Alright I have been reading through posts for weeks now and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. If I am re-asking a question, I apologize. I have a 2K Limited with rear locker FYI. So, how reliable off road are these third gens? What is the weak link in the drive train while off road? I was just beating on mine pretty good in some 3 feet snow drifts near my house. Does the IFS front end have some delicate parts? I did notice you have to be careful shifting from 2WD to 4HI when you're already stuck in the snow. That sucker will really whack into 4wheel when your stuck spinning in 2WD. But, this is by far the most capable out of the box 4x4 I have owned, I just want to see what I should be careful of.

 

If it's stock, then I doubt you'll break anything as it would take more stress on the parts than the stock size tires can muster up.

 

I think as long as you don't drive crazy, you won't break anything. At stock tire size, like said above, there is little you can start breaking. You have a very capable truck, should have a good time with it

 

Moved to the newbie section.

Also, you have shift on the fly 4wd, but you shouldn't shift when the front tires aren't rotating at the same speed as the rears. So if you get stuck in 2wd wait until the tires stop spinning before shifting into 4wd.

 

My truck is relatively stock. Just put front and rear lockers in it, w/ 31x10.50 mud terrains and you'll go places most lifted trucks will never see.

 

only "weak link" is the cv's, but as stated above, in stock form you arent really in danger of harming them. bigger tires, lifts etc cause stress on them.

in stock form, these trucks are really capable. mine is "just above stock" (small lift, slightly larger tires) and it does great! we went snow wheelin' this weekend, and i got stuck once in the rut created by a 4runner with huge tires

besides that, with a lot of throttle and good spotters, i got through everything.

 

Put on some 265/75/R16 and remove your running boards. Stock trucks are fun. You will be fine.

If you get serious, start thinking about rock sliders and skid plates.

 

Sounds good guys. I know you can break anything if you try hard enough, but it's nice to see these are pretty tough from stock. I am planning on getting some 265/75/16 tires and maybe skid plates and bumpers. I still have to get used to this IFS thing, after wheeling only Jeeps before.