by "mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
Published 05/24/2017 at 12:18
by "mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
Published 05/24/2017 at 12:18
No Tags
STARS: 0
Would you buy a 2wd truck?
I’m looking at another deal, but its 2wd. No matter what I will be going with a small leveling kit and 33's or 35's. I get occasional bad weather, but 4x4 is more of a strong want than an absolute need. Convince me that 2wd is okay...
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
05/24/2017 at 12:22, STARS: 0
I’m ok with it
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 12:23, STARS: 4
I dont agree with paying the premium of driving a large vehicle like that and turning down an option to make it drastically more capable.
The point of large trucks is capability and you’re ticking a box that says you don’t need capability.
Just my 2 cents.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
05/24/2017 at 12:24, STARS: 9
I would buy a 2wd truck, but I wouldn’t put big tires on it. If I was buying 2wd truck I would want to own the advantages of cheaper tires and lower load height. If you need something thats still decent in foul weather spend money on good tires, not big tires and if you need a little trail ability find a truck with a rear locker, GM g80 locker trucks should be easy to find.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
05/24/2017 at 12:24, STARS: 0
Depends on why you’re buying it.
"Pixel" (Improbcat)
05/24/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 0
All depends what you use it for. I use mine for hauling stuff and occasional towing. I went with 2wd for simplicity as I don’t need the 4wd capability and don’t have to worry about maintaining & repairing a transfer case or front axle.
"Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs" (yowen)
05/24/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 0
I would personally do it, because it wouldn’t be my primary vehicle. In fact I’d probably look for 2WD, since the truck will cost me less that way. I’d be buying a truck for towing and hauling.
What part of the country are you in? If this will be your primary vehicle, you could probably still get away with a weighted down bed and snow tires if you live in a wintery region. But it wouldn’t handle as nicely as an FWD or AWD or 4WD. Then I suppose the next question is, what costs more? Winter tires or 4WD? Or does it matter at all? I dunnO!
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
05/24/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 0
The only 2WD trucks I like are the Rams. All the others just look like less cool 4x4s.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
05/24/2017 at 12:27, STARS: 1
You lower 2wd & it’s acceptable. A lowered RCSB rwd ram 1500 express its amazing.
Also because pre-runner.
"XJDano" (xjdano)
05/24/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 0
2wd means you can lower it, later. I’d say 2wd is ok, but if you think you’ll need 4WD ever you’ll always wish you had got it. Or pre-runner.
I personally would get 4WD. I may use it.
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
05/24/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 0
Most of the trucks I’ve owned have been 4wd just because I wanted it, but I had a 2wd Toyota for years and just putting a +1 sized set of good A/T’s on it made all the difference. I never really wanted for traction, and it got taken off road fairly regularly for trail work projects and just screwing around. I understand the want, but practically, how often would you actually pull the lever? I can’t justify my current 4wd, really, and sometimes wish I’d got a 2wd for simplicity and fuel economy.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/24/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 2
I just bought a new 2wd truck, although my F150 does have the e-locker for the rear. Of the trucks I’ve owned, roughly half have been 2wd (91 F-150, 02 F-250 powerstroke, 05 F-150, and now the 17 F-150). While I like 4X4 (92 F-250, 00 GMC 3500 dually, 96 suburban, 99 escalade), I never not enjoyed my 2wd trucks for not having 4x4. I still went skiing and drove up through the mountains in the storm at o’ dark thirty to try and lay first tracks on a powder day, I still went shooting out in the desert, I still went camping, I still drove out to remote places to put as many miles between me and the next living person as possible. Probably the most remote spot I’ve ever driven a vehicle to was someplace I went with a 2wd truck. I just pick my trails/roads more carefully with the 2wd trucks, and I don’t drive them on most beaches at the lake.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
05/24/2017 at 12:31, STARS: 1
I’m with Hammeread. If I had a 2WD truck, I’d be looking for tires where the first consideration was
ride quality
. If the most I was ever going to haul was a refrigerator or my neighbor’s patio furniture, I might even buy passenger-rated tires for it. And I would buy a van, not a truck...
My personal opinion is that 4WD is downright dumb if you don’t need it, which probably 98% of 4WD owners do not. Then again, my automotive propensities are maddeningly practical for most peoples’ tastes...
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
05/24/2017 at 12:33, STARS: 4
Having grown up on a farm with only 2wd trucks, I can say that a 2wd truck is far more capable than people expect. Heck, a Foxbody mustang is far more capable than people expect. Good tires (we used tire chains), and it’ll push itself through far more than you’d expect.
Granted, my dad loves his 4x4 now, but he also lives on a farm that was a complete mud hole due to all the rains we’ve had lately.
Don’t be afraid to go 2wd if you’re not planning on going off road. Get some decent winter tires for snow and put some weight in the back, and you’ll probably be better off than a 4x4 with no prep. Just don’t pretend your 2wd truck is a jacked 4x4.
"TheD0k_2many toys 2little time" (thed0ck)
05/24/2017 at 12:33, STARS: 0
no. and if you lift a 2wd truck you look like tool IMO
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
05/24/2017 at 12:34, STARS: 1
I’ve owned the same 2wd truck since 1996. I’ve only really wished for 4wd twice in all those years. Both times were when it was stuck. The first time 4wd would have saved me. I doubt it would have helped the second time.
During that time, this truck has made numerous moves, carried tons of rock & gravel, carried tons of dirt, hauled bikes, hauled camping gear, and pulled many trailers. Both times it was stuck, the bed was empty and I wasn’t pulling a trailer. In other words, the times when I feared it would get stuck, it didn’t, the times it did get stuck, I wasn’t doing anything unusual and getting stuck was a surprise.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
05/24/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 1
Just remember that 4wd goes up and 2wd goes down.
"yamahog" (yamahog)
05/24/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 1
We did, but it ticked enough of the other boxes to make up for it:
Big block, 2500, low miles, extended cab/long bed, minimal rust, extremely low price. Also my commute is pretty short and flat, so even in winter 2WD with good tires isn’t a huge liability.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
05/24/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 2
Unless you’re building a pre-runner, that acceptable for big tires on 2wd.
"vicali" (vicali)
05/24/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 0
2wd have their own advantages, usually mpg, weight, and price.. I don’t care about any of those things during the winter though so..
"Slant6" (slant-6)
05/24/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 1
Any reason for the leveling kit and tires?
I used to have a 1995 4x4 Tacoma. Only used the 4x4 for fun, never really saw much use, even when it snowed weight in the back was enough to get me where I was going.
I now have a 2002 2wd Ranger, and I live somewhere that it snows much more than where I used to live. I have no regrets on not getting 4x4, better millage and less to break (I do miss the Tacoma though, would have kept it if I could have).
Being realistic if 2% of the time you need 4x4 and the other 98% 2wd would serve you better go with the 2wd. Also the leveling kit and tires really take away more functionality than they add aesthetically.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/24/2017 at 12:37, STARS: 2
I think the old saying was something along the lines of your grandfather took a 2wd pickup further than most folks will take a jeep today. Unless you’re trying to scramble up the side of mountain with no road at all or play in a mud bog, some experience and carefully picking your path will take a 2wd truck a long ways off pavement.
"victor" (victor)
05/24/2017 at 12:38, STARS: 5
If you need others to convince you, and you shouldprobably get 4wd, because that’s what you really want
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
05/24/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
yeah, I suppose so. but the rules go out the window when you are building basically racecar.
"David Baker" (mark7lsc1)
05/24/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 0
The first time you get stuck you’ll be kicking your self for not getting a 4x4.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/24/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 0
I once got to play with an early 00's TRD package 4x4 Tacoma. Between the big tires, light weight of the truck and the rear locker, it was ridiculously capable in 2wd mode.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
05/24/2017 at 12:45, STARS: 2
^^^ He’s got a point ^^^
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
05/24/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 0
As long as you have a limited slip rear end I wouldn’t have any issues buying a 2wd truck. In the 3 years I’ve had my truck I’ve put it in 4wd less than 10 times and probably only needed to actually do so on one or two occasions
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 1
Speaking from experience, 2WD is all you need 95% of the time and tires are most important. Also speaking from experience, 4WD is sooooo nice to have for that 5%.
Bearing in mind the small penalties you have to pay... no, I would not buy a 2WD truck.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
05/24/2017 at 12:49, STARS: 0
I’d absolutely buy a 2wd truck. I’d take a 2wd truck with good all season/all weather tires over a 4x4 one with bad tires.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 12:50, STARS: 0
Agreed, but 4x4 is so nice to have at such little penalty that there’s no point in NOT getting it.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 12:51, STARS: 2
Good tires and the “beater factor” will take you a long way :)
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 12:51, STARS: 0
Also 4x4 goes up 2WD goes down.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 12:52, STARS: 0
This
"Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif" (lumpy44)
05/24/2017 at 12:52, STARS: 0
No. Because I live in the frozen wasteland of the north though.
"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
05/24/2017 at 12:54, STARS: 0
With a 4wd truck you can have all the fun you want in 2wd and then have 4wd available for when you’ve had too much fun. beentheredonethat
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/24/2017 at 12:54, STARS: 0
There are several uses that I advocate for a 2WD truck:
1) Work truck that doesn’t see rough terrain. Do you haul stuff all over? Maybe for a business or maybe you just need to move a lot of stuff frequently? Do you not see rough terrain? Save yourself some dough and just get the 2wd.
2) You Tow a lot. You don’t need 4wd for towing. You don’t need 4wd for towing. You don’t need 4wd for towing. Hey, have I ever mentioned that you don’t need 4wd for towing?
3) I can tolerate the trucks meant for speed/handling, even if they are silly. X-Runner, Lightning, SRT10, Coyote F150.
4) Sweet Pre-Runner builds. Complete with long travel suspension in the front and serious work in the rear:
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/24/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 1
Mmmmm. Pre-runner:
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/24/2017 at 12:57, STARS: 1
If you need serious hauling or towing capability, than a 2wd truck is typically more capable than a 4wd truck.
Furthermore, if the primary purpose is a work application, such as a business or regularly hauling/towing things for a hobby and the vehicle is not used for daily driving or commuting, then why spend the extra money on 4WD?
If I needed a truck strictly to tow a heavy trailer for recreation vehicles, for example, then I wouldn’t bother to spend the extra cash on 4WD. What would be the point?
"SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman" (dasborgen)
05/24/2017 at 12:59, STARS: 0
any added weight in the bed?
I once drove a 2wd truck in a little bit of rain and was pretty surprised how easily the back came around on me. I knew to expect it, but not to the extent it first happened.
This is still not to the level though of when I drove BurglarMatt’s 911 the first time in the dry at an autocross when I looped it the very first corner I took because I was too late getting back on the gas while trying to take a line I would normally take in my M3
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
05/24/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 1
It’s not exactly a little penalty. There’s more drag, more weight, more complexity, more expensive to buy, often the ride is worse...
If you’re only going to put it in 4wd 3 or 4 times during your ownership, it is a very minimal benefit for all the extra gears and axles you’re constantly carrying around.
But I suppose that’s a personal situation and preference deal. I know I’m confident enough to pilot a 2wd truck through the mud and snow and poor roads that I’d see on the way out to my family farm (Heck, I’ve taken a 2wd 20 year old minivan through roads that would make 4x4 guys worried).
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/24/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 2
That was a factor in my thinking on the new truck. Beyond not actually needing 4wd and 2wd being lighter, cheaper, better handling, more fuel efficient, and simpler over the long run, I thought about how willing I would be to put desert pinstripes on a truck I paid real money for. The answer was not very. I didn’t mind risking desert pinstriping on the Suburban or Escalade because they were 5.5k and 6k trucks, respectively. On the truck I just paid 22k for, I’m inclined to not scratch it up.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
05/24/2017 at 13:03, STARS: 0
Towing capacity. 2wd tows more than 4wd.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
05/24/2017 at 13:04, STARS: 1
about 600lbs of stone.
"Lokiparts" (lokiparts)
05/24/2017 at 13:04, STARS: 0
Personally I genuinely prefer 2wd trucks over 4wd. Partially because I like lowered trucks more than lifted ones, but also because I am extremely realistic about my needs. I mean in my 17 years of driving I can count on one finger the number of times I have needed to go off-road into terrain that I couldn’t have just as easily handled in a Civic. Hell I have an almost 30 year old 2wd S10 that’s lowered 6 inches that probably gets taken “off road” more than most 4wd trucks ever will. And I’ll give you three guesses which truck we are using to haul a piano... Hint, it’s not the one that involves lifting a piano over your head.
I mean don’t get me wrong 4wd trucks do serve a purpose for those that do genuinely intend to use them off road. For example I know plenty of people with 4wd trucks who hunt, or like screwing around off road in the mud and stuff. But for every one of those guys there’s probably 50 people commuting to office jobs in trucks that have never once wielded their 4wd in anger... and no sliding around like an idiot on all season tires on icy roads doesn’t count.
"Censored" (chrisbrown2992)
05/24/2017 at 13:05, STARS: 0
A beater / weekend work truck or a tow rig, yes 2wd would be fine.
Fora lifted daily driver with 33s 4wd is the only way to go. You won’t use it all the time or maybe even often, but when you need it there is no replacement.
If you are wanting to daily drive a rig w 35s, you should at least consider a 3/4 ton. IFS and 35s on a half ton can prove to be a bit hard on ball joints, half shafts and TREs.
"Lokiparts" (lokiparts)
05/24/2017 at 13:05, STARS: 1
Personally I genuinely prefer 2wd trucks over 4wd. Partially because I like lowered trucks more than lifted ones, but also because I am extremely realistic about my needs. I mean in my 17 years of driving I can count on one finger the number of times I have needed to go off-road into terrain that I couldn’t have just as easily handled in a Civic. Hell I have an almost 30 year old 2wd S10 that’s lowered 6 inches that probably gets taken “off road” more than most 4wd trucks ever will. And I’ll give you three guesses which truck we are using to haul a piano... Hint, it’s not the one that involves lifting a piano over your head.
I mean don’t get me wrong 4wd trucks do serve a purpose for those that do genuinely intend to use them off road. For example I know plenty of people with 4wd trucks who hunt, or like screwing around off road in the mud and stuff. But for every one of those guys there’s probably 50 people commuting to office jobs in trucks that have never once wielded their 4wd in anger... and no sliding around like an idiot on all season tires on icy roads doesn’t count.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 13:07, STARS: 1
Well, first you’re talking to a guy who RallyX-ed a Mercury Milan. I’m not afraid to take vehicles that shouldn’t out there pretty damn far out there.
And the Fox body comment, i’m turning a Capri RS Fox Body into a Rally X car. hahaha
I also live in Michigan, fair amount of snow and ice here. While you can make a 2wd do a good job in the snow with some smarts and good tires, why not use the same smarts and good tires on a 4x4?
To me, I’m already taking the hit on fuel economy and entry cost to get into a full size vehicle I’m going to make sure it’s the most capable in the category.
You’re approach of good tires on a 2wd is like buying the V6 with the intention of upgrading the motor to get to the V8 power output....when you could’ve just bought the V8, ya know?
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 0
2wd trucks are getting so high now drag is barely different. There are more parts, but it’s still proven parts. Cost can be worked around, you can always find a deal somewhere. And the ride... well, if “pickup truck” is good enough for you then 4x4 truck should be fine. Weight I’ll give you.
I’m in agreement that 2wd will take you further than most people would expect, but I still maintain that if you can get a 4x4 in budget, do it. It’s great insurance and opens up a whole bunch more recreational fun. And you never know when it would be handy. For example
this
innocent looking place...
"Roundbadge" (Roundbadge)
05/24/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 0
I have a 2wd Tacoma. I love it. The only time it goes off-road is backing across my lawn with a bed full of mulch, sand or gravel.
Honestly, I don’t know how it handles in the snow, because it becomes a garage queen in the winter. I just don’t have to drive it, and I use the Accord instead. If I needed to haul big stuff in the winter, I wouldn’t be afraid to get it out, though.
