2WD or 4WD

One time while going through Nevada we pulled off the road for a break. The ground seemed hard and dry. But when we tried to take off the rear wheels just spun. Another reason is the 50 percent lower gears you get with a 4X4. You have double the pulling power if you need it.

It's mostly about what you are going to do. I grew up on a farm and then trucking in the Co mtns and I never had 4wd. Extra weight in the bed or chains worked for me, the very few times I needed them. Now, we're getting into off road camping and sight seeing so I finally broke down and got a Jeep and lovin' it and I expect my next truck to be 4wd. The diesels need 4wd worse cuz the front ends are so heavy. A warning to the OP... a 3500 srw or even drw doesn't mean you will be ready for any 5er out there! Craig

Terryallan wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
Getting 4X4 for the first time is like getting diesel for the first time and wondering how you did without it it!

Not really. I learned in 2wd vehicles, and when I got a 4x4 I wondered what the big deal was. I went every where in 2WD I could in 4x4. But like I say. when I learned to drive. 4x4 vehicles were extremely rare. Every thing we did, was done in 2WD. From hauling hay to riding on the beach. So we had to learn how.

Good observations (and experiences).

Had both. (4X4s and diesels).

"Like getting your first diesel"....
First diesel was an '85 Ferd 6.9, no turbo, no OD, 3:55 rear end gears.
Can you say *LOTS* of black smoke over Loveland Pass!.:B
(Low gear & 20mph - wondering.... "why do I have it"?)

Did just fine with two wheel drive in mountains (in the snow).
When I had two 4x4 trucks in the same mtns (also snow) - never used the 4X4.

Yeah - got a two wheel drive van stuck in the sand (complete with attached TT) once...."extricated" it myself, with reminder to self: keep turns on the *wet* sand.
4X4 with stock tires would have still needed same extrication, LOL!

Fun in the mtns watching the- "I'm cool, I've got a 4X4" -flatlander folks- slide out onto a busy highway when they hit the patch of ice at my exit road.

Went back to two wheel drive diesel trucks - do fine without 4X4.

*If* you're into off-roading and/or *serious* boondocks - 4x4.

BTW - a 4X4 is still two wheel drive (unless you have lockers) - just at different ends of the vehicle, and more maintenance.;)

If it makes you feel better - you *absolutely* should have it..:C

~

rhagfo wrote:
Getting 4X4 for the first time is like getting diesel for the first time and wondering how you did without it it!

Not really. I learned in 2wd vehicles, and when I got a 4x4 I wondered what the big deal was. I went every where in 2WD I could in 4x4. But like I say. when I learned to drive. 4x4 vehicles were extremely rare. Every thing we did, was done in 2WD. From hauling hay to riding on the beach. So we had to learn how.

Thank you all for your replies and needless to say my Dh is very very pleased with the replies. So I agree! Dh already gave me most of the same reasons and I know how good the info is on here so I just wanted to throw it out there. And we both drive and it wasnt the cost not much difference in price. Well one thing maybe now the Dh will start joining in on this forum. He just leaves it up to me. Thanks again!

It's not so much the 4x4 but the low range that comes in handy a lot, boondocking.

4WD is great for peace of mind. The extra traction and low gears at the turn of a dial can do a lot to calm some nerves (Or to keep my wife from grabbing at the interior like a scared cat)

Dont need it till you need it and then its worth every penny.To the poster who said he wondered how people get stuck in flat ground wet grass..Kidding right? Trying to pull 15k from a dead stand still in wet grass is like having your rear wheels on ice.Add just a 1percent grade and forget it.Going nowhere.
Get the 4x4.Its NOT a man thing.Its pretty much a necessity if you use your truck as a truck.

twinstick wrote:
One thing that hasnt been mentioned is the use of a low range. My truck is a 4wd 06 f250. It has the manual/auto lock hubs. I actually disconnected the vacuum line to the hubs, so I had to lock them. Most would think im crazy, but, essentially it gives me a 2wd low rnage, with the ability get out and lock my hubs for 4wd.

I use 2wd low everytime I come home from camping. The road in front of my driveway is steep, and I have to stop and back up itto get into my driveway. A GREAT way to burn up a transmission is trying to back up a heavy load up a steep hill. I put it in low range and back 10k up without even touching the gas.

Im not as old as many of you here, im 28, but ive been pulling trailers since I was12yo and always driven a 4wd truckand always needed to use it many times.

I would love manual locking hubs but upon pricing them I decided against. Price, IIRC, was in the 4 digits (Dana, I believe).

Getting 4X4 for the first time is like getting diesel for the first time and wondering how you did without it it!