Trucks 4wd or 2wd

r0GuE · Sep 6, 2004

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooKlahoma! Where the wind goes.. Nevermind

Anyway, it's flat and you don't need 4WD. In PA, You get stopped on a hill in winter (because the guy without 4WD just fish tailed), and then your screwed. But with 4WD, you just go again. It is amazing. For winter in OK, I'd go 2WD, and if you get some snow, just put some weight in the back and use wintertreads. A good set of winter treads is cheaper than 1 service on the transfer case.

BTW - I spent some time in Henrietta OK (Home of Troy By God Aikmen! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ). Funny little town. The whole place is like a shrine to Troy (QB for Dallas) Good people though! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rtimgray · Sep 6, 2004

I say 4wd all the way. We farmed with a 76 Ford F100 2wd until I was about 16 years old. We had to get that thing unstuck numerous times with tractors (both ours and neighbors). When I bought my first vehicle, it was a 1975 F100 4x4 and it got used tons and tons (I still have it, running condition, but not quite road ready - needs brakes). Since then, I have an 88 Samurai, a 70 International truck, an 83 Nissan extended cab, a 96 Rodeo (wifes) and a 97 Dodge - and they are all 4wd. The only one that has had any work done on it due to the 4wd was the Ford - front axleshaft got bent.

If you are going to be off road any at all, I would go 4wd (heck, I'd go 4wd anyway). I find it helpful when backing trailers up to barns, dewey grass, etc. The lo range, even it is not needed, is handy for handling trailers in tight quarters (although I don't use it on dry hard ground).

If it matters, your resale will be slightly better with a 4wd. You can find a decent 4wd for $5000 - it just may take a while. Good luck.

CountryJoe · Sep 6, 2004

I can go slowly down a hill with a snow covered or muddy surface and have my 4wd in low range and it is less likely to skid then in a 2wd ,even on a dry surface on a steep enough slope the 4wd will hold you back better than a 2wd,whether its a truck or a tractor.
If you don't need 4wd in a wet condition you have not been in a very adverse situation,I have had to put my truck in 4wd when going up a hill with the morning dew on.

fishman · Sep 6, 2004

I think you can find a much better/nicer 2wd than 4wd for $5k. Unless you are mechanically inclined, a 4wd truck for under $5k would likely make your mechanic rich. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

You might get lucky if you shop around, though. Anything is possible.

turnkey4099 · Sep 6, 2004

( I can go slowly down a hill with a snow covered or muddy surface and have my 4wd in low range and it is less likely to skid then in a 2wd ,even on a dry surface on a steep enough slope the 4wd will hold you back better than a 2wd,whether its a truck or a tractor.
If you don't need 4wd in a wet condition you have not been in a very adverse situation,I have had to put my truck in 4wd when going up a hill with the morning dew on. )

That is the basic reason for having a 4x - OFF-ROAD. Except for people living way out in the boonies in snow country there are very few cases of actually -needing- 4x if you only drive on roads. Unless you actually use 4x you will get a lot more bang for your buck in a 2x.

Harry K

CountryJoe · Sep 6, 2004

( That is the basic reason for having a 4x - OFF-ROAD )
My point is a 2wd drive does not perform as well as a 4x4 in slowing down in slick conditions or in wet conditions or off road in general. You do not need to live in the boonies in snow country to need a 4x4. But a lot of people have 4x4's and really do not need them,but whether or not they need them does not matter,if they like a 4x4 and can afford one,go for it.

SageBrush · Sep 6, 2004

If you feel the need to ask, you probably don't "need" a 4 wheel drive. You would already know if you needed one. I know I need the most traction I can get pulling trailers through farm roads and fields.

If you plan on pulling heavy with an auto, the 4wd Low will make your trans last much longer in tight spaces. Backing a heavy trailer in 4wd Low is so much better.. For 5K, an older V8 5 speed 2wd could be had and still be reliable.

CountryJoe · Sep 6, 2004

I use the 4wd low a lot in my truck for backing trailers etc.The slow speed gives you more control over the trailer when backing,even with my, V-6 I can take a 100 bales of hay up some steep hills and down the hills. It might take me a little longer to get there with my 6 cylinder,but with a 5 speed on the floor then add the low range and I have plenty of gears to choose from. A 4 x 4 is harder to get stuck,but if you get one stuck ,your really are stuck good.

theonlybull · Sep 6, 2004

alot of opinions here, but only you can make the decision, but unless you plan alot of mud and unplowed snow driving, you don't need 4x4.
i've been driving a 2wd truck for many years now, in very hilly terain, and have had no troubles. i used to work in the woods during the winter, and traveled about 15 miles of unplowed road with my 79 f-100 2wd.... i kept a few sticks of pulpwood in it when the road was the worst, but never got stuck....

i'm also a volly firefighter, and have to go out in some pretty rotten weather. not only have i pulled our rescue truck out of the snow banks, i quite often break trail into unmaintained roads..

i even us it to pull out my father's bronco when he gets stuck plowing.. for safety's sake, i keep a set of v block ice chains, and a come-along, with some good tow ropes, incase i ever go where i shouldn't

i also find that 2wd has softer suspension, and will do better in the snow then a 4x4 in 2wd....

MF1455v · Sep 6, 2004

I am pro 4wd. I grew up in NW Arkansas and we had a 4wd. We got about the same snow as you in Oklahoma but with the hills 4wd is a must. I have always had a 4wd sense and love them. Even living in North Texas I still find myself using my 4wd. With always having a 4wd a person gets used to having it. If you have never had a 4wd you probably would not miss it .

I would like to add one thing to great information you have already gotten. Some people get a 4wd and go crazy with it, thinking its a tank. So buying a used 4wd is probably more risky in the quality of truck you are getting.