First off roading experience -

Yeah, beach driving is a lot different than trail driving - it might even be a bit harder in some ways, although the consequences are a bit less unless the tide is coming in, lol. It's all about traction and moving forward, only go as fast as you need to go to keep moving.

The stock tires aren't really meant for airing down a lot. I'd stick to no lower than 20 psi on those or any other P-rated tire, personally. Depending on what you plan to do, a tougher tire with a better tread is probably the first thing you'd want to change (and that's all I have done, with no plans for anything more than that).

As others have mentioned, choosing the right line and going slow, knowing where your tires are going to be and maintaining traction is more important than any mods. I've followed a guy with no locker through stuff, and he could adjust his line and still make it through most stuff where I just hit the locker button to compensate for my bad line. But I have also seen him need a pull at times, so having a locker would be the next thing after tires (you seem to have an Off Road, so you are good).

These trucks are plenty capable and mine continues to amaze me. I've never had to use the fancy features, only turn on the locker temporarily at times.

 

Sounds like you have a good handle on the learning curve of "offroading". Get to know what your truck can/can't do and apply the experiance to the next challenge. Our trucks can do alot, so really it's just a matter of having your mind in the game and to be aggressive, but cautious. You don't need to abuse your vehicle to get where you want to go, but remember that you will have to say "nope, not today". Always leave yourself an out and use risk management. It's a great feeling when you tackle an obstacle or trail that you thought you couldn't do.

 

100% get the cali raised led sliders.

heck you could just put a 1/2” spacer on the top of your front strut assembly to get the front end up 1”. It’s either that or get some bilstein 6112’s

 

I had my 2022 stock trd OR at uwharrie a few weeks ago on a new set of 265/75r16 toyo AT3s. Been going there for years with previous jeeps and my sxs. After that last trip, I got a set of 255/8]r17s and ordered a 2 inch lift (waiting on delivery). While you could do a number of the trails there with just more under body protection, the rocks are very sharp and jagged- dragging constanly over them could lower your enthusiams for future outings. Thats why I went for a stronger and taller tire and a bit more clearance. -it makes me feel better that im less likely to dent/gauge/break things on those rocks.
Even with a lift and bigger tires though- youll still have to pick your lines carefully though as trails like dickie bell and Daniel have multiple lines with varying difficulty. The lines i take on my sxs are not the lines id ever take my DD tacoma even with a lift.

Let me know if you head back out there- im always looking for a reason to get off the paved road

 

I'm with you on how well my 265's & 2" lift have been helping over stock height, and am also planning on going 255 33's. The 265's are actually only a 31.6", but close enough to be considered a 32". But I believe the 1" upsize to a 33" will only give you 1/2" height difference, not the full circumference of the wheel difference. Regardless, every little bit counts.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, it wouldn't be the 1st time.....

Nice pics @Road_Warrior

 

I think you are close. Going from stock 265/70 to 265/75 increases the sidewall by about a half inch (giving this much more clearance), total diameter by about an inch. Going to 255/85 increases the sidewall by 1.23" over stock, giving you that much more clearance. This is the only way to raise the rear axle and pumpkin, although a lift will give a bit more clearance for the front undercarriage and improve breakover/approach/departure angles. At stock height, I've only had an issue with the departure angle so far, and the fix was just washing mud off the hitch receiver. For me, adding a lift and changing drive angles creates more potential issues than it solves that I don't want to deal with (likely requiring the ECGS bushing, possible rear driveline vibrations). Most people don't have issues or can live with them, though.

 

Thank you!!

 

I will definitely give you a shout and let me know as well (are you familiar with meeting up at the Eldorado Outpost?) - i was planning on this Saturday but the the weather looks like thunder storms so probably won't go.

 

Hey man unfortunately there isn’t much besides Uwharrie in NC anymore, so if you are planning to go out of state and wheel build it as you see fit. Dickey Bell at Uwharrie is a mess last time I was there. Everything else was ok, but I was on my SXS. Hit me up if you are headed back. I’m only about an hour away.

 

Talks about wheeling, no pics of wheeling.

Lame thread.

 

Wiil do - you and D-Rex - I'm also about an hour away in Davidson County almost to Winston-Salem.

 

i just moved from Phoenix to Wilmington last week so I’m not familiar with the terrain here yet but Id offroad almost every weekend out in Phoenix. If you’re doing anything with large rocks/mud then the stock skids are a joke and would be the first thing to upgrade for peace of mind. I went with the full set of Mobtown steel skids and after a month they were beat to shit (most likely due to the decreased clearance) so I put a 2.5 “ lift and some 255/85/16s (33.3”) mud terrains and it made a world of difference. I almost never hit my skids now even on some of the more difficult trails

 

My truck is mostly stock 265/70-17 e rated AT tires and upgraded front skid only real mods. I prob have pushed a stock TRD OR as hard as anyone out there 5000-6000 of dirt with 35k total miles. Everything from higher speed running 50+ in AZ and UT to rocky trails and water crossings.

First thing I learned is the stock tin can skid plate is garbage. Got rid of it for RCI skid. After that was all about picking lines and understanding terrain and how the truck would react. You'd be really surprised at what a stock truck can do esp with a decent driver and good spotter in technical stuff.

However after my last run which was 110 mile off road day trip scouting a previously unknown to me section of trails I beat the heck out of my steel skid and tires cause I didn't have a spotter. Unfortunately the line I picked in the technical spot to prevent body damage exposed my PS tires to some cheese grater volcanic rock and did a number on the sidewalls.

Since my truck now has 35k miles and I've pushed the stock bilsteins as hard as I have I decided since I need new tires might as well go bigger so fox 2.5 dsc rxt leaf pack new uca are going on in 10 days with new tires/wheels


TLDR version
Enjoy stock truck until it's no longer enough to do what you want it to do.

 

Welcome to NC - Uwharrie I am going to guess is ~6 hours from you out towards the mountains (NC is a long state E to W). I guess you also have done some desert stuff which I also guess is much like the beach . . . since I never drove in the desert I'm not sure about that. But you are near some good beach driving for sure. Also there are a few scenic nature trails out that way - not really 4x4 stuff - a Taco would never even have to get out of 2W but pleasant if not really 4wheeling.

EDIT: Oh . . . I think there is one of those trails out towards Morehead City NC where there is a warning about rattle snakes - we saw one crossing the trail. But coming from AZ - no biggie.

 

I know the outpost well- thats my caffeine refueling point!

Yeah- Im a "fair weather" offroader. But definitely one of these weekends Im up for it. Been wanting to try out the new tires

 

Volcanic rock is nasty. Even if rougher than pure "obsidian".

 

OK I will give you a shout

 

For me a winch is one of the best investments you can make. Especially if you go places alone. A winch can get you through and over things being triple locked with 40s can't. It save you from being stranded far away from civilization. But don't get over confident and think "I can drive through this this neck deep mudhole and winch out of I get stuck." If you flood your truck or break something the winch isn't gonna help a lot. Plus a picture because I love my truck.

 

Thanks! I’m really liking it here so far. I took a trip to the fort fisher 4x4 beach and the sand there is way softer/deeper than any wash or desert trail I’ve been on. Luckily I had no issues in 4lo at 30psi even with the skinny mud terrains eating up the sand.

I’m all for some scenic nature trails, what area are they in? I got two young kids I like to bring off-roading with me but I prefer to keep on the easy trails when they come

 

I am in NC as well went to uwharrie when my truck was completely stock down to the factory firestone all seasons was outmatched lol. I have a small 2'' lift, 265/75/16's a front skid, I would tag along if a few of you go its about 45 mins from me