Fairbanks coming soon

Ok so due to military I'm heading to fairbanks soon, curious how my 2wd 2nd gen taco will hold up. I have just bought it about 6 months ago and cant afford to trade for 4x4. I have new tires and about a 3' lift, running mobil 1 oil and yellow top batt. will I need a block heater or will it be ok with the syn oil? any mods that will help or advice other than buy a 4x4 because its not an option for me right now?

Thanks and ill see everyone soon

 

Definitely gonna want a block heater. And a battery blanket. And an auto start.

2wd is doable but you're definitely gonna be in the minority. 95% of trucks here are 4wd. Studded tires and a few 60lb sand bags should help though.

 

And make sure to run a decent oil filter. A buddy of mine has the seal on his filter blow out in -30 weather

 

Awesome thank you, hopefully I can afford all that because the military didn't give me a very good notice

 

You should have some time before you really need the block heater and battery blanket but it's definitely dropping below freezing overnight and in the mornings there already.

 

Already is in anchorage

 

Hate to say it but that was a toyota filter

 

I'm up in Fairbanks and just went through the fairbanks winter prep work this fall. This is my first winter here, I'm from Anchorage. Let me know if you need any help.

 

What all have you done to get ready?

 

Royal purple has the highest pressure rating of any oil filters.

 

I bought my truck from fairbanks, previous owner put in battery blanket, oil pan heater, block heater and ran synthetic oil. Also a auto start wouldn't hurt either

 

Ive done quite a bit. Things I'd say are must haves are a block heater, oil pan heater, synthetic oil and a good battery. I also have a battery blanket/heater, battery trickle charger (don't drive much), auto start, trans pan heater (automatic), big 3 electrical upgrade to help with starting, and good lights like lightforces or an LED bar. Not sure about the need for studs. I'm trying a winter without them and running duratracs. I also keep an emergency kit in the car with tons of winter gear, tools etc. Oh, also for plugging in I recommend getting an extension cord with the lighted end so you always know youre getting power when you plug in.

 

Don't bother with a battery blanket/pad. That just masks a issue with the battery, or charging system. A properly charged battered will not freeze up.

 

It may be true that a charged battery wont freeze but thats not really the point of the battery heater. A warm battery has more power to offer than a cold one.

 

I have the base 5 lugger and I'm in fairbanks. I've been running a trickle charger for my battery. make sure you have the largest heating pads to warm as much of your fluids for your engine and transmission. Make sure you have good winter tires. I run BFG a/t's all year round and the only thing I do to help give me traction is riding around with my snow mobile in the bed. I also recommend having some offroad lights for when you are on the highway late at night. I've had my fair share of close calls with moose during winter.

 

and if ya get stuck, you always have the snowmobile to get to help

 

funny thing you mentioned that. i've had to do that once already. friggin freezing rain got me on a back road. had to ride about three miles just to get phone signal to call for help. crappiest day ever

 

U in fairbanks yet?

 

Yes sir, been here since nov. I drive the silver dc on eielson with xd wheels lifted a little