2WD vs 4WD
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,714
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I had 4wd save my butt twice in the last year! Both times I was towing my toy hauler when a winter snow flurry hit me in Iowa. I was able to hit the 4wd and keep on going while there were tons of people spun out on the side of the road including a 2wd Dodge dually and a fiver! From my experience every time I tried to save $ buying a cheaper 2wd truck I always end up needing 4wd it from time to time. All I buy now is 4wd trucks! That half a dozen times you need it you will be glad you have it!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
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Originally Posted by browe
Nope...I'm in north florida.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
You said "a new purchase". You do realize you can't get a NEW one, right? 
I say go for the 2WD if you can. Just get a limited slip or locker in the back. Even when I lived is MA I rarely needed 4WD. T'was nice to have but I would have survived.
I say go for the 2WD if you can. Just get a limited slip or locker in the back. Even when I lived is MA I rarely needed 4WD. T'was nice to have but I would have survived.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 9
From: Ohio
I have 2wd and towed a small trailer through a good amount of snow. But off course i dont have stock tires. But i think its up to you on if u get 4wd or not. But the tires u own make a huuuuge difference i think. But if it were up to me, and i had to buy another truck, it would be 4wd because i like the peace of mind that i have 4wd.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 239
Likes: 9
From: moreno valley calif
i bought a 2wd because i didnt want the extra potential problems and maintenance...we did get caught in snow near el paso texas..i just slowed down and drove thru it...and i have AT's on the back and commercial road tires on the front..just waiting for the rears to wear down..and 4wd lexus drove behind us for 80 miles..then passed..i wanted them to lead but they wouldnt...oh yea...i saw 2 minivans spin out and were stuck because the snow was too deep
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
This is my second 2wd, and I live where it snows... I haven't once thought "wish I had 4wd!"
I have owned 4wd in the past and I just don't need it. Some do but MOST don't. It's been force fed to us that we need the Jeep that'll climb Mt Everest and most just take mom to the grocery store. I actually like the way the 2wd Exc. sits. The fwd sitting on top of the front axle is too high.
I've seen plenty of 4wd's in the ditch. They don't stop any better than 2wd and can lull you into driving too fast for conditions.
Be ready for another long 2wd- 4wd thread!
Take Care
I have owned 4wd in the past and I just don't need it. Some do but MOST don't. It's been force fed to us that we need the Jeep that'll climb Mt Everest and most just take mom to the grocery store. I actually like the way the 2wd Exc. sits. The fwd sitting on top of the front axle is too high.
I've seen plenty of 4wd's in the ditch. They don't stop any better than 2wd and can lull you into driving too fast for conditions.
Be ready for another long 2wd- 4wd thread!
Take Care
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Providence, RI
My use for 4wd is not for road-driving, but rather, when hauling my trailer for my Jeep off-road or maneuvering in snow-covered parking-lots.
One additional bonus is being able to back my trailer up my steep driveway with the truck in 4-Low, for the added torque.
One additional bonus is being able to back my trailer up my steep driveway with the truck in 4-Low, for the added torque.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Monsta
You said "a new purchase". You do realize you can't get a NEW one, right?
I say go for the 2WD if you can. Just get a limited slip or locker in the back. Even when I lived is MA I rarely needed 4WD. T'was nice to have but I would have survived.
I say go for the 2WD if you can. Just get a limited slip or locker in the back. Even when I lived is MA I rarely needed 4WD. T'was nice to have but I would have survived.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Gallatin, TN.
I have no need for 4wd here in middle Tennessee. Maybe 3-4 inches of snow a year. 10 inches for a bad year. I have a company car and drive it as much as possible when it snows so if hit or I do something dumb it's not my vehicle damaged.
Really you just have to look at what you need the truck for. Mine is a kid hauler. I do not tow a trailer or run through dirt, sand, etc.
You will be happy either way. The biggest commitment is the fuel tank!
Really you just have to look at what you need the truck for. Mine is a kid hauler. I do not tow a trailer or run through dirt, sand, etc.
You will be happy either way. The biggest commitment is the fuel tank!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 762
Likes: 7
Originally Posted by aklim
What about resale?
This guy who is from Florida is ALWAYS going to stay on paved roads, NEVER get into any condition where he needs four wheel drive, and he dosnt care about the possibility that there ARE people who think four wheel drive capability is, on occasion, a damn handy thing to have.
So of course all those engineers in the industry who figured out a way to make a practical, reliable four wheel drive system, are nuts, and these back-yard guys have "all the answers'. Please dont come in here and bother these guys with facts.