4x2 vs 4x4
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 50
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4x2 vs 4x4
I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a 250 Lariet, I will be pulling a 5th wheel, I live in the south and don't plan on driving in the snow. I can' see the extra $3500.00 for a 4x4. This will be my first super duty and I am getting the electronic 3.73. Just wanted some opinions from you experienced folks.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
3.73 is standard on a gasser.
OP, I like to use low range in the transfer case when backing a heavy trailer up a hill. But if you don't need it then don't get it. Cheaper buy in cost, cheaper fuel costs, cheaper maintenance, less weight.
OP, I like to use low range in the transfer case when backing a heavy trailer up a hill. But if you don't need it then don't get it. Cheaper buy in cost, cheaper fuel costs, cheaper maintenance, less weight.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
Get the 4x4.
If you get it you may never need it but if you don't you may wish you had. If for no other reason than to have the option of using 4-low to climb a steep grade inside an RV park to take the added stress off your transmission. I have used 4-low many times just to ease the stress on the transmission moving the heavy trailer around at low speeds. I live on the west coast in central California with zero snow, very little rain, and even less mud & I wouldn't own a vehicle without it. Even my wife's cars are all-wheel drive for additional safety when it does rain or the occasional trip where the weather may be bad. Winter months can be treacherous even in the south with huge amounts of rain in some areas, put a 15k lb + trailer behind you, back it into soft ground and you're done.
Personally would go down a trim level and get the 4x4 if price point is where you gotta be.
Just my opinion but the versatility and ability of the 4x4 is worth the add'l price. Wish you the best!
If you get it you may never need it but if you don't you may wish you had. If for no other reason than to have the option of using 4-low to climb a steep grade inside an RV park to take the added stress off your transmission. I have used 4-low many times just to ease the stress on the transmission moving the heavy trailer around at low speeds. I live on the west coast in central California with zero snow, very little rain, and even less mud & I wouldn't own a vehicle without it. Even my wife's cars are all-wheel drive for additional safety when it does rain or the occasional trip where the weather may be bad. Winter months can be treacherous even in the south with huge amounts of rain in some areas, put a 15k lb + trailer behind you, back it into soft ground and you're done.
Personally would go down a trim level and get the 4x4 if price point is where you gotta be.
Just my opinion but the versatility and ability of the 4x4 is worth the add'l price. Wish you the best!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
I too thought same, then after talking with a few dealers here in S Texas where the SNOWS almost force one to buy a 4x4...the dealers all told me same thing the 4x2 would make your SD a RARE one and in this case rare does not make it worth more, but makes it worth a LOT less at trade in time...its the snow!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
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Senior User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 334
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From: Woodland Park, CO
Get 4x4... I use it all the time when pulling my camper off the path.
Plus, rwd trucks look funny with how low they are! And don't forget resale, 80% of the trucks are 4x4 for a reason.
Plus, rwd trucks look funny with how low they are! And don't forget resale, 80% of the trucks are 4x4 for a reason.
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 389
Likes: 24
Well when I tried to build a disesel with 3.73 it said it was about 8k extra but 3.55 was 390. I suppose the gasser is different
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 173
Likes: 2
I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a 250 Lariet, I will be pulling a 5th wheel, I live in the south and don't plan on driving in the snow. I can' see the extra $3500.00 for a 4x4. This will be my first super duty and I am getting the electronic 3.73. Just wanted some opinions from you experienced folks.
That being said, I live in Socal and what is snow and mud 😎? But, I am getting 4x4 because we do camp on dirt sites and I will be launching boats & occasionally will hit local mountains for snowboarding.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
4x4 is also very helpful if you plan to get the Diesel. The engine is very heavy, so the front end wants to sink in anything softer than compacted gravel. You would be surprised at how easily it could get stuck without 4x4 - regardless of snow.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
You can not order a 2017 diesel with 3.73's for any price. The pop up conflict message you likely saw when trying to add 3.73's to a diesel build was telling you that to add 3.73's, the cost of your build would decrease around 8k because to add them the build and price was about to remove the 6.7 from your build.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Did you say stuck on wet grass?? Did you say a joke at the boat launch?? Did you say rescued by a Chivy of a Fiat?? Living in a snowy area 4wd is a must for a diesel pick-up. I can't speak to your area but it gives a powerful machine one more tool at its' disposal.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 418
Likes: 4
If you are getting this truck to tow a 5th wheel you should really go on the 6.2 forum and do a search on 3.73 vs 4.30. almost no difference at all in mpg (actually better towing and in town with the 4.30) and a LOT more powerful feeling.
Oh an around here, you cannot give away a 2wd. I've seen a few for sale and they are dirt cheap
Oh an around here, you cannot give away a 2wd. I've seen a few for sale and they are dirt cheap