Anyone own a 2runner in Colorado?

[beatyota]

So I've got a 2004 2wd SR5, that I bought when I was living in New Orleans about 2 years ago. I'm extremely satisfied with the truck, this is my 3rd yota, the first was a 97 Tacoma 4x4 then a 01 Prerunner; the 4runner is 10x the truck those things were. In Louisiana I didn't need 4x4, and here I have chains for when I venture up to the mountains for skiing; but I am trying to get a job in Boulder CO, where there's going to be a lot more snow and I'd like to do a lot more skiing. In Colorado you can be in nice warm sun one minute and a few miles up a mountain road it can be a damn blizzard!

So, is there anyone successfully getting by with a 4x2 4runner, in the Rockies? Is adding a Locker or some sort of LSD a viable option? Or should I just sell the 4runner when I get a job offer and get a Subaru Forrester instead?
:thanks:

 

[gaterose]

I don't live there, but I stayed at my friends' place in Wolf Creek, CO (they get the most snow in CO ~460" average) last December & January and I got by fine in 2WD.

I do have 32" BFG ATs, but for the most parts all the roads we drove on were constantly being plowed so there was no reason to worry. The only time I had trouble was on a few dirt roads when I got to the end of the plowing, but most of those roads were closed anyway.

That said, in my 4 trips out there I've never seen a 2WD runner besides mine.

 

[MaliciousClout]

So I've got a 2004 2wd SR5, that I bought when I was living in New Orleans about 2 years ago. I'm extremely satisfied with the truck, this is my 3rd yota, the first was a 97 Tacoma 4x4 then a 01 Prerunner; the 4runner is 10x the truck those things were. In Louisiana I didn't need 4x4, and here I have chains for when I venture up to the mountains for skiing; but I am trying to get a job in Boulder CO, where there's going to be a lot more snow and I'd like to do a lot more skiing. In Colorado you can be in nice warm sun one minute and a few miles up a mountain road it can be a damn blizzard!

So, is there anyone successfully getting by with a 4x2 4runner, in the Rockies? Is adding a Locker or some sort of LSD a viable option? Or should I just sell the 4runner when I get a job offer and get a Subaru Forrester instead?
:thanks:

If you plan to ski, and drive in the mountains to get there (obviously). I would recommend a 4x4 with some good tires. I am a native of Colorado and unless you car is 4x4 OR front wheel drive, and you get caught in the snow, you're going to wish you had one or the other. Now with that being said I don't know how a 4x2 T4R handles in the snow.

And if you decide to get a Subaru Forrester you will join the 10,000 other Subaru Forester owners in Boulder. Get a 4x4 T4R!

 

[galactic_04]

I would highly NOT recommend a locker in the rear. Have you ever used a locker on ice? You can do some KILLER donuts! The problem is if one tire slips you now have 2 slipping and nothing keeping the back end from sliding sideways. I'd go limited slip if anything.

Locker donuts in a toyota 4runner - YouTube

 

[kobresia]

I wouldn't see 2WD being much of a problem if you get good snow tires, and keep your chains handy when you head up to the high country. Before I lived in the mountains, I had a few RWD vehicles. No complaints, and I never really needed chains since roads around Boulder are generally well-plowed.

Head just a little west into the mountains, you'll see almost every vehicle is a 4WD during the winter months because plowing isn't always as consistent and much more snow tends to fall. Many are a bit rough (mine included) from thrashing around in snow and sliding off the road or into other vehicles when things get bad.

I don't know of a dealership here that keeps any 2WD 4Runners on the lot. I don't think I've ever seen a 2WD one in person. If you're planning on living even a little up in the foothills, spare yourself the grief and just upgrade to a 4WD, you don't want to be fooling with chains twice a day and you'll get a better price for a 2WD in a warmer climate.

 

[DC runner]

Also. The reason front wheel drive does better than rear is the weight. The engine PUSHES the wheels on the road.

You would be amazed how much better a 2wd truck handles when you load the back up with some sand bags. Throw about 200 -300 pounds of sand back there and you will get MUCH better traction.

Now. For steering, well, nothing but front drive power helps for that; so go easy. Without an axle turning the wheel, you can get a ascendancy for them to bury or slide. No real way to overcome this except take it easy. This is where 4x4 or front wheel really excels.

 

[beatyota]

Thanks for the inputs.

I'll probably try to sell the 4runner and pick up a 4x4, if I get my xfer to Boulder.