4wd drive vs 2wd w/locker

[BajaSportsmobile]

Sorry fellas for opening Pandoras box, who knew? But Cole is right, being the OP, I was thinking about how I am "really going to use" this van and where I would "really be going". I am still confused but that is nothing new, however, I think that I have come to the conclusion that a 2wd of a newer year built in stages is the way to go. That being said I am now just trying to get past not having 4x4 right away, especially for Colorado winter, but I suppose that will be motivation to get it done sooner than later.

Do it in stages, so you don't have to go backwards later. Start with a locker in the rear, you will still want one with 4X4. Before spending anything on the front suspension save for a front 4X4 axle conversion and drive it as a 2wd until ready to do the transfer case, drive shafts and other needed mods. Either way half the fun is planning and dreaming...

 

[njtacoma]

Sorry fellas for opening Pandoras box, who knew? But Cole is right, being the OP, I was thinking about how I am "really going to use" this van and where I would "really be going". I am still confused but that is nothing new, however, I think that I have come to the conclusion that a 2wd of a newer year built in stages is the way to go. That being said I am now just trying to get past not having 4x4 right away, especially for Colorado winter, but I suppose that will be motivation to get it done sooner than later.

Perhaps I can offer this experience. I don't have a van, but am considering one, and having the same wrestling match.
I own a 04 tacoma, I've done the "gray wire mod" which allows me to engage my locker without being in 4wd. I have been experimenting with all the snow we've had lately. Strictly for snow driving, it seems like a wash. Sometimes its better to be 2wd with a spool, sometimes its better to be 4wd with open diffs, and when I really want to be a hooligan, spool rear diff and 4wd is fun!
My conclusion is that I will probably start with a 2wd van with an airlocker to see how it does, and upgrade to 4wd from there if necessary, but that may be right away, but it might be further down the road.

 

[Jb1rd]

Do it in stages, so you don't have to go backwards later. Start with a locker in the rear, you will still want one with 4X4. Before spending anything on the front suspension save for a front 4X4 axle conversion and drive it as a 2wd until ready to do the transfer case, drive shafts and other needed mods. Either way half the fun is planning and dreaming...

Indeed, and a reason why I always find myself on this damn site. As I get older I realize just how fast time is going by and want to experience as much as possible before they scatter me to the four winds!!!!

 

[Jb1rd]

This or this???? Both???

I am going to see the camo one this afternoon, my cousin lives in SanDog and can scope the poptop for me and get it on a transport, seems like a fair price even with shipping if just for the parts!

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

Indeed, and a reason why I always find myself on this damn site. As I get older I realize just how fast time is going by and want to experience as much as possible before they scatter me to the four winds!!!!

My wife and I have that discussion every morning. Life is short...

 

[Cole]

The way I look at it, if you can afford 4X4, you should have it, if you can't, you should claim you don't need it.

Yes, you did!:smilies27. (But all the editing of my quote to claim you didn't should help you backtrack and convince us you didn't, at least get your own quotes right)


......time for more coffee :coffeedrink:

 

[Toolman]

From owning a van. 4x4 with ARB lockers was the answer for me. I'm on vacation usually when I'm in it. If I get stuck, oops and I don't want to work that hard to get out.
I've used my 4 wheel drive more than I ever thought I would. It tracks better in the sand and snow than 2WD with a locker.. I have both and tried every combination. 4 wheel drive unlocked in the snow and the sand works best for me. In my experience a locker in the rear tends to plow the tires through turns rather than allowing it them to easily move the vehicle in the direction you want. Then when you get stuck it's locker time.

One trip to Pismo I was so lazy I didn't want to air down because it takes so long to air back up to 55 psi. well I got stuck pretty good on the way out didn't realize that my laziness didn't lock the hubs. So locked the hubs and started sinking worse. Now at this point I could have just aired down and driven out no problem. But I was lazy, instead I turned on the lockers and bam. I was out.

So if you're lazy like me on trips, work hard at home so you don't have to on the trail. The last place I want to be stuck is in Mexico.

 

[Cole]

I'm thinkin' a swamp buggy van would be better than a silly Sportsmobile or other plain old 4x4 van:coffeedrink:

But.....if you can't afford it make sure to claim you don't need this:coffeedrink:

 

[Jb1rd]

I'm thinkin' a swamp buggy van would be better than a silly Sportsmobile or other plain old 4x4 van:coffeedrink:

But.....if you can't afford it make sure to claim you don't need this:coffeedrink:

Quit stirring the pot :violent-smiley-031: and just send over the girls you can keep the swamp buggie unk03:

 

[ujoint]

My ? is what were they standing on to get that pic?!??!

 

[Cole]

Quit stirring the pot :violent-smiley-031: and just send over the girls you can keep the swamp buggie unk03:

Just because its valentines day and I love you guys....:yikes:...that was my last stir of this pot!


....and because I'm actually making coffee right now....see! :coffeedrink:

 

[Cole]

My ? is what were they standing on to get that pic?!??!

A 2wd van:snorkel:

 

[ihatemybike]

You all are making me want to play.

I have two Astros, one 2WD with an open diff, the other AWD with a limited slip rear diff. The AWD has done some rough playing off road and has walked up stuff that open diff Jeeps in 4Lo struggled on. The 2WD has seen some easy forest service roads, nothing to really write about.

Here's what I'm thinking of doing. Wait till LKQ's next half price weekend and pick up a LSD axle. Drive the 2WD to The Badlands ORP in Indiana, spend a few hours playing with it stock, then swap the rear axle and see how much better it does.

 

[T.Low]

And why s that not surprising.

BTW, Im glad to see you downgraded from "wrong" to "disagree"

Your making progress. Unfortunately you are still in the dark.

+ 1.

 

[toylandcruiser]

What do you disagree with?

We both agree with Benjamin Franklin!

Showed you situations where a locker out did 4wd. You'll find this situation many times offroad.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin