2wd vs. 4wd

[PLS-Tx]

Which do you have and why?

Also, what is the dif. in mpg?

Thanks.

[LindblomRJ]

I have 4x4 but I move snow and use it off road for hunting and fishing and things like that.

I have owned two wheeled drives and like them for better mileage, fewer things to fix. 2 to 4 mpg better.

[lawnboy dan]

all trucks are 2 x4. NO reason for 4x4 in the south

[lsu03]

there IS a reason for 4x4 in the south. there are some places on my dad's rice farm he couldn't go if he didn't have 4x4.

[k911lowe]

4x4 if you want to play.2x4 for work.with gas prices going up its too much money for a 4x4 for work.

[Saltydawg]

I run 4x4 because I plow in the winter.

I have an 07 f250 and a 78 Chevy, both 4x4 and setup for plow use in the winter. Used to have a 74 chevy 2x4 and it was a little better on mileage but only under light load conditions.

If you start hauling stuff around the fuel mileage difference isnt very significant. Weight is what kills fuel mileage.

[Woody82986]

Haha, I used to think that 4X4's were for people who want to play. In two years, I have used my 4 wheel drive several times to get me where I need to go. I don't need it for work, but it sure has helped me out. I don't need it often, but when I do need it, I am glad I have it.

[mrbray101]

I like having the added security of a 4x4. the only time I use it for work is when I go to the woodland resource to dump debris. After a rain it is usually about a foot of mud to drive through.

It does come in handy though loading a boat on a steep ramp, going through sugar sand offroad, etc...

[BrandonV]

with the small diesel trucks 4x4 is helpful because they don't have enough weight on the drive wheels, being front heavy you'll get stuck up on wet grass (and I have) now with dump trucks and trucks that are larger/heavier they're is no need.

[Brian Hay]

I drive an F-350 4x4 but it is way overkill for a daily driver for me. I'm going to get a small 4x4 for the daily stuff like packing fuel and tools and just bring out the big guy when it's needed. Our thing is extreme terrain access solutions so I'm going to build a little truck purpose built for that....great excuse to build a cool toy eh :rolleyes:

[corey4671]

I have always had a 4x4. Grew up on a farm and saw that you are better off to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. I buy USED and honestly, there is not that much price difference when you buy used. As was said above, weight is what kills mpg. there are times I need it after heavy rains to get into and out of some places. It all depends on where you are too. If I was in a predominantly urban area, I'd have a 2wd. those of us in rural america know how it can get though and you're better of to have the 4w and not need it.

[GravelyNut]

Sometimes a 2WD can get out of places a 4WD can't. Depends on if you have a locking rearend and a load in the rear. Gas mileage difference is only 1 or 2 MPG, but that means a 10 to 20% improvement if you only get 10 MPG with the 4WD to start with.

[nosparkplugs]

Living up north or snow area 4x4 period, down south 4x2 IMO. I have owned both 4x4 & 4x2, and our business here in Memphis, Tn does not require the added cost of the 4x4 option. 4x2 somewhat keeps me honest I would most likly spend more on aftermarket parts, lift kit etc, and take it places ie: mudding or just proving I can get through that mudhole. So through age, wisdom buy fire, & tearing up trucks i have learned to depend on the Kubota RTV 9000 diesel, or the Kubota MX6800 4x4 where a 4x4 truck would normaly be needed. it's not to say their a waste for money I just have found how to funtion without a 4x4 truck. Another footnote IMO I would never purchase a used 4x4, lord knows what that truck & drivetrain have been put through?

[PLS-Tx]

I have never owned a 4x4, and was not planning on getting one this time. I want a white 4 door, and it seems that most of them that I see on the lots are 4x4.

[corey4671]

Living up north or snow area 4x4 period, down south 4x2 IMO. I have owned both 4x4 & 4x2, and our business here in Memphis, Tn does not require the added cost of the 4x4 option. 4x2 somewhat keeps me honest I would most likly spend more on aftermarket parts, lift kit etc, and take it places ie: mudding or just proving I can get through that mudhole. So through age, wisdom buy fire, & tearing up trucks i have learned to depend on the Kubota RTV 9000 diesel, or the Kubota MX6800 4x4 where a 4x4 truck would normaly be needed. it's not to say their a waste for money I just have found how to funtion without a 4x4 truck. Another footnote IMO I would never purchase a used 4x4, lord knows what that truck & drivetrain have been put through?

would you ever purchase a used diesel? does it not stand to reason it has probably been overloaded or operated by someone who knows nothing about a diesel?

[nosparkplugs]

would you ever purchase a used diesel? does it not stand to reason it has probably been overloaded or operated by someone who knows nothing about a diesel?

used 2nd or 3rd generation Cummins ISB diesels with low mileage no gooseneck or 5th wheelhitch in the 4x2 configeration are worth looking at.

4x4 have two differentials transfercase, etc: that need to be checked before purchase. I'm sure their are some good deals for 4x4 if you require one.

[PLS-Tx]

I may get a used Dodge 2500 with cummins. I was going to trade my 04 for an 08, but I may keep my 04 and get a 2nd truck,04 or 05 5.9L.

[seabee1]

if you don't have a demonstrated need for it go 2x4 , i have to plow ,so i use a 4x4 but my old man has gotten buy hauling up to a 24 foot trailer fully loaded with a 2x4 1940 chevy 1/2 ton from 1970 - 1999 it worked for him .he finally got they last payment made on it in 2000 and got a new truck .he say's 4x4 is only good enough to get you stuck worse further out . don't buy any more than you need for the job and your pocket .:waving: