Another 2wd vs 4wd debate question.
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
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From: on da beach
Another 2wd vs 4wd debate question.
I am looking to buy a used F250 PSD, there are a few 6.0 2wds around in the 24000 dollar range, but the 4wds are hard to find.
This maybe the last truck I will buy (for a while) and I would like something I will be satisfied with.
I do not like the TIBs on the 2wd trucks, that is why I would like a solid axle 4wd instead.
How are the 2wds' front ends holding up, any "TIB" tire wear problems.
(on older trucks with tired coil springs).
BTW the 2wds DO ride better! (they just don't look as cool, maybe a suspension lift may solve the stance issue)
.
This maybe the last truck I will buy (for a while) and I would like something I will be satisfied with.
I do not like the TIBs on the 2wd trucks, that is why I would like a solid axle 4wd instead.
How are the 2wds' front ends holding up, any "TIB" tire wear problems.
(on older trucks with tired coil springs).
BTW the 2wds DO ride better! (they just don't look as cool, maybe a suspension lift may solve the stance issue)
.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
TTB/ twin traction beam?? I'm not sure what TIB is, but the old TTB front end was expensive to repair, but work I guess. My older 4wd came with TTB and it was so much of pain on the farm truck that I just left it as is.Wore my tires funny, but it had 240,000 miles at the time. I'd take the 4wd because I use it for tugging things around, and for the snow we used to get haha. Its nice to have 2wd low also... I'd take the 4x4 solid axle. Easier to maintain in my opinion.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 189
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From: Cleveland OH
I love my 4x4 F250. Very stout. SFA is the only way to go on a plow truck. If you can find the 4x4 in your price range, which I would think would not be that tough, you should jump on it.
Call me a cynic, but I'm still leary about that 6.0
Call me a cynic, but I'm still leary about that 6.0
Thread Starter
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
TIB = twin I beam, 1980s technology, when the coils springs wear out, the camber gets messed up.
I am just wondering how the newer spring rates are holding up on the new trucks.
I am just wondering how the newer spring rates are holding up on the new trucks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
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From: West Tx
Oh, I always called it twin traction beam, but its all the same... junk. I can't speak for the post 99 TTB. I haven't ever had a 2wd truck, but the pre 99 3/4 ton came with TTB even on 4x4s... I would'nt trust it
Thread Starter
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
TTB on 4x4 models
TIB on 4x2 models - Twin I beams with a similar design to the TTBs.
Older F250s and F350s had Dana 50s and 60s in TTB form during the 80s and 90s.
These trucks (Superduties) went "old school" and got outfitted with solid front ends a few years ago - Ford calls them Monobeams.
I may just wait for a slightly used 4x4 to show up.
(although I just test drove a low mileage 2wd the other day)
TIB on 4x2 models - Twin I beams with a similar design to the TTBs.
Older F250s and F350s had Dana 50s and 60s in TTB form during the 80s and 90s.
These trucks (Superduties) went "old school" and got outfitted with solid front ends a few years ago - Ford calls them Monobeams.
I may just wait for a slightly used 4x4 to show up.
(although I just test drove a low mileage 2wd the other day)
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
If you are considering a 4x4, you think you might need it and will not be as happy in the long run. Wait. Not having four wheel drive when you need it sucks.
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Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
Why get 4x4 on O'ahu? There's no place left to go off-road! 
You could always source a 4x4 from over here on the Big Island. 
. It's fairly cheap to ship from Hilo to Honolulu.
My 2WD has held up very well. (65K) It is a nice ride and has only need one alignment due to me adding an add-a-leaf out back. Ford hasn't done much to change the design but why fix what isn't broken?
You can lift a 2WD. There are a couple of kits out there that certainly make it an option.
You could always source a 4x4 from over here on the Big Island. . It's fairly cheap to ship from Hilo to Honolulu.My 2WD has held up very well. (65K) It is a nice ride and has only need one alignment due to me adding an add-a-leaf out back. Ford hasn't done much to change the design but why fix what isn't broken?
You can lift a 2WD. There are a couple of kits out there that certainly make it an option.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
Some terms in this thread have been misused lets clear up a few things.
