2WD vs 4WD?

[emarsh]

I bought mine for hiway towing, and thats pretty much all it is used for. 2 years old and 20k miles. However, I do have a 77 bronco, and thats what I use for 4WD. I did not need nor did I want a 4WD truck. It depends on the intended use and location.

Perhaps for some the decision is not as cut & dried as mine. I say get what you need, and if what you want is different than what you need, you may never be happy if you did not get what you wanted, depends on the person. Know what I mean?

 

[WadePatton]

my take on the deal.

As a 4x2 driver--nothing new here, just my perspective.



I've put almost 50,000 miles (1. 5 years) on my 4x2 CTD and LOVE it. I put 218k (9 years)on my previous half-ton 4x2. I almost never got the half-ton stuck (open diff), but I've already hung up the Cummins FIVE times-once on steep gravel drive way--backing small trailer.



Both trucks had highway treads. Difference is the huge mother of a power maker in the front of the Dodge.



I'm going to put a more aggressive tread on the 4x2, albeit not as big as I like, because the front end is so low. I may actually raise the front, to level the truck out.



I now have a 4x4 second truck to use for my wood-hauling, deer hunting, sled pulling, etc.



ONE more great advantage of the 4x2-- no DEATH WOBBLE. I got that in the 4x4 yesterday for the first time-- at near 90mph



Another disadvantage of the 4X2 is availability. I drove 600 miles to get one with a manual in 2500. They're a little more common in the 3500.



Would I do it again? Many factors come into play. Higher annual mileage will increase the frontend/4x4/fuel costs for the 4x4. Loading up the bed will help with traction, but could give you a "dead blow" hammer effect in an accident. Twice I got stuck with a load of firewood.



So if I could ONLY have one CTD, I'd probably get the 4x4. But then I'm off road all the time. farming, fishing, hunting, wood hauling, mountain biking, making room in the driveway, etc.



4x4 pulls the sled better too! Oo.



Don't get me wrong, I love my 4x2. It's just more limited (3. 54 LSD-pun) than I expected. If you've parked in a field and it threatens rain--us 4x2 guys get nervous.



On the road, it's way better, ride, feedback, cornering.



Solution, do as I plan to do--start a collection.



I think 4 would be nice.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I live in Washington State and have done fine with the last two 4x2 CTDs I've owned. Both with LSD.



What I have liked about mine:



--Considerably easier to load/unload large heavy items.

--Being able to cruise at 80 MPH and still get 20mpg (how many of you 4x4 guys can do that???

--Great handling as mentioned

--Less maintenance



I have done fine driving in the snow and towed 3 snowmobiles on a flatbed up into the mountains several times without chains or getting stuck. The worst grade is around 8%. I learned to drive by my boost gauge. . . find out what boost level in X gear it broke loose then drive just below it. While I've done well in the snow it's a delicate task and a fine line between progress and disaster. One real disadvantage with the 4x2 towing is downhill on icy roads with no brakes on the snowmobile trailer, which could easily cause a jackknife on a corner since the rear wheels are doing the engine braking. A 4x4 would be a clear advantge in this situation.



I would say the worst thing is going to BOMB parties and getting stuck in someone's muddy pasture with all your 4x4 buddies watching. Been there, done that LOL

 

[SRussell]

Hello, another thing to think about is tires. Some tires do better than others. My factory tires on this truck do not cause me to have much confidence on how the truck reacts in the mud or snow. My last truck did much better after I bought some different tires, I used the 4x4 option less with those tires. Getting bigger tires to fill the tire wells in my opinion for 4x4 is a little harder and more expensive. A good tread and weight will help with winter driving. With that said, I still prefer 4x4s

 

[mcoleman]

I mess with horses and live way out in the country so a 4X4 is a must have. A 2wd is not even capable of getting down to the lake and back out on my place. However we are going to buy a 2wd CTD for the Wife to drive to work and she rides with me in bad weather anyway. Most of the areas we trailride in have parking out in open fields. A 2wd will limit where you are able to park and will also get you in major trouble if a rain comes up. I think it depends on what you are planning on doing with it. As far as maintenance issues I have replaced 1 track bar and 2 sets of tires and my mileage runs from 18 to 22 mpg running empty with 128,000 miles on my truck. A 2wd would have to get extremely good mileage to make up for not being able to get in and out of a trailride without calling on a 4X4 PSD to pull me out. However someone not using their truck to pull horsetrailers offroad or get out of a snow drift could make do with the 2wd. I see very few 2wds at trialrides regardless of the brand of truck. But I will still be buying a 2wd CTD for our second vehicle.

 

[OnlyCummins]

For those folks set on their 4x4's, would a 4x2 with a locker (ARB, etc) make enuf of a difference to consider a switch to 4x2?

 

[mcoleman]

Not for me. They won't even pull themselves on wet grass much less move a horsetrailer in a soft field due to the heavy frontend. With you being in Florida you probably wouldn't need the 4X4 as bad depending on what you plan on doing with it. I have to use 4X4 just to back my trailer up the incline on my gravel driveway.

 

[OnlyCummins]

I used to do quite a bit of ATB'ing (All Terrain Bike, AKA MTB -- no mntns here in FL) both here in FL & up in GA & NC & some of the trailheads can get pretty darn nasty. Especially when clay enters the picture such as in GA & NC. All my previous trailhead vehicles were FWD & traction was never an issue with those. Yeah, I know, I could park further away from the trailhead but for some trailheads that's not really an option unless I'm willing to get ticketed for illegal parking or willing to add some miles to an already long ride (not to mention, having to cycle on paved roads where some motorists seem to views cyclists as a nuisance to run off the road or throw things at).

