Can someone explain how angle of approach and departure work? My 2004 Limited seems to have an angle of approach of 31 and an angle of departure of 24. What does each number mean and what is the practical implication of having the two numbers be different? (Sorry if this sounds really stupid.) Thanks. Dan

Have a look at this... http://skidplate4x4.tripod.com/The_Breakover_Angle_explanation.htm or google yourself one...

Ok, but if a truck has an angle of departure less than its angle of approach (which they usually seem to do) then isn't the truck's ability to negotiate hills governed solely by the smaller of the two? When going up hill, even if the front bumper can clear the beginning of the hill when its starts its ascent, if the departure angle is smaller, then the rear bumper will get caught up on the ground at the base of the hill. So it doesn't matter that the angle of approach is larger. Its the smaller angle of departure that appears to be the limiting factor. Or am I just not understanding how this works? Thanks Dan

In answer to your question... you're probably right... but, it's not like you're driving up and over perfectly flat bits of wood anyway... If you have a 2004 model 4x4, you probably don't want to scratch/dent it anyway - that's what old 4x4's are for :) (unless you're stupid - or very rich) :) Here's some pictures of me having fun in my 4runner though, you can see what happens when you don't have enough approach and ramp over.. in some of the pics :) http://home.it.net.au/~perth4x4/Wedge_27-12-2004/index.html luckily sand is fairly forgiving :)

Jamie - is that what you do for entertainment 'down under' ... dig cars out of the sand? :) sorry, couldn't resist, looked like good aerobics. And, yeah, I agree with you, this is for older trucks. Then again, what good is the 4WD if you never use it?

>In answer to your question... you're probably right... but, it's not >like you're driving up and over perfectly flat bits of wood anyway... If >you have a 2004 model 4x4, you probably don't want to scratch/dent it >anyway - that's what old 4x4's are for :) (unless you're stupid - or very >rich) :) Right. Good point. I have a brand new Limited in Dorado Gold. Just seems too beautiful to really make it work. At least for now . . . ;-) Thanks. Dan