4x4 Decision
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Joined: Dec 2005
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4x4 Decision
I am planning on ordering an F250 s/c Lariat psd soon. Just not sure about the 4x4 option. I've had a 4x2 Ranger for 12 years in VA and could have only used 4x4 a handfull of times. My question is, will the PSD with 2wd LS perform as good as the Ranger 2wd with LS? I know that Diesel adds a significant amount of weight to the front and may make the rear that much lighter. I usually put weight in the bed for traction. The truck will never be taken off road. I leaning against 4x4 because of the extra cost, maintenance, lower mileage, and higher insurance premium ($110/yr). The initial cost isn't as much of an issue as it also adds to the value and saleability when/if I sell it. I usually drive it into the ground and buy a new one 10-15 years later. The 4x4 looks better though as it seems to sit higher.
Thanks for any advice. The dealer is saying that if I order it soon, it should be in by mid Jan. That seems short.
Adam
Thanks for any advice. The dealer is saying that if I order it soon, it should be in by mid Jan. That seems short.
Adam
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Welcome aboard, PSD4Adam 
If you've ever owned a 4x4 you'll never want another 2wd truck. JMO.
Yes, the initial extra cost is there, but the benefits will far outweigh those - you'll have it if you need it and with the extra weight up front, you probably will.
I say if you want it - go for it...you'll like it either way. It's really entirely up to you since opinions here will vary.
I vote for 4x4.
If you've ever owned a 4x4 you'll never want another 2wd truck. JMO.
Yes, the initial extra cost is there, but the benefits will far outweigh those - you'll have it if you need it and with the extra weight up front, you probably will.
I say if you want it - go for it...you'll like it either way. It's really entirely up to you since opinions here will vary.
I vote for 4x4.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 141
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Originally Posted by Big Orn
Welcome aboard, PSD4Adam
If you've ever owned a 4x4 you'll never want another 2wd truck. JMO.
Yes, the initial extra cost is there, but the benefits will far outweigh those - you'll have it if you need it and with the extra weight up front, you probably will.
I say if you want it - go for it...you'll like it either way. It's really entirely up to you since opinions here will vary.
I vote for 4x4.
If you've ever owned a 4x4 you'll never want another 2wd truck. JMO.
Yes, the initial extra cost is there, but the benefits will far outweigh those - you'll have it if you need it and with the extra weight up front, you probably will.
I say if you want it - go for it...you'll like it either way. It's really entirely up to you since opinions here will vary.
I vote for 4x4.
what he said!!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 127
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From: Palm Bay, FL
I pull car haulers and travel trailers and in both instances I often find myself off pavement in staging areas and on turf in camping areas. I really got sick of getting stuck with my 4x2 trucks, especially in wet weather, and swore I'd never buy another one. Hoping my Super Duty 4x4 will make stucks a thing of the past.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 425
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From: Park Ridge, Illinois
With pick-ups, you want nothing less than 4X4 if you live in a part of the world where there is snow. I have a 06 F350 and would have really been unhappy if I had not had 4X4 with our recent snows (and they were not even that bad!!) Of course the Conti's I have made the trip more interesting, but that is for another day!
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 12
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Go for it man! It is well worth it. I was so ticked when every where I went in my dads bronco, that has had the front drive train removed, I had to make sure I could not get stuck. Like the other guys say you'll be glad you bought it when you need it. I can not count the number of times that i have gotten stuck in a ditch that was just slightly slippery. All it takes is for one tire to spin and you've had it.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
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From: Phenix City, AL
Okay, I'll be the party pooper!
If you know you don't need 4x4, then by no means should you get it. You could use that extra money and get a few more creature comforts that will make the ride that much more enjoyable.
Now, that I've that moment of insanity. I will NEVER have another 2WD! Even if I only used it once in a while, it is worth it to save the aggrevation of being stuck. I (just my mode of thinking) have absolutely no use for a 2WD truck. Unless you are using it as a long distance car hauler or something along those lines, I have to say get the 4WD.
But, don't be swayed by all us 4WD junkies, get what suits you. Not everybody NEEDS 4WD But 4WD is like a winch; you may only use it 1% of the time, but the other 99% of the time it makes your buds jealous! Especially if they're stuck and you're pulling them out.
BFR
If you know you don't need 4x4, then by no means should you get it. You could use that extra money and get a few more creature comforts that will make the ride that much more enjoyable.
Now, that I've that moment of insanity. I will NEVER have another 2WD! Even if I only used it once in a while, it is worth it to save the aggrevation of being stuck. I (just my mode of thinking) have absolutely no use for a 2WD truck. Unless you are using it as a long distance car hauler or something along those lines, I have to say get the 4WD.
But, don't be swayed by all us 4WD junkies, get what suits you. Not everybody NEEDS 4WD But 4WD is like a winch; you may only use it 1% of the time, but the other 99% of the time it makes your buds jealous! Especially if they're stuck and you're pulling them out.
BFR
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
That wasn't really much poop BFR. 
I'll add to the 4X4 party, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. You said that you could have used 4x4 a few times, that makes the cost worth it. Being stuck can get expensive. A 2WD Diesel will have issues getting moving on a slick surface because of the torque available at low RPM. That would be a large difference between a PSD powered Super Duty and your Ranger. With the weight of that Diesel over the front axle, you'll want the front end pulling.
That's my very biased opinion.
I'll add to the 4X4 party, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. You said that you could have used 4x4 a few times, that makes the cost worth it. Being stuck can get expensive. A 2WD Diesel will have issues getting moving on a slick surface because of the torque available at low RPM. That would be a large difference between a PSD powered Super Duty and your Ranger. With the weight of that Diesel over the front axle, you'll want the front end pulling.
That's my very biased opinion.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
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From: Denver, Co
Originally Posted by n9emz
Hoping my Super Duty 4x4 will make stucks a thing of the past.
The 4x2 vs. 4x4 discussion is another eternal debate. BFR250SD post pretty much says it all though. It is a personal choice and should be weighed against what you will, and may possibly, use the truck for. Although, it is always nice having it there....just in case...
Last edited by Deluxe05; Dec 15, 2005 at 08:14 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 323
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From: SoCal
in 2wd my truck will get stuck on a snot. i was actually amazed at how easy it would get stuck in 2wd in a little snow - my girlfiend even laughed at my big truck being stuck in the driveway (in a place where a car could go). i wouldnt ever own a 2wd truck but i would certainy never own a 2wd diesel unless i lived somewhere where it never snows (and right now i do) and even then i wanted 4wd.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
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From: Phenix City, AL
The only other thing I have to add is this; I have NEVER been so stuck, as I have with a 4WD. With 2WD, you usually use a little bit of discretion and try to stay out of trouble. With 4WD, all brain functions seem to cease.