I want to learn!

[92exploder4dr]

So I posted this in the new members forum but I suspect a lot of people that might have the answer(s) for me rarely if ever check that forum, hence I decided to post it here.

New guy here from Colorado. There are so many trails around me, I'm ready to start learning so I can hit them! I own a 1992 explorer 4dr XLT and as money permits this summer I am going to do a budget build on it. Vehicle before this was a 1991 Toyota pickup, finally died at 323k miles (R.I.P.). I really do miss my yota but I'm ready to give an american vehicle a chance. I never got around to modding my yota, though it did pretty good stock (IFS, 31" tires) on the one "off-road" trail I did take it camping.

What is a good way to learn to drive competently off road? Are there any instructional DVD's I could watch? Do I find somebody in my area and ride with them? Do I find somebody to ride shotgun and give me pointers while I drive? Could I start this learning process while stock (including stock tire size, axle code indicates 3.73 gearing w/limited slip), or do I wait until I have a few upgrades under it's belt?

Thanks!

 

[Currency]

I cannot answer all of your questions, but I own a 94 XLT which is still in stock form. I have taken it off road several times but know it has limits. So far I have yet to reach those limits in mud holes but have on steep hills.

Nothing like warming up your transmission while trying to go up a hill but end up sliding back down in the process.

I have 3.27L/S and it works wonders for being stock.

 

[safn1949]

As my signature states I took my completely stock 94 over Elephant Hill in Moab so the will go thru some crazy stuff,stay away from deep mud and water. The big thing is don't listen to the inevitable knucklehead who will tell you "go for it dude",WTF does he care he doesn't have a dime invested and will laugh his ass off when you ruin your ride.

Slow and easy,light on the skinny pedal.

 

[rhauf]

Start out with the easy stuff. and just learn as you go, do what you feel comfortable with and don't let people talk you into stupid stuff.

i used to hit muddy roads and hill climbs like crazy when i started 4x4ing, then i "graduated" to the more technical stuff (not that hill climbs and mud aren't awesome still!!)

once you get stuck a few times, brake a few things, and so-on you will probably have some skill built up and know what to do (and not to do)

of course, watch what other people do and learn from their mistakes too.

there are no instructional dvd's for this sort of thing.. if you do find one, it will just have a bunch of lame content directed towards soccer moms who want to take the kids camping or whatever.

upgrades are definitely not required to go wheelin' and have fun. stock tire size is fine. the first upgrade i would recommend for you is a rear locker. but you don't "need" it to have fun.. it will just help you get places you couldn't otherwise.