TFR 99 2WD, what can it do?

[scotthalver]

I recently upgraded from a 2001 Ford Focus Sedan to a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 2WD. I had been hoping to get a 4WD but the right deal did not come along in time.

So, the question is, how limited will the 2WD model I have be. I do not really go off-roading, but had wanted the 4WD for when I am in snow in the mountains and for if I might venture off the road in the desert a bit (sandy, perhaps loose/deep sand, dirt roads, etc.).

I have thought that the ground clearance will probably be a big enough upgrade to please me, but could I handle snow in the mountains if I put chains on?

I guess I want to be reassured as to what I might be able to handle in the 2WD model. If I added a winch to the front, would that perhaps get me unstuck (if I were ever) in lieu of having 4WD.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[bmanning]

A huge factor in your snow & off-road effectiveness with a 2wd version will be whether or not your rear differential has any traction aid.

I hope you have the factor rear locker- there will be an active switch just to the right of the steering column if you do. If you don't, and you are quite serious about making the 2wd truck as effective as possible off-road, you may want to look at having a rear traction device added.

I have a 97 4x4 w/out a factory rear locker, and I inquired once at a dealer about the cost of adding one.

I think it was $3500 including labor! For that kind of cash, I'll sell mine and buy one that already has the locker...

I know ARB 'air lockers' have a great reputation, but I believe they are rather pricey as well...

Also, it sounds like, for your purposes, tires that excel in snow and/or sand would be the best way to go. I love my BFG ATs, but if you don't go off-road much, they might be overkill. Check out tirerack.com and look for tires that excel in areas that are important to you...

BManning

 

[lee]

yea, exactly. if you dont have at least a rear locker, youre in for a world of crap in the snow!

id get some serious snow tires at the very least.. but instead of 'adding' a locker in, it may be cheaper for you at this point to sell for a 4x4.

 

[RunnerUp]

an ARB air locker for the rear is about 700$, the compresser is another 250, and labor will prob. reach to 3-400. way cheaper than retrofitting the elocker in, but i believe a guy on yotatech did it, im not sure if he has a price on it though, he also converted his 2wd 4runner to 4wd.... let me find the link....

http://www.sonoransteel.com/4runner.html