I’ve had 2 other 2wd trucks, and drove them plenty in the winter. The Dakota hated snow on it’s original tires. Re-shod, it did fine. My S-10 never got in any trouble the Dunlop Rover tires couldn’t get it out of.
As someone else said...it looks like you really want 4wd. I’m guessing you’ll be disappointed without it, somehow.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 13:10, STARS: 0
4x4 is so nice though... I’m glad I got it. And once you get the first scratch, you stop noticing so much. As long as nobody dents me...
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/24/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
I just did buy a 2wd truck. I drove my M3 daily for 6 years, thus I’m comfortable with RWD in snow. Tires are more important.
"Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection" (itsalwayssteve)
05/24/2017 at 13:27, STARS: 0
Yup. I live in the south and don’t go off roading. The worst I have to deal with is across the field to my mother in law’s house or up a dirt camp road. I don’t anticipate that changing but I do anticipate owning a home soon and my wife wants a fixer-upper so I would need hauling capacity more than off road capability.
"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
05/24/2017 at 13:29, STARS: 0
I did buy a 2WD truck. It was also lowered and never left the street, though I did use it to haul a pretty decent amount of stuff. It was terrible in the rain and I spun it once, but that was more my fault for being an idiot than a need for 4WD. I don’t think 4WD is a must, but I really don’t see the point of putting 31+ inch tires on a 2WD truck. Once you do that, you’re going to want to go off road and once you do that you’re going to wish you had 4WD.
"RutRut" (RDR)
05/24/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
Here in Michigan I like 4x4. I know half of oppo will jump on saying they are just fine with X tires and Y pounds in the bed and blah blah blah. I like having it if I need it, and the price difference on a used truck is usually minimal. Plus, shitty weight distribution and large amounts of off idle torque with a short first gear can be problematic, it’s nice to just flip the switch and make pulling out of an unplowed neighborhood onto a main road easy.
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
05/24/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
Yep. I had an ‘03 TRD 4x4, and found if I just engaged the rear locker I often didn’t need 4wd.
"SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman" (dasborgen)
05/24/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 0
That’s a rocky situation.
Get it? Rocks are stones!
IT’S FUNNY, DAMMIT!
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
05/24/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
Sounds like your situation would warrant 4wd use more than mine, even if I head out to the family farm more often. My city is rather well plowed and salted in the winter, and the roads I usually travel on are fairly flat, so 4x4 wouldn’t be needed very often.
To me, I’m already taking the hit on fuel economy and entry cost to get
into a full size vehicle I’m going to make sure it’s the most capable in
the category.
That’s a good theory to follow, but considering how many different configurations you can option a truck in, a buyer thinking along the same lines would have to specify where they want it to be the most capable. If you want the full 12,100 pound towing capacity, you’ll have to go long bed regular cab 4x2. If you want the fastest one, it might be a 5.0L 4x2 shortbox. If you really want the most off road capability, the Raptor would be the obvious choice.
Personally, I’d lean towards the lighter and powerful end, maybe with a long box to be able to haul bigger things, and then lowered because I hate how high the box sides are these days.
But I’m sure that’s why they offer so many different packages for full size trucks.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 0
Depends on the usage. I get the towing capability can be higher on RWD only trucks.
But to me, if I’m taking the hit on economy and the intial entry cost to get into the full size truck or SUV segment I’m going to get the most capability I can and go for 4x4.
For example the F-150 loses about 100-300 pounds of towing on it’s most capable towing set ups (engine, body configuration, rear end) when going from 4x4 to 2wd. If you’re buying a truck with 12,000 pound towing capacity and the 300 pounds lost to the 4x4 system means it doesn’t do the job you should probably be in an F-250 anyhow where you’ll get bumped to another higher tow category that won’t be impacted by the 4x4...again.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 14:05, STARS: 0
And the impact of 4x4 is about 300 pounds of towing on that top tier towing F-150. If that 300 pounds putting you at 11,800 is a deal breaker, you should probably be in an F-250 at that point anyhow . Which you could still get 4x4 and be in your tow range.
It’s all about personal use and what you need. Honestly I don’t necessarily NEED the 4x4. I daily drive the FWD Milan all winter here and pass 4x4 pickups off in the ditch that didn’t know what they were doing.
I just like being able to do whatever I want with my vehicle and if I had a full size pickup (or even a midsize honestly) I wouldn’t want to be like, damn I can’t go down that muddy trail because I might not make it out, guess I shoulda bought the 4x4.
My parents live in South Carolina with zero snow and my dad bought a 4x4 Silverado. And it’s a good thing, a swift current tried to sweep away his 1500 on the boat ramp and his rear wouldn’t grip, popped it in 4x4 and off he went back up the ramp.
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
05/24/2017 at 14:07, STARS: 1
Cost would definitely be a deal breaker for me, and I would rather spend the money on the engine than the 4x4. The tested MPG doesn’t really show much difference, and the axles have been proven, but I still would choose to avoid the complexity when possible.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
05/24/2017 at 14:09, STARS: 0
My boss has a 2500 Duramax 2wd. His family loves it, but it is a highway cruiser. I don’t understand it. I will always have 4wd if I have a truck
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
05/24/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 1
I’d rather have both the engine and 4x4 :)
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
05/24/2017 at 14:11, STARS: 0
RWD pickup does the job just fine 99% of the time. But if you plan on using it for camping or hiking, you may consider springing for 4x4...
"Tristan" (casselts)
05/24/2017 at 14:34, STARS: 0
If you’re going to lower it and make it a street truck, yes. If you’re battling bad weather and mud, no.
I really wanted a 2wd Suburban, but got a great deal on a low mileage 4x4. Then snowmageddon hit Portland, and I was extremely glad I had 4wd.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
05/24/2017 at 14:42, STARS: 0
I understand your point of view. I suppose the strongest argument for going with 2WD is that it is marginally less expensive. So in a business application, it would be beneficial if you are trying to limit your overhead costs as much as possible. $1K per vehicle adds up pretty quickly if you are looking to build out an entire fleet. Also, if you are holding onto your fleet beyond the warranty period, maintenance and repair costs will likely be lower with the 2wd model.
The 2WD vehicles are tremendously popular in the work truck market segment for all of these reasons.
"yamahog" (yamahog)
05/24/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 1
Yea we loaded it up over the axle, handled very predictably. Of course I could still *make* it step out if I want to do some sweet snonuts (umm not that I ever would, Trav!), but conservative driving in rain/snow/ice was fine.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
05/24/2017 at 14:51, STARS: 1
There are many reasons not to get it, including initial cost, additional weight, lower fuel mileage, more parts to get worn, higher repair costs, etc.
I’m not advocating against having 4WD, especially considering that my car is AWD, but I don’t discount that having it increases the cost of ownership and may not be of much benefit.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/24/2017 at 14:54, STARS: 1
*2WD with some sort of Limited Slip
Our 2WD Silverado sampling trucks just sink and one wheel peel until one side is buried, and redneck posi-traction doesn’t work on it.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/24/2017 at 14:56, STARS: 0
Things that have changed significantly since “the good ole days”: WEIGHT
Trucks are at least a half ton heavier now, which hurts capability a lot.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/24/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 0
Our long bed Silverado V8 will drift in the rain with less than a 1/4 throttle applied.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
05/24/2017 at 14:58, STARS: 0
Why get a truck if you can get by with 2x4 and 35" tires...that seems kinda dumb....2wd is for towing rigs, basic work trucks, or posers.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
05/24/2017 at 15:16, STARS: 0
But being large makes it less capable off road.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
05/24/2017 at 15:17, STARS: 1
If I was only using the truck for hauling or getting to trails I’d definitely spend less and buy 2wd. I also own a 2wd truck.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/24/2017 at 15:17, STARS: 0
Not necessarily. My 2017 F-150, short bed 2wd, weighs about 600lbs less than my 91 F-150 (also a short bed 2wd). Even on the steel bodied trucks, body panels coming out of Detroit today are a fraction of the thickness they were 30 years ago. I once helped my cousin replace door pins and bushings on his 81 C10. Even with the power accessories, the doors on my GMT 400 trucks were not nearly as heavy when I did the same job on them.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 15:26, STARS: 0
For a work truck those are all great points.
