Hi, I really love my 1973 F250 Explorer 2wd but I feel like its not worth fixing up now because it is not a 4 wheel drive and I really like to go camping and outdoors alot... so should I be investing my time and money into a 4 wheel drive or do you guys feel the 2 wheel drive can have things done to it to make it meet my needs? I guess what I am asking is how many of you put your money into a 3/4 2 wheel drive vs. a 4 wheel drive? Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the help!

 

I was in the same boat as you, so I converted mine. To date, I have about $7K in the truck, including rebuilding top to bottom and converting to 4wd. I guess it depends on how attached you are to the truck you have.

 

It depends on you.

How often do you use the truck? Secondly, what do you use it for most of the times, and occasionally?

Do you *really* need 4x4 for camping? More and more places are prohibiting camping with a vehicle. I don't believe camping with a vehicle, anyway. I rough it, and I mean rough it. Define "outdoors".

I have a '78 F150 half-ton, not a 3/4 ton, and I'm putting money in it. It's all personal preference. I have owned both 2wd and 4x4s. It doesn't matter that much to me.

 

If your 2wd works fine now and you like it I see no reason to switch to a 4wd

 

it all depends on how much money that you want to spend. and if you can find a truck with the specs that you want for a good price.

 

what kind of camping conditions do you get into that require a 4x4 ? Most public camping and fishing spots have good roads so I dont know why spend extra money on converting over to a 4 wheel drive .

 

the only time ive really had to use 4wd is when im out muddin or in the rare occasion they didnt get the street cleared after some snow

 

unless when you're coming outta the boat ramp. that's when you could use 4wd.

 

Guess it depends on the terrain. Or experience...ha!

The fishing hole I've been going since I was a tot have never needed a 4x4 for the boat ramp. Not really a ramp, just the shore. The rear bumper does take a dip on occasion...

 

I would think that is a personal choice. I have had 5 or 6 F150 and my current F250 and all have been 4x4s but to be honest I really don't think I have ever had to put any of them in 4 wheel to go or get myself out of somewhere I have been camping. I have always had in the back of my mind that if I did need it, it would be there. I only use my F250 now to go camping with the wife and pull my tent trailer with it. Not saying I could not get into something that I would need the 4 wheel drive, I just have never needed it. Well has to be some judgement there , I have seen some people get 4x4s stuck on places that they were way over there head to even attempt it in one of these big bad boys. Now to go camping like I want to I take my CJ7 and ruff it (It has a wench) and I do take it to the hill but my wife wont sleep on the ground anymore so I have some trade offs there. If you are over 50 and married you know what I mean. lol

 

I like my 2wd. There are occasions where I would like if it's 4wd, but I look at it this way: If I had 4wd I'd want to lift it, put bigger tires on it and take it offroad. 2wd keeps me on the street and not beat it up.

 

I'm the same way. I might be getting a 4x4. it's not gonna be a dentside though. I'm not gonna lift it, but it needs new tires, cause the ones it has are dry rotted.

 

i personally have a few fords , and have owned many trucks over the past 10 or so years ,,,i find that 2weel drive trucks do much better in light offroad situations than a 4x4 in 2 weel peel anyway.. 2x4 trucks i also find drive smoother and handle a bit better. could just be in my head. but i would keep the truck 2x4 and if you really need a truck for camping and whatnot buy a used pickup for $1000 for that and call it good lol.

 

2wd trucks do have a softer suspension so they do ride better. not sure about handling better though.

 

A 2wd is very capable off road, especially with a limited slip, or better. Many old farmers never used 4wd's much, just pick the right path, and use momentum-and good driving skills of course! If traction is a problem, bring tire chains and learn how to put them on correctly-then you can go many places.
Sometimes, 4wd just gets you stuck worst, hehe
I would say its personal preference, and driving ability/style.
Now that I have a 4wd, I like messin around in 2wd, with a power loc, but knowing you can engage 4wd-to me is priceless!