Off-Road Trip in a 2nd Gen

[kenwood1986]

Hello all ! Preparing in the next couple weeks to take the family down to Brown Mountain OHV park in North Carolina . Will be the longest trip I have taken the runner on (about 360 miles) Very excited as I'm quite a novice to off-roading , but you have to learn sometime !

Any advice anybody has to a newbie would be appreciated . When we finally get down there I will update with pictures . Thanks !

 

[bearcat90]

Without knowing the type of terrain you're covering, only general advice applies. Do all your systems and fluid checks before you leave..spare tire...tools...recovery gear? Make sure you bring enough food and water. Some people bring extra parts like pittman arm, tie rod ends and cv axles. Try to distribute the weight of your things evenly.

If you're going by yourself, be very careful on obstacles and perhaps stop to investigate and choose your line. Slow and steady wins the race.

If you're on Facebook, join the group called "2nd Gen 4runner Mafia." If you post this there, you will get tons of responses!

P.S. Don't forget the beer!

 

[kenwood1986]

Thanks ! I have me a tool box loaded up , and compiling recovery gear . I will have a friend in a jeep going with me . Thank you for the advise and the link to facebook , I appreciate it !

 

[Dropzone]

be familiar with where your front and rear recovery points are.

any spare parts you bring have the knowledge to replace them..

 

[Siebenthal]

^^^^

Good luck on your trip!

 

[eli.sanchez.3344]

Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RonJR]

This thread has some good tips for off-roading with a manual transmission.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/225868-tips-when-off-roading-manual-transmission.html

Also, the 2nd gen IFS has limited front suspension travel, which means that with open diffs you'll have to be careful not to get opposite corner wheels off the ground at the same time. That will stop you dead. Big diagonal ditches and water breaks across the road can be problematic. Plan to approach them straight on at 90 degrees if possible.

 

[89FourRunner]

Much can be learned from this old TOYOTA offroading tips video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz0hN05GyLQ

It covers techniques even some seasoned wheelers have no clue about.

 

[kenwood1986]

Thank you guys for all the info , I appreciate it !

 

[kenwood1986]

Made it to Hickory NC this evening , 360 miles . 4runner did great ! Didn't exactly power up the hills , but she maintained 65 the whole way with the exception of some good grades . Stopped once for fuel , was getting 20mpg ! Fully loaded with luggage , gear , and three passengers . Awesome ride with the new Yokohama Geolandar A/T GO15's . Off to brown mountain ohv trail in the morning ! (My grandfather's jeep next to the runner)

 

[Dropzone]

20 mpg?!!??!:dancin:

I wish mine came close, I am happy with 15'ishray:

 

[kenwood1986]

Thing always seems to do good on gas , about 16-17 around town . I got 20.8mpg on the way home today rolling down the interstate .

4Runner did great as both a highway vehicle and off-road . Brown Mountain OHV was more than I had anticipated , especially trail 8 which was pretty wild for a novice like myself . Kept it in 4-lo the entire time and chose between first, second, and third gear . It amazed me how capable these things are just completely stock . The trip was 801 miles round trip and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again .