How capable is a 2WD and Locker?

[Racnmasn5]

Hi, I'm looking at purchasing an X but I don't know which to get a 2WD and put a locker in it or just get 4WD. I do minor off roading like driving on beach and drving on firebreak roads nothing serious. What do you guys think?

Definitly not going to raise it or put on oversized offroad tires. BFG TA prob.

Racnmasn

 

[Exploderpilot]

well, 2wd with a locker will 99% of the time handle those situations, but i think 4wd is always an advantage. normally the 4wd trucks have a limited slip rear(experts correct me if i'm wrong there), and between that and the front wheel traction, you just can't beat it. my old bone stock 4wd 4 door took me in and out of so many places i had no business even trying to go, i became an explorer believer. they are amazingly capable trucks. but if given the option, i would just go for the 4x4.....

 

[sparkyXplorer]

A Locked 2WD truck can often go many places that a 4x4 does....But if you do beach driving, I would make sure it was a 4x4 for sure, even with those 2 rear wheels spinning equally on sand it won't match a non locked 4x4 IMO

 

[Ritsui]

If you're seriously questioning it now, I would say go with 4wd for several reasons:

1) For 'light' trail use, having power spread across the length of the truck will benefit handling (specifically in slippery conditions) more than having both wheels turning on one end. 4wd is also more or less effortless for the driver compared to a locker.

2) If you're not happy with 2wd, it will be substantially more difficult to convert to 4wd after the fact.

3) If you do "minor off-roading" now, you'll probably be doing more serious wheeling later


The benefits I can see to going 2wd and locker would be:
1) Much lower initial cost.
2) Better traction for extreme obstacles.
3) A few less parts to break down.


Unless money was an overriding factor, I would go 4wd.

 

[FROADER]

Get a 4wd and put a locker in the rear. That way you have both. A 4wd is 2wd until you push a button or pull a lever.

 

[Exploderpilot]

and froader comes through with the best idea all day. oh yeah, and some 37 inch tires.....haha

 

[Racnmasn5]

Excelent opinions! This board rocks. I'm looking at a V8 X but the automatic 4X4 has me alittle scared or discouraged. I've read you can transfer your transfercase but that doesn't sound like something I want to do. I highly think 4X4 Low is something very important to a 4X4 rig. But no 4X4 Low in an V8 automatic 4X4 system.


Racnmasn

 

[Tbars4]

...i am just waiting to see his new idea for a simple X evolve and grow, so i am registering to this thread...it always starts off as " i do minor offroading, mainly fire trails" then they find this board with all it's information and thats the last time they say that... the bug will bight you but good...

 

[MountaineerGreen]

What year V8? If its a second gen you are considering, there are t case options.

Go 4wd- if you do a little offroading now, you'll do more later and want 4x4.

 

[IZwack]

If your not getting stuck in those beaches and fire roads you mentioned, then there's no need for a locker or 4wd

 

[Racnmasn5]

Hey guys, got the big guns posting! Yea I'm looking to purchase an X 98-2001V8. Prices and aftermarket products are awesome! I like the Limited models. Yea and guys I know what you mean about the 4X4 FIX. However I am in a wheelchair and jacking up the vehicle is out of the question. As I said before the reason I'm buying an X is because of this site and aftermarket products and the prices are great for them too. Truth be told I'm a baja junkie thats usually my destination. I like driving on the beaches down there and camping. So thats my dilema.

This site is awesome! Always has been.

Racnmasn

 

[PrerunnerManiac]

Excelent opinions! This board rocks. I'm looking at a V8 X but the automatic 4X4 has me alittle scared or discouraged. I've read you can transfer your transfercase but that doesn't sound like something I want to do. I highly think 4X4 Low is something very important to a 4X4 rig. But no 4X4 Low in an V8 automatic 4X4 system.
Racnmasn

Yah that AWD system kept me away from V8 Explorers. I have a 4wd Ranger and my wife has a 97 2wd X.

You would do well on fire roads with the 2wd and a locker, but I would not hit the sand in 2wd without a ton of power.

 

[L4CX]

I would say get a 4WD. I had a 2WD S10 (sorry bout the chevy talk) and my friends and I are on the dunes up in Michigan alot. I went once and got stuck 13 times in a day and a half. I got my X this spring and our first trip up there I made it up "test Hill" with minimal effort and never got stuck....If you like baha I suppose you could go for the prerunner idea right? Personally, I would go with 4WD. It's alot more fun if you don't have to worry if your truck will make it up the next hill or not. Either way, Good luck.