I have a 2011 Tundra 4x2 that I've taken off road a few times. Now when I say off road, I'm not talking rock climbing or other serious terrain that I've seen discussed. For the time being, my idea of off road is the trails at the local lake, back country roads, things like that.

Ive managed to get my truck stuck a few times and had to call a buddy to unstick me. Quite embarrassing as I'm sure you all know.

So my question is, what kind of off roading abilities does a 4x2 stock really have? I learned quick that the first mud hole I drove through was a few inches deeper then what I thought it was... Good kick in the tinders there. Then last week I pulled off getting stuck on some beach sand from where the local lake water line receded from our recent drought.

I know highway tires aint the best for off road but its all I got, I also understand that stock 4x2s aint exactly Gods gift to off road either. So as I mentioned, what could I do with a stock 4x2 as is?

Also, with this same truck, would I want to put on a winch? Ive had a hankering for a winch and brush guard for a while just haven't that the money for either. If I do get a winch, it would be for now and then use like pulling myself out or someone else if Im not in a big rush. I wouldn't mind having a 4x4 but money doesn't allow for it so thats a "later down the road" type deal for me.

Thanks for any/all input.

 

sounds like you have a good candidate for a selectable locker and some good A/T tires or even some km2's. a locker will get you farther than anything else and good tires can only help.

 

dude, sas(solid axle swap) a 2011 tundra... I would donate 5 dollars to the cause right now!

 

x2 on the locker. Throw an ARB locker in the back of that thing.

I know plenty of people with winches on their 2wd trucks around here. If you have the funds for it, definitely get one.

 

My 4Runner has an Elocker in it and I do think it would go as far if not further than a stock 4x4 truck with no locker in 2wd with the locker engaged.

With a locker, the right tires and some RPM's you can do pretty well

http://youtu.be/gdMymKWY_AM

 

I guess I should mention that my truck has LDS (Limited slip diff) which honestly, I think that has helped me get stuck. Umm... what is a locker and ill ask what the SAS is about even though Ill go to the SAS thread and see what I find. Thanks so far folks.

ETA: While Im thinking about it, what are some considerations I need to seriously take in to account when looking for a winch?

 

Limited slip transfers some power away from a wheel that has lost traction. A locker basically "turns off" your differential, so that power distribution is always 50-50. Better traction, but more tire scrub while turning.

Thanks for serving.

 

Remember if you get a selectable locker, such an an ARB air locker or an E-locker, you will have it off on the highway and pavement and it will drive the same way it currently does. When it is on, both tires will have traction and will be locked together, but as stated turning will be harder on the rear tires because one tire will not be able to turn faster than the other.

Warn makes a great winch, so does Smittybuilt. You could probably get away with an 8000 lb or a 9500 lb, but with that truck if it were me I would probably get a 12000 lb. A good rule to follow with a winch is to double your trucks weight to find an appropriate winch for that vehicle.

 

I appreciate all the input. I made the realization last night that all I really am looking for is a way to get unstuck or even pull stuff like pull a tree down or something more so then getting off roading options. With that said, Ive heard that come alongs are ok, labor intensive but I could live with that.

 

Come alongs suck unless you want to spend an hour doing something that would normally take fifteen minutes and use a ton more effort. Winches are the ultimate un-sticking weapon, and if you plan on getting stuck or actually using it, well worth the money.

 

Apparently you have never needed to get anywhere with a dead battery..
So what is the deal with bumping old threads?

 

Haha sorry bout that. I needed to get a few posts to make a classified so I posted wherever I felt like I had an ability. But I had a bad experience with come alongs. If you look at my pictures, the big dent happened when I was pulling myself out with a come along. But I got it all fixed and all is well. XD

 

Agree with the Real locker. A limited slip isnt going to do it.

You need some tires that can push you through stuff. Mudders or a aggressive all terrain like goodyear duratracs.

As for the winch I wouldnt bother unless you do a lot of off roading alone, the money could be better used for performance otherwise you will be using your winch A LOT. If you do have the money for a bumper and winch maybe you should look at selling your truck and putting that money into a 4x4. Winch and bumper $1500-$2000, Tires $1000, Rear locker $800 plus install $300, shocks which may or may not be needed $500-$2500. Even with all these upgrades a two wheel drive is at home in the desert where you can get some speed up and not worry about going off the trail and hitting a tree.

You need to stay light if your a two wheel drive. The key to driving a Two wheel drive truck is SPEED and POWER. To be a good two wheel drive guy you need big balls and a heavy foot.

I would rec-amend getting a true coilover for the front and some nice remote res or piggy backs for the rear so you can keep your speed up without bouncing around out of control.

Lots of jumbled thoughts there.. haha I have a lot of friends who used to have two wheel drives. Basically winch only= lots of winching, Tires and shocks only= less winching but bring a buddy. If you got the money to do both save for a 4x4

 

Im lookin about this fall at getting some decent, inexpensive LT/MT tires cause our weather guys say OKlahoma is expected to have at least ONE bad winter storm this year. Not that Im gonna go out snowing in new tires with a 4x2, but just incase I actually need to.

I think all im gonna do for now is just get new tires. Been thinking of getting a locker later. Probably years down the road I may get a 4x4 and "soup" it up with winch and crap, or not. But for now Im just getting tires. Thanks for all the input guys

 

So your post padding just to use classifieds?, because some of your posts were of a jackwagon nature.

 

Hey USMCOklahoma, this is a little off topic, but I'm down at school at OU. If you ever want a buddy to go wheeling with, I'd love to join you. PM me if you're interested.

 

That could work. Id be game once some time off comes around.

 

Alright, sounds good. Just let me know. I'm from Colorado and not used to the whole Oklahoma offroad scene.