Okay i have a 2wd 04' Lariat that i would really like to take off the road. When i say 'off the road' i mean to the river which is mostly gravel roads and some sandy areas, not crazy extreme swamp type terrains i see in off-roading pics. So i was just wondering if there is anything i could do to my truck to keep it from getting stuck in the sand (which happen to me yesterday trying to go to the river) like new tires, a lift, a locking system, ect.. So if anyone has any tips or has been in the same situation ANY recommendations would be greatly appreciated.


Now to all the people who are going to get on here and rant about how i should just get a 4wd truck or that 2wd are for pussies, I'm sixteen years old. If i had any input on what kind off truck i was getting, or had the money to afford to buy a truck i wanted, i would have a 4wd truck. But i didnt. And quiet frankly i dont care. Im thankful to have the truck i got, i just want to be able to go down to the river with my buddies on the weekends and not get stuck.

 

Tires are going to be the main thing to help you get better traction. You can get leveling kits for under $100 and that will allow you to fit a larger tire. You aren't going to really gain any ground clearance unless you go with a full 6" or bigger suspension lift, and those can get pricey, but you shouldn't need too much ground clearance for sand. You can also get a locker or tru trac for the rear end, but those can also be pricey. Another big thing is to watch your driving style. Don't go digging the tires down or go through stuff that you know you won't get through, because that is just asking to get stuck.

 

Thanks for the input. Lol like i said im only 16 so I am not knowledgable about off road driving at all. Yesterday I was doing fine until i got to the top of a small hill that led down to the really sandy river bank, i decided not to even attempt to go down into that stuff so i put it in reverse and when i did that my tires just dug into the ground.

Ive read a little about the lock systems but most of the articles are over my head. Are they worth the money?

 

They work good, especially in the mud, but they are very expensive. A locker will run you over $500, plus installation, which is going to be another couple hundred dollars. I would start by getting some new tires and see how they do.

 

Okay thanks a lot.

 

Don't high center by driving in the ruts. Air down the tires for soft sand. If you need more than that, park the truck and walk in.

 

Is anyone running the ARB Air Locker for the 9.75 diff.?

 

ARB's aint cheap, i'm still saving up for a set for my toyota. $1000 for the 9.75 rear and you still need an air compressor to engage them + install. ARB sometimes has a deal to include the compressor though.

i'd just go with a basic locker for cost, will change your on road characteristics a bit but it's alot cheaper. go to 4 wheel parts website and put in your truck and do a search on lockers available and then just start googling information and reviews on them.

 

Ya when I researched them I saw they were expensive but I would really like a selectable locker that way my on road driving won't be affected.

 

Get a winch. that way you can get stuck and it won't matter

 

Or level it and get some good 33" all terrains. Or both depending on your budget.

 

I had a 2wd 01 f150 screw a few years ago, it had about a 5in suspension lift with 33x12.50 nitto terra grapplers. My friends (with 4x4's) convinced me to bring my truck to the outer banks of nc and said I would be fine. I wasnt on the beach 2mins before I got stuck in some real soft sand. I was pulled out then got stuck again within another two mins, that time I got pulled all the way back to pavement and parked it. I was new to the sand and didnt air down, so that had an affect on it, but soft sand is difficult for a 4x4, let alone a 2wd. If the sand is packed your good, otherwise wider tires and a locker will help a lot, but still test your driving skills. Most beach drivers bring a shovel, tow strap, and a tire gauge, won't hurt to bring a traction aid like a 2x6 with bolt heads or even strips of carpet.

A quick note though, I now have a fx4 with a 6in lift and 35's. I've done the raptor 2wd locker mod. Last time I was down at the outer banks I tried driving around in 2wd with just the locker. The sand was really soft and I was able to get going, steering was difficult and it felt like I would be getting stuck eventually. Momentum is your friend, but wheel spin will cause you to dig in getting you stuck, so try not to stop unless you have to.

Good luck, have fun

 

Get some good A/T tires.

A limited slip will work wonders vs an open diff. Detroit Tru-Track would be something to look at.

Scout ahead and bring a shovel and tow rope.

 

i personally went with a 2 1/2 leveling kit, BFG A/T 285/17/xx (just because i dont remember)

i rarelly got stuck in cali but once i went back to texas well lets say i got stuck about 4 times in one day but i was out in soft sand with any other 4x4... my buddies were a lil suprised on how well she handled being a 4x2... plus remember your truck isnt a light truck either like a prerunner. oh look into 2 wheel drive prerunners they handle a lot better than most 4x4

well if you need any info on anything im on the same page as you

i own a 2006 F150 XLT Flareside 4x2 4.6L (not a light truck) and still handles great in about any terrains when i lower the tires(for on the road i keep my PSI at 45, on sand i go down to about 25PSI on rear and 30PSI on the front)

 

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