I have a new-to-me 2010 F250 that I use for driving forest roads in the PNW often to get to trailheads. Due to all the rain (and general lack of maintenance funding) our forest roads here are in pretty bad shape with many pot holes and rocky sections. I’m not looking to do any serious off-roading, just drive rough forest roads with confidence.
So far I’m planning on getting better off-road tires since that’s low hanging fruit. Beyond that, I was wondering about a limited slip differential? I’ve definitely had a few times where the open diff would result in one wheel spinning when the other still had good traction. I’m not sure how difficult/expensive that would be, but would it be worth it?
Aside from that, are there any suspension mods to help with the many pot holes maybe? Anything else to consider?
About the suspension part. Depending on how long you’re really stressing and working your suspension and how fast you’re taking those Forrest roads I’d look into a suspension that has a remote reservoir. Just for the added thermal protection. If you have big money and want an all in one kit Carli suspension makes great kits for F2/350s. They address a lot of issues people have with the trucks and some claim it makes them ride incredible, but SFA says that might not still be close to an IFS truck/SUV.
Get a winch. You may be able to get one for your existing bumper, otherwise you’ll need a new bumper too, but the winch is completely worth it. Those backroads have little to no service and while you can use satellite phones and long range radios in personally someone that likes to rely on myself first. A winch on those roads is perfect. Especially in the snow when you can pull others out, or on the road when you get stuck in mud and can pull yourself out in a pinch.
Tires will be the biggest help. I’d buy either a built in air compressor, or get the ARB compressor in a box so you can air down and air back up when you need to. Lowering your PSI in them tires will make the ride on rough roads more compliant, prevent you from easily getting stuck in mud, and giving you a more sure footed feel. It’s gonna kill your MPG on the road though so airing up after is helpful. Potentially an auxiliary fuel tank or extended tank. Since you’re going off the path and may be out for a long time I always like keeping extra fuel on me for my trips out in remote places.
A good set of Maxtrax would be helpful. The truck weighs a lot so make sure it can handle it, and don’t rely on them, but they’ll work in a pinch. Especially if your truck isn’t 4WD.
Whew, that’s a lot to consider! This truck previously had a snowplow on it. Any chance of using that mount for a winch?
You bought a plow truck? Definitely check for rust
“Bought” as in handed down from a family member so who am I argue to with that? It’s fairly low mileage (<50k) and it wasn’t used as a dedicated plow truck, just had a plow installed during the winter for dealing with clearing a long road back to a cabin. It wasn’t laying down salt at all. But yes, rust is certainly something I’ve been keeping an eye on.