Hidden winch possibilities/got trapped in the snow for a day

There are semi-cheap lift kits at about 3 inches, is that bad for the trucks drive system though?

 

Define 'bad'? Any lift will wear the driveline and suspension more than stock. 'More' doesn't always mean bad. I've heard people say for instance that it means your CV axles only last for 30,000 miles instead of 60,000, but that may mean nothing to you depending on how you use your truck.

 

I actually like the look of the 3rd gens. If I want good mileage, I'll drive The Woman's Corolla. That said, I'm excited to see what Toyota comes up with. The idea of a hybrid has me interested. If the price isn't obscene, I may consider one. However with a new TRD Offroad crew max hovering in the $50K - $55K range here, I just don't seen it happening. My bet is the hybrid will end up being in the top trim levles, pushing the price in to the mid $60K range. I'll end up buying a used 3rd gen when current owners upgrade.

 

Yeaaaaa but where's the fun in that lol

 

For snow driving, if I could only have a shovel and traction boards, or a winch, I'd take the former.

 

Like idk I do mild trails just want the truck to be a bit taller everything is original with no leaks on my truck. I’m more worried about my rear end and it’s not in 4x4 a ton.
My cv axles are 20 years old with almost 200k miles on them so…

 

I’d start with better tires.

 

That’s actually perfect.

 

I think they make bigger ones. I'd go with something like 4 ton at least. That way maybe you don't break it. Seems a bit more risky since you are next to the cable the whole time.
Must always remember that you are the softest thing in the forest or desert or whatever.

 

There actually like less than a year old just not good for snow.

 

Yeah but it would beat spending a day in a truck.

 

Not getting sawed in half when trying to pull a 2 ton plus truck out of the snow with a 2 ton chinesium come along. If we assume chinesium products are rated high, then it's safe to get something rated for more than you need.

 

What I was honestly looking at not long ago. Less than $20 more than the 2 ton.

 

Yeah, if I ever need a land whale I'll just go for a 3/4 ton or more but I don't see that happening.

 

Yeah they’re not the best.

 

Any reason these could not be used with nylon "cable" and soft straps to make using it significantly safer?

 

A good question. I have no answer, but it sounds like a decent idea.

 

Not arguing here, but they work pretty well on my truck when its in snow. Also, they work good in sand. Want a full time snow tire? Buy an extra set dedicated to such.

I don’t full time drive in both snow/sand, so a nice street tire works well and this one can cross over into snow/sand. Assuming snow driving is infrequent these tires are great. Most people switch tires over every season in heavy snow areas.

I like your comment about forgetting the winch. Not sure how often 2000strong makes his ‘15 hour Little honey’ detours but if I was looking to solve this ‘problem’ again I’d do these items people mentioned above. Before the list, I’d say the best way to prevent problems is NOT to get stuck by driving smart with situational awareness. Little Honey might have been making things blurry going up the trail?

1) Tire Chains and yes, know how to use/install/fix them. Modular and light enough to stow away. Converts crap tires into snow eating machines. Saves from new tire purchase.

2) Those super cool traction boards that are so cool. Light!

3) That come-along seems smart just in case. Usually by the time that is needed you’ve made many bad preventable mistakes. Same thing with a winch. Winches look cool, but like you said. Plus that weight and strain cantilevered off the front end.

4) Someone else with 4x4 in calling range?

 

Agreed. I think the ltxs do pretty well in the snow. They aren’t a snow tire, but they’re better than the average AT tire. With that said I haven’t had at3s as suggested above.

If I were going to upgrade tires for snow travel, I would get a snow tire. If not, spend less than one tire on a set of chains for the rears.

Anybody stock run chains on the front? I know the manual says not to.

 

I ONLY run chains on the front, thats where you need them the most.

 

Here

 

It's usually smart to beef up or put on a heaver front end suspension when a winch is permanently installed.
Ya know, when buying a new trk and knowing your going to permanently attach a winch, you normally upgrade to a heavier duty front spring set up.
Same goes for used vehicles to avoid replacing front end suspension parts prematurely all the time.

I know some here can suggest replacement part mfgs that fit the heavier suspension ticket for success. Or you can use the front to rear end receiver winch mount. Or just get a hard pulling electric one that will attach in between a tree, or whatever, and your trks frnt towing hook or rear receiver. Key is, you want a bad ass winch to get you out of your mess!!! Costly, but well beyond worth it when your just ...... and can't even walk out. Especially if dumb enough to have others with you that depend on you for survival...To die alone is better.

Those come-a-longs just suck big time anywhere your at. I wouldn't leave home w/o a 5 gal gas can, or more, and a beyond heavy duty pulling winch that WILL get you un stuck during your crazy Lewis and Clark expeditions.

 

Lol, glad you didn't die and smiled all the way through it. I loved it! Where did you get that small lit up Christmas reef that's on the front of your trk?? That was great too!! Christmas tree hunting good in those parts? Remember, don't leave home w/o an authorized real deal snow jack!

 

I actually got it at the dollar store and the lights were 8$ from Home Depot.

 

Also my friend got me a 3 inch front and two inch rear lift via spacers but I don’t wanna ruin my truck and people are warning me it’s going to ride awful is it worth installing, are there other risks I should consider?

 

When I run chains I do all four.


There hard to see but they’re there.

 

All fours is great of course if you have them and want to spend the time to put them on. But if you are going to do two, I think the front two are the best way to go

Personally, I would be a little wary of using lightweight chains like those though. I've snapped mine before on the tundra and mine are probably twice the thickness of yours.

 

My chains are pretty easy to put on long as I’m not already stuck.

 

No spacers, that's the cheesy lift. You'll save money on that and end up spending on worn out suspension parts and have a crappy ride when your suspension cycles.

Leave the back alone, theres no need to mess with it. Lift the front a bit with bilstein 5100s, or of you want a winch save for a while and get a set of Toytec or Camburg or something with an option for 700lbs coils.

 

Ok, I’ll look into the bilstein 5100s I don’t wanna cut my bumper up so I’ll probably go the front hitch route. Also how would just shocks lift it? Do I need new shocks and springs?