Building a 2WD off-road rig..recommendations?

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ThunderMug95

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Even still, if I were to build one, it wouldn't base the build off of a pig. I’d pick a truck that was wayyyyy lighter and nimble. Like an old Toyota. Just my opinion.
 

danielmid

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Could be fun
 

22hemi13

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Could be fun
My buddy had this kit on his 1500. Scoots!
 

Steele713

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Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts set at 2.1", can go up to 2.7" level in front. Have 285/85R18 ridge grapplers on it(almost 35"). Could be considered an off road "4x4", but she a 4x2. Have 3.92 years and locking diff.
 

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Doug Ram

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OP:
For mud, rock crawling and sand you need 4x4. Full stop.


There is nothing you can do that will allow a two wheel drive vehicle to drive itself out of a mud hole ON ITS OWN WHEN the 2 rear wheels are spinning. There won't always be something you can tie the winch to. And your friends, sick and tired of towing you out, are likely to leave your truck behind in disgust.
 

DILLIGAF

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In a mud hole 4WD dosent help either :headbang: You're just more stuck.

If your friends get tired of winching you out, you need new friends. :cool:

Op invest in a winch and good tires, You'd be surprised how far I get into trails in just 2wd.
 
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crazykid1994

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In a mud hole 4WD dosent help either :headbang: You're just more stuck.

If your friends get tired of winching you out, you need new friends. :cool:

Op invest in a winch and good tires, You'd be surprised how far I get into trails in just 2wd.
Amen to this. I hardly click into 4wd on muddy trails here unless I really feel nervous and even then it’s very few times I’ve needed it. Went up a muddy rock face in 2wd. Proper throttle input and a good lineup is all you need. Just remember that you’re not racing to get through the obstacle. Usually the soft sand is what kills it here and I have to click 4wd for that if I stop in it. If you don’t stop the momentum is usually enough to keep you on top of the soft sand in 2wd. To much throttle buries you in the sand though.
 

kurek

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Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts set at 2.1", can go up to 2.7" level in front. Have 285/85R18 ridge grapplers on it(almost 35"). Could be considered an off road "4x4", but she a 4x2. Have 3.92 years and locking diff.

Do 5th gen 2wd's use struts? OP's 4th gen does not use struts in front, that's a 4wd only thing. 2wd's are best lifted with a spacer, a spring or a spindle depending on lift height desired. The spacer "problem" that exists on 4wd 4th gens, doesn't exist on 2wd's because there is no strut to put the spacer on top of.
 

Steele713

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Do 5th gen 2wd's use struts? OP's 4th gen does not use struts in front, that's a 4wd only thing. 2wd's are best lifted with a spacer, a spring or a spindle depending on lift height desired. The spacer "problem" that exists on 4wd 4th gens, doesn't exist on 2wd's because there is no strut to put the spacer on top of.
You are correct, shock. In my opinion I dont like spacers that squeak and with a bigger spring still have to get a longer travel shock. Bilsteins are a great and cheaper alternative using factory coil...but that said, I cannot say how a spacer or coil feels or ride it gives.
 

Willie Mosher

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I think you look to build a prerunner .
Go fast on drity road,
1 tall long travel suspension.
2 some type limited slip axle
( I like Eaton true tractor )
3 big more bit tire, note the nice tire in world are usually if can’t put power on them. Back too #2.

If just do one thing I put in limit slip
 

Franks

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In a mud hole 4WD dosent help either :headbang: You're just more stuck.

If your friends get tired of winching you out, you need new friends. :cool:

Op invest in a winch and good tires, You'd be surprised how far I get into trails in just 2wd.
Correction: “ ONCE you’re stuck with 4wd, you’re just more stuck”. 4wd will double your chances of getting out if you only have an open rear and triple your chance with lockers.
We used to drive into holes in 2wd until we couldn’t. (2 wheel mayhem we called it. Rut the sh** out of the hole for the next guy) Once stuck we put it in 4 wheel and walk out. One trip out in South Jersey mud holes will make you want, at minimum, 4x4.
You could drive fast in 2wd off-road and have fun, but when you’re stuck, you’re stuck.
 

Doug Ram

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In a mud hole 4WD dosent help either :headbang: You're just more stuck.

If your friends get tired of winching you out, you need new friends. :cool:

Op invest in a winch and good tires, You'd be surprised how far I get into trails in just 2wd.
Your 4x4 truck may not be able to get out of a mud hole with the rear wheels in the mud, but mine can. I did not say all 4 wheels were in the mud. And frankly, I've been able to get my 4x4 out when all four wheels were in the mud.

If your truck gets stuck every time it hits mud, your good friends may get you out, but probably won't be willing to go with your truck a second time. I certainly wouldn't.

No, I would not be surprised how far you can get in a 2wd truck. But can you get out and back? See, I can get home too.
 

Doug Ram

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That one in your profile picture ?
Yep. That's the one. It likes snow too. Its fully stock except for the Michelin Defender mud and snow tires that replaced the originals. It tows a 6500 lb travel trailer all over the country much of the year, summer and winter. When we are home it's main job is to haul boats in and out of a lake. Lots of mud and sand on our steep slope community beach. For the worst mud and a 4,000 pound neighbor's boat, the tire pressure gets lowered to 10 pounds. 53,000 miles on it today.
 
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DILLIGAF

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You should be able to drive across there now without sinking to the axles,lol

Actually my buddy got stuck in a snow drift in that exact spot, same guy behind me in the pictures.

So he called me and I couldnt even get there since his Yota is lighter.
:Big Laugh::Big Laugh::Big Laugh::Big Laugh:

But this was earlier that day. He was jumping his truck for fun...

I love having crazy friends. You get random calls for recovery. :p and they also show up when you need them :favorites13:

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