off roading a 2x2
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off roading a 2x2
I have a 91 2 wheel drive Explorer and have a question for you. My Explorer is a 2nd car that does not get driving very much. raither than letting it sit all the time I was wanting to make it into a fun offroading weekend truck. My question is is this a smart thing to do being a 2 wheel drive. And if not is it hard to convert to a 4x4. I am not lookin at going crazy off road. Just looking to have a little weekend fun with my 8 year old son. All comments will be helpful
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
I've heard it said that a skilled driver in a 2WD can outdrive the average Joe in a 4WD. Key is to drive to your own skill level. The "buddy system" (two trucks) is a good idea, so you will almost always have a way home if you get stuck or break down. Recovery gear (winch, tow straps) can be useful if you might get in over your head. A locker in the rear will be sure you can always put power to both wheels (note that a stock 4WD with open differentials only spins 2 wheels when it's stuck).
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Well put mrshorty. Also get some decent off road tires mounted on another set of wheels. For general use an AT tire is OK, but a mud tire is better if you get them mounted on their own set of wheels. Some AT (all terain) tires are good enough to use on-road. I have used BFG AT with great success in both situations. Be prepared and don't go alone very far.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Phoenix
Mrshorty again with great wisdom. I remember my dad getting us through all kinds of mud and crap with the 1974 F150 360 motor 2 wheel drive truck...and then getting stuck on a little patch of snow, not yet melted away, in a lifted, stroked 400 small block 4WD blazer with open diffs. All a matter of experience.
But NO - do not waste your time trying to cnvert to a 4 WD system. Just go buy a 4WD one. FInd one with a blown motor and swap your 4.0 into it - much more cost and time effective.
But for sure if you are serious, ditch the 2WD and get a 4x4. So much more you can do and these are amazing vehicles with 4x4 low gearing!
But NO - do not waste your time trying to cnvert to a 4 WD system. Just go buy a 4WD one. FInd one with a blown motor and swap your 4.0 into it - much more cost and time effective.
But for sure if you are serious, ditch the 2WD and get a 4x4. So much more you can do and these are amazing vehicles with 4x4 low gearing!
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From: the beaches of florida
get one of these and youll be set http://www.morepowerpuller.com/index.asp especially sense its 2wd and you wont be doing too much, i think its almost overkill, but a winch would be way overkill and i think 4x4 for an occasional run through of a few muddy ruts isnt necessary. I think an 8 year old will have a blast either way. good luck hope this helps
Last edited by I6power; Nov 22, 2005 at 01:30 AM.
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From: Phoenix
But Jeff - go find someone with a 4x4 and see what it can do in low gear. It's not so much about crawling up a hill or over a boulder. That's fun but more about not having to worry can I make it through this to get where I want to go? Allows you to get away from the crowds to the back woods. Less disturbed nature is what your son will remember...what I remember from those trips with my dad.
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i used to have a 91 explorer 4x4 with 33's and i did most of my wheelin in 2wd, just get a locker and some m/t tires and youll be fine
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I have converted a chevy 350 transmission into a 4WD tran.. I took the transmission center saft to the machine shop and extended it to the point were I could fit a tale adapter, which now allows a transfercase to be installed. After it was installed I changed the front axle into a 4WD axle, and measured for a front shaft. So it is possible.
Last edited by Varelasmrtn; Nov 22, 2005 at 03:51 PM.
