2WD or 4WD

jag1886 · Aug 29, 2016

I have lived in the mid west and in the mountains, dealt with a lot of bad weather and always had a 2WD, I've only needed one a couple of times in 40 years and I wouldn't have needed it then if I had watched the weather before leaving. A 2WD with a posi and 500LBS of sand bags in the back works very well, I don't even put snow tires on any more.

RumRunner · Aug 29, 2016

My view is that 4wd will help you avoid hydroplaning. Not getting in that situation in the first place is the main idea, not trying to get out of that situation. For many years, I have always made it a habit to use 4wd in the rain. At first it was advice from an old timer as a way to make sure to keep all the 4wd equipment moving on a regular basis. But I'm certain that it also helped me avoid some potential issues with hydroplaning as well. Too many people only use 4wd in the snow, and when they go to use it on the first snowfall of the year and have problems they didn't know about because it's been months since they engaged it.

THETANK · Aug 30, 2016

crash68 said:
It doesn't matter whether your in two or four wheel drive when it comes to hydroplaning. Once your tires can no longer displace the water from under it and you have enough speed for the water to lift the wheel off of the ground, your going for a ride. Almost like on ice, four wheel drive may get you going but when it comes to traction to stop or maneuver, good luck with that too.
I usually see more 4WD in the ditch or smashed along the center divider when the weather is bad cause the driver's think their invincible. We get our fair share of crappy weather here in Michigan.

I mentioned your ideas a few pages back. Hell my Pops took me out for my first drive in a snow storm when I was 14 (Mom did not like/agree with this) in a 1972 Ford Ranch Wagon. His words of advice went something like this " you get us stuck you push us out" Well looking back I did just fine swinging that big ole wagon around corners and got home just fine, oh and no 4wd go figure. :favorites13:

U&A · Aug 30, 2016

honest Abe question.

how many are preaching that all we need is 2x4 but the preacher has a 4x4.

no argument here. just an observation.

dexter · Aug 30, 2016

U&A said:
honest Abe question.

how many are preaching that all we need is 2x4 but the preacher has a 4x4.

no argument here. just an observation.

Sometimes you don't have a choice. I bought mine off the lot and that was all there was. I got a OK price on it. But I'd rather I had a 2wd with the extra payload, a 4.10 and limited slip. That is all you really need. I'll be paying for that 4x4 with a bit less mpg and maintenance costs.

U&A · Aug 30, 2016

dexter said:
Sometimes you don't have a choice. I bought mine off the lot and that was all there was. I got a OK price on it. But I'd rather I had a 2wd with the extra payload, a 4.10 and limited slip. That is all you really need. I'll be paying for that 4x4 with a bit less mpg and maintenance costs.

correct. that is all you need.

carsonwb12 · Aug 30, 2016

I was just in the same boat. I'm a grading estimator so having a 4x4 would definitely come in handy, however given i had a limited budget and a greater concern of mine was being able to comfortably fit my kids in the back I had to go with a 2wd crew cab v6... My babies come first.

dexter · Aug 30, 2016

U&A said:
correct. that is all you need.

If a Ford Can (Model T) can do it - a Ram can do it.

America from the slow lane: Model T's cross-country trip

Pull Ya · Aug 30, 2016

If you decide on a 4x4, make sure you get the gear ratio you want. If you don't and have to or want to change the gear ratio, it gets reallllly expensive in a late model 1500. Do it right the first time.
Jay

Skrap · Aug 30, 2016

I'm with Iron Outlaw on this one. Every family needs a 4x4, period. Even wife's boss whom is a big money real estate guy and lives a very "fancy" lifestyle and whose previous vehicle was a Range Rover bought an F150 for his latest vehicle and daily driver. At the minimum I truly believe every family should have a pickup truck.

Pull Ya · Aug 30, 2016

Skrap said:
I'm with Iron Outlaw on this one. Every family needs a 4x4, period. Even wife's boss whom is a big money real estate guy and lives a very "fancy" lifestyle and whose previous vehicle was a Range Rover bought an F150 for his latest vehicle and daily driver. At the minimum I truly believe every family should have a pickup truck.

I wish this was true, then all our friends and relatives would quit asking us to help them move their ****!!!!! :naughty:

Jay

CVX20 · Aug 30, 2016

jag1886 said:
I have lived in the mid west and in the mountains, dealt with a lot of bad weather and always had a 2WD, I've only needed one a couple of times in 40 years and I wouldn't have needed it then if I had watched the weather before leaving. A 2WD with a posi and 500LBS of sand bags in the back works very well, I don't even put snow tires on any more.

I'd far sooner reach down,pull a lever or push a button(when I need it) than carry around an extra 500 lbs. for 6 months of the year myself.And I don't have to worry about a 500 lb. frozen lump coming through the back of the cab if something ever happens that I come to an abrupt stop.

Treburkulosis · Aug 30, 2016

I vote 2wd with the limited slip unless you are some avid off road person. I have a 2wd limited slip and I am hoping we get some bad winter weather here so I can try it out. Our last couple of bad winter storms my 05 cobalt ss did excellent in cobblestone ice, and our awd ford flex did excellent in some very bad ice when others were sliding down the hills.

smiley · Aug 31, 2016

I would not want a 2WD no matter what here in MN. I would rather have a front wheel drive car any day up here. I think in FL the choice would be tougher but ultimately I would base of resale you will be much shoot with 4wd if you sell and or move.

U&A · Aug 31, 2016

dexter said:
If a Ford Can (Model T) can do it - a Ram can do it.

America from the slow lane: Model T's cross-country trip

yup. a 1200lbs 2WD Truck would do very good off road.

lets agree to disagree :favorites13:

xrsman · Aug 31, 2016

Pull Ya said:
I wish this was true, then all our friends and relatives would quit asking us to help them move their ****!!!!!
Jay

Yeah I almost don't want to tell people I've got one! Haha I've got enough of my own **** to do!

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Crescent1101 · Oct 8, 2016

So there are so many good deals right now on truck. I'm so torn but I decided to pay off my truck.

David776895 · Oct 8, 2016

For those with 4wd, do you use sand bags or anything for added weight in the winter months?

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

kevperro · Oct 8, 2016

I have 2WD because of how I use my truck. If I needed 4WD... then I'd buy it. You have to ask yourself the same question because nobody else knows how you are going to use the vehicle.

ColdCase · Oct 8, 2016

David776895 said:
For those with 4wd, do you use sand bags or anything for added weight in the winter months?

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

I never had, just throw it into 4WD, never an issue even on my steep driveway as long as I had decent tires..

2WD or 4WD

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Banned

Senior Member

Junior Member

Banned

U.S. MARINE VETERAN

Senior Member

U.S. MARINE VETERAN

Senior Member

Your High End Detailer

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page