First off, sorry if this isn't the best forum for this topic. If it isn't, admin/mods, feel free to move it.

Now...this is my first post on F150online, although I have been enjoying reading topics for months as a guest.

I currently drive a 1999 F-150 Super Cab 2WD with 79,000 miles, the 5.4L V8 engine, 4 speed automatic, and the 3.73 LS rear diff. Negible (sorry, I always have a hard time spelling that word ) items include a TopDeck fiberglass tonneau cover (oxidized due to not caring for it), bedliner, Michelin X Radial 265/70/R16 tires, and I think that's all.

This truck has been in my family since we got it (I'm 16 by the way, but most people say I'm really mature for my age), and I'd like to keep it, but here is the dilemma I'm facing: I go to Pismo Beach frequently, but I've never been able to drive on the actual dunes because my F-150 is basically factory stock and 2WD. I would like a 4WD, and my parents are willing to get me a brand new Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma 4WD (this is because I do really well in school), but that means that we'd have to part with the F-150. It does have sentimental value to me, and I'd like to keep it, but even if I lift it, I'm afraid that it still can't go on the actual dunes. So, my question is, how capable is a 2WD F-150? If I do decide to keep it and lift it, I'd get the Camburg 6.5 lift (the $2,000 one) and some 33 inch tires. I don't need a hardcore lift or offroad performance system, as all I want to do is hit up the dunes and the offroad trails out in the country.

Thanks for your input.

Okay, here are some photos of the truck. I apologize for the poor quality photos, but I cropped the truck out of about 1/4 of the originals, since I've never actually taken a picture of exclusively the truck.

 

I have seen some very capable 2wd's. A little lift, some good tires and a locker will make your rig more capable. It still will not be a 4x4 but most 4x4's built today leave alot to be desired. Unless you have some sort of locking differential mother nature will kick your a$$.

 

probably wont do very well on the dunes with a 2wd. go for the ranger and lift it

 

I think it would work ok in the sand with a good locking or LS differential and some wide tires (aired down of course).

 

You will do fine if you know how to drive in the sand.

My old 2000 4banger Ranger did pretty good in the sand as long as I had the tires down to like 10psi and kept the revs up. Most importantly dont stop up hill or unless your on hard ground. All terrain tires work alot better than muds in the sand.

 

I think the locking diff is the answer here

 

I've been looking at some locking diff. I got an 05 v6 4.2l xl...what should I look for?

 

A locked rear end and a lot of hp is the only way a 2wd will perform well. If you're serious look into paddle tires on 16" rims, you would only place them in the back and your truck will outperform most trucks out there. They make them. I would do what you can to get the 4wd, parting with the truck will be a learning experience.

 

you could put a 7.5 inch fabtech on it with a 3in body lift along with some 37's or 38's your chose and 4.56 gears or 4.88s and i would sweet. It would do fine in the sand along as your not doing anything to crazy.




Scott

 

i have an 00 f-150 with 32" bfg ats but open diff. i think as long as you get a good at tire and air it down you should be ok. just go out with some friends with 4wd and a tow strap and have fun. i live in slo(when im not at school) and i havent been out to the dunes yet but next time im home with some time thats where im going.

 

I vote go for the brand new Tacoma, it's worth a good 14,000 more than the ranger here in Canada. Also they're discontinuing the Ranger next year, which is never good for resell/parts. I don't know about 2wd in sand, but in anything else IMO 2wd blows. Or tell your parents that you can get a brand new F-150 for the same price as a brand new Tacoma and then get the F150 instead!