2wd vs 4wd

Besides the obvious reasons for a 4x4, we use 4 low to pull our 5er up a graveled driveway that is steep at 24% grade. Even in the middle of summer. Not sure if 2wd would do it, but the way the truck creeps up the hill without any tires slipping is a nice comfort.

I've owned several 4wd's, currently have 3. Changing the oil in the front differentials and transfer cases are the only additional expenses I've had.

I sure wouldn't pass on a good 4x4 looking for a 2wd.

I have owned several p/ups with 4wd and never used except to run it thru the gears. I have 4x2 now and hopefully will never buy another 4x4. I have been in the market for a used 4x2 P/Up and they are nearly impossible to find as ever thing is 4x4. A clean 4x2 P/Up is very easy to sell as I have sold 5 in the last 10 years

Do some reading! Nice little discussion down the page here.
Edit, never mind.

I had 2 TVs in the 90s that were 2WD. My Jeep, is 4x4. I had to put it in 4WD on peastone when the trailer had to go uphill into a campsite, and it lifted the weight off my rear wheels. I put it in 4lo, and didn't even need to touch the throttle to get it up the hill and onto a 2x10 Leveling board. My next TV will definitely be 4x4.

Early one October I was in Central City, Colorado when there was an early snow. I couldn't get out of the valley with my 1999 V10 Dodge pickup (with limited slip rear end) pulling a 19' trailer. Sure wish I had 4wd then. An empty 4wd pickup pulled us both up the hill. I went to a Class A MH after that but now that I'm going back to trailer pulling I'll be buying a 4wd pickup after the first of the year.

charles_1947 wrote:
I looking to buy a diesel tow vehicle and there seem to be more 4wd trucks for sale than 2wd. I don't need a 4wd, but there are better deals on the models I have seen. I have always heard that anything you have done willcost more on a 4wd and gathered is more moving parts that can break our wear. I would like to know you experience if you have an opinion

IMHO,

More Bells & whistles, the more can & likely will go wrong (Murphy's Law):B

Yes, a 4x4 is great & sometimes a necessity, but your specific needs will determine that.

You don't mention what you are towing, where to & under what conditions, but my guess is you won't have a definitive need for a 4x4. IF "traction", in specific conditions is a factor then, Yes.

Unfortunately, finding a used 4x2 is difficult to do, if in fact you intend on purchasing used.:(

If you do find a good used 4x2 rig, you should be able to get a really good deal on it. :B

Yes, I drive & tow, here in Idaho with a 4x2, but not in extreme adverse conditions. We have 10" on the ground now, & she was put to bed last month.:(

I looking to buy a diesel tow vehicle and there seem to be more 4wd trucks for sale than 2wd. I don't need a 4wd, but there are better deals on the models I have seen. I have always heard that anything you have done willcost more on a 4wd and gathered is more moving parts that can break our wear. I would like to know you experience if you have an opinion

I think you will find today's 4x4's are just as reliable as a 2x4. The trade-off is that they sit a little higher, cost a little more and weigh a little more. They also bring more on a trade-in as many buyers will not even consider a used 2x4 regardless of what it is or it's mileage or condition. For those that live and travel in mountainous areas or where winter conditions are a factor, a 4x4 is usually the only truck considered.

charles_1947 wrote:
I looking to buy a diesel tow vehicle and there seem to be more 4wd trucks for sale than 2wd. I don't need a 4wd, but there are better deals on the models I have seen. I have always heard that anything you have done willcost more on a 4wd and gathered is more moving parts that can break our wear. I would like to know you experience if you have an opinion

Current and ongoing thread with 12 pages on this subject.

Personally, I would not purchase any truck that does not have 4 wd.

Something might go wrong with the transfer case or frontend after 100,000+ miles - might go wrong. I've always owned 4x4s and the only thing that went wrong with the front end was my fault. I plowed a lot of snow and always had all four chained up and I was stuck a lot in the hills. The front end and transfer case won't go bad any quicker than the rest of the truck.

Bill