4 wheel drive V6 vs. 2 wheel drive V8?

marquette wrote:
My thought would be why did you buy a 4x4 to start with and how often do you use it. If you have owned the truck for 3 years and put in in 4x4 5 times to say you have used it then go 2wd. If you bought a 4x4 because it takes you where you want to go and it gets used 50 times a year then you know the answer.

Bingo on the 4x4 question.

We grew up in Michigan. Our current truck is the first 4x4 we've had and in the last 25yrs, I can come up with twice where we needed 4x4 in all that time, so not buying the "you need it for winter". Only reason we got 4x4 this time is the truck happened to have it.

Duly noted, thank you.

Lots of great advice here, thanks again. I'm think I'm leaning towards getting something bigger than the Dodge 2wd...

jerem0621 wrote:
I'd skip the 4.7... I'm not that impressed with the power band on the early 4.7...and I'm not sure it's an upgrade from what you have now.

The half ton trucks with the big V8's would be a step up. If you like SUV's the bigger SUV's like the Armada, Expedition, or Tahoe type SUV's would do well as well.

thanks!

Jeremiah

Pay close attention to some very good advice above. We spent years camping with another family that pulled a 21' ultra-lite with a 2004 4wd 4.7 Dodge. The truck was built for mileage, with very high rears, and it was absolutely pathetic watching how poorly it towed a very small, light travel trailer. You could end up "upgrading" and gaining zero in towing ability and losing 4WD.

Hello, I must ask if your Nissan has the 170HP naturally aspirated V6 or the 210 HP supercharged V6, I would consider this information vital to the equation.

Also in the equation would be the wheelbase length of the Dodge and are both equipped with automatic transmissions.

It would also help to know the final drive ratio of each.

IMHO, A V8 automatic long wheelbase Dakota (long bed or extra cab) would be a much more relaxing tow than the Nissan with the 170hp engine.

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If the Dakota is a good deal, I wouldn't hesitate to consider it for possible better highway power. It would be nice if you could try towing with it to feel the performance, though. A sometimes bonus is that 2wd usually gets better fuel economy, although Dodge was not noted for general competitive fuel economy in past years.

Two wheel drive with tire chains will out-traction a similar truck with 4x4, although the 2wd steering suffers without chains on all 4 tires. A set of chains just in case is not an expensive option, not like the pricy 4x4 option.

It sure does make sense to think about it. I rarely ever use my 4x4 and far prefer a FWD auto in the winter. Two wheel drive would be fine for 99.9% of my towing and a set of winter tires (only need two) does wonders for daily winter traction. Some tire dealers will seasonally swap them for free as part of purchase.

Wes
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I would say that you're not getting much if anything in terms of towing capabilities, and you are giving up 4WD. If it was me I would look for a full size truck like a 150 or 1500 with 4WD and a 5.3 or 5.4 V8. If you look at older 02-ish truck you should be able to stay at the same price point.

My thought would be why did you buy a 4x4 to start with and how often do you use it. If you have owned the truck for 3 years and put in in 4x4 5 times to say you have used it then go 2wd. If you bought a 4x4 because it takes you where you want to go and it gets used 50 times a year then you know the answer.

Staying in the same size class on the vehicle who cares about the HP. Reasons why I say that, 1) HP is a calculation (torque * RPM /5252) so pick a RPM to get the number you want. 2) it is more in the gearing. If you like your Nissan keep it and go change the diff's gear ratio. 3) the stability of the TV on its weight and length will be an upgrade in stability.

Changing gears is a whole lot cheaper than a new TV unless that is the excuse you are giving the wife for a new truck :-)

Personally I would not be without a 4x4, but we boondock.

With regard to the 4x4, I agree. Twice in 2014, I needed 4 wheel drive while towing. I'd rather have 4x4 and not need it, than need 4x4 and not have it.

scbwr wrote:
It hasn't happened very often, but I have had to use 4WD when pulling the trailer on wet grass and gravel, and the truck is our second vehicle, I've used 4WD in snow.

If at all possible, I'd search for a 1/2 ton truck. 4WD would be my first choice, but if you had to settle for 2WD, it will certainly be better for towing your trailer. Good luck in your search.

It hasn't happened very often, but I have had to use 4WD when pulling the trailer on wet grass and gravel, and the truck is our second vehicle, I've used 4WD in snow.

If at all possible, I'd search for a 1/2 ton truck. 4WD would be my first choice, but if you had to settle for 2WD, it will certainly be better for towing your trailer. Good luck in your search.