4WD vs 2WD
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 45
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4WD vs 2WD
I would like some feedback regarding the differences on 4WD and 2WD models within the 1999-2003 PSD trucks. Where would I find specifications between the 4WD and 2WD flavors?
When it comes to towing/pulling is there a significant difference or advantage to having one versus the other? I reside in the high desert land and don't encounter much snow.
When it comes to towing/pulling is there a significant difference or advantage to having one versus the other? I reside in the high desert land and don't encounter much snow.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. What kind of specs are you looking for? Any specific questions?
The 2wd will typically get you better fuel economy and have fewer front end parts that wear out. For towing on paved or packed gravel roads, the 2wd works great.
The 4wd sits higher up, and is like a completely different truck than the 2wd when it's a little muddy outside. The diesel motor is heavy, and a 2wd gets stuck pretty easy in the mud. I've dug some pretty good holes with my back tires in the mud, only to have my wife show up in her 4x4 F250 and pull me out without even spinning her tires.
The 4wd is harder on ball joints, and the "non-serviceable" hubs get replaced when they go bad.
The 2wd will typically get you better fuel economy and have fewer front end parts that wear out. For towing on paved or packed gravel roads, the 2wd works great.
The 4wd sits higher up, and is like a completely different truck than the 2wd when it's a little muddy outside. The diesel motor is heavy, and a 2wd gets stuck pretty easy in the mud. I've dug some pretty good holes with my back tires in the mud, only to have my wife show up in her 4x4 F250 and pull me out without even spinning her tires.
The 4wd is harder on ball joints, and the "non-serviceable" hubs get replaced when they go bad.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: IOWA
I don't consider it a truck unless it has 4 wheel drive!! 
I couldn't get around without 4x4. Snow, mud, wet grass, it gets used more than one thinks. I have a "old" neighbor that has always had 2wd trucks, he says if "he can't get around with 2wd, he doesn't need to be out". Which is fair, but farming doesn't allow that.
What are your plans with the truck? What are you towing? A TT? Like mentioned before, even on wet grass, you can get stuck because all your weight is up front. If you're camping and can't get the camper pulled out, it wouldn't be any fun.
I couldn't get around without 4x4. Snow, mud, wet grass, it gets used more than one thinks. I have a "old" neighbor that has always had 2wd trucks, he says if "he can't get around with 2wd, he doesn't need to be out". Which is fair, but farming doesn't allow that.
What are your plans with the truck? What are you towing? A TT? Like mentioned before, even on wet grass, you can get stuck because all your weight is up front. If you're camping and can't get the camper pulled out, it wouldn't be any fun.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I don't consider it a truck unless it has 4 wheel drive!!
I couldn't get around without 4x4. Snow, mud, wet grass, it gets used more than one thinks. I have a "old" neighbor that has always had 2wd trucks, he says if "he can't get around with 2wd, he doesn't need to be out". Which is fair, but farming doesn't allow that.
What are your plans with the truck? What are you towing? A TT? Like mentioned before, even on wet grass, you can get stuck because all your weight is up front. If you're camping and can't get the camper pulled out, it wouldn't be any fun.
I couldn't get around without 4x4. Snow, mud, wet grass, it gets used more than one thinks. I have a "old" neighbor that has always had 2wd trucks, he says if "he can't get around with 2wd, he doesn't need to be out". Which is fair, but farming doesn't allow that.
What are your plans with the truck? What are you towing? A TT? Like mentioned before, even on wet grass, you can get stuck because all your weight is up front. If you're camping and can't get the camper pulled out, it wouldn't be any fun.
I also agree with the if I can't get around in 2wd, then I don't need to be out part. No sense in tearing up the fields. Unfortunately I've misjudged the "can't get around in 2wd" part a couple of times, but I've either had a tractor or the wife's truck available to pull me out during my lapse in judgment.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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I've had both and what everyone has said is dead on, there are times when 4WD is really necessary and other times when it is really nice. With what I tow and where I travel I would have to say no more 2WD trucks for me.
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Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 45
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I intend to pull a fifth wheel/RV and further down the road (no pun intended) use a dump trailer and move livestock.
I don't own a diesel but plan to purchase one in the near future. I have found both 4WD and 2WD's available for sale. I'm seeking input of those who favor one over the other and experiences with one or both.
The 4WD does come in handy for those slippery situations.
I don't own a diesel but plan to purchase one in the near future. I have found both 4WD and 2WD's available for sale. I'm seeking input of those who favor one over the other and experiences with one or both.
The 4WD does come in handy for those slippery situations.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 2
From: Bend Oregon
I had my 5th wheel out Memorial day weekend, It rained so hard Sunday night that it took 4wd low and snow chains to get the trailer back to pavement.
I don't use my 4X4 often but it has paid for itself more than once including maintenance and initial purchase cost.
having 4WD is a lot like carrying concealed, you may not need it often but when you do there is no substitute.
I don't use my 4X4 often but it has paid for itself more than once including maintenance and initial purchase cost.
having 4WD is a lot like carrying concealed, you may not need it often but when you do there is no substitute.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 374
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its really up to how you are going to use it, 2wd and you do not have to worry about as much on the front end and get better mpg. 4wd and you always know that you have extra traction on reserve. in the kind of work i use my truck for i like knowing i have the 4wd option, it is just a "ready for whatever" kind of feeling. it also helps when im in yards working so i know i wont spin a tire and have to spend the extra time fixing a nice green lawn as to making money. just my worthless .02