4x4 worth it??
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 9
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Did the deed!
Just drove the new baby home - 1999 4x4 5.4 litre, extended cab short bed. With just over 100k I figure its barely broken in. Some odds and ends to be taken care of, but fundamentally in decent shape. So I guess now its my turn to help OPEC make its numbers 
-lr
-lr
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 70
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I'd say just get something that has low low low miles and is clean. In your case, it sounds like it doesnt matter whether you get a 2wd or 4wd.
I have a 97 2wd and it works just fine in the snow. Did i mention i live in Minnesota? So yes, i am a credible source, hahaha. Anyways, I just use some sandbags and some good tires. On the really bad sloppy days its simple: don't go anywhere unless you really need to. My dad has a 97 4wd f150, the 4wd is nice on those snowy days, but it is not necessary. In fact, I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4wd and I NEVER had to put it into 4wd for regular street driving. Though you can get better traction going forward and turning corners, using 4wd will NOT help you STOP faster. This is the problem people forget. Not to sound cocky, but I believe you develop better driving skills without using 4wd.
Another thing, 2wd are a little more simple. In other words, your 4wd is just one more thing that can break and/or wear out and end up costing you money. Why spend money fixing something you don't need or use? Just my opinion, good luck!
I have a 97 2wd and it works just fine in the snow. Did i mention i live in Minnesota? So yes, i am a credible source, hahaha. Anyways, I just use some sandbags and some good tires. On the really bad sloppy days its simple: don't go anywhere unless you really need to. My dad has a 97 4wd f150, the 4wd is nice on those snowy days, but it is not necessary. In fact, I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4wd and I NEVER had to put it into 4wd for regular street driving. Though you can get better traction going forward and turning corners, using 4wd will NOT help you STOP faster. This is the problem people forget. Not to sound cocky, but I believe you develop better driving skills without using 4wd.
Another thing, 2wd are a little more simple. In other words, your 4wd is just one more thing that can break and/or wear out and end up costing you money. Why spend money fixing something you don't need or use? Just my opinion, good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 892
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From: Duluth, MN
Originally Posted by duggyb
unless he gets a manual shift on the floor for the t-case...then he wont have to worry about the ESOF.
THNX
Duggy
THNX
Duggy
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
A good rule of thumb on the 4x4. Once a month, take it off of the pavement and engage 4x4LOW. This will keep everything moving and less likely to be frozen up when you really need it to work. I have always done this to mine and have had no problems.
Good luck with your new truck
Good luck with your new truck
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: YYC
Originally Posted by Wilber15
Was manual shift mentioned as an issue? I was talking specifically about the ESOF...
THNX
Duggy
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: SW VA
Originally Posted by alchymist
First rule of 4X4 use - don't use it. Drive in 2WD UNTIL you get stuck. Then shift it into 4W and drive home!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: allen park
Originally Posted by alchymist
First rule of 4X4 use - don't use it. Drive in 2WD UNTIL you get stuck. Then shift it into 4W and drive home!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Magrath
All about personal preference. A 4x4 will cost more up front, but hold its value as well. Another thing to keep in mind, a 4x4 also has more moving parts to wear out and break on you. If you have yet to need a 4x4 and don't see any reason why it will change, then why spend the extra money.
However, it has been my experience looking at vehicles lately, it is getting harder and harder to find a good used 2wd. Everyone is getting 4wd's.
However, it has been my experience looking at vehicles lately, it is getting harder and harder to find a good used 2wd. Everyone is getting 4wd's.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 99
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From: florida
Well the otherday my cousin who beack in 1997 ordered a f-150 xlt offroad regular cab called me to ask me if i wanted to buy it. I said heck yeah! I guess he was going to trade it in and they were only going to give him a 1000 dollars for it due to the current fuel prices and all. So he sold it to me for 1500 dollars. It has 170000 miles on it. It is very clean and well taken care of. I washed and waxed it and proceeded to strut alittle. I think that i came across quite a deal. he has always had it serviced regularly. and it definately shows. how often should i switch it to 4x4? Or should i not do it unless it is needed. I just dont want things to freeze up. I had the truck serviced the other day just so that i knew the current condition. I had the coolant changed but everything else was good to go. they told me that both differentials were full and clean. is there anything else that i can do periodically? Thanks for any and all help. I am going to try to get some pics up soon of her.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 240
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From: Meridian, ID
Well the otherday my cousin who beack in 1997 ordered a f-150 xlt offroad regular cab called me to ask me if i wanted to buy it. I said heck yeah! I guess he was going to trade it in and they were only going to give him a 1000 dollars for it due to the current fuel prices and all. So he sold it to me for 1500 dollars. It has 170000 miles on it. It is very clean and well taken care of. I washed and waxed it and proceeded to strut alittle. I think that i came across quite a deal. he has always had it serviced regularly. and it definately shows. how often should i switch it to 4x4? Or should i not do it unless it is needed. I just dont want things to freeze up. I had the truck serviced the other day just so that i knew the current condition. I had the coolant changed but everything else was good to go. they told me that both differentials were full and clean. is there anything else that i can do periodically? Thanks for any and all help. I am going to try to get some pics up soon of her.
DANG! I'd say you got a sweet deal out of that one! I think once a month should be fine to exercise the 4WD - lol - and yes its good advise to drive in 2wd until stuck THEN TURN AROUND! Chances are if it gets worse and you're in 4WD and get it stuck - YOU"LL REALLY BE STUCK! learned the hard way... a few times! lol!
Then you run the risk of adding insult to injury if the guy that pulls you out is in a Chevy or Dodge - even worse Nissan or Toyata! lol