2WD or 4x4?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 243
Likes: 13
From: Mass.
2WD or 4x4?
I'm getting close to ordering my truck. I've been planning on 2WD but a few friends have expressed concern (resale value, snow, towing). I'm in PA and not too concerned about snow. I plan to keep the truck, so retail value is not worrying me. I do plan to tow a small boat (which I currently tow with a Honda Odyssey - no problem). I'm not worried about this truck pulling out of boat ramps with the limited slip diff. I do want a nice ride and expect 2WD will be a little smoother. We've tested both, but there doesn't seem to be much difference. I'm after the Screw.
What do you all think?
What do you all think?
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
If all you are looking at is the towing then I think the 2WD is fine. My dad has been pulling a 24ft boat with his F150 for years with no problems. I have an 04 2WD 3.55LS and have also pulled his boat with no issues. Launch and retrieve off a wet ramp perfectly everytime. As far as ride, I think the 2wd is a tad smoother due to the suspension but not so much as to make a huge difference.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
Although you don't need 4x4 to tow your boat, I have used my Ranger 4x4 on several occasions when pulling the boat out of the water. Many of the public boat ramps in my area are quite slick.
I agree that if you choose not to go 4x4, by all means get the Limited Slip Differential. Even if you get 4x4, I'd still recommend the LS.
Dusty
I agree that if you choose not to go 4x4, by all means get the Limited Slip Differential. Even if you get 4x4, I'd still recommend the LS.
Dusty
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 126
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Consider this. Just having four wheel drive is expensive. Not using it causes expensive repairs, using it causes expensive repairs. If you are going to have a use for it, order it. Don't worry about whether or not the next guy would want it. If the next guy is picky, he should be buying a new truck.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Keokuk, IA
I agree. If you can do without it, don't get it. If you must have 4WD, then get it. I've had both and prefer 2WD due to it being less expensive to: purchase, maintain, operate, and insure. I know that 4WD retains more of its value, but not enough to offset the costs when not really needed.
There are many who must have 4WD. I'm not knocking folks who have it, but there are so many that have it, but may never use it.
There are many who must have 4WD. I'm not knocking folks who have it, but there are so many that have it, but may never use it.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5
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From: Denton County TEXAS
4WD??
AS one who has had both, I would recommend the 2WD unless you live in the mountains and plan a lot of off-road use. My last three Explorers and my 92 F150 SCrew all were 4WD. I hardly ever used it.
My new 04 F150 Lariat SCab is 2WD and is a dream to drive!
My new 04 F150 Lariat SCab is 2WD and is a dream to drive!
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,211
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From: York, NE
I would say that 4x4 is worth it even if you only ever need it once. But that's just me, I have made up my mind that I will never own another 2wd truck because while I only need 4x4 a couple times a year, those couple times make you really appreciate it. Also you should hopefully expect your 4x4 system to last well over 100K as long as you don't abuse it and make sure to engage it peiodically to keep it from gettting gummed up or something. I know that some people have had issues, but most don't.But if you don't really feel the need for it at all and think you'll probably never use t, then by all means get a 2wd. It will be cheaper and give you better mileage and performance due to less weight and parasitic loss through a transfer case.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: connecticut
In PA I would think that 4x4 would be the way to go. I suppose your actual location would be important. Last winter I was at a store on a hill and we had fun watching the 2 W trucks trying to make it up the hill. Think carefully it's a 5-10 year time of ownership. Good luck.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Re: 4WD??
Being from Indiana where we see some slightly harsh winters at times I decided to go 4WD. I was kind of regretting my decision because I am more of a sports car kind of guy. But the reason I say I "was" regretting was because I saw this...
That's an FX4 folks! Lowered and mean and nasty looking!
After seeing that H&R is coming out with a lowering kit to make the 4WD handle like a sports car I am glad I went with the 4WD. That is one of the most awesome trucks I have ever seen. The only other trucks that come close are the two yellow '04's on the cover of Truckin'.
I say go with 4WD, but after driving my truck in 4WD last winter I am kind of biased. It just made slick roads feel like fresh pavement. I almost put her in a ditch in 2WD.
That's an FX4 folks! Lowered and mean and nasty looking!
After seeing that H&R is coming out with a lowering kit to make the 4WD handle like a sports car I am glad I went with the 4WD. That is one of the most awesome trucks I have ever seen. The only other trucks that come close are the two yellow '04's on the cover of Truckin'.
I say go with 4WD, but after driving my truck in 4WD last winter I am kind of biased. It just made slick roads feel like fresh pavement. I almost put her in a ditch in 2WD.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
Go 4X4. Don't buy a new rig unless your looking for more... options, performance, capabilities. The 2WD guys only try to put up a good front because they regret not getting the 4X4. You'll regret it if you don't get it and you're without it when you need it. New rigs don't look good when they're stuck.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
4x2 OR 4x4
Depends on the weight of the boat/trailer/stuff and the boat ramps you will be on.
IF the total rig (what you are towing) is 3,200 lbs or more, and you may be on some slick ramps, then by all means go for the 4x4, you will be glad you did.
In my situation, my total rig is about 6,000 lbs and a lot of the ramps are covered in moss/slime and slick as ice. I consider 4x4 with LSD, and LT tires a must have.
Good Luck
IF the total rig (what you are towing) is 3,200 lbs or more, and you may be on some slick ramps, then by all means go for the 4x4, you will be glad you did.
In my situation, my total rig is about 6,000 lbs and a lot of the ramps are covered in moss/slime and slick as ice. I consider 4x4 with LSD, and LT tires a must have.
Good Luck