26 replies to this topic

[Sportsman Matt]

Just a thought from one 2WD explorer to another. I carry 4 things in my truck for the "just incase" that will make life easier incase of getting stuck.

First is a good short handled flat shovel, a 3/4"x18"x18" piece of plywood, a tow strap, and a comealong. the shovel is good for digging out or filling in under the tires. The plywood fits under the jack of the truck, as those little bottle jacks tend to sink into the dirt when you least expect it or don't want it to sink. The tow strap and comealong work either as a pair or individually, depending on where you are. I've used the tow strrap and comealong once to pull free of a plow induced snow bank (plow guy put 4 feet of snow in front of my truck and 3 feet behind it just to be "nice")

The plywood, strap, and comealong fit neatly behind the seat of the truck, the shovel has it's place in the bed of the truck.

Best thing is when off in the dirt, don't be afraid to get out and walk ahead if it looks like it may be tough to get around or over.

Good luck

[generubin]

I have done the drive up to Arctic Canada and Alaska several times. Second time was in Jay's (Chnlisle's) old Nissan 4x4. I have used both 2wd and 4wd. While I am one who loves challenging 4wd roads, you'll find few of them in Canada and Alaska. Reason being is that roads, even dirt ones have to be either maintained or they are completely impassable due to rains and permafrost. So all you get up north is paved or gravelled dirt. Either is passable in any 2wd. In fact, my last trip I took a 2006 Chevy Impala SS! And I took it on the dirt Taylor Hwy from Dawson City to Tok!

Don't get a locker. A locker helps you get over rocks but can kill you in icey and muddy conditions. An open diff sends power to wheel with less traction so that you do not actually break loose the one, well tractioned, wheel that is keeping you from sliding off the cliff.

Sway bars? I remove mine for better articulation. I can't remember, but I think we removed Jay's as well.

Airbags? I don't think an F250 will need them. Just one more bolted on thing to fail. Difficult to keep attached on long stretches of washboard such as the highly recommended Dempster Hwy in Arctic Canada. This Dempster Hwy takes you 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle. 1,000 miles round trip of good gravel road. Amazing scenery:

Please consider Cassaire Hwy instead of the Alaskan Hwy. Cassaire is much more scenic and remote. Along the way, I recommend the side trip to Stewart/Hyder. Consider visiting Bella Coola in BC. You can take a ferry there from Vancouver then carry on inland and north:

Back to the truck. I'd recommend good tires rated for the weight and decent shocks. I have found Bilsteins uncomfortably stiff. I use ProComp 9000. Absolutely a set of chains or cable chains. The sort of conditions you might come across in the far north will be much better solved by 2wd with chains than 4wd without chains. I see it time and time again; 4wd macho trucks stuck in the ice while little grandma' sedans with chains drive by and wave!

Enjoy the trip!

Gene

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[Toad]

There is something you guys are not getting here. A lift kit does nothing for ground clearance. Only a taller tire can do this. Alift kit only raisies the body not the suspension which is what will be dragging across the rocks.
I would level the truck in front, air bags in the rear for the weight, sway bar, and a winch to me is the best insurance you can have. Get one you can put in a recever hitch then you can pull from the front or the rear. Try the tru track limited slip, I think it would give you enough help.

[Bat]

The truck sounds great,I would get some good tires and full size spare, tow strap, tow rope, pulley,good jack,shovel,D-rings, maybe an old piece of carpet. Put it all behind the seat because you will probably never use it if common sense is used.I think weather is something you can't control and having recovery tools makes me feel better. I would skip the winch,locker and get the suspension in order with the camper and add things as you go for your driving needs.I would ask around about shocks,I have Bilsteins or Donahoe on all my stuff they are the best.

[craig333]

Toad is correct about the lifts, but, your diffs and stuff aren't the only thing that get hung up on rocks. Getting the body off the ground helps too. The fewer things low to the ground the better. If you reallly want to get somewhere sometimes you just have to ignore those crunching noises.

[DirtyDog]

Toad is correct about the lifts, but, your diffs and stuff aren't the only thing that get hung up on rocks. Getting the body off the ground helps too. The fewer things low to the ground the better. If you reallly want to get somewhere sometimes you just have to ignore those crunching noises.

Yeah like running boards.

[Bat]

I think some people tend to go overboard on a lift but a little lift and larger tires can go a long way.