For a personal vehicle I believe the 4x4 is the smart choice. If 11,000 pounds behind a “quarter ton” 4x4 (in quotes for obvious reasons lol) isn’t enough towing capacity than you need to step up a level.
Honestly even getting close to 11k behind one of these 150/1500 size trucks you should be moved up a notch, the 250/2500 is going to be better prepared to handle those loads on a day to day basis like a fleet/work truck would be doing.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 15:30, STARS: 0
True, but say you have to just tow through a field or a muddy dirt road or any soft surface, there’s potentially a lot of tongue wait on that trailer hitch and a potential to spin and burry the rear wheels.
4x4 engaged and you walk right out of that. I’m not saying a large truck with 4x4 is a great rock crawler, but it’s more capable in an off road setting even as a work truck.
I can’t believe the amount of push back I’m getting on supporting 4x4 in pickups.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
05/24/2017 at 15:48, STARS: 0
In those situations it would help, but farmers have used 2wd trucks since as long as we’ve had 2wd trucks, so it is not necessary. Most of the pushback is coming from guys that go four wheeling a lot and know that you don’t even need 4wd for a lot of off-road situations. 4wd drive commands a pretty hefty premium, especially on the used market.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 15:59, STARS: 0
There’s a lot of situations it can be helpful for, not just that one scenario. Gave the example of how my dad almost lost his 1500 Silverado to the river when launching his boat, flipped it into 4x4 and drove right out after the back was starting to lift/slide.
Better in Snow. Yes I know good snow tires and smart driving get’s 2wd trucks around fine. by why not have good snow tires, smart driving, AND 4x4.
If you’re buying a pickup, the 4x4 is the better choice. It’s definitely better on a new truck as an investment because like you said the used market will pay for it.
Why buy a full size pickup if you aren’t get the full range of it’s capabilities.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
05/24/2017 at 16:04, STARS: 0
If you’re buying a new full size pickup, I agree. My impression was that Atlas was used truck shopping. On the older trucks, there is a huge difference between interior and bed size on a full versus mid sized pickup. Which is why a lot of people get them. Most people buy 4wd because “a truck is supposed to be 4wd”.
"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
05/24/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 0
I see trucks as machines. I want the machine with the most gear and capability I can get.
That means 4x4. It doesn’t impact towing that much (about 300 on the the most capable tower from Ford right now) so I see no reason to consider a 2wd truck.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/24/2017 at 16:21, STARS: 0
Umm, the ‘91 F-150 weighs 3900lbs.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
05/24/2017 at 16:32, STARS: 0
If money isn’t a concern, then yeah, buy as much stuff as possible. Problem is money is usually a concern.
"kanadanmajava1" (kanadanmajava1)
05/24/2017 at 16:51, STARS: 0
VW Caddy can be a fun little pickup. Don’t expect much of the tow rating though.
"WiscoProud" (wiscoproud)
05/24/2017 at 17:07, STARS: 0
Yes, but for a sport truck. Anything I’ll be using for actual duty (hauling, hunting, bad weather) would need to be 4wd. Something like this:
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/24/2017 at 17:49, STARS: 0
Maybe some variation of them did, but mine do not. It scaled at 48xx lbs. It did have a shell on it and my new truck does not yet, which I adjusted for when making my estimate of the weight difference (I never weighed the shell, but two strong people could remove and install it with some effort, so 200 lbs seems reasonable). Granted, I haven’t scaled my new truck yet, so the published curb weight on it could be inaccurate, too. However, my understanding is that the SAE J2807 take a lot of the fudge room out of published curb weights now. It allows for only a 100lb allowance for installed equipment at a particular rating. I think this is the reason that new trucks today have hundreds of published tow ratings. Taking the 2017 F-150 tow guide as an example, I count 240 published tow ratings broken down by each possible drive train combination in each possible wheel base and body configuration. In some configurations, it is further broken down by trim level. For comparison, the tow guide from my 05 F-150 (which was available in same body configuration and and roughly equivalent drive train combinations that the current model is) only had 87 published tow ratings.