2wd Rugged Trail T/A sliding a lot in mud

[43242code1]

I drove about 100ft. in mud by an open space in town.
I didn't get stuck but when trying to get out of the mud the 4runner would not turn. Going down a very shallow slope and when I turned the steering wheel left to get back onto pavement there was nearly no reaction from the 4runner. I have never experienced anything like this before. Is this normal when driving in mud? If so how do you navigate through that stuff?
What i have noticed is that "mud terrain" tires have what look like chunks of rubber all over and i imagine that's to prevent mud from clumping into the tread and making the tires slick.

My question is;
how much can I expect from my 4x2 4runner with current tires? I am going to Big Bear in March and want to drive confidently when faced with ice, some mud, loose gravel, etc.
In the coming months I am going to make an effort to drive more trails and want to have reasonable expectations of my 4runner.

Thanks in advance!

 

[eskimochaos]

No offense but those tires are some of the worst all around tires that you can buy. 4x2 has little to do with turning ability when tires are insufficient.

Your analysis of MT tires is correct, your long trails are far from mud tires.

 

[43242code1]

No offense but those tires are some of the worst all around tires that you can buy. 4x2 has little to do with turning ability when tires are insufficient.

Your analysis of MT tires is correct, your long trails are far from mud tires.

This is great news! I was perplexed when I considered the possibility that I had reached the 4runner's ability

 

[eskimochaos]

This is great news! I was perplexed when I considered the possibility that I had reached the 4runner's ability

Get some new meats before you go. If your going to encounter ice frequently, perhaps some Blizzaks might be your best bet as 2wd let alone rwd is not the best in the snow initially.

 

[747ifly]

I fully agree. Those tires are some of the worst tires you could have in the mud. The design of the tire is solid on the edge. No openings at all for the mud to get out. This can't be good in heavier rain either. There is no where for anything to escape out the side of the tire.

 

[chaz]

sorry to say, but you should think about getting new tires. maybe one of these.not a cure for not having 4wd, but can only help.

 

[offshorebear]

Even with good tires mud can still be too slick to steer. It's always exciting going down a slope with the wheel at hard lock hoping it turns eventually. Better tires will probably help tremendously.

 

[03v8sportt4r]

I have the Rugged Trail T/A's on mine and i love them. Now I don't do much mudding in them but they get me where i need and wear very well. The REVO seems hard to me before it warms up and then softens some. The Michelin A/T2 wear awful. Around where I'm at the M/Ts are terrible in the ice and I feel I have more traction with the Ruggged trails. I have a cabin in angel fire nm that we frequent often and they have never let me down. I kinda get to cheat though I am the general manager for a tire store so i can try before i buy. So if you have any questions just shoot me a line.

 

[chaz]

:iagree: unforturately, he doesnt have 4wd to fall back on.

 

[43242code1]

Thank you all very much for your insight into this matter.
Chaz, the tires you suggested look delicious

As a reminder, I have a 2wd 4runner so I don't have the luxury of using 4lo or 4hi or any fun stuff like that.

I live on the west coast about 70min. drive south of Pismo Beach. We have very temperate weather. mostly it is "70 and sunny". more likely than not i would be doing some trail running. this 4runner will touch snow maybe twice at most each year, as long as i own it. rain infrequently.

to this point, i have asked for suggestions in a separate thread in regards to a mild lift and have come to the conclusion i would be purchasing and installing a daystar or cornfed 3/2 spacer lift.

I have owned my 4runner for 14 months. My tires still have plenty of tread so i'm reluctant to sell them for the sake of buying better tires. Plus, I would rather buy new rims at the same time as the tires.