StezenW
Well-Known Member
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When I bought my Ranger - I like others had to decide between the FX4 XLT or the 2WD Lariat as both were around the same cost. Since this truck is my DD, and I live in the South where we rarely get winter weather that necessitates 4WD, I went with the 2WD Lariat with the rear locker. I later added the FX4 front skid plate.
Yesterday I finally got it out to a proper off-road park at 5313 Off-Road in Calhoun GA to see what she can do. In a word, WOW.
Set up: Stock Dueler Tires, 2.5 Level, TSC Off, Rear Locker On
Final thoughts: The 2WD Ranger w/ a locking rear diff proved more than capable for what I threw at it, hills, mud, deep water, everything. With some better tires it would have been anouther notch closer to a 4WD.
Caveat: Obviously successful off-roading without 4WD means you need to be realistic about your limitations, so I didn't tackle any of the real technical trails bc I care about my paint and don't have a winch. A 4WD rig is always going to be able to go a little further, get stuck less and of course comes with more confidence in what you can take on.
But for those wondering how capable your 2WD Ranger is and if you can go off-roading, I am here to say GO FOR IT!
This was right after almost getting stuck on the hill, as you can see those stock tires aren't helping too much
Yesterday I finally got it out to a proper off-road park at 5313 Off-Road in Calhoun GA to see what she can do. In a word, WOW.
Set up: Stock Dueler Tires, 2.5 Level, TSC Off, Rear Locker On
- First up was a quick dip through the mud trough. The Ranger dove in a chugged away, easily pulling itself through and up the opposite bank.
- I turned and gently gunned it for a washboard-like dirt trail, where the stock suspension was definitely tested but didn't rattle my teeth out like I feared it may.
- Then I got into some thick, wet Georgia clay. Anyone who is familiar with this sort of soil knows it's basically the consistency of creamy peanut butter. This is where I thought for sure not having 4WD would be an issue. But I picked my line through the ~50ft mud pit and went for it. Once again, the truck kept plucking along and made it just fine, getting bogged down once but some more input from my right foot got me on my way.
- Getting a little more confidence at this point, I went for a 45 degree muddy hill with deep ruts along one of the trails. She almost got stuck at the top, comping to a dead stop with the rear tires spinning furiously to find grip. I almost called it and was going to just roll back down hill when the right tire found a bit of grip and with a little more throttle from the mighty EcoBoost pulled the truck out of its own ruts and up over the other side.
- The rest of the day I spent just doing donuts in the mud and splashing through the ponds. Had the truck in water up to the door sills and it just swam right on. My engine bay needs some detailing tho, as it got a good splashing.
Final thoughts: The 2WD Ranger w/ a locking rear diff proved more than capable for what I threw at it, hills, mud, deep water, everything. With some better tires it would have been anouther notch closer to a 4WD.
Caveat: Obviously successful off-roading without 4WD means you need to be realistic about your limitations, so I didn't tackle any of the real technical trails bc I care about my paint and don't have a winch. A 4WD rig is always going to be able to go a little further, get stuck less and of course comes with more confidence in what you can take on.
But for those wondering how capable your 2WD Ranger is and if you can go off-roading, I am here to say GO FOR IT!
This was right after almost getting stuck on the hill, as you can see those stock tires aren't helping too much
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