I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd, and have only put on a set of A/Ts. I would like to go offroading, but I think it will have issue being 2wd. I have though of using warn locking-hubs but don't want to "build" a 2wd, since I wont be able to take it everywhere. Would like to here some input on what I should do. Thanks
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How do you use warn locking hubs on a 2wd?
What do you plan on doing with your Rig when it’s done? Drive the Rubi, it’s been done in 2wd. I use 4wd only in the winter on snow, or in really deep mud. My 1988 and 90 Ford F-350s were both 2WD, and served me well. It’s about picking your lines.
That is encouraging, cuz I have been told a lot of things. the hubs would help it from sliding backwards. - I just really need to get out there with a recovery kit - cheers
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Warn locking hubs do not work on a 2wd truck... The locking mechanism locks the spindle hub to the front axle when in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the front hub free spins disengaged from the front axle Shafts. My Bronco has Warn Hubs, and I have installed them on many rigs in the past. And I don’t see how the hubs would do anything (or even a way) to mount them on a 2wd truck.
when you hear of people recomending lockers, we aren’t talking about locking hubs. We are talking about locking differentials.
I have heard people mention rear locking hubs and not locking diffs for for what I have. it is probably best if I just get a 4x4 and then I wont have to worry about certain limitations.
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You will be fine with a 2wd rig... it’s your terminology that is getting you confused. You can add locking hubs to the rear hubs, but in a 2wd it’s not going to do anything for you unless you are flat towing. On the rear axle of any unmodified rwd vehicle the hubs are built solid to the axle shafts. I didn’t know Warn even made a rear axle free spin kit for the Nissan Pathfinder. I’m going to have to look into this now.
You are wanting a selectable locker (if one can be found for a Nissan Pathfinder) like an ARB, Eaton E-locker, or an Ox Locker. These all install inside the rear differential not on the external part of the axle shafts.
Lets start over with your projected build.
what are your overall goals for Overlanding? What kind of terrain are you going to be covering? What is the most difficult trail you plan on exploring?
Look at Prerunner Nissan Pathfinders, they were very popular back in the 90’s and very capable. Look at how they were built mechanically and set yours up similarly. Keep in mind Prerunners were essentially desert race trucks so were built to go fast and be light where your rig is going to be built to haul gear and move slowly over the trails.
My Bronco has only seen 4wd once, and that was just to see if it worked. I have gone a crossed some narly trails and over some challenging terrain since getting my Bronco last year. My previous rig, a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 with a magnum V-8 I owned for 7 years and had to use 4wd 3 times, once due to driver error parking on top of a stump and getting hung up, and 2 times to get traction in the snow while pulling other people out on the trail.
You don’t ‘need’ 4 wheel drive but it can make life easier at times. My experience has been that 4 wheel drive simply allows most people to get more stuck than they could with 2 wheel drive.
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Some where on the forums I told my story of wheeling my 2wd mini truck. I got so far back into the woods in some nasty slop it took a huge 4wd oscillating tractor with 6’ duals to pull me out... the built 4wd mud trucks couldn’t even get halfway to me. And a little VW bug putted around in circles around all of us. Dont underestimate a 2wd... ohh and my mini truck was lowered and bone stock mechanically.
Ha! I‘ve got some similar stories traveling the U.S. in a 1987 Ford Escort. Your comment about picking lines carefully means a lot more than any mod that can be done to a vehicle.
To the OP, I don’t mean to sound like I am against 4 wheel drive, far from it actually! Just don’t let the absence of 4 wheel drive keep you from getting out there. If you have someone else with you and know how to safely recover a vehicle, you should be fine. Get the 4X4 when you can. Enjoy exploring with the 2X4 until then. Cheers!
Put a good set of tires on the Pathfinder and learn to drive it well, and you will go to amazing places. Get good recovery gear too. After a while, if you find that you need more out of it, either buy a 4x4 or add a locking rear diff. Or even a winch.
I have a 90 Suburban and I have explored some crazy stuff, and only used the 4WD option once on the trails. I use it much more at home on my property, or pulling neighbors out of the ditch.
As for VW Bugs/Baja's, I have had several, they go anywhere! They are so light that all they need are a good set of tires and they are almost unstoppable.
I have a 90 Suburban and I have explored some crazy stuff, and only used the 4WD option once on the trails. I use it much more at home on my property, or pulling neighbors out of the ditch.
As for VW Bugs/Baja's, I have had several, they go anywhere! They are so light that all they need are a good set of tires and they are almost unstoppable.
