New to the forum, anyone had experience doing light off-road on a 2WD V6?

[BeepBoop]

I have a ‘99 X, I wanna do some light mods for off-road and camping. I have 2WD which I know is not ideal for off-road. But what are some basic things I can do to help with off-road performance?

 

[RangerX]

A strong limited slip would be the biggest bang. Try Auburn Gear or Trutrac.
Second would be some all terrain tires.

 

[BeepBoop]

Hey thanks for the reply.
I'm a total noob, I have heard of this, but could you give ma basic idea of how that would effect my offroad performance?
Also, is that a job I could do myself, I like working on stuff myself so I can learn about the car.

 

[DemonMudder]

Honestly a good set of tires would definitely help a lot, and knowing how to drive in mud. My older brother used to have a 2WD chevy blazer, think it was a '97, but he used to mud that sucker through mud puddles that others would probably get stuck in. Dude even used stock tires at stock height, just knows how to drive. I myself have a '99 Xploder 4WD and do the same, technically its an auto 4WD thanks to ford but I've never had to physically engage it. I am looking at tires for that exact reason though, looking at some 32" Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires, pretty good reviews, especially for mud, rain, and just grip and wear in general(rains so much here...). So I agree, I'd start with some nice A/T tires, work on some other things like the limited slip. I'd also look at lifting it a bit for some ground clearance, I will gladly provide links and advice to help there, researching all that for mine as well! Honestly ya can offroad like ya are (not a fantastic idea at stock but it's too fun not too), just get a winch in case ya get stuck though lol

 

[Mr. Alligator]

In my experience, the more off road capable you are, the deeper you get stuck… and you break more expensive things. Off-roading is really fun, though. Start with what you have, and see how much you really want to commit to it. And go from there. Stay safe.

Good luck.

 

[GJarrett]

Beyond a limited slip, a locker would be even better. Powertrax makes a great locker for your rear axle (Powertrax No-Slip) that is still very "streetable". A Torsen would be another good option for maximum traction.

 

[Blown]

I agree with what's here already.

Stick to mild trails first to see what it will do. There is quite a lot you can get to and get out there with 2wd. I started camping out of a Honda Civic, upgraded to a Chevy Luv 2wd, and then skiing/wanting to go farther out and more difficult trails led to an Isuzu P-up 4x4, 1991 X, Jeep Comanche and finally a fullsize Bronco. I went too far, built a rock crawler out of the Bronco and lost the fun of getting away and out by taking hours to clamber through very difficult trails nobody wanted to be a passenger through and did they not have the beauty of other places..................I dig my AWD X and where it will take me now. It is not as capable as a 4WD in low range, but I get out and where I want.

I had no electric winch for years, but a good shovel, tow straps, recovery points, a come along hand winch and HiLift jack which can also be used as a hand winch.

 

[traveler]

One nice thing about the 2WD is it is easy to get a good lift, from there you get good all terrains, a locker, and learn how to drive off road. You'll be good to go. Of course, if you get tires that are too big you'll want to change gear ratios and from there..... its a never ending process. LoL

 

[BKennedy]

I have been modifying my Explorer since 1995, and its a pretty good rock crawler now, but still goes down the highway at 65 and can do everything in between. I think the most fun I have had with it is when the trails into wherever we are going are difficult because that means less people when you get there.

As far as off-roading a 2wd. People have been doing that since the Model A. You just have to know your limitations and stay within that type of trail. Good tires and a rear locker or limited slip will get you a long way, but when you get stuck, you are stuck. You don't have the option of engaging the front axle to pull you out.

You might just want to start saving your money to do a solid axle swap and make it into a real 4x4

 

[Blown]

I have been modifying my Explorer since 1995, and its a pretty good rock crawler now, but still goes down the highway at 65 and can do everything in between. I think the most fun I have had with it is when the trails into wherever we are going are difficult because that means less people when you get there.

As far as off-roading a 2wd. People have been doing that since the Model A. You just have to know your limitations and stay within that type of trail. Good tires and a rear locker or limited slip will get you a long way, but when you get stuck, you are stuck. You don't have the option of engaging the front axle to pull you out.

You might just want to start saving your money to do a solid axle swap and make it into a real 4x4

Oh, I think you jest, but I don't buy that the solid axle swap is what makes it a real 4X4.

It depends on what you want to do with it. I very much enjoyed pushing my TTB Bronco with 16" of travel through big whoopdy bumps, sand, cinders, and desert fast! No way would a solid axle do what it could as far as going fast and tracking through rough terrain. Now when it gets to rough rock type crawling trails, the solid front axle has the advantage because of forced articulation. I enjoyed the TTB front living in Arizona. When I moved to Colorado and all the rock trails here, I recognized the benefit of a solid front axle. I swapped-in a Dana 44 high pinion, broke the ARB and then built and swapped-in a custom housing, True High Pinion Ford 9" with 35 spline axles, 8 lug 1 ton outers with ARB. I had 40" tires with an Atlas II as a doubler with one ton drive shafts and ARB locked Sterling in the Rear.......................................way built for crawlin', didn't break after that, but got tired of helping, waiting on those that did break in crappy rocky canyons, and found out after a while it was not for me.

