anyone own a 4X4 and mud is no problem?

Question

do you have no trouble climbing out of mud or other situations where a FWD or RWD would be stuck for sure?

my dad keeps getting stuck in mud and i have to go dig out for hours to get them out because he doesn't have 4X4....... should I tell him to get one?

What older model 4X4 are good for driving in mud and loose sand?

Answer 1

If you or your father is constantly getting stuck due to lack of a 4-Wheel Drive system, then, yes, it would be necessary for you to get a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle.

Specific Note - All-Wheel Drive isn't the same as 4-Wheel Drive. All-Wheel Drive doesn't feature a Lo-Range gearing or limited-slip or locking differentials for true off-roading. All-Wheel Drive is meant for dirt roads when it's raining or for light-to-medium snow and ice, not mud, sand, deep snow, or rough two-tracking. However, since you're looking at older vehicles, I'd suggest pre-1995, since that's about the time All-Wheel Drive started becoming popular.

If you want a complete breakdown of older SUVs and Trucks that are famed for excellent off-road ability, offered with a Lo-Range 4-Wheel Drive System, here's the best I can offer.

Compact SUVs -
Ford Bronco (1977 and older)
International Scout
Jeep CJ-Series
Jeep Wrangler
Land Rover Series II and Series III
Mitsubishi Montero 2-Door
Nissan Patrol (If you can find one in the United States)
Suzuki Samurai
Toyota Land Cruiser (1983 and older; a.k.a. "FJ40")

Midsize SUVs -
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Wagoneer
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Land Cruiser (1984 and newer)

Fullsize SUVs -
Chevrolet K-9 Blazer
Dodge Ramcharger
Ford Bronco (1978 and newer)
GMC Jimmy
Isuzu Trooper
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Land Rover Range Rover
Mitsubishi Montero 4-Door
Plymouth Trailduster

Compact/Midsize Pickups -
Dodge D50
Mitsubishi Mighty Max
Nissan Hardbody
Toyota Pickup (yes, that's really what it's called)
Toyota Tacoma

Fullsize Pickups -
Chevrolet K-Series (K10, K20)
Dodge Power Wagon
Dodge Ram
Ford F-Series (F-100, F-150, F-250)
Jeep J-Series (J10, J20)
Toyota T100

These models generally come standard with options such as locking differentials and Lo-Range Gearing, but if you can find any of the following models with these options (it's much rarer on the following models), then I'd say, go for it.

Compact SUVs -
Dodge Raider
Ford Bronco II
Geo Tracker
Suzuki Sidekick

Midsize SUVs -
Chevrolet S-Blazer
Ford Explorer
GMC S-15 Jimmy
Honda Passport
Isuzu Rodeo

Compact/Midsize Pickups -
Chevrolet S-10
Dodge Dakota
Ford Ranger
GMC Sonoma
Isuzu Pup
Mazda B-Series (B2200, B3000, B4000)

These models had locking differentials and Lo-Range gearing as options, but not nearly as many were made with the aforementioned options installed as the models in the first list.

Lastly, be sure to find a deep-treaded, quality set of All-Terrain or Maximum Traction (Mud) tires to install on the vehicle if it doesn't have some already installed on it. The right treads can make it or break it when off-roading, and perhaps a winch or a come-along, if you feel it's necessary.

I myself own a 1996 Geo Tracker Cabriolet with locking differentials and All-Terrain light truck tires, and have only gotten stuck once, and that was in a clay pit and before the All-Terrains were installed (I had passenger car tires).

I hope this has been of some help in choosing a vehicle.

Answer 2

Yes a 4x4 is necessary for off road. if I were going to recommend a good one I would say the 03-06 wrangler Rubicon will do the job. They have tough axles, locking diffs, 31" tires stock, and a few other things.

Also a very good tire is the truxxus m/t. They are super aggressive yet unbelievably quiet on the road.

Answer 3

that old dodge is a tough old truck, you don't say what motor but all of the motors were strong, for that year hopefully there is a 318 in it everything above that was hard on gas, the 440 was a powerhouse, but you throw some big tires on that thing and hang on that will be a damn good mud truck its heavy its got power, and it will throw mud far and high when you get on it, just don't get it stuck, its no lightweight. I had a power wagon the same year, and there was no stopping that thing in the snow, I got caught in a blizzard in colorado in 84 on christmas day, and I was pulling out chevy pickups all over denver, and all kinds of other cars I even got one big *** motor home out of hole. my Friends that did wood hauling loved the old dodges, they were the only truck that did not fall apart. other than a timing chain issue that truck went through hell and came back still running have fun

Answer 4

i got an 81 bronco and the only thing it was ever stuck in was slushy with ice under it. bronco is a great 4x4. new super duty trucks are good 4x4s too, they still have solid front axles. and if theres something wrong with you and you want a chevy, get an old one with solid axle in the front, those chevy ifs suck.

tires make a big difference too, ones that are good in the mud aren't that great for other driving.