How capable is my 2WD 4Runner off road?

[FiXXXerX]

Pretty much what the title says!

I’ve been watching some vids that have Flemster and some other folks in them and it’s got me interested in checking out some trails. But I’m wondering, what are my limits with being 2WD? I live in FL as well, so, no quite the Colorado terrain that I’ve seen in the videos, but I’m curious anyway.

 

[BrianSD_42]

On pavement in FL it is extremely capable.

 

[FiXXXerX]

On pavement in FL it is extremely capable.

I did slay like, 300miles of pavment this past weekend so you aren’t wrong!

 

[97t4r81]

You can go a lot of places. You should go with others, learn to drive your rig, get tires and learn/carry self recovery gear. Bring provisions and use your head. Steep uphill will be difficult, off camber and ditch crossings will test you. You're fine for fire roads and to get to most remote hiking/camping spots in u.s.

 

[3bears]

I agree with above, on most fire roads you should be ok, in summer, I hit a lot of back roads and rarely rarely kick into 4wd. Yes have recovery gear, like a good come-a-long and a strap. Not traveling alone is wise too until you really learn your limits.
mud, really loose sand, you will have issues.
Octanejunkie recently installed a limited slip in his 2wd , that would help a lot

In winter, I use the 4wd a lot, and now that I have a locker, I am going even further into the snow and back woods.
but IM getting to the point where the snow is as high as my bumpers, so Ill have to stay out of there, since I am often alone and I'm an old fart

 

[RedSled]

I agree with above, on most fire roads you should be ok, in summer, I hit a lot of back roads and rarely rarely kick into 4wd. Yes have recovery gear, like a good come-a-long and a strap. Not traveling alone is wise too until you really learn your limits.
mud, really loose sand, you will have issues.
Octanejunkie recently installed a limited slip in his 2wd , that would help a lot

In winter, I use the 4wd a lot, and now that I have a locker, I am going even further into the snow and back woods.
but IM getting to the point where the snow is as high as my bumpers, so Ill have to stay out of there, since I am often alone and I'm an old fart

Old farts rule. :tea:

 

[twitchee2]

You will not be rock crawling, but you will be very surprised how far 2wd will get you with the correct application of throttle for the situation. Some situations need more throttle than others. The important part is to know when you need to keep the wheel speed to a minimum and when you need the wheel spin.

I might look into a rear locker or at the vary least learn how to disable VSC when you are offroad.

 

[octanejunkie]

On pavement in FL it is extremely capable.

ROASTED :flame: LMAO

 

[octanejunkie]

I agree with above, on most fire roads you should be ok, in summer, I hit a lot of back roads and rarely rarely kick into 4wd. Yes have recovery gear, like a good come-a-long and a strap. Not traveling alone is wise too until you really learn your limits.
mud, really loose sand, you will have issues.
Octanejunkie recently installed a limited slip in his 2wd , that would help a lot

In winter, I use the 4wd a lot, and now that I have a locker, I am going even further into the snow and back woods.
but IM getting to the point where the snow is as high as my bumpers, so Ill have to stay out of there, since I am often alone and I'm an old fart

You will not be rock crawling, but you will be very surprised how far 2wd will get you with the correct application of throttle for the situation. Some situations need more throttle than others. The important part is to know when you need to keep the wheel speed to a minimum and when you need the wheel spin.

I might look into a rear locker or at the vary least learn how to disable VSC when you are offroad.

Agree with all of the above and will add that moderating tire pressure to suit the terrain will help, as will a compressor to air back up :dizzy:

I installed an Aussie Locker, which is a traction-loss activated locking differential (vs. an LSD vs. an e-locker) in a category of spider-gear replacements for open differentials called "lunchbox lockers" which includes the Spartan, PowerTrax and others. If my goal were strictly wheeling, I would have gone with an e-locker (and still might someday) but for now, it was $350 well spent.

There are some very capable overlanders and offroaders in 2WD locked 4runners out there, so I'd say it's more about the driver than just the vehicle, especially knowing when NOT to go Lol

+1 for recovery gear and not going alone for the first 3 seasons

 

[02gixxersix]

With a locker in the rear you probably wouldn't be too too far off from an open 4wd truck in most situations, especailly since these are IFS. Locker/winch combo and you will be good to go.

 

[FiXXXerX]

Appreciate the input guys!

 

[T4R2014]

You don’t have low range. You could swap it or buy another but otherwise avoid getting too crazy on trails so that Jeep guys don’t think you’re an idiot.

 

[octanejunkie]

No low range and no front wheel drive so don't charge hard into mud bogs or try to climb walls.

Moderation and knowing your limits are the keys to success in life.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

[T4R2014]

No low range and no front wheel drive so don't charge hard into mud bogs or try to climb walls.

Moderation and knowing your limits are the keys to success in life.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

You kinda have to charge hard to get through, which takes a toll on the truck.

I have a 2WD. I like the truck very much but I knew using it on a trail wasn't worth it, so I went out and bought a 4x4 with the locker. Now I drive up staircases for fun because there's no trails in the NYC metro area.

 

[GVL]

As stated, tire pressure makes a HUGE difference when climbing loose or sandy hardpack. I'm constantly amazed what the rig will crawl up in 2wd at 12 psi in back. If you're going to get a compressor spend a little more than you want to on a good one and you'll be glad you did - decent deflators are a must too.

 

[SRQ-Runner]

I’m 2wd and also in Florida. Installed a elocker at the beginning of the year along with LT. Get yourself a nice set of tires and you’ll do fine.

 

[Nooga_Rock]

Pretty much what the title says!

I’ve been watching some vids that have Flemster and some other folks in them and it’s got me interested in checking out some trails. But I’m wondering, what are my limits with being 2WD? I live in FL as well, so, no quite the Colorado terrain that I’ve seen in the videos, but I’m curious anyway.

Well that all depends on how rich you are. The wealthier you are, the more capable it will seem!

 

[octanejunkie]

Well that all depends on how rich you are. The wealthier you are, the more capable it will seem!

I put a $300 lunchbox locker in my 2WD, it's pretty capable