 

[Mtngoat]

Just remembered something my grandad said. The difference between 2wd and 4wd is about 50 more feet!



Robin

 

[mcoleman]

Or a 3 mile hike back to pavement to get help. They don't have gravel parking lots at any of the trailride areas around here. They do allow mountain bikes and hikers on the trails but equines have the right of way in the National Forest areas. They have a huge field that has been bushhogged for you to park in and during the wet part of the year you might as well keep the 2wd at home. Or have a buddy with you that can drag your truck and trailer back to terra-firma when your done for the weekend. I've found my truck to be useless even on wet grass unless I shift it into 4X4. I will be buying a 2wd ctd for the wife to drive to work since they are somewhat cheaper to own and she rides with me in bad weather anyway. Although I'm not sure exactly how much cheaper to own mainly just cheaper to purchase. I'm only on my 3rd set of tires counting the ones that came on the truck and I run a lot of gravel roads. And I've had no problems related to the 4X4 other than 1 trackbar replacement. The 2wd will handle and drive a lot better than the 4X4 though. That's why she wants a 4X2 for her use. And she wants it straight piped also. What a woman. Oo.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I use 4wd mostly while hunting. There are a few other occasions, such as getting caught in a snowstorm. Basically, there are a few times I plan to use it and know I can't get there without it. There are fewer occasions when I need it, unexpectedly, and am glad it's there. Ya can't get it later when you need it. If you might, get it now. OTOH, if the Rams mission in life is pulling a 5th wheel, the lower 2wd is preferred.

 

[WadePatton]

Drove my 4x2 tonight after several days in the 4x4 ---------GEEESH is that thing sweet.



But if I were to run wide and gather up a ditch--I'd be stuck. And I've used 4WD every day this week--hunting.



ONE OF EACH. Oo.

 

[fj40charles]

I live in N. Texas where it hardly ever snows. So far, I've used 4WD about 5 times.



1. When I had to pull my trailer out of a muddy field after going 4 wheeling. The field was dry when I parked the trailer.



2. When I was towing a vehicle in the winter to Arkansas. I ran into sleet and the road was all icy.



3. When I was in Arkansas visiting and his driveway was all icy. I engaged 4wd and drove out. 2wd and I was spinning the tires.



4. When it snowed in TX about 2 years ago.



5. When I want to race someone on wet pavement and need the additional traction.



If I had to do it again... I'd still spend the extra money and buy a 4x4. Not worth it to get stuck or end up in a ditch even once.



my 2 cents...

Charles

 

[dresslered]

4WD - Why not?

I have a very steep driveway in which I have hooked up a 2LO switch to be used with 4WLO. Just having this low setting for parking a big load has already paid for itself in my book.



We're mainly California street drivers, but just that one time makes you really appreciate the advantages--especially since the LSD is minimal to say the least. I've been so glad that I have it, I even bought the wife a Durango 4WD.

 

[boeckm]

My wife and I have 5 different 4x4s, and will keep getting them. Just last night turning the W350 around to hook up a trailer I had to lock it in to back up hill on gravel. Then again after hooking to the trailer on sod the dual wheels just spun. I like to be able to park in a field or off the side of a country road and not worry about rain or getting someone to pull me out.



Mark

 

[klenger]

Thanks for all the feedback on this issue. It is much appreciated.



Yesterday we traveled from Tucson to Denver in our Honda Accord to visit our daughter for turkey day. Left Tucson and it was in the 70s and we had the A/C running. Shortly after we entered CO on I25, we ran into light snow. As we traveled north, the temps dropped to 16F, and at times the visiblity was so bad we were traveling at 20 - 30 MPH. The whole time I was driving in the snow I was thinking, "what would happen if we were making this trip with a 2WD truck and our 5er?"



It appears that what makes a 2WD CTD Dodge such a bad combination is the backwards weight distribution. That being the case, I don't think that I will be getting a 2WD if I upgrade to a 3rd gen. Now I'm struggling with the decision to even upgrade since I would not gain the advantage of the 2WD, and I already have 4WD. For now, I just need to watch as the news on the 04. 5's unfolds.



Again, thanks for all the comments.

 

[WadePatton]

upgrade ideas

How about you throw some DD2's and an EZ and a big bad clutch on the 2001. You'll be and it's much cheaper than a new truck.

 

[klenger]

The increased power is only one of the reasons I am considering upgrading.



1) 3500 SRW

2) Quieter

3) 4 doors

4) power tow mirrors

5) Common rail injection

6) More power

7) 2WD ... reasons stated previously

 

[MWBrooks]

I think that drive to Colorado answered the question about 4 wheel drive for you.



I would rather have it and not need it than not have it and need it. This is a fundamental outlook for me.





Mike

 

[WadePatton]

Originally posted by klenger

The increased power is only one of the reasons I am considering upgrading.



1) 3500 SRW

2) Quieter

3) 4 doors

4) power tow mirrors

5) Common rail injection

6) More power

7) 2WD ... reasons stated previously

I say:

1) yes, that's nice, how about some air bags?

2) Lsfarm (Greg) can teach you how to make a 2g quiet.

3) That's 2 doors and 2 75% doors. I prefer my suicide doors or 4 whole-hog real doors--like a Dakota

4) okay

5) CR injection = less bombs, more expensive upgrades I don't want it.

6) The Cummins MUST be unleashed. Running one under 300-350 HP is just silly. My 400+ truck gets 19-20 MPG everyday and 22+ on the road at 75 or less--20 at 80-90.

7) discussed.