reding3301

I was wondering what to do to make my 2 wheel drive a machine in the snow and off road. I realize I should have bought a 4x4, but i didn't. I once had a 2x4 that would go just about anywhere offroad and through snow, and would like to make my Dodge do the same. I read a comparison arcticle a few years ago where they had identical trucks one 2x4 and the other 4x4. They offroaded with both and each truck went through the same terrain. The 2x4 got stuck only in one place and that was in sand in the river. I just dont recall what they did to the 2x4 to make it comparable to the 4x4. I have the factory limited slip in my truck now. What other things can be done to these trucks to help them out (tires, lockers, etc) ?
Thanks for any input

Derek_J

lift, more agressive/bigger tires, locker and deeper gears
thats all you really can do to a 2wd

IA_James

1000 lbs of sand will be a good place to start for the snow, these trucks are so light in the rear it's not even funny.

MikeyB

I vote for better tires. The stockers will slide around on dry pavement. Don't even mention wet, dirt, gravel, snow, ice......

MikeyB

TAS05CTD610

do a spindle lift in the front (or however these heavy suckers are lifted in the front, some 2 inch blocks in the rear, 33's all around and you'll be much much better. My friend lifted his 2 wheel drive ranger, most people had to get under it to belive us when we said it was only 2 wheel drive.

Grit Dog

Studded tires and/or chains, 1000# in the bed and you'll go 95% of the places you could go w/ a 4x4.
And add a locker if your factory posi isn't doing a good job of sending equal power to both rear wheels.

reding3301

Thanks guys, where can i get a lift for the front of the truck?? I have been looking and having trouble finding a lift for just the front. Also what brand of locker is the best, I have also not found a locker for the 3500. Thanks again

Toto

Hi Red

I have a 2004 2500 Cummins long box 2wd.
I live in southern Ontario.
I love the way the 2wd handles and don't have any of the negatives that 4x4 has..death wobble, frequent ball joint problems and maintenance costs.
Having said that I don't enjoy the benifts of 4 wheel drive either..and they can be significant depending on your needs.
If I had to do it again , the only way I would get 4x4 would be if it was the independent front suspesion type like GM....I know not quite as stout, but for 90% of owners, probably the better way to go.
The truck can be a handfull in the winter.
The answer for winter is dedicated snow tires and lots of secured weight over the rear wheels...and the short box may be better.
Heck when it gets really bad the wife takes a cab to work and I take the Subaru.
Only did that twice the whole winter.
As with anything there are tradeoffs with both systems.
Just decide what ya need.
As for off road, I have read that the Cummins is really too heavy for this anyway...but those who off road can answer this better than me.