2wd offroading?

I have a 2018 tundra sr5 crewmax 2wd would like to do some casual off roading like driving on a straight plain field etc. Maybe take it through the desert or is that only possible with a 4wd? What kind of mods would I need to be able to off road would a new suspension and nice shocks do the job sorry kind of a boob on this thanks

 

A rear locker would help a lot. Suspension upgrades, IMO, are always a benefit.

 

You should have no issues on a dry field even with the highway tires

 

Desert? Are you in NM, TX, AZ or CA? I've driven a stock 2WD TRD DC lots of places, off road, with no suspension or tire upgrades. Airing down the tires makes ALL the difference. I bought a cheap-ass compressor that plugs into the power invertor (cell phone charger) for airing back up afterward. (I carry MaxTrax, and have used them, and I added rock sliders to protect the frame and door rockers... and have increased my risk-taking since, relying on the sliders several times. ) And... I've been lucky enough to go with others every time; it's reassuring to know I'd get a hand with rescue if I need it.

FWIW, I've gone out with guys driving 4X4's more conservatively than I drive my 2WD . When I've gotten stuck, it was totally avoidable-- me testing boundaries, or not paying attention. And each time, rescue was done in short order.

Check out the SoCal Shennanigans Thread; there's links to pics and video of fun stuff we've done... me in a 2WD.

 

I have done quite a bit of 2x off-roading. Previous rigs had no 4 x 4. Most times by myself which is not that smart in general. What I learned was do not attempt anything that you don’t think you can get out of without help. Bring a shovel and blocks of wood for your Jack. I just had a limited slip and was very surprised what I can get through with it. Don’t be afraid to turn around. Believe it or not our trucks do pretty good with the nanny system. When the rear tire starts spinning, keep it spinning and the truck will do it’s job by using the brakes to put power to the other wheel. Definitely need to learn to use it properly. Now that I have 4 x 4 I still don’t attempt anything to sketchy unless I’m with a friend or two. Many times I don’t even use 4x until I need to. Not always possible but always look ahead for a way out. Sometimes you need to get creative. Also a good spotter. As much as I’d like to go down the path less traveled, I still tried to do my research before I go. Plan a route. Start with trails that are well known. Sometimes people will do reviews about the difficulties. This will help you get to know what your truck is capable of. I always bring my GPS and stop occasionally checking the forest routes.

I’m small time but I always try to have my truck full of fuel before I go to the trail head. bringing extra fuel is smarter. Try to be prepared for worst-case scenario. Bring tools, food and water. Even if it’s for what you think will be a small daytrip. I like to bring extra clothes and warm gear.

 

Yeah thanks for the tips I'm from CA and sometime just want to to take it through a straight desert field not looking to do trails or hit some hills or even some dips just want to know if my truck can go through the straight field at a good speed and not damage the suspension

 

Be smart. Go with other that have a 4x4 till you learn what you can get away with. Bring a tow rope. Winch, get a winch. There aren’t many things you can’t get yourself out of with a winch and block.

 

OK thanks will do

 

Most Class 1 Trophy Trucks are 2WD and they race 1k miles down in Baja. It's all about momentum and not getting yourself into something you don't know if you will get out of. Otherwise, send it!

 

Ive done fire roads up to Big Bear and passed a freaking Corolla lmao. He made it NP!

 

My 2wd Tacoma held up on most trails! Locking rear is a huge benefit!

 

Watch out for the SoCal BS thread. I heard they do meets/ trail runs all the time and a few members run 2wd. I know they wouldn’t put you through anything your uncomfortable with

They sound like a good group LOL

 

Yes, all of this. I didn't say above, but I carry a small air compressor (for airing up after dirt); front mounted shackles, a rear shackle hitch, rope, a shovel, a jack and full-size spare and tools to change a tire solo; MaxTrax; a small cooking set-up; medical 1st Aid supplies, handheld radios, at least one cell phone, a mirror, fold-into-pocket rain jackets and heat ponchos, and sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats for all vehicle occupants, water for 2 days, blankets and snacks just in case....

If you're going to try a field from which you can you can look back and see Civilization, you can probably skip some of this stay-alive stuff (except take water). BUT, if I planned to blast through a field, I'd walk it first. ** CAVEAT: I mean I'd walk it before blasting through it alone. When possible, I follow a distance behind some bad-ass truck with modified suspension and off-road tires, so I can see and adjust to what happens when they hit obstacles. At least if it isn't completely no-growth open ground you can see. I've been out enough to know you're right, stock suspension is not built to smack down into ditches and jump whoops.

 

I’ve heard @dragos28 wheeled the shit out of his 2xwhen he had it.

 

@Kh328 @Erichudgins @lunchbox

Maybe we can help with this

 

@Marty McFly I miss you, Homie!! I'm thinking we need to get an easy trail going for January. Something that won't exacerbate, er, um... temporary medical conditions. At which we may bestow gifts of kennel supplies upon you and "Jen", in anticipation of receipt of that new puppy.

Only derailing this thread, so the OP learns early to expect it. Look for this to come up again as future Shennanigans.

 

@Hattori I ALMOST tagged you in this lol Apparently all you REALLY need is a really heavy foot lol

 

And maybe I can join that run

 

works for me!

 

Yes you can!

 

Larry Enticer that joint!

 

I would start by deciding if I want a larger tire or not, tires make a big difference.

If no then buy a good set of tires, you would be surprised how capable your stock truck is with a nice set of tires.

If yes, determine what you need to fit those tires (aftermarket suspension parts or possibly wheels with different offset), then plan on getting those parts collected, then get tires.

Then look into a rear locker, a selectable one would be ideal.

 

I’m interested in a easy run. January is close to our puppy date. What’s the rules on off roading when your expecting a puppy? is too much bumps and vibrations bad LOL

@Rica25 bring the truck and come meet the crazies

@15whtrd you should come chill too homie. Bring the fam

 

The rule is, it has to be very comfortable for the puppy's mom. Maybe we could do Bee Canyon again? It's stock Tundra clearance 2WD friendly and I recall that was as "comfortable" a ride as we've done, from a passenger perspective... and ends in civilization, which would make it easy to give the puppy a shower. I absolutely loved the final stretch of our Big Bear best of anything we've done (smooth, winding dirt roads that you could drive 'up the sides' in the turns)... but it's a long way to go for many of us. And we've probably need to skip the first part of that last route (go in to start at that first campground maybe), for increased passenger comfort.

But maybe @Jennifer McFly and Mrs. @nishibot should weigh in, as experienced passengers on our SoCal runs.

 

Yup, you guys are the best #KNOWN that no one's met yet. We've been missing you!

 

Yes I have some nice after market tires all terrain they should get the job done

 

Yup, all that truck needs is dirt. And "more Gas!"

 

Lol yeah going to try it out seen nice fields up north near mojave

 

I think we have that covered between me and @Hattori

It it hard and dont stop lol