Thoughts on making a 2wd van more capable
- Thread starter slager
- Start date
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
Being mindful of vehicle balance and weight distribution during a build can make a big difference in traction and weight transfer. If you have a heavy battery bank, water tank, etc why not put it where it helps you instead of where it hurts? And for sure don't put all the heavy stuff on one side unless you intend to spin the opposite tire.
This notion is referenced in this other, similar thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/151825-4x4-Necessary-AK-to-Argentina-Advice-Needed
This notion is referenced in this other, similar thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/151825-4x4-Necessary-AK-to-Argentina-Advice-Needed
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Petrolburner
Explorer
Airing down, tallest tires possible and the most suspension travel possible so you can use momentum to get you through the tough spots, smart driving, rear locker, and aggressive tires on the drive wheels. I went with mud tires in the back and ATs in the front so I didn't have the road noise up front. I added a fast air compressor and Trailhead deflators set to 25 psi. I can air down further if I get stuck. I also carry traction boards and I have a winch on a front receiver hitch. I have a factory LSD but will probably go ARB someday if I upsize the tires and swap the ring and pinion. A lot of money for something that may not be worth it for me.
Compressor has since been hard mounted and hard wired. It's awesome! 25-60 psi all around in about 11 minutes.
She's one impressive beast
Running around in 6-8" of snow on FS roads didn't get me stuck so I went off trail, hit a snowman family and finally got stuck. First time I'd ever used the traction boards on my van.
Compressor has since been hard mounted and hard wired. It's awesome! 25-60 psi all around in about 11 minutes.
She's one impressive beast
Running around in 6-8" of snow on FS roads didn't get me stuck so I went off trail, hit a snowman family and finally got stuck. First time I'd ever used the traction boards on my van.
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
...I went with mud tires in the back and ATs in the front so I didn't have the road noise up front...
...
How do you like those retreads? How many miles have you put on them?
Petrolburner
Explorer
Down in Baja after a good rainstorm I hauled out this car trailer unassisted while the 2WD Suburban needed a tow strap to make it up the hill even without the trailer. I had about 1000 pounds of dirtbikes and gear in the back which put a lot of pressure down on those rear tires. Plus that super heavy fiberglass top and extended body.
I've only gotten stuck in really soft stuff like snow or beach sand, or when a wheel gets light because I've hit the articulation limits.
I've only gotten stuck in really soft stuff like snow or beach sand, or when a wheel gets light because I've hit the articulation limits.
Petrolburner
Explorer
I've got about 8,000 miles on them and they have Kedge Grip. Really surprised at their snow and ice performance and steadiness. Only issues are getting started from a stop on bare ice. Any amount of snow on the roads has been fine, from a dusting to a foot and a half of fresh stuff. The Kedge Grip really helps in the snow and ice. I'm building a snow bike for next year and I'll probably get another set of wheels and studded snow tires for super awesomeness. I ran the Guard Dogs on my Tundra before this and I liked them too. If you need to save money and you don't need to get 50,000 miles or whatever out of them they're good. My brother got 40,000 out of a set of Guard Dogs on his Tundra, but he never liked them. He said they were hard to balance and noisy. He and I have different expectations I guess. He's going to get the Goodyear Duratracs next FWIW. They don't make a 255/85-16 so I'll have to go with a different brand if I decide to bite the bullet and change sizes. I want maximum sidewall height for maximum rough road speed and comfort.
Petrolburner
Explorer
This is the kind of sand I'm talking about. I was going fine forwards, at 60 psi in the tires. When I shifted to reverse to backup I just dug in. Screwed on my deflators to just the rear tires, dropped to the pre set 25 psi, rocked forwards and backwards and drove right out.
Petrolburner
Explorer
How much cutting do you think it would take to fit these 35x12.5R16?
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Tires/35...t_c=13&t_s=536&t_pt=101509&t_pn=MXXTL30007600
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Tires/35...t_c=13&t_s=536&t_pt=101509&t_pn=MXXTL30007600
Grngiant
Adventurer
Very little in the rear. Could be a cool look. Stockish lift in rear with 35's, 4ish in the front with 33's.How much cutting do you think it would take to fit these 35x12.5R16?
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Tires/35...t_c=13&t_s=536&t_pt=101509&t_pn=MXXTL30007600
slager
New member
It also looks like I have a Dodge 8 1/4" rear end. So there might be several locker options, a few "lunchbox" style, Lockright, Spartan and Ausie. Being a low horse power and under 33" tire vehicle one of these could work. Any of you guys use one of these? Heard if drive them right they can work pretty good. And installation is fairly simple.
There is also an ARB air locker, which would be the best option but more than twice as much and way more involved installation
There is also an ARB air locker, which would be the best option but more than twice as much and way more involved installation
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
EDIT: Just notice you have a Dodge so...Or just buy one off a Bronco in the junkyard. Their 33 gallon tank and your 35 may share dimensions.
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slager
New member
And another thing. Would adding some 2" lift blocks to the rear but not lifting the front be silly? Just thinking it would get the *** end up a little bit. And usually when I'm loaded up she squats a little anyway. Front lift options for dodge vans seem to be non existent. If it was it'd be a spindle lift, correct?
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
Can't say it'd be silly if it's level. Might be overly stiff though. Maybe a timbren or airbags would be a good compromise. As for a front-end lift, I've never messed with a Dodge van suspension but 2wd Dodge trucks of that era are typically lifted with new coil springs, coil spring spacers, or spindles.