2wd vs 4wd suspension ride quality?

[hobigusn]

I don't know what to get? A 2wd because is rides smoother and is more fuel efficient or a 4wd beacuse of the full axles and i might need 4wd. I live in Michigan where it snows, alot. And with that snow comes huge potholes. I mind as well be off road thats how rough the roads are. I've never gotten stuck in the snow in my 2wd truck with 100 lbs of bricks in the back. But if your going to buy a truck mind as well make it versatile. What i would like to know is how the ride is on the 3/4 ton 4wd? Will it jar my teeth loose or is it not worth it for a daily driver?

 

[MChrist]

Test drive both and I'm sure you'll notice the difference between 2WD and 4WD. However, if you live in Michigan, you may want to consider 4WD. My truck doesn't jar anything loose, and actually rides better than our Honda minivan!! Another option would be to get Blizzaks from Tire Rack and have them mounted on an extra set of wheels and just use those for winter. I may do that this winter when my existing tires should be down to 50% tread. (good enough for summer, not enough for winter).
If you never had a problem with 2WD in winter, I would be willing to wager a small amount of $$ that you had a gasser, because 2WD in a diesel Dodge is a "dynamic" experience in winter, since you are taking the tires with very little weight/traction and trying to push that big, heavy Cummins through the snow. I engaged 4WD quite often, but rarely had to do so in my Tahoe...

 

[hobigusn]

Test drive both and I'm sure you'll notice the difference between 2WD and 4WD. However, if you live in Michigan, you may want to consider 4WD. My truck doesn't jar anything loose, and actually rides better than our Honda minivan!! Another option would be to get Blizzaks from Tire Rack and have them mounted on an extra set of wheels and just use those for winter. I may do that this winter when my existing tires should be down to 50% tread. (good enough for summer, not enough for winter).

If you never had a problem with 2WD in winter, I would be willing to wager a small amount of $$ that you had a gasser, because 2WD in a diesel Dodge is a "dynamic" experience in winter, since you are taking the tires with very little weight/traction and trying to push that big, heavy Cummins through the snow. I engaged 4WD quite often, but rarely had to do so in my Tahoe...

Yes it was a gasser. That's something i didn't think about. Your pushing an 1100 lb engine. So the 4wd rides better then your minivan. I drive a 1/2 ton silverado now and those roads are no fun with all the potholes. I have driven both 2wd and 4wd 3rd gen ctd. But there isn't alot of potholes in Cali where im stationed. So testing is hard.

 

[CoastyAV8R]

I have a 2wd and I've had a 04 4wd and personally, I think they ride the same. I drove my truck this winter and there were times 4wd would have helped me such as starting out on a snow covered hill, but with weight in the back of the truck and some planning ahead, I didn't get stuck this winter.