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What to do to 2wd to avoid getting stuck

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by bearrider, May 4, 2015.

  1. May 4, 2015 at 12:56 PM
    #1
    bearrider

    bearrider [OP] Active Member

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    Just bought my first truck about 6 months ago, a 2015 SR5, with the intention of just driving it on roads and hauling, no off road, mudding, etc. I knew even going into it that 4x4 was probably a better option, just in case, but I didn't think I could afford it. Now I've gotten stuck twice (once only slightly in mud, the other pretty deep in sand), and as much as I love this truck, I can't help but wish I got the 4x4 (even though I couldn't afford it). And at this point, it seems pretty inefficient/stupid to trade it in.
    Are there any mods I could make on my 2wd to help it handle the little bit of off road I might throw at it? I've seen discussions on better tires, locking differentials, and other things I don't understand, and am having trouble figuring it all out. I know it'll never be as good as a 4x4, but is there anything I can do to improve it a little? Thanks!
     
  2. May 4, 2015 at 1:05 PM
    #2
    ODNAREM

    ODNAREM MEMBER Of The Church Of @ODNAREM

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    I agree with Rock Lobster(Christian).
     
  3. May 4, 2015 at 1:12 PM
    #3
    monkeyface

    monkeyface Douchebag, or just douche if we're friends

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    Tire chains. Sand ladders/ramps.
     
  4. May 4, 2015 at 1:13 PM
    #4
    TacomaMike37

    TacomaMike37 Well-Known Member

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  5. May 4, 2015 at 1:14 PM
    #5
    MGMTacolover55

    MGMTacolover55 Well-Known Member

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    Buy a first gen tundra....
     
  6. May 4, 2015 at 1:23 PM
    #6
    T Fades

    T Fades Well-Known Member

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    Along the lines of better tires, it will help if you air down your tires when offroading. Gotta have a way to air them back up though once you hit pavement.

    You can also add some weight (like sandbags) in the bed.

    Another thing is how you drive offroad. Some conditions it is good to have momentum. Gotta be careful where/when you stop or slow.
     
    jogirob likes this.
  7. May 4, 2015 at 1:24 PM
    #7
    68vert

    68vert Well-Known Member

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    get a limited slip or locker for the rear. my 05 preunner had a mechanical limited slip and it was very capable. had the tires burried to the rim in soft sand once and after some back and forth was able to get out under its own power. 4X is preferred, but for your situation a traction device will be a great start. GL
     
  8. May 4, 2015 at 1:28 PM
    #8
    Sterdog

    Sterdog Offline

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    All great suggestions. I'd also mention that no matter what you do there's no way to get the sort of traction a 4WD has so be wary how much money you spend on mods. If it were me I'd just wait a few years and trade to something with 4WD.
     
  9. May 4, 2015 at 1:32 PM
    #9
    Boosted TRD

    Boosted TRD your what hurts!?!?!?

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    What he said, other than that, recovery gear, air down and keep your momentum up.
     
  10. May 4, 2015 at 3:49 PM
    #10
    MGMTacolover55

    MGMTacolover55 Well-Known Member

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    Had to say that since he seems to keep going on about the first gen tundra.
     
  11. May 4, 2015 at 3:53 PM
    #11
    VolcomTacoma

    VolcomTacoma Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]

    The only thing we can do as a 2WD
     
  12. May 4, 2015 at 3:59 PM
    #12
    Sterdog

    Sterdog Offline

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    Wear vinyl sneakers?
     
  13. May 4, 2015 at 4:01 PM
    #13
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    Lol pretty much.... or man up and buy a mans truck with 4x4....

    All joking aside, i find myself going, ok how far can i get without putting her in 4wd and sticking in 2wd, and im always impressed with how far i get (rear locked in 2wd does help ALOT) but there are many siutations that 2wd just simply wont get you through, or you will have to break things to do so... where in 4wd i can crawl through without a single tire slipping.
     
  14. May 4, 2015 at 4:03 PM
    #14
    VolcomTacoma

    VolcomTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Yea, you'd be surprised how many times I've followed a 4x4 and everyone's like "Dont go, you'll get stuck!" and then I turn my locker on and hop right through it. Suspension and especially tires help ALOT in most cases. Obviously some situations 2wd's are just screwed anyways...but I know better than to try those
     
  15. May 4, 2015 at 4:04 PM
    #15
    Sterdog

    Sterdog Offline

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    ^ We teach all of our summer students to try and use 2WD as much as possible to avoid getting stuck. Often you can get back out with 4WD if you use 2WD going into a mess. If you use 4WD going in then you are out of options when you get stuck.
     
    jogirob likes this.
  16. May 4, 2015 at 5:22 PM
    #16
    dm1215al

    dm1215al Well-Known Member

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    This is why I bought the 4x4.
    A truck is bad about getting stuck, I have taken mine in the sand, no problem.
     
  17. May 4, 2015 at 5:30 PM
    #17
    doyouevenprerun

    doyouevenprerun Well-Known Member

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    just got a simple lift on her
    if you get stuck going in with 4wd, you would also get stuck going in 2wd, and then switching to 4wd.......
    you have better chances hitting it in 4wd first because momentum is your friend. if you wait till your already stuck in 2wd, you will have no momentum.

    i 100% agree using 2wd as much as possible, as it will also make you a better driver while in 4wd.
     
  18. May 4, 2015 at 5:38 PM
    #18
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    If you can afford a 2015 you can afford a 4wd model a couple years older. I only say this because you have been stuck twice. If you are planning on keeping the truck for a while (or would if it had 4wd) trade it for a 4wd. Pay a little extra for a 2015 or trade for a 2013 4wd with someone who never uses the 4wd.

    #1 best option to get unstuck for cheap and without anyone's help, is to carry a set of good chains. I had a POS Chevy s10 2wd with an open rear diff and when I put the chains on it it would go places that full size 4wd's would not (in deep snow with ice anyway). Cheap safety item for your truck, requires no mods and you can use them on your next 4wd tacoma!

    Lots of other great suggestions; locker, winch, good tires, land anchor, traction ramps, etc but the price adds up pretty fast.
     
  19. May 4, 2015 at 5:49 PM
    #19
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    You have a car. The concept of a 2 wheel drive 'truck' was destroyed in WW II.

    Buy a truck, or if you feel that you can't make it with your car, don't go there.
     
  20. May 4, 2015 at 5:56 PM
    #20
    Pigpen

    Pigpen My truck is never clean

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    Wheel with friends. Get stuck. Pull each other out. Become better drivers this way. Your truck is fairly capable, learn what it can and can not do. Get good tires and don't be afraid to air them down to around 12psi. If you want to wheel a bunch, add an ARB locker and get a winch. You're currently way upside down on your loan, so don't go trade for a 4wd. Have fun with what you bought. You'll know to buy 4x4 net time.
     
    Jojee117 and wsurunner like this.

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