Off Road Ready - a spotters guide

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 01/03/2014 at 17:35 • Filed to: diagonal spin

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Like music genres, the lines between SUV's. trucks and crossovers is getting so blurred its hardly worth keeping track, but how do you know if the vehicle sitting next to you at the light is a genuine trail pounder (or at least more adventurous) or just a guy or gal who has an irrational hatred of wagons and their obvious supriority? There are lots of obvious giveaways, and they don't hold as true for the driver as much as the car, but the one I can count on most reliably to inform me if the vehicle was intended to see trail duty or not is this:

Is the imaginary center-line that runs horizontally from the wheel centers above or below the lowest part of the vehicle's body[not counting removable gear like side steps]? Here is what I mean. 2014 Forester, generally considered a "rugged" persons car, but since the centerline is above the lowest part

The Tacoma on the other hand, is a model study in off-roadedness. Check out that clearance.

Where as car based "trucks" like the ridgeline [above] and its stablemate the pilot fail this test outright.

This trend isn't scientific, but it does give you a quick and easy reference out on the road. Of course there are other easy to spot signs, such as a gaping hole where a differential should be

Dusty Ventures > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 17:42

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HammerheadFistpunch > Dusty Ventures 01/03/2014 at 17:46

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see all that clearance? approved.

Now of course im not saying that if it doesn't pass it can't go offroad, its just my general guidline for weeding out the crossovers from the SUV's. The ridgeline was right on the borderline, with those bigger tires, I'll bet it pushed it over the edge.

vdub_nut: scooter snob > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 17:59

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I used to test these differentials (well, the ones that COULD be there), and it makes me sad every time I see a FWD 'scrape on the road.

Dusty Ventures > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 18:03

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It's all good. I was just using you as an excuse to post a desert truck ;)

HammerheadFistpunch > Dusty Ventures 01/03/2014 at 18:05

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anytime. In fact, you can just post one and say its my fault entirely.

NaturallyAspirated > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 18:09

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The long wheelbase combined with the fact that the transfer case is hanging down just waiting to be torn out by a rock would make me think twice about giving the "Approved" rating to the Toy Tac.

On Subies (since you brought up the Forester) the frame rails are the lowest point on the vehicle, so at worst you'll dent your rocker panels. I'll take that over forcible removal of mechanical components.

Of course, a "real offroad" vehicle will usually be a short wheelbase vehicle set up to be as low as possible (low CG for stability), but tons of suspension droop for flex.

HammerheadFistpunch > NaturallyAspirated 01/03/2014 at 18:14

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Having been places in a taco, i have great deals of confidence in them. Approval stands.

Boxer_4 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 18:19

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Of course, just because someone has a crossover, doesn't mean they can't take it on the trail. I know our 09 SH Forester has seen more off-roading than a good number of the "real" SUVs that people drive, an it's quite good at it, too.

It would do even better off-road with a full set of skid plates and a Subtle 1" lift kit.

HammerheadFistpunch > Boxer_4 01/03/2014 at 18:21

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Agreed, see my other post (Also, I had an 05 turbo manual and took it places I shouldn't have)

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NaturallyAspirated > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 18:22

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If you're gonna leave unprotected junk hanging off the bottom of your rig, you really need a third line, like this:

HammerheadFistpunch > NaturallyAspirated 01/03/2014 at 18:28

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well, you know the differential is about that height. its not like EVERYTHING has to be up high. The transfer case as a skid plate on the TRD models and its going to take a lot more abuse than a rocker panel. Besides, Ground clearance is measured at the low point on the chassis which is 9.1 inches or more on the TRD, an inche AFTER you would have ripped out the entire bottom of a Forester.

NaturallyAspirated > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 18:45

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Yeah. I was sort of half-heartedly trying to troll you, but apparently I suck at trolling, which is maybe a good thing? I dunno.

I built this thing:

The way this vehicle was put together might provide some insight as to why I turn into a crotchety old bastard whenever folks start talking about how good their full-size pickup truck is offroad. I suspect we are thinking of different things when we use the phrase, "offroad."

I tore the muffler off a few times, but cheap replacements from Amazon with Prime shipping meant I didn't care all that much.

HammerheadFistpunch > NaturallyAspirated 01/03/2014 at 18:46

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4 inch with 31's?

NaturallyAspirated > HammerheadFistpunch 01/03/2014 at 18:57

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33s. I cut the fenders and moved the flares up, so they look smaller.

HammerheadFistpunch > NaturallyAspirated 01/03/2014 at 19:02

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Every time I see a lifted XJ in pictures I think...man that's big and meaty. Then I pull up along side one with my stock suspension and 33's

Chase > HammerheadFistpunch 01/13/2014 at 20:01

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2002 Ranger - do you know how hard it is to find a (stock) straight on side profile for my ranger?
Best one I could find, too dark outside to use mine

I'd say it passes :)
That little bump you see is actually a brace (as far as i can remember, haven't been under mine much)

Edit: also, damn just realized this was form 10 days ago XD Blame the "Best of Oppo" post

HammerheadFistpunch > Chase 01/13/2014 at 20:16

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definite pass. That bump is the mounting point for either a torsion bar or control link

Chase > HammerheadFistpunch 01/13/2014 at 21:07

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Torsion bar mount it is. I actually need to get under and adjust it for "Ranger Lean" - driver, gas tank and battery are all on the same side of the truck, which can cause some odd tilt

TheOnelectronic > NaturallyAspirated 01/14/2014 at 11:54

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I'm pretty sure that's not the T-case; it's an exhaust crossover pipe. Still a silly place to put it, but not critical to driving. I've banged the underside of my Tacoma many times and have yet to break anything.