Would you get a 2WD?
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Elder User
Joined: May 2011
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Would you get a 2WD?
In the hunt for a nice Excursion I have found a few VERY nice 2WDs in my price range and close to home. In the time I have had my Expy I have used the 4WD exactly twice and both times was backing a trailer up a hill on a wet lawn. I'm trying to convince myself I would not need a 4WD Ex since I have a 4WD Expy (daily driver) for situations where it snows a ton or some such...
I also keep thinking along the lines of I could probably just buy a wrecked 05+ Super Duty with the updated front suspension setup since I'd want to convert to that anyway even if I get a 4x4 and then all the swap parts are in one place.
Mainly asking because I found a 2WD Eddie Bauer in great shape AND it has the 2nd row captain's chairs instead of the bench... We did get 30+" of snow last year which gives me pause, but again, I already have a 4WD truck that can blast around in the snow if need be.
I also keep thinking along the lines of I could probably just buy a wrecked 05+ Super Duty with the updated front suspension setup since I'd want to convert to that anyway even if I get a 4x4 and then all the swap parts are in one place.
Mainly asking because I found a 2WD Eddie Bauer in great shape AND it has the 2nd row captain's chairs instead of the bench... We did get 30+" of snow last year which gives me pause, but again, I already have a 4WD truck that can blast around in the snow if need be.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 29,909
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From: Virginia
2wd would be fine most of the time. If you don't see too much snow/ice in an unprepared area. Seeing that you got 30" of snow last year, I am sure your DOT prepped the roads well. Should be a lot cheaper and of course better mileage too.
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Elder User
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I dunno, I'm very torn on what to do here and heaven forbid my Expy ever was down for maintenance and I needed 4WD... I've just always been of the mindset that if you get a truck, get 4WD because there will come a time, maybe not right away, where you will get into a situation where you are stranded because of 2WD.
I did just run across a 2000 limited in which looks like really good condition with 82k original miles for $7499. And it is a 4x4. I wanted to keep my budget to about $6500 and find something with like 120-150k on the clock but this might be too good to pass up. If I can get the guy down to $7k and nothing is wrong with it then there is a very good chance I will get it. I was thinking of waiting till after tax returns and maybe springing for something nicer but $7500 for 82,000 original miles and what looks like a mint interior is kind of hard to beat...
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The other consideration is that the X is going to be the first step into getting into RVing. I see 0 point in getting a Motorhome honestly especially when one can get a TT that is MUCH nicer for the same price... and there is always the 5th wheel option via a safety hitch so there is that too. I know a 2WD would get me better mileage towing and all but we are going to be going to places where we'd also like to be able to unhook and go up trails/offroad and I'm not sure I would want a non 4x4 for that. No way my 4x4 Expy would be viable to tow a TT up any sort of real grade especially a 30 footer... Not to mention the gross weight of most 30 footers is well over the 8600lb capacity of the Expy.
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Excursion Fleet Manager
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Green Oak, MI
For me, I'd say it would depend on if it had a limited slip rear end or not. In northern climates, I'd consider a 2wd with limited slip, but not a 2wd with an open diff. My black one has an open and the majority of the times I've put it into 4x4 is because one rear wheel broke loose and I couldn't get it to grip again.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: North Dakota
The other consideration is that the X is going to be the first step into getting into RVing. I see 0 point in getting a Motorhome honestly especially when one can get a TT that is MUCH nicer for the same price... and there is always the 5th wheel option via a safety hitch so there is that too. I know a 2WD would get me better mileage towing and all but we are going to be going to places where we'd also like to be able to unhook and go up trails/offroad and I'm not sure I would want a non 4x4 for that. No way my 4x4 Expy would be viable to tow a TT up any sort of real grade especially a 30 footer... Not to mention the gross weight of most 30 footers is well over the 8600lb capacity of the Expy.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
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From: SE Georgia
realistically, get a 2wd if it's cheap and gets the job done.
later on, come back with a wrecked 2005+ F-250 and convert it to 4x4. The front axle is coil sprung vice leaf sprung and will give you better turn radius. if you keep it all manual 4x4 setup it's pretty much a bolt-in. especially with a donar truck sitting there to scavenge from. biggest/hardest part would be finding a 99-04 4x4 transmission to attach a t-case to
later on, come back with a wrecked 2005+ F-250 and convert it to 4x4. The front axle is coil sprung vice leaf sprung and will give you better turn radius. if you keep it all manual 4x4 setup it's pretty much a bolt-in. especially with a donar truck sitting there to scavenge from. biggest/hardest part would be finding a 99-04 4x4 transmission to attach a t-case to
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Ohio
I would and did get a 2WD. Primarily a tow vehicle, and haven't had the need for 4WD yet. Wintertime my ex doesn't poke it's nose outside, but I realize many can't justify the extra vehicle for part time duty. There are certainly plusses for both, but it really depends on how you forsee the use of the truck.
I've only had 1 4X4 ever, and wouldn't ya know it's the only thing I've ever gotten stuck enough to need pulled out. Grew up driving RWD cars in Cleveland winters, so I guess I learned how to get by without 4WD. For me it's always been a nice to have rather than need to have.
I've only had 1 4X4 ever, and wouldn't ya know it's the only thing I've ever gotten stuck enough to need pulled out. Grew up driving RWD cars in Cleveland winters, so I guess I learned how to get by without 4WD. For me it's always been a nice to have rather than need to have.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 365
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From: Massanutten,VA
I need 4X4 here, as last year I was in 4X4 quite a few times as we live on a mountain. Town(Harrisonburg) can get a dusting and we can get quite a bit more, and as friend of mine who lived in the Adirondacks said when he came to visit "Do you guys have a level road around here". When we come home from town during a storm there are all wheel drives all along the sides of the roads, and some 4X4 also(guess they don't know how to drive). Pulling the boat up the ramps sometimes needs 4X4 depending on the conditions
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
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From: Anchorage Alaska
all depends on your weather and driving ablitys. personally with our snow fall and hills i cant get out of my driveway in 2wd (thats with studded snow tires) not to mention trying to get around town.
go with your gut...but dont have regrets because it will eat at you.
go with your gut...but dont have regrets because it will eat at you.
