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