2wd through Alpine loop?!?

Sooo I’m looking to do Imogene pass and the Alpine loop in CO and I’d like to see if anyone has done it in a 2wd truck? Any help would be appreciated? Also before you comment “should have bought a 4x4” I’m already aware of this no need to whip a dead horse!

 

I’ve done it in a full-time 4wd (Land Cruiser 80) and felt like I needed 4wd. There’s also enough traffic so you can’t always pick where to stop.

 

Depending on which way you’re doing Imogene you *might* be ok. Coming from Ouray there is one really slick climb when you get almost to the top that might cause you problems. If you’re coming from Telluride then you would be descending it. Honestly “can it make it” and “will I enjoy it” are two different things. I did it in a 4 door JK on 35’s and found it enjoyable and somewhat challenging in a couple areas.

Alpine loop you can do in 2wd as long as you’re comfortable/experienced driving off road. It’s absolutely stunning and something I feel like you’d enjoy even in a 2WD. I saw suburbans and other family vehicles on the alpine loop with what I would guess were relatively inexperienced off-road drivers.

 

Lack of low range gearing at 13k' would be my main concern, and there are some slightly more technical sections where traction would be an issue.

I wouldn't reccomend Imogene, but you should be fine Cinnamon and Engineer.

 

Was just checking this out, spectacular route for scenery. https://expeditionportal.com/overland-routes-alpine-loop/

 

Well I was planning on starting in Telluride so that good at least I guess. Another guy here in Dallas has done both but said Engineer pass would probably be the only one I had a problem with, as I know the trail is always changing. Im gonna try and post the Gaia map for reference let me know I its not accessible.


https://www.gaiagps.com/public/fa8AG09lTxcOqseEQ5pCa1z5

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

 

If it helps I do have a 4" lift and 285s lol

 

I know you said not to, but I'm going to anyway:

You need a 4x4 if these are the kinds of trails you are interested in. 2wds are cool for mobbing the desert at high speed, or mall crawling. Here are a few reasons:

A 4x4 with stock tires in all likelihood has more traction than a 2wd with big fat knobby tires... A 2wd puts ALL the power (even if you have a locker) to where you have the least amount of traction, and pushes the front end. A 4x4 pulls more than it pushes, and that pulling is from the heavier end with more traction. I've seen some guys pull some pretty hairy trails in front wheel drive (broken rear driveline).

Some have said that going down is easier (especially for a 2wd) because you have gravity on your side, and that is true - sorta... The problem is, well, gravity... In a 2wd, you will be riding your brakes the entire time, and your brakes will eventually catch fire and fail. 4x4's give you low range, so you don't have to ride your brakes.

If you have a PreRunner, I'd consider a 4x4 swap if you just can't find a 4x4 (I'd imagine that's why you ended up with a 2wd?). The parts are relatively easy to come buy in a junk yard, and there isn't *really* all that much modification, since the prerunners are essentially just 4x4s without the front diff and t-case (identical suspension, etc...). There are lots of threads here where people have done it. I'm sure there's a fellow TW member out there who'd work for beer and help you out.

 

You never know til you try!!!

 

Did he make it? Is he still alive? What happened?

 

I wouldn't start engineer from 550 with 2wd and no low range.

 

Well, he's still active, so he either didn't do it or survived.