2WD overlanding?

I have been deciding on whether it would be a waste of time and money to outfit my 2000 2WD locked Prerunner as a sort of overlanding vehicle.

I don't want to overland through dense brush and undergrowth through mountains and whatnot as I am aware of the limits of a 2WD, I would want to be able to take some lesser traveled fire roads or dirt roads and the occasional off the beaten path.

I was planning on an ARB Front Bumper with either a Warn or Smittybuilt winch, along with some sort of bed rack and sleeping arrangements. I would also like to get a CB radio at some point. My question is this: should I bother spending the money on these things (mainly the bull bar/winch and bed rack) or would it be worth it should I somehow get stuck?

 

I won't answer the first question because it starts dick waving contests. But you should always invest in recovery equipment and armor. Worst case scenario you move it over to a more capable truck.

 

Check out @malburg114 rig he has a pre-runner.

 

I'd like to say "welcome to TW" before the show starts.

 

I personally have the same trunk I'm trying to over my truck. But I'm going to convert to 4wd because it's easy and cheap. There is a lot of moments where I wished I had a 4wd

 

nice truck man, i have a 2wd also. Its your truck do whatever you want to it

 

Sell the 2wd, buy a 4wd, put money into it. No matter how much you throw at the 2wd it will be outperformed a bone stock 4wd. More or less.

 

Been lurking on TW for a while, figured it's time to be active. @malburg114 's rig is looking pretty good. I guess I'll start looking around for some good deals for an ARB Bumper. I have a 2" leveling kit on my truck, would an ARB bumper and a winch weigh it down and make the front sag? I'm looking at new suspension to replace worn out ones. Any ideas on possibly a front lift that isn't too expensive?

 

Getting a 4wd, while preferable, is out of the picture for now. I have to make due with what I have.

 

Gonna need a good winch if you do

 

I'm thinking a Warn or Smittybuilt 8,000lb??

 

If you do go out alone, winch and maxtrax or similar is a must for self recovery. Also a tree strap, sling, and a snatch block aren't bad ideas either.
And if you are worried about weight, get synthetic line.

 

For what your wanting to do, Id say go for it! My truck (same as yours except 2001) did everything I wanted it to do plus some. I took it through places most 4wd vehicles would hesistate to go on and I was alone with just some treds and my gf as a spotter and made it through no problem. Now I wouldnt be able to do things in MOAB and on the rubicon (like I want it to do) but it did everything I wanted it to do and then some. Just air down some and either get a winch or a set of traction devices for cheap insurance. The traction devices have down wonders for me. And dont listen to the guys who say sell the 2wd and buy a 4wd truck. Your locker will do you wonders and some good driving and good line choices and walking ahead will help you a lot. And if your still concerned, find someone to go with you in another truck in case you get stuck.

 

I would recommend the warn 9500

 

I agree. It is not pointless if you know your vehicle, your terrain, and your driving capability. If you have recovery gear you could be pulling out 4x4s. Enjoy your truck and make of it what you want.

 

And fyi, the smittybuilt will do anything you need. Save the extra money by getting the cheaper winch to get a synthetic line and some shackles. If your serious about oberlanding and doing long trips, look into a RTT or into some sleeping arrangments with a camper shell or go old fashion with a tent or hammock. Just get out and use your trucks and find its limits and yours.

 

A winch and winch bumper would cost more than it would be to convert your truck to 4x4. Just something to think about.

 

Yep! Going out and exploring is great! And sometimes pushing your own, and your trucks limits is fun too! Getting a little stuck and pulling off successful recoveries can be an enjoyable learning experience

 

I don't really NEED a 4wd for what I want to do with my truck. All these things are precautionary measures as I am planning on rolling solo. Looks like I'll have to start saving up and piecing my dream rig tigether . Anyone know if any cool places in/around california?

 

And one more word of advice, converting your truck to 4wd (IFS or SAS) is not cheap. No matter what people say. Listen to the guys who have done it or are doing it.






Dont worry though, I dont regret my truck at all. I love it and will probably keep it for ever. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help. Not real popular on here and dont mind lending a hand. Ive done a lot on a small budget and I am sure you can to..