I'm kinda new to the truck world and the usability of 4x2 and 4x4. I have a 4x2 auto unlimited and was curious what I can do without getting stuck. I tried searching, but couldn't find a reference to this specifically.

Please leave the hate elsewhere.

I noticed alot of people saying they are able to do most things while in 2 wheel and rarely have to put in 4 wheel. I'm not looking to climb mountains or go through swamps. The most offroad my jeep would like to see, would be beach sand and light mud. Also, would larger tires and a wench up the ability of my jeep?

 

I would get a set of 32 inch tires that are wider than stock. You might even consider a rear only set of mud tires. This will also imply wheel spacers if you plan to use the stock rims. 32 inch tires should fit without a lift. Next, I would suggest front and rear tow hooks along with a quality 20ft yank strap. A good set of tire chains would be valuable. Finally, weight for the back of the Jeep. I would use tube sand commonly available at hardware stores in the late fall

 

First off, I see it's your first post so WELCOME!

Check out the local crowd (I think there's a couple of guys near you) in the Sunshine State section. Look Near bottom of main forum page.

4x4 is definitely a plus but if you're just looking at beach sand and light mud, you might be fine with 2WD. In Florida that's a good portion of what you'll find. I recommend that when you do wheel that you wheel with a buddy that can pull you out if you get stuck. And use good judgement. It's a fact 'cause I've seen it done that a good driver with a 2wd can get through more stuff than a non-experienced driver with 4wd. A winch is a + but you may not always have a tree nearby.

I had a 2WD ZJ for a while and would hit all the backroads/trails around the eastern part of the everglades near the Homestead/Florida City area with no problem. Only once did I get totally stuck out there by myself and it was totally my fault 'cause I knew better than to go around on the soft shoulder of a mud hole instead of through it. But I didn't listen to my gut. Luckily a couple of hours later the forestry service came by and the guy was cool enough to help me out.

Anyway, although I have 4wd, I'm still saving up for my lift so I'm running a stock JK and I still have fun out there.

As for larger tires. not only do they look cool but they are functional even on a 2WD.

 

Won't get no hate from me. You gotta Jeep, so you're in the clan. You can make it more capable than any other 4X2 in it's class just cause it's a Jeep. I would consider the tires as already mentioned and maybe a locker for the rear axle and even a BB lift if you want to go that far. I know some might say not to waste money on a 4X2, but in the end, it's your Jeep and if you want to make it better, it's your money, too.

 

i agree with i drive with jeep, always travel with another vehicle, getting stuck miles from nowhere, and not having another recovery vehicle.....not so fun

2wd, well ya got a jeep, and with a little more skinny peddel will get to places that will surprise ya.....of note alot of common sense has to apply...enjoy your jeep

good thing about the 2wd, get a atlas t-case and a front axle assembly bam.....you got 4x4

 

I agree with everything posted above.
However a wench can be your best friend with a 4X2. I have two Jeeps, one is a 4X2 and one is 4X4. I have driven both on light and med trails and the 4X2 is surprisingly good off road. And as long and you are not alone and not going too extreme, you will be fine. The only other thing I would reocomend would be a rear locker, it can really help.

BTW, welcome to the site and check out our "sunshine state" section. There is a lot of us FL guys here.

 

they make 2wd jeeps!?!?!!?!?!

 

Back in the day (way back) the big discussion used to be 4x4 versus 4x2 and winch. That was when most winches were PTO instead of electric. Yes I'm getting old, but I prefer that to the alternative. I don't know your cash flow, but if you're considering a winch (which you should) you might want to look at a Pullpal as well. They kick ass as far as giving you a winch point in sand and light mud and are much easier on the back and shoulders (remember, I'm getting old there) than burying your spare.

 

Thanks for the tips guys (and never knew about that Pullpal anchor, very cool!). I'm looking to do a suspension lift and tires/rims in the next month and was worried from some posts that the 4x2 was completely useless offroad. Like I said, I'm not looking to do major offroad, I bought the jeep for utility and convertible, but I want it to look good too ! Thanks for all the positive comments.

 

Hey, I'm getting old too - 57 years young. Put the RE 3.5 lift on th Jeep myself too. UPS just dropped off my new PullPal yesterday (ordered Mon or Tues). I've been in some situations, by myself (I know, I know but my work schedule makes it that way), where there was nothing to winch from and a high probability of getting stuck. They have a sale on the PP website now where you get the 11,000 PP, the cover and shipping for 403.

I'm not going to say I can't wait to try it............at the very least it will be a vomfort to have it.