TTB is the term ford used for the Dana 44 and Dana 50 independent front axles used in 4x4 trucks from 1980-1997
Twin I beam is the term used for 4x2 trucks starting in 1965 until present. Both beams are I shaped and made of heavy cast iron. These front axles are about as heavy duty as they come. The older King Pin sets were better but the new Ball Joint units are also good. Most trucks running this setup have zero issues as there are only 3 major parts to wear out. Most fleets prefer this front suspension due to lower operating costs and a long live span , not to mention darn near indestructible! My fleet is one of them. These are the most common parts to wear out.
Upper ball joints
Lower ball joints
Axle pivot bushing
The Monobeam is used by Ford to describle the 4x4 solid front axle and also to describle the Monobeam Live Axle used in F-450 and F-550 4x2 trucks.
TTB is the term ford used for the Dana 44 and Dana 50 independent front axles used in 4x4 trucks from 1980-1997
Twin I beam is the term used for 4x2 trucks starting in 1965 until present. Both beams are I shaped and made of heavy cast iron. These front axles are about as heavy duty as they come. The older King Pin sets were better but the new Ball Joint units are also good. Most trucks running this setup have zero issues as there are only 3 major parts to wear out. Most fleets prefer this front suspension due to lower operating costs and a long live span , not to mention darn near indestructible! My fleet is one of them. These are the most common parts to wear out.
Upper ball joints
Lower ball joints
Axle pivot bushing
The Monobeam is used by Ford to describle the 4x4 solid front axle and also to describle the Monobeam Live Axle used in F-450 and F-550 4x2 trucks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
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From: West Tx
Oops, thanks for the clarification. Maybe I should stick with what I know, 4x4 haha. I just know my TTB in the farm truck wasn't too durable, but then again, nothing seems to be; I'm really hard on things I guess haha
New User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21
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From: Florida
Imho ...
I am looking to buy a used F250 PSD, there are a few 6.0 2wds, but the 4wds are hard to find.
This maybe the last truck I will buy (for a while) and I would like something I will be satisfied with.
I do not like the TIBs on the 2wd trucks, that is why I would like a solid axle 4wd instead.
.
This maybe the last truck I will buy (for a while) and I would like something I will be satisfied with.
I do not like the TIBs on the 2wd trucks, that is why I would like a solid axle 4wd instead.
.IMHO ... 4 WHEEL DRIVE is like a good pistol. It's better to have it & not need it rather than need it & not have it. (I know it's an old saying) I actually use MY 4WD maybe a couple times a month while at home working around the property.
Thread Starter
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
I realized last night that TIBs were around before the 80s, my 77 F100 had a TIB also, and it is a great set up, I think it handled poorly because I used to have bias ply tires on them!, and manual steering.
My son told me to get a 2wd, because we may not need 4wd (we have other 4x4s) this truck will be a daily commuter (loaded with all my tools) so better MPGs is an issue.
Monsta, I may need that 4wd when the Superferry service to Hawai'i island starts up! I am considering a 2wd - Fabtech suspension lift = 1400.00, 35 inch (315/70s) = 1200.00, 17x9 wheels = 1000.00, so this 3600.00 is probably equal to the difference between a 2wd and a 4wd.
At least these trucks stay on the dealer lots for a long time, so I do not have to rush in making a decision.
My son told me to get a 2wd, because we may not need 4wd (we have other 4x4s) this truck will be a daily commuter (loaded with all my tools) so better MPGs is an issue.
Monsta, I may need that 4wd when the Superferry service to Hawai'i island starts up! I am considering a 2wd - Fabtech suspension lift = 1400.00, 35 inch (315/70s) = 1200.00, 17x9 wheels = 1000.00, so this 3600.00 is probably equal to the difference between a 2wd and a 4wd.
At least these trucks stay on the dealer lots for a long time, so I do not have to rush in making a decision.
Thread Starter
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
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From: on da beach
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 35
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From: Phoenix, AZ
The twin I-beam setup ford uses in it's 2wd F250,350, and E series van is a very good setup. Has a nice plush ride (much better than 4wd), super strong, and rarely falls out of alignment. Lots of desert racers still prefer this suspension system.