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2WD 4CYL in snow? Really need help. Tacoma SR

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by Breno805, Nov 19, 2022.

  1. Nov 21, 2022 at 4:30 AM
    #21
    Sep1911

    Sep1911 Well-Known Member

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    I want to be the devils advocate here and say do a 4x4 conversion.

    You’ll need:
    FJ cruiser J shifter transfer case
    FJ front axle assembly without ADD
    Front 4x4 hubs
    Cv joints
    Front drive shaft
    4x4 Tacoma rear drive shaft

    On the plus side it will be purely mechanical/old school and you can skip all the electronics BS. Long term it will be more reliable than the electronic system all ours Tacomas come with.

    if your 2016 is a 5 spd manual the FJ transfer case will bolt up. If it’s an auto you’ll have to modify it by putting in a automatic input gear. This part might be the most difficult part, but atleast you can do it on your free time until it’s done and then the rest will be bolt on. You’ll also need to do some cutting to fit the shifter. Also you have the option of converting it to twin stick(hi/lo being separate from 2wd/4wd)

    If you do decide to switch trucks don’t do it in Colorado. Tacomas out there go for a pretty penny.


    But to actually answer your question it would be worth it to get an actual LSD for the rear end. Get good tires and have chains on hand. I’d saw the shell on the back should provide enough weight.
     
  2. Nov 21, 2022 at 7:05 AM
    #22
    FloTaco

    FloTaco Well-Known Member

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    That front diff would also have to be re geared to match his rear. This is not a cheap or easy conversion. The cost would be the delta between just buying a 4wd truck.
     
  3. Nov 21, 2022 at 9:03 AM
    #23
    Sep1911

    Sep1911 Well-Known Member

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    G
    good point. Totally forgot about that
     
  4. Nov 21, 2022 at 9:30 AM
    #24
    CraigF

    CraigF Well-Known Member

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    none yet
    side suggestion, get your truck undercoated with a non-rubber undercoating
    search for: Fluid Film, Wool Wax, Cosmoline threads
     
  5. Nov 22, 2022 at 11:49 PM
    #25
    Breno805

    Breno805 [OP] Member

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    Does that stay on there forever?
     
  6. Nov 23, 2022 at 6:09 AM
    #26
    CraigF

    CraigF Well-Known Member

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    first 2 are yearly treatments
    the third can go years between applications but always best to check annually before the salt/brine starts going down, especially in the high splash zones
     
  7. Nov 27, 2022 at 10:30 AM
    #27
    Zerksees

    Zerksees Well-Known Member

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    Weight in the bed, Blizzaks on the road, Surface Shield is also a great spray-on protectant.
     
  8. Nov 27, 2022 at 10:54 AM
    #28
    Hercanstein

    Hercanstein Well-Known Member

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    ^^^^^
    This.
    I drove in Alaska (Kenai '85 to '89, Anchorage '91 to '01) and all my vehicles were 2wd. A little Ford Courier was my first, some Corollas, a Citation and a Bug.
    I would recommend a set of studded winter tires for wintertime. That saying "Slow and easy wins the race" should be at the forefront of your mind when driving in slick conditions. Always give yourself at least double the distance of what you think you need to stop. The sandbags are a superb idea, that way you have some to throw under the tire for traction in addition to the benefit of added weight. Chains or cables work well, but can be a pain to mount on your tires correctly. If you stick to maintained roads, I think you should be o.k. with 2wd.

    That said, I have owned nothing but 4wd vehicles, except for the old VW van I bought when I first arrived in Oregon in '01 (it did EXCELLENT in the snow by the way), not because 4wd is needed but because 4wd is FUN!
     
  9. Nov 27, 2022 at 10:58 AM
    #29
    SH10151

    SH10151 Farang

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    My buddy drove a RWD Titan for 10 years with snow tires and some Quikcrete bags in the back. And he lives in Monument. Hills might be a bitch in some places.
     
  10. Nov 27, 2022 at 7:41 PM
    #30
    Quien es?

    Quien es? Well-Known Member

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    In addition to all the other comments, having lived in Colorado Springs for 5 years, and with only two 2-wheel drive vehicles (minivan, 1/2 ton pickup):

    1) Colorado Springs (proper) is good about prepping the roads and removing snow.

    2) Stay away from Monument Hill (I-25 towards Denver) when it snows- knuckleheads abound.

    3) Yes, going up some hills may be a pain, but it is generally doable.

    4) an earlier post mentioned COTRIP website, I highly recommend the same.

    5) IMO: @Hercanstein says it best above—- you don’t NEED 4wd, but it is FUN to have it. If your budget doesn’t allow for it, you’ll be fine.
     
    Zerksees likes this.
  11. Nov 29, 2022 at 5:10 PM
    #31
    Tacoyeeyee

    Tacoyeeyee Member

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  12. Nov 29, 2022 at 5:18 PM
    #32
    Breno805

    Breno805 [OP] Member

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    Thanks for sharing but what’s your point? Not being rude thanks
     
  13. Nov 29, 2022 at 6:20 PM
    #33
    Tacoyeeyee

    Tacoyeeyee Member

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    Coming from California I thought road conditions would be of interest in your decision.
    I don’t know your experience with the conditions you’ll find there and thought it would be helpful to see and read about it. If you plan on heading into the high country I’d go 4x4 if not a bit of weight in a 2wd is fine. The main danger in my past has been other drivers. Colorado is a high tourism state and a lot of Texans and Okies are skiing in the winter/heading for cooler air in the summer. I lived in Security previously (next door to C.Springs) and usually go through there on my way up north in the summer. The traffic conditions have gotten worse due to drivers not driving for a multitude of reasons. I ditto the snow tires and studs, not so that you can maintain control but get the heck away from someone who has lost it. A lot of good advice has been given here in this thread.
    Best wishes on your move.
     

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