Advocate III
New member and new to overlanding. I have a 2WD truck (rear wheel drive) . What challenges did you have with a 2WD and what are some tips for a new overlander?
Thanks
Thanks
2WD Truck New to Overlanding - Challenges you have had?
- Thread starter AdventureGuy
- Start date
Influencer III
- 4,312
- First Name
- Rex
- Last Name
- Drake
- Member #
-
19540
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KI5GH
- Service Branch
- Air Force
the main thing is get out and enjoy yourself. There are lots of places you can go. I don’t let 2wd slow me down much. I’m not trying to go wheeling, but muddin and other stuff is part of my fun. Main thing is explore you and your vehicle‘s ability and go with it.
in the last two months I’ve done two overland trips in the hill country. Once with lots of mud. Both trips had a nice water crossing.
Influencer III
- 4,312
- First Name
- Rex
- Last Name
- Drake
- Member #
-
19540
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KI5GH
- Service Branch
- Air Force
are you going to try to meet in Round Rock Saturday? Several of the people on both of the trips I mentioned will be there. I’m planning to go also.
Advocate III
I’m in San Antonio. Are you linked in with the Roundrock group? I’d like to meet a few overlanders and maybe go on a trail ride.
Influencer III
- 4,312
- First Name
- Rex
- Last Name
- Drake
- Member #
-
19540
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KI5GH
- Service Branch
- Air Force
Pathfinder I
Depending on where you plan on exploring traction is usually the biggest hurdle with 2wd. Great tires and a rear locker will help immensely. In my area there are usually plenty of trees to winch off of so knowing what I know now I will always have a winch on my rigs. That being said, I like to push further than a lot of folks.
Having good articulation will help the rear tires stay in contact with the ground and enhance traction, espcially if you don't have a locker. Other than that, get out there and find your challenges and report back. :)
Having good articulation will help the rear tires stay in contact with the ground and enhance traction, espcially if you don't have a locker. Other than that, get out there and find your challenges and report back. :)
Member III
Welcome to the OB community. Like has already been said just get out there and enjoy yourself.
Another 2wd off roader here; gain enough experience and you'll follow behind your buddies that are throwing it in 4x4
Advocate III
Influencer I
Like @TahoePPV said we have done a few runs with great success. I am planning a Friday to Saturday camping trip at Sulphur Springs Camp. That Saturday we would go explore the back roads in the area. My Tacoma is 2WD and I've had hardly an issues off-road, just a mountain pass in Colorado with lots of snow stopped me last summer. Knowing your vehicle's limitations and driving smart is key.
I'm thinking Feb. 21-23 for the next trip but will get with everyone on availability.
Advocate III
Sounds like a good prep run for my trip to Alaska in Aug.
Influencer III
- 4,312
- First Name
- Rex
- Last Name
- Drake
- Member #
-
19540
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KI5GH
- Service Branch
- Air Force
A differential locker. There are a few flavors. Mine is an automatic centrifugal unit (GM option code G80), others can be electrical or air activated. What is your truck?
In the old days before the rocks cooled, there were limited slip differentials more commonly, a "posi".
Off-Road Ranger I
- 3,507
- First Name
- Mike
- Last Name
- Roots
- Member #
-
16968
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WSGB862
- Service Branch
- USAF
To follow up, many GM trucks/SUVs use an Eaton G80 rear locker. Under normal driving, it works like any other open differential, sending power to a single rear wheel. This prevents stress when going around corners where one wheel rotates faster than the other. When the differential detects a difference in speed between the two rear wheels (120 rpm), it uses centrifugal force to automatically engage and locks the rear axle to provide power to both wheels. You can have a G80 on either a 2wd or 4x4 vehicle.
Here is a good video that explains how it works.
Advocate III
I have a /019 Nissan Frontier. Is this a dealer mod or aftermarket? What is it’s purpose?
Off-Road Ranger I
- 3,507
- First Name
- Mike
- Last Name
- Roots
- Member #
-
16968
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS: WSGB862
- Service Branch
- USAF
I may be wrong, but I think the only Frontier you can get a rear locker on from factory is the Pro-4X. Thus, there is one made for it. You'd have to do some research to find out how much modding you'd need. I'm sure there is a Frontier forum where someone has done it.
Pathfinder I
Demonstration of lockers vs none.
ARB makes a rear locker for your truck.
www.clubfrontier.org
ARB makes a rear locker for your truck.
Diff Locker question
Influencer III
- 4,312
- First Name
- Rex
- Last Name
- Drake
- Member #
-
19540
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KI5GH
- Service Branch
- Air Force
The purpose is an aid in maintaining traction. As @Mrprotaganist mentioned above his rig is 2wd also. I don't know if he has a locker or not.
Advocate I
My WJ has a full-time 4wd transfer case (for now) so I can't say what it will or won't do in 2wd. My truck thought allows selecting 2wd and has done tons of "overland" miles off pavement in 2wd. You can get out and enjoy a lot, and with a good line and rear locker get further than I bet you think you can.
That said, if you Overland alone with any rig, but especially a 2wd I'd get a winch. At least with a 4wd you can run it in 2 and use 4 as a safety net, you won't have that luxury.
-TJ
That said, if you Overland alone with any rig, but especially a 2wd I'd get a winch. At least with a 4wd you can run it in 2 and use 4 as a safety net, you won't have that luxury.
-TJ
Pathfinder I
Advocate III
