is 4x4 problematic???
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is 4x4 problematic???
I'm looking at f150's to tow my aluminum bass boat.
The thought of 4x4 sounds nice, as I could got to just about any ramp I would ever want to...BUT...could possibly never need it.
That being said, should you generally stay away from 4x4 unless totally necessary, assuming it means more overhead in the long run?
Thanks for advice!
The thought of 4x4 sounds nice, as I could got to just about any ramp I would ever want to...BUT...could possibly never need it.
That being said, should you generally stay away from 4x4 unless totally necessary, assuming it means more overhead in the long run?
Thanks for advice!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
While you may read of problems with the 4x4s on many forums, most of us find that it's a pretty reliable system. I believe it's covered by the 6/60 powertain warranty that comes with all new Fords, so at the very least you shouldn't have to worry about it for awhile.
New User
Joined: Aug 2008
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If you are thinking about buying 4x4 just to help pull your boat up the ramp, I would suggest against it. I've pulled all different sizes of boats out of a lot of different ramps, and I have never needed to put any of the trucks in 4x4 to get the boats out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
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From: Neenah, Wisconsin
I'd say go for it, i've never had a 4x4 problem (short of my 95, but that was a custom 4x4 job with an axle swap) on any of my trucks, and 4x4 has saved me more than once, i've used it to pull boats out of the water, and even pull another boat and truck (2wd dodge) out of the ramp, he had slid far enough down to have the front wheels underwater......That was fun....
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Better to have and not need, than to need and not have....or something like that!
Seriously, I like 2WD trucks because they're cheaper and they get marginally better MPGs. If I knew I'd never need the 4x4, I'd have saved my $3,000 and gone 2WD.
But, my occasional use makes it worth every penny
Seriously, I like 2WD trucks because they're cheaper and they get marginally better MPGs. If I knew I'd never need the 4x4, I'd have saved my $3,000 and gone 2WD.
But, my occasional use makes it worth every penny
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: altoona
well one day your gonna say why did't i buy that 4x4 when your stuck
well from my boating expertice is a very use full thing ...once i was backing down the the ramp with the boat at the launch and stop started to get out to unhook the lines from the boat to the trailer and just as i step out the truck started to drift back . the rear tires had just got on the edge on the slime on the ramp so hit the brakes and then seeing what happen hit it in 4x4 pulled back out on to better ground ..now to say that might happen to you...the boat was a pontoon that weighted 3000 lbs
i've seen it happen to a few trucks ...they just get it the wet and slide right back ..i even seen a boat and truck sink ..it cause us not to go on the lake one saturday
well from my boating expertice is a very use full thing ...once i was backing down the the ramp with the boat at the launch and stop started to get out to unhook the lines from the boat to the trailer and just as i step out the truck started to drift back . the rear tires had just got on the edge on the slime on the ramp so hit the brakes and then seeing what happen hit it in 4x4 pulled back out on to better ground ..now to say that might happen to you...the boat was a pontoon that weighted 3000 lbs
i've seen it happen to a few trucks ...they just get it the wet and slide right back ..i even seen a boat and truck sink ..it cause us not to go on the lake one saturday
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 425
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From: Ottawa, Canada
Nothing beats the old stick on the floor. I've never had a problem with 4x4 other than vacuum line or solenoid stuff. Usually not expensive fixes, but always a pain in the *** when it lets you down at the worst of times...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Halifx Pa
Funny, I have been tossing the same issue around in my head for a while now. I bought my truck new in 96, and it doesn’t give me ANY problems, and there has been no truck payment for several years now!!
But I anticipate with in the next few years I may be looking to up grade. I pretty much decided not to go new the next time, but the 4X4 I am still tossing around. I know it is great when you need it, but that wouldn't be but a few times a year (talking weather conditions) is it worth it for the extra expense on the initial purchase, gas mileage and maintenance?
I owned a 4X4 before, and did enjoy its benefits. I guess I still have time, so the jury is still out on this one.
But I anticipate with in the next few years I may be looking to up grade. I pretty much decided not to go new the next time, but the 4X4 I am still tossing around. I know it is great when you need it, but that wouldn't be but a few times a year (talking weather conditions) is it worth it for the extra expense on the initial purchase, gas mileage and maintenance?
I owned a 4X4 before, and did enjoy its benefits. I guess I still have time, so the jury is still out on this one.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
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From: SE Georgia
the choice between 4x4 and 4x2 is simple for me.
I may never ever need to use 4x4. But the 1 time I need it, and don't have the 4x4...= a very bad day. I made the 4x2 mistake 1 time. Never been back down that road since.
IMO it's better to fork over the little bit extra money and never use it. The 1 time you do use it, the 4x4 has paid for itself.
I may never ever need to use 4x4. But the 1 time I need it, and don't have the 4x4...= a very bad day. I made the 4x2 mistake 1 time. Never been back down that road since.
IMO it's better to fork over the little bit extra money and never use it. The 1 time you do use it, the 4x4 has paid for itself.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Canton, IL
the choice between 4x4 and 4x2 is simple for me.
I may never ever need to use 4x4. But the 1 time I need it, and don't have the 4x4...= a very bad day. I made the 4x2 mistake 1 time. Never been back down that road since.
IMO it's better to fork over the little bit extra money and never use it. The 1 time you do use it, the 4x4 has paid for itself.
I may never ever need to use 4x4. But the 1 time I need it, and don't have the 4x4...= a very bad day. I made the 4x2 mistake 1 time. Never been back down that road since.
IMO it's better to fork over the little bit extra money and never use it. The 1 time you do use it, the 4x4 has paid for itself.
Here, Here! I am in total agreement with Tylus. Just the fact that I can be depended upon to be somewhere in the worst of weather or conditions is enough for me.
I'll never not have a 4x4 again. It has come in handy too many times not to have it on at least one of my vehicle from now on.
Again, jut my .02.
