2wd vs. 4wd
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
So after a snow storm the e locker is better at getting you out of the driveway but the limited slip is better if you got called into work despite the snow and the highway has not seen the plows yet?
Which is better getting you and the boat up a slick and steep boat ramp?
Are MPG's affected by the constant on of the limited slip?
Which is better getting you and the boat up a slick and steep boat ramp?
Are MPG's affected by the constant on of the limited slip?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 32
Dunno if that helps but it's a real pain having to put chain on my tires if it snows up in Big Bear. I am not required to put chains on if it's Level 2 (almost never hits Level 3 even during that crazy blizzard on January 5th!). Not sure what legal requirements are in your state but I appreciated that added convenience.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
I would have thought the traction control function would do more for you in the highway speed scenario than limited slip would. Especially if you're not dealing with snow, but potentially icy patches or just slick roadway from rain. I'm no expert though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Lower 48
I live in the sticks in Iowa, and have a driveway that is pretty steep - then add snow and ice to it, I pretty much have to have 4WD just to get up the driveway (about 200 feet). I also have a '93 F350 drw with 2WD and a factory limited slip that I've had no problems with. HOWEVER - you do have to know how to drive it. It's a whole different technique and with 2WD it's NOT just brute horsepower.
New User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
For me, 4WD was just a very expensive waste of money on something I would likely never use. Unless you participate in off-road activities, there just isn't much need for 4WD in north Alabama. I've owned two different 4WD vehicles over the past 15 years or so, and I've used 4WD a total of one time for a total of maybe 30 seconds. It certainly can be a worthwhile option but totally not worth it to me.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 705
Likes: 1
From: Clay Country, GA, NE MS
You mean to tell me, they actually make 2 WD trucks? 
Just jesting. My current truck is the only 4x4 I've ever had! But on my last one, '02 F150, it had the locking differential, and that alone saved me a couple of times! I'd definitely get that if I got a 2 WD.
Just jesting. My current truck is the only 4x4 I've ever had! But on my last one, '02 F150, it had the locking differential, and that alone saved me a couple of times! I'd definitely get that if I got a 2 WD.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
In the San Fran Bay area?
Interesting.
Interesting.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,881
Likes: 359
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
We don't live in the valley. We live in the mountains between Palo Alto and Pescadero. Takes about 30-40 minutes to get to Palo Alto (or Saratoga, or Los Altos, or San Jose, or Woodside) from here. This last week, 3 of 4 roads from here to anywhere in the valley have been closed for mud/debris slides.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Don't kid yourself, neighbor, 4x4 is useful here. No, it doesn't snow much nor often here anymore, but it'll happen. I live in Skiatook and a buddy of mine had been on vacation a couple of years ago and we had a dusting. His 2wd Chevy truck couldn't get up the hill 100 yards from his house and had to call for help.
Then, just one year ago at Christmas time we were coming back from St Louis and we drove all day in a downpour. I-44 had so much water on it that hydroplaning was going to happen, and there were several wrecks. I put mine in 4A and brought up the power distribution display. Sure enough, it would frequently shift some power to the front wheels, and we made it through fine.
Then, just one year ago at Christmas time we were coming back from St Louis and we drove all day in a downpour. I-44 had so much water on it that hydroplaning was going to happen, and there were several wrecks. I put mine in 4A and brought up the power distribution display. Sure enough, it would frequently shift some power to the front wheels, and we made it through fine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 48
From: Abilene TX.
The rain is what i have used the 4A for the most however we did get a little snow last year and it was wonderful. I didn't have the jerking and tight feel when occasionally hitting dry spots. But as Gary Lewis said on flooded roads it works great! I did the power distribution screen also.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 72
Don't kid yourself, neighbor, 4x4 is useful here. No, it doesn't snow much nor often here anymore, but it'll happen. I live in Skiatook and a buddy of mine had been on vacation a couple of years ago and we had a dusting. His 2wd Chevy truck couldn't get up the hill 100 yards from his house and had to call for help.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
If you know 'took, he lived up on Javine Hill in the development on top on to the west. And he couldn't get from Javine Hill Road into the development. So he parked it and hoofed it home. I don't seem to have that problem - we have two AWD cars and four 4wd trucks. But no snow. 
So, are you in BA? Interested in getting together? We have several active FTE'ers in the area, and I host a get-together in September at my house.
So, are you in BA? Interested in getting together? We have several active FTE'ers in the area, and I host a get-together in September at my house.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 72
If you know 'took, he lived up on Javine Hill in the development on top on to the west. And he couldn't get from Javine Hill Road into the development. So he parked it and hoofed it home. I don't seem to have that problem - we have two AWD cars and four 4wd trucks. But no snow.
So, are you in BA? Interested in getting together? We have several active FTE'ers in the area, and I host a get-together in September at my house.
So, are you in BA? Interested in getting together? We have several active FTE'ers in the area, and I host a get-together in September at my house.
I get up there every month or 2 on business and also during random holidays and trips with the family. We go to the lake and bump around town. They live near Battle Creek, to the West of town (I live in Dallas). They are the Helmers...of course Skiatook isn't so small that everyone knows everyone.
I only know that I'm not in BA because I've never heard of it. Ya'll won't want me there until I get my truck...I joined here to learn and research (I'm in a Dodge right now). However, by September, I do expect to be in a Ford!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Don't know the Helmers, but I know where Battle Creek is, just west of the casino. And yes, 52nd turns into Javine at OK20.
Ok, plan on coming in Sept with your new Ford. Most of us are driving older Fords, from the 70's and 80's, but some of us have new ones as well. You'll fit right in.
Ok, plan on coming in Sept with your new Ford. Most of us are driving older Fords, from the 70's and 80's, but some of us have new ones as well. You'll fit right in.