Need advice for 2WD in snow

[OVERLAND IN TX]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've started to look around but there isn't much out there. Hopefully I can find a 4WD before winter hits.

Seems expensive given the mileage, but I'm used to looking at 2WD prices so I'm not too sure, thanks.

Are or have you looked at a third generation 4runnner, just an idea. Granted not as pretty to look at, but it is just for then the tough gets going.

If a 4WD fourth generation 4runner is what you are after, then may I suggest looking at here in TX. You will find one just about around every corner.

 

[JEL]

That seems like a great price, a truck like that in Seattle would be listed for (and likely sell for, fast) 18k or so. I know the prices are mental in the
NW, but that does seem like a good deal, plus 06+ V6's don't have the head gasket concern.

 

[JeffMerr]

Are or have you looked at a third generation 4runnner, just an idea. Granted not as pretty to look at, but it is just for then the tough gets going.

If a 4WD fourth generation 4runner is what you are after, then may I suggest looking at here in TX. You will find one just about around every corner.

Originally I was going to get a 3rd gen, but I'm fairly tall and the seats in the 3rd gen are short and the roof is lower, just wasn't comfortable to me. And in my opinion the 4th gens are such a huge upgrade all around it was worth the extra cost to me. I sent that guy an email, we'll see what he says. Thanks for all the help people!

The good thing about that truck is my current 06 sport edition is white. So if it pans out I'll definitely be swapping the hood as well as other mods over to it.

 

[02SE]

Originally I was going to get a 3rd gen, but I'm fairly tall and the seats in the 3rd gen are short and the roof is lower, just wasn't comfortable to me.

That's interesting for me to read. The main reason I never bought a 4th gen, is because I felt it lacked headroom compared to my 3rd gen.

Both with a Moonroof, and the seat in the lowest position, with the seatback not reclined to a 'gangsta lean', my head was touching the headliner in the 4th gen. Which wasn't the case in the 3rd gen.

 

[JB.]

REALLY do not want to have to sell it.

Then don't.

Re-read the posters who live where it's very snowy and yawn about 2wd.

Things you can do.

(1) weight in the rear.
(2) Carry a shovel. Doesn't have to be big.
(2) Get some aggressive ATs like duratrac or even dedicated snows if you want to go that far.
(3) Get some snow cables. They work well and go on much easier than chains. Practice putting them on in the garage and then throw them in the truck. You'll probably never need them but you'll feel better and it just makes sense to have some.

Switching vehicles at a loss when you don't want to is bad enough, but if you do, you'll never really know if it was necessary or not and will perhaps miss the opportunity to learn a few winter tricks. Next spring you'll probably look back and think, "geez, I was worried about that"? If your attitude next spring happens to be that you want 4wd, you'll do much better being able to take your time selling when the weather is warm.

 

[LandCruiser]

Re-read the posters who live where it's very snowy and yawn about 2wd.

Mountains change everything.

I have NEVER seen a RWD truck make it up some of the hills in Woodland Park and CO Springs when there's a coat of ice under half of a foot of snow--unless it's a city vehicle that has that cool chain flail traction device for the rear tires.

 

[MarkinWMich]

Mountains change everything.

I have NEVER seen a RWD truck make it up some of the hills in Woodland Park and CO Springs when there's a coat of ice under half of a foot of snow--unless it's a city vehicle that has that cool chain flail traction device for the rear tires.

You make a good point. Well taken. Other considerations and variables would be whether or not studded tires and/or chains are legal and/or required. Years ago, when I lived in Yakima, Washington, the State Police would set up road blocks on some of those snowy mountain passes, and if you did not have chains, you got turned around...it didn't matter what you were driving. We never owned a 4WD vehicle, but just used the required chains. Here in Michigan, chains and studs are illegal, as they tear up the roads, but near Lake Michigan, we get several hundred inches of snow and the roads are nothing but ice pack. The north-south roads are often a skating rink due to the westerly winds blowing snow off the fields onto them. Yes, many "flat landers" yawn at driving in snow and ice...however it still requires a bit of skill and common sense no matter where you live.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I get around just fine with 2wd in 6 inches or less. I dont even switch to 4wd till there's more than that on the ground. Try those winter tires and adding weight before getting rid of it. If it really gets bad, stay home that day. Hehe

 

[BunMaster]

Gonna repeat what some others have said:

Snow tires. If you don't wanna sell your current 4Runner, invest in snow tires. I'd get snow tires regardless of having 4WD or 2WD. YouTube some videos on snow tires vs all terrains/all seasons. Although I don't have much snow tire experience myself (yet), the videos do seem convincing.

Icy hills are a different animal. Who knows if even 4WD with all season tires will get you up those things.

Put some weight in the back. Carry a shovel and some kitty litter to sprinkle under/ahead of tires for traction.