How off road capable is a base V6 4x4?

I recently bought a base 2015 DCSB 4x4. I didn't understand fully about the extras the off-road had aside from shocks and other items that I figured I could add or change about my truck later. I now know (after further digging) about A-trac and a full locking rear. Searching for a new truck after my 1st gen prerunner was crushed by a falling tree.. I couldn't find an OR model in my area with the low miles and price point I got my truck for. Currently, I don't go off roading aside from country roads but I had planned to get more into it once I was able to upgrade my truck a bit more. I know ARB offers a rear locker, I recently bought falken wildpeak AT tires and had planned on putting OME dakars and 5100s on the truck.

Hearing all the rage about the OR model, I'm feeling a bit left out. How capable is my truck without the locker and A-trac? Any of you wheel the base 4x4?

 

The truck capability is limited by the driver's skill and good sense.

You may find the truck is capable beyond your limits.

Make changes based on your skill and the trails you take.

Don't make changes to earn "bro points". These generally cause additional problems with the truck.

 

What kind of off roading are you planning on doing? 4wd and aired down tires will conquer the vast majority of terrains.

 

Being an owner of a Base access cab 2.7 manual 4X4, it may not go where everybody else goes. But it goes everywhere I want to go. So yeah, I'd say it's about 95% capable....

 

I have driven "easy" or "beginner" OHV trails and have never "needed" a locker. I believe if you are driving places where you need lockers you better be prepared to to have a beat up rig. Tires, lift and armor before lockers.

 

Lots of people recommend full skids, sliders, and off road bumpers.

 

Capable. Keep your tires planted for traction. Chevy 63" leaf spring swap > dakars

 

I hadn't planned on doing rock crawling aside from fire roads but I'd want my truck to be able to navigate muddy farms, and woods for camping. Maryland is pretty hilly and can get pretty muddy. So mainly woods and open farms. Trailing would be fun too.

 

Nothing will help you in mud if you don't have MT tires. That's my experience. Maybe the mud you have over there is less slippery?

 

You will be fine... there is traction control in 4-High. For steep climbs or deep goo, it has Low Range and if you need more traction or get stuck, just let the air out of the tires until you are about 15 psi.

 

The truck is perfectly capable without mods for what you describe. Mud Considerations: momentum, shovel, traction boards, tire chains, and a winch, depending on how hard you go at it.

Nice looking truck, by the way.

 

Very capable.
@Knute gave great advice


My advice is , are you ok with the damage that you may occur “getting there?” I’m not, as I dislike working on vehicles. Even more so when I am paying for the repairs.

 

I know these trucks have TRAC. I saw a video of this working in 4lo (I think) on 3rd gen SR model with the truck on jacks and 1 tire on the on the ground and it pulled free. I'm assuming the TRAC on the later 2nd gens is about the same?

 

I appreciate all the feedback.

 

We live in strange times because someone might legitimately think this is "some kind of off roading".. where that term implies a look and not a series of events.

 

What a waste of money

 

Tires are going to be the biggest limitation 99% of the time but open diffs can be an issue too since a 2x4 without a locker is 1 wheel drive and 4x4 without a locker is 2 wheel drive.

 

I do have e-LSD and TRAC. I'm assuming a 4x4 with a rear locker is only 2 wheel drive too then since there's no front locker? But i guess thats where the ATrac is depended on for the front.

 

With a rear locker and ATRAC you can get power to all the wheels when traction is limited. With the rear locked and ATRAC off you essentially have an open front and locked rear (power to 3 wheels).

Tires make the biggest difference because once you lose traction on an open diff vehicle all your power is going to go to the wheel that is spinning.

 

Doing more research on TRAC and LSD, I've found that these trucks have a "milder version" of ATRAC is I guess what I would call it. This video shows a 16 SR5 using the LSD and TRAC to break loose from jack stands from 1 front wheel and 2 wheels, I found that interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXYFxXUcdYA