> So, I read on plenty of sites that reducing the air pressure in the
> tires can increase traction. But without bead lock rims, one cannot
> reduce the pressure too much else a tire comes loose.
>
> Does anyone have any clue about how low one can safely go with stock
> 14'' rims and your basic 185R14 road tire?

A bunch of us drove Syncros (and one 2wd) in the back way to
Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park.  3-4 miles of pretty soft sand.
We all (in the end) aired down to about 12 lbs.  Some of us
agreed also that the effect of going from 16 to 12 was as
great as going from 40 to 16.  We had various size tires,
including stock 14".

The Park Service signs recommend 15 lbs; they thoughtfully
have a big compressor at the point you exit to pavement.

Richard