What kind of off-roading can a 4x2 FJ do?

[brownbear]

I had a 2wd Toyota T-100. Had no problem sqeezing it thru the bush or back country. Would go down deactivated logging roads, and other rough stuff. In fact I bet I pushed it further than 90% of city 4x4 owners.

It actually did quite well in snow too. With an open rear end.

I always carried chains and a shovel.

So you really can use your 2wd pretty good. Carry chains in winter areas. But stay out of the mud. That is where you will get stuck. Rocks and dirt don't really need 4x4 unless you want to do crawling type driving.

I know a few guys who leave there front hubs unlocked and shift into 4lo just for the gears. But they would rather not be in 4x4.

Thats why the twin stick is very popular. On my to do list........but low on the list.

[Butsu]

I suspected that this 4x2 FJ of mine could do more than just pavement. Hearing it from other individuals that know from experience is very helpful. Cheers!

[Poser]

Originally Posted by Butsu

I just got my FJ last week and I am quickly becoming obsessed by it. This is also my first truck/SUV. I used to only drive cars/sedans and was staunchly opposed to SUVs - I thought that only super pretentious and or mindless people (mostly the OC soccer mom types) drove them.

Wow....




I wonder what you will share with us when you realize the world is not flat....

[Butsu]

I must have broke a rule or something somewhere. Right on Poser - thanks for checkin' me. I will try to keep my enthusiasm to a minimum next time I post on a 4x4 enthusiasts website.

[greytandy]

Originally Posted by Butsu

I must have broke a rule or something somewhere. Right on Poser - thanks for checkin' me. I will try to keep my enthusiasm to a minimum next time I post on a 4x4 enthusiasts website.

Nah, you didn't break any rules. Everybody's first offroader purchase is a blast - you just wanted to tell the world!!! It's a fantastic vehicle, and you deserve to be happy with it.!!!

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by Butsu

I must have broke a rule or something somewhere. Right on Poser - thanks for checkin' me. I will try to keep my enthusiasm to a minimum next time I post on a 4x4 enthusiasts website.

Butsu-Poser is a good man who has helped me and others on this forum more than once.

You should be enthusiastic about your FJC! Just remember lots of guys here have been 4 wheeling for years and are a bit jaded by rookie over-the-top enthusiasm, espcially when you want to hit the trail in 2WD with no 4WD option.

I'm serious about my post earlier-you will like offroading! But you are going to hit a low traction hillclimb sooner then you think, and your 2WD will struggle. You really need to think about the friends you will hold up, and the situations they will have to pull you out of. You will simply not have the capability you need. Really think about upgrading to a 4WD FJC now. The low range and the 2 extra drive wheels make all the difference. The sooner you do that, the happier you will be.

[Butsu]

Cruiserdrew - I appreciate your experienced words of wisdom in the realm of off-roading and will definitely bear them in mind when I get out there. For the most part folks here have been extremely helpful and kind on this forum and I have enjoyed being here. I would like to take your word that Poser is a "good man" (he probably is) - but his first impression was troll-like from my standpoint. I am not sure that I should just take a backhanded insult from someone simply because they have been 4-wheeling for years - even if I don't have a 4x. I now realize that I might be in the wrong place - which is cool. No hard feelings people...enjoy your adventures and thanks for all of your advice!

[psfpilot]

Originally Posted by Butsu

...My FJ has the "RR Locking Diff" on the control panel - my understanding is that it is to be used in slippery road conditions...

I'm not sure what you mean by "slippery road conditions". Just in case you're not familiar with a locking differential, I would like to clarify: if one engages a locking rear differential on a slippery paved road, this will make it difficult to steer effectively. The locking rear is intended for low-speed use on trails or for traction in mud, but not for rainy, snowy, or otherwise slippery pavement, where it impedes steering and makes it easier for the rear end to suddenly lose traction and skid sideways under acceleration.

If you're interested in further reading, here is a link for some reading material about 4wd systems, including differential locks.

Happy trails,
Jon

[greytandy]

Originally Posted by Butsu

Cruiserdrew - I appreciate your experienced words of wisdom in the realm of off-roading and will definitely bear them in mind when I get out there. For the most part folks here have been extremely helpful and kind on this forum and I have enjoyed being here. I would like to take your word that Poser is a "good man" (he probably is) - but his first impression was troll-like from my standpoint. I am not sure that I should just take a backhanded insult from someone simply because they have been 4-wheeling for years - even if I don't have a 4x. I now realize that I might be in the wrong place - which is cool. No hard feelings people...enjoy your adventures and thanks for all of your advice!

Butsu:

You're not in the wrong place. You are right where you should be. I live in an area where SUVs are not for offroading, but for driving on the miles of pavement. They are everywhere, and I bet less than 1% have ever seen dirt. It's not like that everywhere, and those folks tend to take offense. Some people are more sensitive than others. Just take it for what it is. The vast majority of people here are very nice and very helpful - don't let the very few "sensitive" ones get to you. Believe me, a seemingly innocent post can be taken badly.

[RumBum]

All of this talk of 2wd rally car action makes me want a tacoma pre-runner to rally around in. I take my 'trade it in for a 4wd fjc' comment back. Instead, just make sure you have a 4wd buddy ahead and/or behind you and go for it. Shoot, at the end of the day, somebody probably was stuck anyway. It's a better story if it was you in a 2wd going for what the 4wd guys were.

[Butsu]

Originally Posted by RumBum

All of this talk of 2wd rally car action makes me want a tacoma pre-runner to rally around in. I take my 'trade it in for a 4wd fjc' comment back. Instead, just make sure you have a 4wd buddy ahead and/or behind you and go for it. Shoot, at the end of the day, somebody probably was stuck anyway. It's a better story if it was you in a 2wd going for what the 4wd guys were.

I like your logic Rum...and of course having the glass half full.

If anyone has any cool stories about getting stuck out there, it would be cool to hear about them - 4wd or 2wd. Thanks y'all!

[TexasBadlands]

Butsu I suggest you rent a 4x4 and go wheeling. Then you can discover what you are missing. If it's what you want, you will trade in your 4x2 and get what you really desire. 4wd has been a mainstay in my family for 20 years now and I wouldn't ever go without it off road now. Just for your information, before I could afford my first 4wd, I had a 1978 Camaro that I used to love to haul a$$ across this field in when it was muddy... It was fun, but it depended on speed to get me to skip across it after a good rain. I could hardly wait to get my first 4wd.... Like you, I was having a blast but it really opened up new realms of possibilities when I got my Pathfinder. After the Pathfinder I got my first Cruiser and the saga continues.

[Pureneeds]

Holy Jim in the spring may be tough (the water crossings get hefty and slick) but you will make it with out as issue now. ALso, try out by Ortega hwy, half way out Bluejay trial ORV. another good place to go. If you are unsure just bring along a friend with a 4x4, experiance, and some recovery gear to "show you the ropes"

[hubbster]

Hey I wanna go to! I live in Rancho, screw it, lets go now!

[Ian Rogers]

i been in the HOLY JIM trail when it was raining in my stock 86 ford ranger 2x4 if you just go slow you will be ok