Are there any other 2WD overlanders here?

[asteele]

Drove this all the way to Panama and back. We did get stuck twice, basically on top of the ground spinning in wet grass and black mud but got out easily. From my experience driving through Central America the key to the vehicle is good suspension! The roads are just rough and your vehicle really takes a beating. I'm planning on having dual shocks on the front and an extra leaf spring in the back before I go to South America in a year or so.

[Mr. Moore]

WOW! I really didn't plan on getting this many responses! Thanks for all of the great informaiton! This makes me that much more excited about getting out there this summer! I got alot of work to do!

[Sportsman Matt]

Figured I would chime in also. I'm an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and have owned more 2WD trucks than 4WD over the last 20+ years. I think I owned 3 4WD vehicles, 2 trucks and 1 SUV, and used 4WD maybe a total of 3 times ust to see if it worked. I've been driving 2WD trucks and RWD cars and vans for the majority of the last 20+ years with no problems. Biggest thing is use common sense. Don't be afraid to get out and walk ahead to see if there is an obstacle that may cause you to get stuck. I've only been stuck once, funny part is that it was in a 4WD I used for work, with a trailer that had iced in during a snow storm in January 2005. The tires were sunk in and the ground was frozen with 6" of snow on top, and the 4WD just sat there and spun it's tires. It took a second truck and a farm tractor to pull me and the trailer out.
Only other time I can recall getting close to stuck was on a heavy long snow packed hill, and I had to back down twice and make a couple extra attempts before I made it over in my old 2WD truck.

Just remember the only thing a 4WD has over the 2WD is less of a turning radius and one extra wheel to apply torque to push or pull the vehicle. They both have 4 wheels and both stop the same.

[AlwaysExplr87]

Oh, forgot to mention this but momentum is your friend. If things get slick or sandy try to avoid stopping. If you do stop, try to stop pointing down hill so you have gravity working for you when you want to get going again (this is really helpfull if you have a manual and are driving in the sand).

[boellis87]

Mods I would recommend if you're truly wanting to go "off-road" , i.e. something more serious than gravel. :

1. mud-terrains or at least aggressive all terrains - tough sidewalls are important because with 2wd you won't be able to avoid some pointy objects that you could with a 4wd
2. selectable locker - 1 tire w/ no traction versus 2 w/ some traction - #2 better - a locker allows me to avoid even needing my 4wd in numerous situations
3. winch - particularly good when going solo
4. hi-lift and other manual recovery gear - really hard to make this stuff not work
5. lift - might not need this and nothing too big but clearance is just one more thing that will make your truck more capable plus most aren't overly pricey for 2wd's
6. and most important - common sense - 4wd often times just affords you the ability to "play" a little, so if you can identify your limits and stay within them you'll be able to avoid many of the situations that will get you in trouble

There's a few more I'd suggest for specific terrain but that covers the basics for improving the general capability of your truck imo.

I've never owned a 2wd, but I've done a lot of stuff while in 2wd so I figured I could post. Have fun finding out what she'll do!

[bajaharley]

Here is my rig. With good suspension and a full spool....I can go "almost" anywhere...a hard core 4x4's can go..........and in half the time. I love sand.. and we actually seek out the washes whenever possible.

[boellis87]

Nice ride! That thing's gotta be a blast.

[Mr. Moore]

Here is my rig. With good suspension and a full spool....I can go "almost" anywhere...a hard core 4x4's can go..........and in half the time. I love sand.. and we actually seek out the washes whenever possible.

That is BADA$$!!!!!I would drive that everyday if i could! Too bad it isn't street legal.......I want one!!!!!!!

[bajaharley]

it is street legal...so far I have only towed it once to a location.

[winkosmosis]

A 4WD truck in 2WD mode isn't going to break those parts anyway. There's no advantage to the 2WD besides lower weight.