Why 4 X 4

The worst places I have been that needed it were level ground on the grass and I've been in one place after it had rained all night. I left ruts in the ground pulling the FW and a utility trailer. I was in a campground with old blacktop and dirt trying to back the FW up a slope and spun the tires in 2 wheel. If you are out in the desert a lot or just stay out of questionable grass areas you would probably do fine without it and maybe just air down. I've been in back woods sandy trails that I couldnt make it up in 4x4 until I aired down. I also carry a 120 volt air compressor mounted next to the Honda 3000 in front of the hitch so it's quick to air up.

The other time I like it is backing up a slope on my property where I put it in low range.

Snow, wet grass, snow, loose gravel , snow. The first trip with our new fifth-wheel in April was delayed because of snow. I had to plow before we left. Oh I forgot our drive way floods sometimes.

I've owned on 4x4 but went with 4x2's on my last two trucks for the reasons stated. I think I used the 4x4 feature twice in the four years I owned it and the 4x2 is usually less expensive and a slightly higher payload. Of course you do have to use extra care if you traveling in snow, sand or soft ground. So far I've never gotten myself stuck.

I got stuck in my CC LB DUALLY...backed in my FIL’s TT beside his driveway... unhitched and went to pull forward and the rear axle buried up to the hub in mud.

No joke...the front tires were sitting on pavement.

Next HD truck will be 4x4.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Oem's have 4x4 solved. My 87 4x4 the front axle hub used to fall off. Pain to jack up and mess with spare spindle nut I used to carry. Swore I'd never have another 4x4. My 01 2 wheel drive axle doesn't fall off. But In talking with people with newer stuff, nobody has said they have had any problems. My next one will be 4x4. My old 4x4 had TSB after TSB for front axle.

My last three trucks have all been 4x4 because local dealers never have any 4x2 in the higher trim levels. Could order one but prefer to buy it off the lot when I want it. Have never used 4 wheel drive when towing the 5er. And that includes sites on wet grass and/or native soil.

Have used it a few times on muddy trail getting to/from hunting cabin. But managed that almost as well with 2 wheel drive and limited slip diff before having 4x4.

I have owned 4 P/Ups with 4x4 and never used 4x4. I have been in the market for a new Ford , 3/4 ton, LWB, 2 WD, Gas, Super Cab, either red, white or blue for the last 3 years and they are not to be had. I just did a 3,000 mile search and also tried to have one built from the Factory. Factory said they would have to have orders for at least 700 before they would build one like that. My 2003 with the V10 just turned 109K and still looks new and have a standing offer from my neighbor for $15,000 . Guess I will just keep it as I have no use for diesel or 4x4. But I live in Calif but I have towed all over the West Coast and some Eastern States and only got stuck twice in nearly 60 yrs towing with 4x2.
I have owned 10 or 15 P/Ups with 4x2 in that time and never had a problem selling all of them for top dollar

Usnthedog wrote:
Every place you look, every dealer it's all 4 X 4's. I have a 4 X 4 and never use it. Why is it so popular? Is there anyone out there that has a 2 X 4 and is unhappy with the truck? How about with a 4 X 4? My first 2 trucks I bought off the lot hence the 4 X 4. I'm looking to order and almost feel ashamed to consider a 2 X 4. I pull a 12,000# 5th wheel. No mud holes and backroads. Thanks.

And diesel, but that is another post.

honestly. It is a macho thing. As in. I just got to have a 4x4. They look so good. No I'll never go gully jumping, but I got to have a 4x4. OH! I may get stuck on a wet leaf, so I need 4x4. It reality, it is an image thing.

honestly. I have been towing for more than 40 years, and have never once needed 4x4, even though I have has several 4x4s. I have taken them gully jumping, and out on the beach, but haven't needed them for towing. In fact the BEST, most STABLE TV I ever had was a 4x2. I miss it.

May never use 4x4 towing. But winter snow country daily driver... 4x4 priceless!

Once people find out just how useful the electronic locking rear differential is on Ford trucks they are going to sell like hot cakes ! It does exactly what you want, when you want it. At the press of a button, it locks the 2 rear tires together. Speed is limited, but no one in their right mind (race car driver are arguable NOT in their right mind !) would want to drive a lock differential at more than fairly slow speed.