I've been talking to quite a few folks and it seems like the general consensus is that I won't be able to go surf fishing with a 2wd with a locker. I'm pretty dang disappointed at the thought. I was thinking if I got 33x12.5 tires on there and a manual locker in an 8.8 rear with proper gearing that I would be OK to ride on the beach due to the ranger's light weight. So far I've only done the body lift so that I can clear the 33s, but if it's a lost cause I'm not even gonna bother trying to find a new rear and buying a locker to install on it. I'd really greatly appreciate input, particularly from any 2wd rangers who might already do surf fishing with their truck.

 

As long as you air those tires waaaayyyyyy down, I wouldnt worry too much about it. Whats the worst case if your truck gets stuck? someone pull you out?

 

 

Air down and no problem. I got around at the sand dunes in 2 with little difficulty.

 

Sweet! Thanks for the encouragement guys! Just gotta save up some cash for that 8.8 and 33s now! :-P

 

Air them down, and get the widest rim/tire you can if you are too worried.

 

Always take a shovel and two 6 foot long 2x4's with you so you can dig yourself out and get moving again.

 

I've been at the beach the last 2 days and seen a bunch of people get stuck as theres a big spot of deep sugar sand right next to the boardwalk that I walk on to get to the beach. Most of the cars to get stuck have been people that just have to stop at every truck with a couple girls at the back, then they try to mash the gas to get going again when they should just start slow. Also those who don't realize they can go into reverse instead of keep trying to go straight and getting even more stuck.

 

Dont go out in a 2wd...That isnt wise...I have done way to many pull outs.

 

^^^ dont listen to him i know tons of people that do pretty amazing things with 2wd trucks. just do what everyone told you above

 

You should be ok as long as you DON'T STOP, whatever you do DON'T STOP or you'll probably get stuck quite easily.

 

His truck he can do what he wants.

 

yea I use to drive on the beach in 2wd all the time. The only time I used 4wd is when I got stuck in 2. Like said above get a wide tire/rim, dont stop, ease on the throttle when taking off, and have supplies for when you get stuck.

I also dont think you really need a locker, just a limited slip in good shape should be plenty. I had a ls and I dont think I ever had just 1 tire spinning.




Ohh, and it would be a good idea to know someone that can come pull you out just in case you find your self alone and stuck bad.

 

i took my one wheel drive ranger on the beach all of the time it did fine just couldnt go into anything really fun.... but i did get stuck a good number of times but that only because i wanted to go into deeper sand...

 

Well, I'll have to stop when I park to fish... The first few times out I'll be sure to take a 4wd buddy with me just incase I do get stuck. Front tow hooks will definitely be going on before I even attempt it and i'll definitely bring a shovel/2x4s/****** strap/air down/etc. If I've read correctly, 33x12.5 is the widest I can go with just the 3 inch body lift, so that's what I'm aiming for. Will the locker really be overkill? If all I'm really gonna need is limited slip then I might just go that route since it's a helluva lot cheaper. I won't need new tires til next summer at least though. My thought was I'd find an 8.8, regear to 4.56 so that with 33s my speedo should match up pretty close and put a manual locker on there to be sure I've got the best chance possible. Is there a better plan than that? Thanks again for all the advice!

 

Yea I think that a ls would be fine. I have been really stuck, on frame with 4 wheels spinning stuck, and with my ls all 4 wheels spun just fine.
The only thing is, if your rear tires are gonna be where the water is breaking, they might work their way down into the sand.

 

How far do you get stock?

 

Sorry to sound noobish, but isn't it really bad for the truck to do that? Go that close to the water with it I mean? Even with washing it right away, wouldn't sand particles be more prone to working their way into things? Mud seems more forgiving (although I have never been mudding in my own truck).

Or is it because I live in Calgary and dream of real beaches where its never cold because this winter sucks ***** and isn't letting up? Oh well, I got the mountains I guess...

 

it all depends on the condition of the sand you're planning to drive on. hard packed sand like what I see people driving on (in pics) daytona beach no problem. dry deep fine loose sand will likely be a problem.

 

procomp makes a 31x12.50 which would give you less of the stuffed look.

l/s is a cheaper part but if you dont plan on regearing at the same time then a lunchbox locker will save you money on labor costs, any backyard mechanic can install one as opposed to the l/s.

 

just be carefull, ease on the throttle, and air you tires down. i drove out on daytona beach in a ford windstar minivan, didnt air the tires or anything, didnt have a problem

 

if you did get a locker you would love it! makes a big difference when your stuck and one wheel in the air is turning and the one buried is not...

 

i went to corral canyon with 4 rangers in this forum. i was the only 2wd there. i had 35's with 3.55 gears ( i have 4.56 at home about to go in) and no locker. i didnt hold them back one bit. 2wd can do a lot of things.

 

x2

im always out on the beach most of our sand is hard packed but there are times of the year where the sand dries out gets wind blown & turns too deep nasty fluff that even 4x4s get stuck

 

Anybody know what the sand is like on the lower delaware coast and down into maryland/virginia/the carolinas? That'll be primarily where I'm hoping to fish.

If it's not too much of a thread detour, anybody have a good idea on a fair price for a used 8.8 with brakes? I've always hated drum brakes so if I was thinking of maybe swapping to the explorer 8.8 w/ discs if I can find one. Finding an open diff 8.8 explorer rear w/ discs that I can put a manually selectable locker into is gonna be a bit of a quest I think...