4WD VS 2WD TECHNICALS
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Elder User
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4WD VS 2WD TECHNICALS
The 4WD option (vs 2WD) in most vehicles across the board is another $3K or so. Are there that many add-ons and additions besides the obvious front wheel systems that are the reasons for this dollar amount?
Are the shocks, springs and frame a "heavier" quality of materials too or are the costs mostly attributed to the front wheel drive mechanism?
Are the shocks, springs and frame a "heavier" quality of materials too or are the costs mostly attributed to the front wheel drive mechanism?
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
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The 4WD option (vs 2WD) in most vehicles across the board is another $3K or so. Are there that many add-ons and additions besides the obvious front wheel systems that are the reasons for this dollar amount?
Are the shocks, springs and frame a "heavier" quality of materials too or are the costs mostly attributed to the front wheel drive mechanism?
Are the shocks, springs and frame a "heavier" quality of materials too or are the costs mostly attributed to the front wheel drive mechanism?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
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From: Detroit
The cost is far less than a conversion would cost, but option and trim level costs have always been a way for manufacturers to add more profit to a vehicle. Are rubber floor mats worth the $95 option cost, for instance? I'm guessing that they cost $10 or $20 to make...
You could always analyze the cost of a meal in a restaurant, or the price of beer in a bar, too... Ford and other companies are in the biz to make money.
If you need 4WD, there is no question that it is worth the price. If you don't need it, you have to consider if it is worth $3k to "wear" a 4WD truck--and add the extra fuel costs, etc, to the equation as well. 2WD with a limited slip rear axle and a good driver can do a lot in normal road situations, but if you are going to go off road, spend the money.
George
You could always analyze the cost of a meal in a restaurant, or the price of beer in a bar, too... Ford and other companies are in the biz to make money.
If you need 4WD, there is no question that it is worth the price. If you don't need it, you have to consider if it is worth $3k to "wear" a 4WD truck--and add the extra fuel costs, etc, to the equation as well. 2WD with a limited slip rear axle and a good driver can do a lot in normal road situations, but if you are going to go off road, spend the money.
George
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: on da beach
Ford does know that people will by a 4x4 even at the higher price tag.
The additional front drive parts (or rear on modern SUVs) does add
quite a bit of cost to the truck.
I an not sure that the frames between 2wd and 4wd are that different
(someone may have more information on this).
Some 4x4s will have tow hooks, skid plates and better shocks.
I like having the 4x option on my trucks, just in case.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Ontario, OH
The 4WD option (vs 2WD) in most vehicles across the board is another $3K or so. Are there that many add-ons and additions besides the obvious front wheel systems that are the reasons for this dollar amount?
Are the shocks, springs and frame a "heavier" quality of materials too or are the costs mostly attributed to the front wheel drive mechanism?
Are the shocks, springs and frame a "heavier" quality of materials too or are the costs mostly attributed to the front wheel drive mechanism?
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hutch75
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