.. for varying definitions of "offroad", I imagine.

Sure, I've taken the Dak (2001 Dakota SLT) across a field, and have had
an interesting time in some feet of snow.  But I've never been
four-wheeling it in the Australian Outback.  Or any other outback, for
that matter...

These first attempts were pretty wimpy by your standards I imagine, but
perfect for the newbie I be.  Both weren't part of our original plans,
but were worth the trips nevertheless.

For our first adventure, we turned offroad on a 4km there-and-back
track.  This track had lots of small-rock sections, and some bigger
rocky sections near the end.  Rocky creek crossings.  Some really
serious speedbump-like ridges (but 4x the height of a normal speedbump -
these were actually for diverting water, I think - weirs?)  I wouldn't
call it a true 4WD road though, as I never actually put it in 4 - hi or
lo.  There was a good bit of bouncing going on tho.

(Aside - my steering wheel, just where it meets the dash, rattled a lot.
 Is this normal?)

Next morning, we went off on a completely different track, the
challenges there were washboard - worse washboard I've ever seen - and
some sandy bits, but nothing spectacular.  I did have to put it in 4hi
for this track, it seemed to help keep my truck's backside where it
belonged on the washboard, and of course helped with traction in the sand.

Today I was at the dealer for an unrelated problem (failing radiator
cap, in another post), we got to talking and he was saying the most
common problem he sees with 4WD vehicles out here is broken axles.
Cause?  Accumulated metal fatigue from washboard roads.

Anyway, I had a great time and the Dakota was great!  Didn't bog down in
the sand at all, and handled the washboard better than any other vehicle
I've driven, even before I put it in 4hi.  Though I shouldn't be
surprised, really, it is my first 4x4.

I'll certainly go with other, more experienced 4wd drivers/vehicles
(with winches <g>) as we explore other roads.  Having a 4x4 here has
opened up whole new horizons for us!

Yeeha!  Now all I need is a GPS so I don't get totally lost out here :)

jmc