How to Customize a 4×4 for Offroad
Beginners guide to 4x4 customization
Sam was glad he had just installed the locker in the front axle of his truck, making it over this muddy hill side would not have been possible with his open differentials that he used to run. As a matter of fact, since adding the skid plates, off-road tires, and winch, there were many more places that he could now explore. It was very reassuring to know that his upgraded truck would bring him home, much easier and safer than when it was all stock.
Customizing a four wheel drive is not difficult; a few small changes can make a big difference. The first decision you need to make regards looks verses functionality. Begin by considering how your vehicle will be used. If mostly driven on the street, super tall lift kits and lots of chrome or brightly color components will be in order. If you want to explore the back country and not worry about equipment failure or getting stranded, then you'll lean more towards performance modifications.
If modifying for looks, then you'll need to take an honest look at what appeals to you, your budget, and your mechanical skill level to do your own work. A few "bolt on" accessories such as running boards, brush guards, or cab spoilers are relatively easy to install and can drastically change the look of your truck or SUV. The down side to these items is that they will do little to enhance your off road ability.
If you are looking for more performance than aesthetic appeal then you will want concentrate on improving traction, armor, or recovery. When miles away from civilization all you'll have is your equipment to get you there, protect your vehicle, and get you out if the going really gets tough. These self-sufficient adventures can be very rewarding; getting into and out to places where few other people can venture.
For improved traction, larger, more aggressive off-road tires are the order of the day. To fit significantly larger tires, you will either need to modify your suspension with a lift kit that moves the axles further away from the body, or cut the fenders to make more room. Lift kits bring their own set of extra considerations such as modifying the steering system, brake lines, axle vent tubes, and local regulations such as bumper or headlight height laws. You can also improve traction by adding locking differentials. These allow both tires on a single axle to turn at the same time. This can be very important in situations where one tire has traction and the other one does not.
Adding protection to delicate components is cheap insurance if you plan to really wring out your truck or SUV off-road. Skid plates to protect oil pans, transmissions, rocker panels, and differentials are relatively easy to install and can be readily found for popular model trucks. Having limbs, roots, and rocks just bounce off of vulnerable components as your truck slides through a difficult spot on the trail is a satisfying experience.
Finally, you'll need to consider how you will recover your vehicle once the inevitable happens. Freeing a stuck vehicle equipped with a winch or strong tow hooks can be much easier than hiking miles out of the woods in search for help. A winch, tow strap, tow hooks, and first aid kit are essential. A prudent enthusiast should also carry a few tools, spare parts, and extra fluids in case emergency trail side repairs are required.
Certainly there are many considerations when modifying your four wheel drive. If you carefully consider what you want to do with your vehicle, how much you're willing to take on yourself, and set aside a realistic budget, you will be able to enjoy lots of neighborhood cruising or back country adventures without fear of being left stranded. One big caution; modifying your vehicle can be very addictive and may lead you to places you never thought you could go!
