light wheeling in a 2wd? Lets talk about this

[firstimer]

Iv been in a rut, iv got a beautiful 2wd sr5 with 101k! I was ignorant to the 4r world before making the purchase 2 years ago but have since fallen madly in love. My only regret now is I didnt buy the 4wd version and have had no luck selling mine to exchange for the 4wd. Im on the fence with going forward with any building on my 2wd thinking it will be utterly useless on the trail. I dont have the experience to become an overnight rock crawler but would like to be able to do some light wheeling and trail riding.

Im looking for opinions and experience with this issue, should I just stay stock until I can get into a 4wd or spend some $$ to do some light mods (lift,tires,winch) and take the plunge in a 2wd??

 

[Gerdo]

COB wheeled his 2wd for years until he did a 4wd conversion.
With 2wd, you will be limited not only by not having the fronts to pull you up an obstacle but also the lack of Lo range. With that said, good driving and proper trail selection, you will be able to go far on moderate trails.

If I only had 2wd, I would put a selectable locker (e-locker or ARB) in the rear diff. I would also install a winch. The winch will get you out of the jam that you thought you would be able to drive thru. It will also be able to drag you up that "too steep" trail.

Why do I feel that the lack of Lo is a big deal? Because if you are wheeling and the engine is revving low, the torque converter on the automatic transmission will not lock-up and will cause the fluid to over heat. An aftermarket cooler could help (with a fan would be nice too). Manually selecting a lower gear will help some. If a manual transmission, you will have to slip the clutch more to get moving over obstacles.

Just for fun, I have wheeled some difficult trails in 2Hi and other than the lack of power on the steep stuff, It did great (mine is a manual).

 

[BucknutBob]

While a 2WD does have a lot more capability than they're often given credit for, especially with a rear locking differential, lift, and good tires, the fact is that if you know you're interested in offroading and have already thought about getting a 4WD, I would personally recommend saving your money for the 4WD. It's just a simple fact--a 4WD will go a lot more places than a 2WD will. Since you're already "on the fence", might as well "fall" on the side that will make you happiest for the long run--otherwise you're just putting it off even longer by spending mod money on the one you'd rather get rid of.

 

[Gerdo]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/61636-cobs-4runner-timeline-pic-heavy.html

 

[JWaldz]

I've wheeled and ridden in multiple 2wd vehicles offroad and on trails. While yes, it amazes me how much these vehicles can do in 2wd, there are definitely a lot of limitations to what you can and cannot do. It's also frustrating when you are constantly struggling to make it to the next obstacle. This will ALWAYS leave you wanting the capability. Get the 4wd and don't spend your money on the 2wd unless you have plans to actually swap everything to 4wd.

 

[Doc2012]

You don't NEED to buy a 4WD truck.

Save up some pennies, and do a conversion. There are plenty of people out there that have done them, and they tend to be cheaper than buying a whole new truck.

I found a nearly complete donor for 1500. The rear end was missing, but it still had the springs, rims, front diff, engine, transmission, transfer case, and a complete interrior.

The amount of money I made off that thing almost set the cost of buying it. I think I was out like 200. BUT, 200 for a diff, ECU, wiring harness, tranny, and Spindles is an amazing deal.

To each their own. If you want to get rid of it and buy a 4WD, go for it. If you love her that much, just do the conversion...

 

[jwyshrek]

You don't necessarily need 4 wheel drive. There are different types of 'off roading' and different levels which requires different setups and configurations.

Think of a preRunner or dune buggy...they are 2WD.

I don't consider myself an expert off roader by any means...but I have done my fair share of trails and what not.

When I had my '00 Jeep Cherokee...it was mostly stock...had limited slip rear diff and great all terrain tires (BFG KOs). I took it to both Death Valley, CA, Hollister and Pairie City off road parks and even locally here on Aetna, Mt.

95% off the time I got by in 2WD. If I had a locking rear diff, that might have jumped to 99%.

I would go on a dedicated off road forum...ask about the trails you like to travel on...talk to people who have been on those trails and see what's needed.

In my opinion...the number one thing for off roading is traction and clearance. A 2WD vehicle with good tires (for the situation) can be better than a 4WD vehicle with crappy tires (all season street tread). And if the trail doesn't cause the vehicle's suspension to articulate a great deal, then 2WD just might be fine.

Good luck, and have fun...

Just noticed you are in LA...never off road there...but when I think of LA, I think of swampy muddy areas. If that's the case...you probably need 4WD, appropriate tires, winch and a partner. If you are new, you should never off road along...even if experienced, you should still go in a group.

 

[jwyshrek]

Another suggestion...

If you can afford it...I would keep the 4runner as my daily driver and get another, more appropriate 'cheap' vehicle to go offroading in...maybe you can get a 'fix-er-upper' and get some vehicle repair knowledge and experience.

Personally, I would keep my 'off road' play vehicle separate from my daily driver. On the trail...Murphy's Law can rear its ugly head...you guys been offroading know what I'm talking about...

 

[KidVermicious]

You don't NEED to buy a 4WD truck.

Save up some pennies, and do a conversion. There are plenty of people out there that have done them, and they tend to be cheaper than buying a whole new truck.

I beg to differ. He'll get into a 1st or 2nd truck a lot cheaper and easier than converting his 2wd, and it's not just the outlay that's cheaper either. Earlier trucks are easier and cheaper to mod, ditto for repairs, and you don't have to worry about your resale value if you jack up the bodywork.

OP, there's nothing wrong with taking your 2wd as far as it'll go. If you've got the bug and know you want more, though, I suggest keeping your current truck as a daily driver and looking into an earlier model for a toy. (On preview, I see JWShrek has given the same advice. He's obviously a man of intelligence and taste )

 

[BucknutBob]

One of the best reasons for upgrading from 2WD to 4WD, or for that matter adding lockers to a 4WD, is that it increases your control on the trail, and allows you to keep your speeds lower. This is huge when you don't have money falling out of your pockets everywhere, because adding speed and momentum is the primary cause for breakage on the trail. Once you get out there, you WILL want to try stuff you probably shouldn't, and the more handicaps your vehicle has, the more momentum you need to carry. Prerunners and dune buggies survive on speed, but they're also built to take the punishment. Grab some buddies and play around with your 2WD rig, and see what kind of wheeling appeals to you. If you're content with casual dirt roads and small bumps, then you may be fine; but, if you're like most of us, you'll "get the bug", and want to go farther and farther.

 

[jwyshrek]

"On preview, I see JWShrek has given the same advice. He's obviously a man of intelligence and taste "

:lol:

Not sure about that...but I've had my share of 'mistakes' and 'interesting experiences'...

 

[mijbr90190]

Anytime i go off road the elocker in 2wd has been enough. other than climbing steep muddy hills or getting stuck in the mud i never need 4wd. And this is all with crappy highway treads.