new to offroading

[UnFocuzed]

How's it going im 19 and my parents just gave me our 1996 V8 5.0L Explorer XLT. I have always been interested in offroading and have taken my explorer tearing down some fireroad and backroads but nothing to grand. Is their any information i should know before i start into it with my explorer? I don't really have any money for tires but have the stock michelins that came with the car that were just replaced. Any beginner info would be much appreciated.

 

[ExplorerSportNu]

Welcome to the site Use the search feature in the upper right hand corner you can get more info then you can even imagine. Not quite sure what you mean by any info you should know before tearing into your x

 

[jimbo74]

to tell you the truth and im speaking from personal experience.. if you dont have the $ dont get into just beating the crap out of your cars... you wont be able to afford it..... 4wheeling is a lot of fun, but when you break things you cant afford to fix, you are basically stuck up a creek without a paddle

 

[95offroadx]

welcome!
since you have a 5.0 v8 you are very lucky, i wish i had a v8. anyway offroading do a 2" torison twist(Free) and add-a-leaf spring($50) and shackles ($50)there is a 2" lift and when you do get money you can then get bigger tires 31's or 32's, anyway offroading is fun once you get into it!

 

[UnFocuzed]

Thanks for the tips guys especially about the lift i've been wondering about it. I am not getting into hardcore offroading just now and then tearing down some backroads till i get some cash to help pay for another expensive hobby to add to my list.

 

[bmxking5]

Is your Explorer 2WD or AWD? If it is 2WD and you want to get into offroading, you should invest in some sort of locker. Welcome to the site

 

[tugnpull]

My best advice is for the knowing if the 4x4 is engauged or not. First get off the pavement in a muddy area if posible. 2nd kick in 4 hi 1st gear maybe second. 3rd Turn the wheel to the rigiht as far as possible. 4th stick your head out the driver side window for a clear view of the front tire and gas it! See of the wheel spins or not! hehehehe tug

 

[unclemeat]

The most important thing about wheeling is to hook up with other experienced wheelers. Ther are lots of places around that you can go and wheel and not break stuff. The outer banks of NC are a great place to go. All you have to do is air down the tires and you are good to go. In the mountains there is the George washington national forest. There are tons of gravel roads, great for beginnigers and stockers. As long as you know your limitations and you dont go crazy, you will be fine.

 

[jimbo74]

to me, tearing down some fireroads or back roads jsut seems crazy.. and thats when you will break stuff... be careful.....

"tearing down" and being a 19 year old male always wanting to go 4x4ing just seems liek a bad mindset..... if you do it responsibly, then more power to you... but if you have the idea you are invincible, then you are screwed! trust me, i know.. been there, done that....

 

[Mbrooks420]

My best advice is for the knowing if the 4x4 is engauged or not. First get off the pavement in a muddy area if posible. 2nd kick in 4 hi 1st gear maybe second. 3rd Turn the wheel to the rigiht as far as possible. 4th stick your head out the driver side window for a clear view of the front tire and gas it! See of the wheel spins or not! hehehehe tug

You should be able to feel through the steering wheel if you are in 4wd, or not. Which doesn't matter in his case because he doesn't have a 4wd system. I think fire roads, and no maintenence roads can be a great start. I'd keep a cheap come-a-long, some chains(or prefferably a strap), a shovel, and a small axe. I'd also bring some supplies for if something happened and I had to hike out. I'd also try to not go alone. I wouldn't go even once without supplies. If you do, that's when you will need them. Ideally another truck should be with you, but I frequently go it alone. I have a full load of gear at all times, and I am ready for a walk out.