How well does the 4x2 off-road? I really couldn't afford the 4x4 so I got as much SUV as I could for the money I had. I am worried that my Xterra won't get me where I want to go.

DNA GRL

Well, in NoCal you really dont need 4x4, but you will probably get pumpkin envy, regardless. If you want to get out in the country, you can definitely do that.

But the 4x2 is not like the 4x4 offroad, that's for sure. New topic, any input, folks?

get some good tires and join up with an xterra club in your area. i'm sure there are many 4x2's that go with clubs.
you may not be able to do everything a 4x4 can, but you can still have fun. there are times where i'll take my xterra out of 4x4 while offroading to see if there's a difference. yes of course, it makes a difference between making over particular areas, but it doesn't mean you have to stay on the street . just remember that you have a 2wd and be realistic about certain obstacles.
and get rock sliders and underbody armor. with or without 4wd you will have instances where you'll need them.
oh yeah, and welcome to the club.

this has histroicly been a touchy subject on XOC... however i am pleased with my 4x2... it does what i need it to for the most part(yeah i've been stuck, thats why you go on hard stuff with 4x4's around )

if you want an uninhibited answer... from fellow 4x2 owners... check this out

Nice link

Are you the only member ?

nope... didnt even start the group... i rarely go there, but i do appreciate the fact that it exists...

havent you seen the other 10-15 times ive posted the link?

i too would have to agree, i have a 2wd and love it to death. yes i wish i had the money for a 4wd but hey, that can come further down the line. but for now like the others have said dont drive over your head and do your best not to do anything alone. go out with some one else that has 4wd and you should still have just as much fun.

I love my 4x2 also, I feel I could go anywhere with this thing (to certain extremes, of course)...but how does the X 4x2's handle in the Sand...I like to visit the beaches this summer....

I haven't done much off-roading, besides the country roads around here and the thick black clay muck... the stock tires sure load up with that stuff in a hurry... makes driving in it kinda scary.

You've still got pretty much the same clearance as the 4x4's do I think... and i think it's still a pretty capable truck. The guards and sliders are a must for big rocks though..

I didn't want the extra complexity, maintenance, expense, or mileage hits, so I went with an SC 4x2 myself. (Ha! sounds like I'm a hypocrite, but the SC was a requirement for me... i meant extra expense OVER the SC) I was thinking if i go serious with 4x4, I'll tow a dune buggy or offroad vehicle behind my X, cause it's also my daily driver.

You'll do fine in wet sand but the fluffy dry stuff will get you stuck real quick in 2WD. I have found it to be tough going in 4WD in the dry stuff. Stay where the sand is wet and compacted or prepare to do a lot of digging!

Dave

Ouch...

I have been able to do a fair amount of stuff with my X in 2WD. More than I thought really. I am sure my BFG muds and the lift help out quite a bit for grip and clearance. Like everyone said, sure 4x4 is better off road, but looks like there are some 4x2's out there that can still have fun, and that's all that counts.

And, even with my 4x4, I get stuck too. It's just part of it. It's ALWAYS a good idea to wheel with others.

Enjoy,

Thanks for the advise, I know the 2WD X's do good on off-road (as long as it's not too rough) cause, my job consists of going to pre-constructed job sites, where you got all kinds of terrain, and also going to uncharted land, for surveying purposes, and my X does well, but I'll just play it by ear at the Sand Dunes...Thanks Again..

Ignorance is bliss...

Hey I like this guy

I really like my 2WD. I was surprised at how well the 4x2 handles off road. If the ground is hard-packed, no problems at all. Over large rocks you have to be careful, but still not too much of a problem.

On a recent trip to Anza-Borrego State Park with SCCX, I was able to make it through 2 fairly deep (2~2.5 feet) water crossings and up the first rock garden squeeze on the way to Sheep Canyon. After that, I parked and hitched a ride in a 4x4. You just have to use your judgement. The next day, we cruised around Ocotillo Wells OHV area - lots of sand. Made it up Devil's Backbone... eventually. I began to lose traction and dig myself a hole, but was eventually able to work myself all the way up--unassisted. I was VERY impressed at that one. There was only one instance where I had to back down to avoid a stuck.

Overall, the 4x2 X is very capable off the pavement. Sure, it's not going to get you EVERYWHERE, but you'd be surprised how far you can go before you have to park and ride (or go back).

I got a 4x2 for financial reasons (like most people here) - specifically, insurance. It was going to cost me ~$500 MORE every 6 months. For now, I'm more than happy with my 2WD.

Ivory Kid

I was reading somewhere, that the Xterra 4x2 models were designed so it can withstand all kinds of terrain...and then having A 4x4 is a real plus....but I'll just have fun with it...

Is that why, in every pic of you I've ever seen, you have the biggest fucking shit-eating grin?

I wish I could be that blissful . . .

every time this debate has came up the argument of "it only costs 2k more" comes up, i have mentioned the jump in insurance several times... but no one believes me, I guess its just me and you... actually maybe its only a SoCal thing... i know in CO they dont sell 4x2's, thats probably true in other areas as well... so that would explain some of the people not knowing this fact...

the only advice i can really give you is, just take thing slow.

i try to go too fast one time on dirt track and it fish tail like a Biacth. scared me shitless , but it was fun.

Well there is one 4x2 owner in the local club who is quite proud.

Actually it is a age thing... if you are in your late 30's and early 40's... you own a home(with owners and fire insurance)... have a good driving record... multi vehicle discount etc... and lump it all with one insurance company... it is less then $50 more every 6 months for 4WD.

Like others said you just got to use your Head :p The first upgrade will help out alot for your dirt FUN!! BFG AT/KO's and If you can go with some Bilstein shocks you will love the OffRoad ride and feel no pain 4X2's ROCK!!!!

i don't know if the original poster is even looking at this anymore, but like others said, use your head and go with other people to be safe.
get some new tires, sliders and underbody armor and you'll be set for most offroad trails a newbie would go on.
unless you want to take on the rubicon you can have alot of fun with a 2wd.

I am still reading the posts every day. Since I've spent all my money on the 4x2 I have, I'll have to chose wisely about what I buy next. Most people seem to agree that better tires are very beneficial so I'll start there. I'll just go on trails I can handle for now. Looking forward to Northern CA group's next expedition (and my first)!

Thanks for all the feedback!

DNA GRL