It went from a stock bronco to this:

To this:

To this:

Then I parted it all out.

I say build for what you enjoy to run and have fun!

 

[BKennedy]

Not jesting at all. I don't want to get into a debate about solid vs TTB, since the OP has neither. That subject has been beat to death on this and other forums. Its about personal preferences, fabrication skills and finances. My Explorer never did everything I ask of it as well as it does now that it has a solid front axle.

 

[BeepBoop]

Thank you all for the responses. I guess the best thing to do is just go for it! My current plan is to replace my front end suspension (new ball joins, uppers and tie rods.) and do the classic TT and Shackle lift. And I’m gonna get some 31” wildpeaks and I’ll see where that gets me on the dirt!
Thanks for your input. This has been helpful.

 

[EB4X]

Did any of the 2wd's come with LS? Check your door sticker and see if under AXLE CODE the number is prefaced with an L or a D ...if so you already have Limited Slip...
Assuming / hoping you have a rear hitch, you'll want to get one of these for starters for if / when you do get stuck someone there can pull you out:
>>> Recovery hook link

In all off-roading ....when in doubt ...punch it...

 

[Blown]

Good, it may already have a limited slip diff, but with many miles on it, the limited slip may not be that effective anymore. They can be rebuilt.

I wasted money on a receiver hitch hook like the one posted and then found that one can easily put a recovery strap in the receiver hitch and put a hitch pin through it for a safe solid recovery.

Here is my go fast Arizona Bronco, just to show my experience and yes I built and/or installed most all my stuff.

 

[J_C]

It really depends on where you want to travel. If it's a campground on a dry trail, you may not need to do anything to get there and back with 2WD & street tires. I once worked as a park ranger and went all kinds of places where there were no trails, with a RWD pickup truck and *nearly* street tread tires... and the area was more hilly than flat too, though minimal boulders and no mountains. I did get stuck once, but was within radio reception distance (didn't have cell phones back then) so could call in for assistance which is key to me, whether you are within range to contact someone or are not traveling alone.

I would not do any kind of offroading mods to a 2WD Explorer except replace the tires when what you have are worn down, and if your offroading is in mud or needs all the ground clearance you can get, then also increased tire size and a lift to make them fit.

Otherwise, (besides covid era pricing) the vehicle is not worth much in book value but similarly, there shouldn't be much difference in cost to sell it and get a 4WD version to replace it. It would make more sense to do this before, instead of after pouring money into anything other than mandatory repairs.

 

[ninefourexploder]

I have a ‘99 X, I wanna do some light mods for off-road and camping. I have 2WD which I know is not ideal for off-road. But what are some basic things I can do to help with off-road performance?

Bring a friend and a tow strap. Lol

 

[EB4X]

This guys not too far from you.... I messaged him to see which engine / VIN etc and waiting for second response once he returns home....maybe get his and once all registered sell yours to recoup the money.... assuming of course his engine and trans are still solid... will post back his feedback when received... If it has the OHV and no major issues (which he claims it doesn't by his 7/10 mechanically) it would BE A SCORE at $1,600 with only 144K on it....... the OHV's will easily hit 300K if not overheated.
HERE >> Buy & Sell Locally - OfferUp - Buy. Sell. Simple.

 

[EB4X]

/\ Unfortunately it's the SOHC but properly maintained many make it to 250k before the timing chain issues arise...and the extra 60 hp over the ohv surely is nice.
The guy stated his mother was driving it but due to her age cannot any longer, so that's good in one respect it wasn't driven hard during that time.

 

[BeepBoop]

/\ Unfortunately it's the SOHC but properly maintained many make it to 250k before the timing chain issues arise...and the extra 60 hp over the ohv surely is nice.
The guy stated his mother was driving it but due to her age cannot any longer, so that's good in one respect it wasn't driven hard during that time.

Oh yeah thanks for the tip. I actually will probably be keeping mine for a while as I just replaced the engine last year. So still has plenty of life in it! It’s the SOHC V6

 

[Jsck5466]

I have a ‘99 X, I wanna do some light mods for off-road and camping. I have 2WD which I know is not ideal for off-road. But what are some basic things I can do to help with off-road performance?

hello I live in the southern california desert been here .all my life and i have owned 2x's and i must agree not ideal from the off road . You must get a 4x4 down the roa . For now skip the performance mods except the aftermarket shocks "a must" and "tires" #1...with the right set you can go a lot of places without 4x4.., Get the bigger tube shocks like pro comps or biltstien.. dint go crazy and buy fox other the other full race shocks .. tires BF Goodrich ko3's.. there pricey .. lastly roll out track or two loading ramos that you can lay down when you getstuck and you will also carry a roll of heavy duty trash bags .. i make sand bags here the "walk my truck over and out"ps i own a Aussie lift Jack also there way cool they pump exhaust into a big Bean bag to raise my ride 4 tons or more .. !! there's my 2cents of wisdom for you good luck this old as about seen the last of those days