All Terrian Tires Useful with Only 2WD ??

Never had all terrain tires but was thinking about trying them out. Is it completely useless to have all terrain tires if you do not have 4WD?

 

A 2wd Tacoma with good tires is extremely capable. What are you using your truck for?

 

I am thinking of going off road desert dirt trails on weekends. Probably all terrain might not help much in dune like sand but hopefully everywhere else it would.
Not so many trails in Utah say you need 4WD to go down the road but i wondering if this is an exaggeration.

 

Certainly not. Better gripping tires have more effect on handling and traction than just accelerating. Steering, braking and load carrying can benefit from better tires

 

4wd helps in sand. I’ve had my 2wd stuck before. Bring a compressor and traction boards and don’t be afraid to air down. Go with a buddy that can help you if you need it. I used boards and aired down below 15psi to get unstuck before. It’ll be fun. Bring extra water and jackets snacks!

 

I drive ATs on my Prerunner, I drive farm and gravel roads. Truck handles better in the mud and muck with ATs

 

They aren't a substitute for 4X4, but will help. I'd do it.

 

Yea i figure i would try a discount AT brand and how it goes. Trying Laufenn X Fit ATs

 

Utah is near mountains and trails.

 

Dont go alone

 

Tires are one of those things you buy pretty infrequently and are stuck with for a long time, that it makes sense to save up a little more and get better quality.

You're only talking about a few hundred dollars for something you'll use for 3-5 years typically (and you're counting on getting you home from the desert)

Get something that has good qualities (treadwear, traction, and temperature metrics) and good reviews on tire rack or discount tire's website.

 

If you want AT get AT. Warning it can sell later but at some loss.
I switched to RT. I’ll see how it goes.

don’t know about Laufenn. There’s reputable tire brands you hear about. Never hear about Laufenn.

sometimes there’s sales. Or used.

only place I knew with Laufenn was a used car dealer cutting their bottom line to flip cars. But said they worked fine without comebacks. However that was on passenger car no weather street tire use.

like some have said you’re already at a disadvantage with 2wd, in weather, trying to extract the most out of it and make up for that as much as you can with a quality tire that may or may not cost less than 4x4

not to make it sound like 4x4 works if it’s on bald tires. It doesn’t.
Stopping and turning can be as much or more of a concern than accelerating. All done by the tire.

 

I have the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and love them. Here in the Midwest, they are fantastic (in my opinion). They are great in the snow and wet, and they ride well.
In all honesty, they do seem to be wearing fast but I live down a pretty twisty road and I do like to 'rally' it. That obviously wears them faster.
IF I lived out west, where it's rockier, I'd buy something with a little tougher carcass. Maybe the AT4Ws will be better. I'll let you know in a couple of years when I've replaced the ones I have.

 

Also, you might consider a lunchbox locker. Having a locker in the rear can make a significant difference.

 

Is your 2wd Tacoma a prerunner? If so I imagine a locked rear end with AT tires would do better than you might expect.

 

Mine is a 2WD Prerunner yes. So basically I would then need to get a TRD Taco rear end ? Is that basically same as having LSD ?

 

Kid is thinking of the 1st gen where all of the prerunners had the locker. What year is your truck? 2008 or 9 they started having the "Auto LSD", which is a brake powered limited slip feature (essentially stronger traction control).

Here's a breakdown:
Open differential: one tire spins freely when you get stuck
Auto LSD: second tire spins some, might help, might not. Might cause the back of the truck to slide out on loose ground.
Locker: both tires spin exactly the same speed, regardless of the surface. Will help if you have one tire on firm ground, and more likely to cause the back of the truck to slide on loose ground.

Personally, I would not mess with a locker on your truck at this point, that's a couple grand that would be better put towards a trade for a 4x4, if you really need it. Start with tires (which you'll never regret good tires), and see where that gets you. Try to go with another vehicle (everyone should do this), until you learn the truck's limits.

 

2005 - 2008 Sport/Prerunner had the real LSD. 2009+ used the brakes to simulate an LSD.

For winter conditions, AT tires and weight in the bed goes a long way.

 

So did they still call in an LSD on the 09 plus models if so thats total BS. Really they should not be calling something what it is not.

Sounds like if i switch to LSD i will want the 05-08 AKA the REAL thing !