of dollars and countless years having never made it onto a trial. My advice would be to know your limitations as a driver and that of your vehicle, and go out and have some fun. :thumb3: