Calling all 2wd 3rd gen CTD

[hobigusn]

I've looked into getting a 4wd but don't want to deal with all the suspension problems 4wd has. Have you ever had any problems with your 2wd? Have you ever regreted getting a 2wd? Ever get stuck? Mine will be a daily driver in Michigan. Only thing we have is snow, but 200 lbs in the back of my gasser 2wd never got me stuck.

 

[MFalkinham]

I don't drive my 2wd very often, and very seldom in the winter. But when I do I throw some weight in the back and have had no problems getting around in the snow.

My truck only has 53k miles on it but has never been back to a dealer since I bought it used at 14k miles. I couldn't be happier with my 2wd.

 

[GCroyle]

If my neighbor ever finds this post, I'll be eating CROW. I have been pulled off of wet grass at a 2% slope at the hunt club and out of some dry sand by same buddy and his 6. 0L 4X4. My tires were the OE Michelins. I have 2 new A/T'2 for the rear and they seem like they should help.



I like the 2WD simple rack and pinion steering, at 89K no front end parts other than Rancho Adjustables .



I think the front end weight is pretty hard to get around, the rear just has a hard time keeping traction and dragging that front end in certain situations.



Not sure if a 4X4 would have a broader used market than a 2WD?

 

[hobigusn]

I know dodge sold more 4wd then 2wd. I would hate to deal with all those front end problems. Trying to figure out if a 2wd will work in Michigan.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Get one with limited slip, and with some weight and good tires you'll do fine. This is assuming you're not planning to get a dually, a 2wd dually is a disaster in the snow.



As for the suspension I had zero problems. I've known of a couple 3rd Gens at 200+K with no suspension problems, no ball joints failing.



Attached are a couple pics of my '03 in the snow, when we had the worst winter I've seen in this part of the NW in 20 yrs and had over a foot on the ground.

 

[Turbo_Bob]

Have you ever had any problems with your 2wd? Have you ever regreted getting a 2wd? Ever get stuck? Mine will be a daily driver in Michigan. Only thing we have is snow, but 200 lbs in the back of my gasser 2wd never got me stuck.

If you go off road, launch boats, live in the mountains or high altitude, then 4wd would be a good choice.



I have almost been stuck off road in sand and been stuck in snow on a slight slope. The problem is, as long as you keep your speed up there is not a problem, it is when you stop. Going up a 6% grade freeway with snow on it was a challenge. CA drivers suck in the snow, and when I got caught in that snow I knew I was in trouble. Most cars are auto, and most drivers tailgate, so you get a stop and go condition. And being in first gear at idle speed, 4 mph was still too fast. I had to stop, once that happened my tires spun and no go. The people behind me and beside me could see I was having a problem. They gave me room, I gave it power, the truck drifted sideways to the crown of the sloping freeway, once I got on the shoulder of the road I gained some traction, got some momentum. I just drove on the shoulder, kept my speed up by shifting into the higher gears, got up to 5th gear, fish tailing all the way up the pass. I was constantly turning into the drift of the rear end to be in control. It must have looked like I was Cop's TV show being chased, from the other drivers seeing me go by at 30 to 50 mph on the shoulder. But that's what I had to do so I would not get stuck, just glad my wife was not with me, she would have been screaming#@$%!

 

[hobigusn]

Get one with limited slip, and with some weight and good tires you'll do fine. This is assuming you're not planning to get a dually, a 2wd dually is a disaster in the snow.



As for the suspension I had zero problems. I've known of a couple 3rd Gens at 200+K with no suspension problems, no ball joints failing.



Attached are a couple pics of my '03 in the snow, when we had the worst winter I've seen in this part of the NW in 20 yrs and had over a foot on the ground.

What kind of limited slip do you have?

 

[hobigusn]

If you go off road, launch boats, live in the mountains or high altitude, then 4wd would be a good choice.



I have almost been stuck off road in sand and been stuck in snow on a slight slope. The problem is, as long as you keep your speed up there is not a problem, it is when you stop. Going up a 6% grade freeway with snow on it was a challenge. CA drivers suck in the snow, and when I got caught in that snow I knew I was in trouble. Most cars are auto, and most drivers tailgate, so you get a stop and go condition. And being in first gear at idle speed, 4 mph was still too fast. I had to stop, once that happened my tires spun and no go. The people behind me and beside me could see I was having a problem. They gave me room, I gave it power, the truck drifted sideways to the crown of the sloping freeway, once I got on the shoulder of the road I gained some traction, got some momentum. I just drove on the shoulder, kept my speed up by shifting into the higher gears, got up to 5th gear, fish tailing all the way up the pass. I was constantly turning into the drift of the rear end to be in control. It must have looked like I was Cop's TV show being chased, from the other drivers seeing me go by at 30 to 50 mph on the shoulder. But that's what I had to do so I would not get stuck, just glad my wife was not with me, she would have been screaming#@$%!

Wow, I've had a couple of those experiences. Did you have a limited slip? Think that would have helped?

 

[wolfman00hd]

I bought my 2WD new in 2004. I don't "offroad" but have never had it stuck in sand or mud and in certain situations it has been on my mind that I would be walking out. I've been running BFG A/T's since 8k miles and just turned 120k. I did have to do control arms/ball joints at approx. 80k but probably due to the leveling pucks in front more than anything. At the time of purchase, the boss gave me the option of 4WD gas or 2WD diesel. It was my first CTD and I haven't regretted sticking with 2WD.



Wolfman

 

[Turbo_Bob]

Wow, I've had a couple of those experiences. Did you have a limited slip? Think that would have helped?

Yes I do, but in snow & ice I think it is not that huge advantage ?



I know my 96 Dodge truck had a real LSD with the clutch packs, had to use the friction modifier when changing the gear lube.



The newer Dodge trucks with the American Axles use a TBD (torque biasing diff) worm gears, no friction modifier needed.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Didnt have CTD

I was in the Air Force and was stationed at Loring AFB Caribou Maine. I didnt have a Dodge 2 or 4 wheel drive just a 66 Malibu with Firestone wide oval

60s. Never got stuck just used a very unknown thing called common sense. Never chained up just took it easy and thought about what I was doing. Most of the guys that live in snow country REALLY DONT NEED 4x4 but its very nice to have. :-laf. Here in Cal we have guys that have 4x4 that have never seen more dirt than in a parking lot Im sure its about the same everywhere.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

What kind of limited slip do you have?

My 2003 had the stock limited slip, worked quite well, was perfectly happy with it.

 

[TLane]

This winter was very, very wet here and I got stuck several times in my own driveway. Very little slope, and I even got stuck once going "downhill". I checked each time, and I'm pretty sure both wheels were spinning so the limited slip was doing it's job. My driveway is gravel, and I got stuck in the little used part that goes past the house and is grown up in grass. Still, it seems like this truck gets stuck much easier than any of my earlier vehicles. Unfortunately, I don't have the older vehicles to do a side by side comparison, but it just seems like this one gets stuck very easy. I pulled it out once with a tow strap and a front wheel drive car, so it only needed a little more traction to make it.

I didn't get the 4wd to save the weight, plus not have the headaches of problems with the 4wd. With the Mega cab and 4wd, you only have about 1600 lbs of capacity left, which would have left me right at the limit with my travel trailer, 3 people, and assorted stuff. The 4wd adds around 300-400 lbs of weight.

Every time I get stuck, I wish I'd bought the 4wd. Every time I'm driving down the freeway, I'm glad I didn't. I always carry a good tow strap with me, and am thankful to whoever pulls me out, no matter what they drive...

 

[Motorhead]

My first Dodge was a 2001. 5 2wd (Cummins powered of course) with the limited slip rear axel. I sold it for my '07,5. 9 4wd. REMEMBER... The Cummins engine weighs 1000lbs as opposed to a gasser engine weighing about 400lbs. I thought that the 2wd POSI would be good in some sand/snow... WHAT a MISTAKE! The front ends get stuck very easy on the 2wd. I would GLADLY trade ANY front end problems instead getting stuck... ... And I am not some gun-ho 4wd driver

 

[MChessick]

I have a 3500 Dually 2wd with 200k on it. I have Mastercraft Couser extreme snow tires all the way around and carry 1500-2000 lbs in the box for winter. It will go through anything. I haven't had any issues with weather or the truck. I am still on the original lift pump and ball joints and everything is going strong. I live in New England as far as weather goes. Lots of maintenance with 4wd front ends. Good luck!



Pitcru

 

[Motorhead]

I have a 3500 Dually 2wd with 200k on it. I have Mastercraft Couser extreme snow tires all the way around and carry 1500-2000 lbs in the box for winter. It will go through anything. I haven't had any issues with weather or the truck. I am still on the original lift pump and ball joints and everything is going strong. I live in New England as far as weather goes. Lots of maintenance with 4wd front ends. Good luck!

Pitcru

That's because you have a dually... . more tire on the ground. SRW's get stuck alot easier.