RWD with a locker, be it selectable or detroit or ??? will go thru almost anything. I grew up long before 4WD became the standard and people with station wagons or RWD van conversions went everywhere. The "must have AWD, 4WD" mantra is just hype. With a bit of control 2WD can get to the same places most 4wheelers go. You won't do the Rubicon, you won't plow thru 3' of snow. But a 2WD Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent overlander. 2WD just means you need to be a better driver.
What to do,,,, add a locker.
The big advantage of 4WD is low range and having enough traction.... 4 tires so you can crawl up steep rough inclines and tread lightly.
2WD can likely get to the same spot but you need momentum and there will be some wheels spinning. You won't be treading lightly.
Keep your unit light. Don't add steel bits and pieces. Use back packing stuff to keep your kitchen and toilet light. Weight is the enemy of every wheeler but light weight really counts with 2WD since there will be times you will need speed and momentum and hitting the rough spots in 2WD means you are hitting the rough spots a bit faster.
Keep it light.
If you add a winch, since you only have 2WD you likely will not get as badly stuck as a 4x4 will meaning you can buy a lighter winch, a 5K# winch is probably plenty and get it with a reciever mount so you can mount it front or rear and so you can leave it in the garage when you know you won't need it.
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Mostly everywhere I've went I needed 4x4. I guess it depends on where you are going and how lucky you are.
No, you'll just stuck deeper.
Most 4x4s have open diffs. If the front right has no traction... And the left rear has no traction, you are stuck since the open difs transfer all the power to the wheels spinning. In that spot,,, which happens often,,,,, you will be better of in RWD with a locker. As the 4WD also needs a locker.
That said, I love 4WD and lockers so I can drive real slow and tread lightly. But don't think a loaded up 4WD will be better than a light stock RWD. No matter what you drive, keep it light which generally means keep it stock since virtually every mod adds weight.
Remeber... a 2wd will go better in 2wd than a 4wd.
You do not have the front axle and driveshaft to push. You don't have the added weight of the transfer case.
You also know you have to keep momentum and momentum is what keeps you from getting stuck.
I have had lots of 2wd over the years. They go where you need them...just don't take them were they don't belong.
So many pros to a 2wd rig. Just have to plan your trips that way.
Most of the places I will go 7 months out of the year...4wd is just an extra tool that will probably sit in the box.
Build what you got and go out and explore. The most capable rig is the one headed to the destination.
You do not have the front axle and driveshaft to push. You don't have the added weight of the transfer case.
You also know you have to keep momentum and momentum is what keeps you from getting stuck.
I have had lots of 2wd over the years. They go where you need them...just don't take them were they don't belong.
So many pros to a 2wd rig. Just have to plan your trips that way.
Most of the places I will go 7 months out of the year...4wd is just an extra tool that will probably sit in the box.
Build what you got and go out and explore. The most capable rig is the one headed to the destination.
Thanks everyone for the insite. For the lockin hub thing, I was looking at WARN 29091 Premium Manual Hubs . I have put on Hankook At2 for tires. I am in socal, and looking some more I will do mostly fire roads and some light trails, so 2wd is fine.
As for gear, I need a recovery kit, should I get the arb kit, I have seen yankum ropes and there work well but they are kinetic ropes, so I should get a good tow strap. Any advice on that?
As for gear, I need a recovery kit, should I get the arb kit, I have seen yankum ropes and there work well but they are kinetic ropes, so I should get a good tow strap. Any advice on that?
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Those are for 4wd only... read the installation guide, it talks about removing your front automatic hubs.
The ARB kit is fine, but cheaper ones can be had that are if similar quality. Kinetic Ropes are amazing I run 2 Bubba Ropes, one 20’ and one 50’.
Tow straps are for towing, not so much recovery, but have their use in recovery if known how to use.
Turn Your 2WD Into a Badass Overland Vehicle
Overlanding in a 2WD? All part of the adventure.
www.adventure-journal.com
found this, which is kinda cool
What are your top recovery items for your kit, besides strap/hitch recievers and shovel.
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A jack ranks pretty high, maybe even higher than straps, and an axe... winches are cool, but I managed about 20 years without one, but now that i have one I wouldn’t go without. Comms rate pretty high as well... they sure beat having to walk to find help.Turn Your 2WD Into a Badass Overland Vehicle
Overlanding in a 2WD? All part of the adventure.
found this, which is kinda cool
What are your top recovery items for your kit, besides strap/hitch recievers and shovel.
