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First time offroading with my T4R

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by letsrolljits, Jun 26, 2022.

  1. Jun 26, 2022 at 8:39 PM
    #1
    letsrolljits

    letsrolljits [OP] New Member

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    Finally got the chance to visit a local trail and play in the dirt! I'm a noob and took an easy trail at Trabuco Canyon here in SoCal. There were a couple play areas simple enough to be done on 2WD but with an incline enough for me to practice and get more familiar with my 4WD.

    My SR5 doesn't have center diff so I was really methodical about walking through and surveying the offshoots first, then deciding "yay" or "nay". My brother came along as my spotter and sometimes we'd just ask another passerby for advice. Folks were glad to pass on their knowledge.

    Great experience and looking forward to exploring more! Already planning another trip.
    Screenshot 2022-06-26 6.31.41 PM.jpg Screenshot 2022-06-26 6.30.48 PM.jpg Screenshot 2022-06-26 6.32.51 PM.jpg
     
    Jackstraw, Toy4X4, kolter45 and 12 others like this.
  2. Jun 27, 2022 at 2:57 PM
    #2
    UofLCardfan77

    UofLCardfan77 Large Member

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    Looks like you had a good day on the trails.
     
    Thatbassguy and letsrolljits[OP] like this.
  3. Jun 27, 2022 at 3:09 PM
    #3
    beedee

    beedee Member

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    Are the K-Rails still there blocking the main play area on the left side a couple miles in?
     
  4. Jun 27, 2022 at 3:23 PM
    #4
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Did you mean rear diff lock? (That comes on TRD models to lock rear left & right). If you want to can get after market elocker / air locker.

    Center diff lock is only needed for 4wd systems that does not have a 1:1 connection front and rear (Like 4Runner Limited / Lexus GX).
    (Pic from Rav4 & Highlander to make full-time 4wd owners angry :p)
    upload_2022-6-27_16-34-38.jpg

    When you shift to 4H or 4L on your SR5(Even TRD models) you are locked 1:1 front:rear. Love to see you have my fav tires for wheeling..:) It will be fun to learn how to use that A-trac on harder obstacles and DAC going down hill. Initially I thought that DAC is BS but once I learn it was really good.

    Your looks like a non premium SR5? I love those cloth seats and NO MOONROOF..!! Enjoy, have fun..!!
     
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2022
  5. Jun 27, 2022 at 3:36 PM
    #5
    letsrolljits

    letsrolljits [OP] New Member

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    Ya. The rocky play area is still closed too.
     
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  6. Jun 27, 2022 at 4:19 PM
    #6
    letsrolljits

    letsrolljits [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the input amd Thank youfor clarifying
    Thanks for the input and clarification. That makes a lot more sense. When I read my owner's manual, it says only the full time 4WD systems have center diff and I just said "welp, that's not me". I was also confused about the mechanics of it being better for climbing.

    I did "practice reps" through a couple really rutted sections, trying 2WD, then 4L, then ATRAC. It was pretty cool feeling the differences.

    There was a hill that I tried DAC on a couple times but I don't know if it was just too short or I didn't engage it properly. I'll make sure to research and try again next time.

    Yup, non premium sr5 because my wife and I don't really like softec. Loving the ko2's!
     
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  7. Jun 27, 2022 at 4:39 PM
    #7
    06_dark_knight

    06_dark_knight New Member

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    Looking good! I always liked the MGM and black sema wheel combo! :thumbsup:

    where’s your next trip to? I’m in so cal as well and have been to a lot of places I could recommend to help you gain more experience :D
     
    letsrolljits[OP] and Thatbassguy like this.
  8. Jun 27, 2022 at 4:57 PM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Sounds like a good day. Good looking 4Runner!
     
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  9. Jun 27, 2022 at 5:59 PM
    #9
    letsrolljits

    letsrolljits [OP] New Member

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    Thanks! Actually, I'm looking into maple springs road. Do you think it will be too crowded during 4th of July weekend?
     
  10. Jun 27, 2022 at 8:06 PM
    #10
    06_dark_knight

    06_dark_knight New Member

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    I’ve actually never been to Cleveland national forest are, but if you look at the reviews on the All Trails app it seems like a lot of people hike and drive in the area so that makes me think it would be crowded next weekend.

    where about a do you live?
     
  11. Jun 27, 2022 at 10:09 PM
    #11
    letsrolljits

    letsrolljits [OP] New Member

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    I'm in Cerritos so I gotta drive a little extra to get to the canyon.
     
  12. Jun 27, 2022 at 10:21 PM
    #12
    kolter45

    kolter45 Inferno Pro & 4.0 Tacoma

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    Welcome!!! :yes:
     
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  13. Jun 27, 2022 at 11:10 PM
    #13
    06_dark_knight

    06_dark_knight New Member

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    Ya that is a bit of a mission! If you don’t mind the drive I’d say head to big bear, there are a ton of trails up there, you’ll be out of the heat and you can get away from the city. I suggest downloading the AllTrails app to help you find trails that fit you comfort level and you can find trails closer to you or any location you chose.
     
  14. Jun 28, 2022 at 4:58 AM
    #14
    KYFHO

    KYFHO Generic Scumbag

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    1N09 is a great trail to try for a beginner. It takes about 3-4 hours and goes from highway 330 to highway 38. I highly recommend it.
     
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  15. Jun 30, 2022 at 9:43 AM
    #15
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Sounds like fun! I remember my first outing. It was with a bunch of cool local folks on this forum (@Thatbassguy, my trail spirit guide) and tacoma world. Check out the regional section of forums if you are into the idea of group trail runs, it can be a fun time! Although there’s nothing wrong with solo trips either…gets the blood pumping knowing you’re on your own and you have to get yourself out (or survive exposure, or grizzlies, sasquatches or whatever your local area threat to life is).

    And dont feel like you are more limited because you dont have a center differential. Center diffs are only there to make the 4wd usable on dry pavement (a center diff is what makes it “full time 4wd). Without it, you would bind gears whenever you try to turn on dry roads.

    You have plain old-fashioned “part time 4wd”. This means when you are in 4wd, the wheels front to rear are locked together. That’s a good thing when off road.

    On the the sr5, you also have A-trac available in 4low. That’s there basically to make it function almost as if you had front and rear diff locks. Your 4runner is probably has more capability than you would be willing to use!
     

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