Off-Roading with your Daily Driver?

I think the question was, what is the mechanism by which wider tires provide more grip if friction is independent of contact area. I'm asking you to explain why they get more grip on rocks.

 

I think it's the same as smashing, unless you are from the Jersey Shore. Then it means something completely different

 

You're here now, shed some light.

 

How so?

It's divided out of mu, since it's dimensionless.

So is friction changing because of contact area or because the pressure changes mu? Sound like the later to me.

 

Things that create traction:

- Contact (the greater the contact, the more possible traction).
- Construction (the better the construction, the better the interaction with the surface to create traction).
- Compound (the better the compound, the more traction per surface area on contact).

You need contact area to create traction. But the amount of traction will then depend on construction and compound.

 

Not so much on the front because there is the front doesn't have a solid axle like the rear does. The suspension on the front is independent. As you lift the front suspension, the entire front underbody rises with it. (Except for the lower control arms somewhat). Take a look underneath your truck and it will probably make more sense.

 

Didn't do enough research before making that big of a purchase?

This is the case on most 4x4 vehicles. The idea is that you would use the other features before you resort to your locker. (4HI>4LO>Rear Locker/MTS>Crawl Control)

I agree it would be nice to not be limited, but they probably design it this way because they don't want people using the locker while in 4HI and blowing their differential going too fast or turning hard.

 

Man I wheel mine pretty hard for a daily. I will say armor is worth it for sure. I got full steel skids from front to transfer case. Then I have have sliders. As far as a lift goes. I got a whopping 200 bucks in mine and it rides just fine. I got the bilstein 5100 with stock coil springs up front and the bilstein 5125 in the rear which did not add any height just stiffened up things. I will say the rear end is a little too stuff at times for a daily but I dont mind it. I had to do lots of trimming to clear my 33s but in my opinion it looks better too. The way my truck is set up now I can run with most on your standard level 3-4 trails and not get body damage or break anything. My stubborn dumbass however pushed it a bit hard last time and got on a level 5 and wouldn't take the bypass and damaged my front bumper so I got a steel plate one on order. For me I recommend people invest in simple armor like steel skids and sliders before a lift. And yes I do recommend steel all day over aluminum because when we go out with guys who have the aluminum for weight savings they end up bending and destroying them and going steel anyways. My views on aluminum skids are on par with cheap winches. They are something you dont want to fail when you actually need them so spend the money in the proper equipment. The extra weight you add from steel from aluminum could be compensated with a better suspension.

Here's some pics of me being stupid with my daily... enjoy

 

I bought a Toyota specifically because I knew it would be able to take the abuse (with a few modifications) off road and still get me to work the next day. Focusing on armor in more important than lift when it comes to off road capabilities of these trucks. With skids and sliders, your only real concern underneath (as far as smashing something) is the rear driveshaft. I drive almost 70 miles a day in my truck to and from work and still play in it on the weekends.



All that being said, if you are not “off-roading” for the sake of “off-roading” it is unlikely that you will get into a situation that exceeds the capabilities of a stock 4wd Tacoma with a locker.

 

I think we are still trying to understand this since every physics class tells you friction is independent of contact area.

 

A little late now

You're not wrong, but I feel like you know what they mean, just picking fun at their wording lol

 

Hell yeah dude! Love pushing the lobsters limits on shit. Especially when it works out and I get to see everyone jaw drop that my truck did that with this new front bumper I should be even more brave! Heheh I see a high clearance rear in my near future as well

 

I'd say just lean how to pick your lines. Mines stocks and I did this without a scratch. The OR has taken me everywhere I've wanted to go without even blinking, but I'm not one to want to hit the Rubicon trail as well.

 

I think that it's beneficial to daily a built rig . Its safer (need to make it home in one piece). A full frame truck that I've turned into a tank can take quite a hit . I drive slower than I did in my wrx and let me tell you since I'm not trying to kill it 24/7 and using regular instead of premium the cost is very similar in fact I come ahead a little staying out of it . I have a background in auto restoration and do paint and bodywork so I love the fact that I can rub on the curb and not mess up expensive rims ( I never did though but the goal was to get as far out of the way) to save some door dings . You want to bump the truck front or back or open a door into it ? I feel sorry for you. I've been from georgia to so cal HB and San Diego( grew up there ) to the beach then deep sea fishing off of Florida within the same month . Then turned around 2 months later and took the family to a deserted island off of NC .

 

There... fixed it.

 

The goal will eventually be all that. Gotta finish school first and get a big bot job to support this bad ass addiction

 

I love this truck!