Took my STOCK 87 Toyota (except Dick Cepek 31x10.5x15) off road this weekend for the first time at a place called Hidden Falls. I had been off road a few times with my 87 Turbo, back when it was new, but this was the first time for this truck. THE TRUCK DID VERY WELL, IN 4 LOW. Need more low end torque.

I have found that in steep climbs and going over stuff, that I need 4 low, as 4 hi just does not provide enough torque to get the job done. I was out with an FJ40 (4in body lift & 350ci V-8 & 35 or larger tires)(my friend Sean's FJ, did it with easy) and Jeep YJ (4in lift & 35 tires). Now what we did go over, I did without problems, in some cases almost as good as the FJ40 & Jeep, and in some cases, better than the Jeep. The FJ did everything in 4hi, not sure about the Jeep, I just can not over come that torque. I know that both of those trucks can go places, I can not, but I can live with that. Other problem was rear over hang and that made me not go down a couple of trails I wanted too, maybe a 2 in lift and some 33" to start with. But I did do a lot better in gas mileage.

Had a good time looking forward to Colorado this summer

 

right on! yeah the old 4runners and pickups are some of the best off road, even stock. I learned the hard way that big tires and lift don't help nearly as much off road as a locker and lower t case gears do. It's all about traction(which a more aggressive tread tire will provide). Even a rear locker makes a world of difference. The taller you go, the higher your center of gravity, then with 33'' tires or bigger, you lose some power unless you re gear your diffs.
happy wheeling

 

Thanks,

yes a rear locker is going in this summer, maybe next month, I think a Grizzly or Aussie locker,

 

I don't think i've ever heard anything bad about aussie, except they seem to be outa stock whenever I check. I went wheeling with a buddy that had a lock right in his rear axle, he was doing everything I was, but in 2wd!

 

Dont even bother trying to do things in 4hi. Just leave it in low range.

 

no pics?

 

i used 2hi and 4lo.... if i need to go fast, i dont need 4wd, if i need 4wd i dont need to go fast.

 

I did not bring a camera, but some others did. I had to come home early to work today, so I might get some pics up later.