2wd vs 4wd. 4wd suspension issues?

[hobigusn]

I've been thinking of a 2wd vs 4wd. What suspension or steering parts wear out often in a 4wd? How often do you have to replace something? I live in Michigan and the truck would be used as a daily driver in the city with no towing.

 

[SierraRam]

The two main problems appear to be the ball joints and the unit wheel bearings. Seems like the can start acting up with semi low mileage and others don't seem to have the problem. There are aftermarket solutions but they are pricey.

 

[rjones]

Exactly Been there done that with both of my Diesel Rams however I live in Michigan and would never go to a 2WD I like the 4X4..... I also don't go off road but the 4x4 cam ein handy many times

 

[hobigusn]

The two main problems appear to be the ball joints and the unit wheel bearings. Seems like the can start acting up with semi low mileage and others don't seem to have the problem. There are aftermarket solutions but they are pricey.

So how hard is it to replace a ball joint and a bearing for a DIY guy? How often have you seen them needing to be changed? Is 4wd not worth it then as a daily driver?

 

[FourBarR]

Most trucks sold are 4x4 . Many people wh have 4x4 dont need them . Here we see them driving around on dry or wet pavement 95% of the time. However if you live in snow country,go sking or off road then 4x4 makes sense . My 2wd has never been stuck or towed in the 12 years i owned it. I still have the original lower ball joints,tierods, steering box sector shaft. Upper ball joints were replaced at 300,000k. You dont have to repair transfer case, front drive shaft another differential locking hubs,short life ball joints ,and all the rest of the extra steering components. Harder ride ,more tire wear,lower fuel mileage and the extra cost of the 4x4.

There is a better resale value in 4x4 because of the demand everyone places on them.

Love my 2wd and at 530,000kms with a 53 block, original vp-44 ,transmission,and differential its been a great truck.

 

[DGamelin]

I live in the UP of Michigan, I have a 2wd 93 that we use year round, put some weight in the rear and it gets around ok. I rebuilt the front end around 225k using all moog. At 272k they are loose already, they don't make them like they use to. I have a 4wd we use for hauling big loads and deliveries especially in bad weather, we don't use it for running around.



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 272k

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 6-speed 97k

 

[rjones]

Mines a dailey driver back and forth to worth never off road I would never ever NOT have a 4x4 In my case Its there when I need it... ... If you live in a non snow state for a daily driver yeh doesnt really make sense... But like above Im in Michigan Ill always have a 4x4.

 

[MChrist]

2WD does ride a lot smoother...