I live in Michigan, we have pretty decent winters. Would I be stupid buying an FX2 to drive?

 

...not at all, as long as you have some weight in the back for driving in adverse conditions you should be
ok with 2wd. Maybe spec a LS rearend as well. That said i just bought an 07 fx4, but mainly for getting through
mud in remote areas, not winter driving per se.

 

Yes you should move out of Michigan.

Oh sorry that wasn't the answer you were really looking for was it. My dad and the rest of my family stil live up in Ohio where I was born and raised and my dad drives a 2WD F150 with no problems. Michigan winters are probably a little worse than Ohio winters, but not bad enough to warrant a definite need for a 4WD vs a 2WD. I'm sure most people in Michigan don't have 4WDs and manage to get around with relatively no problems. Now if you can afford the immediate cost increase and the lifetime costs associated with owning a 4WD vs a 2WD then I say get the 4WD. Otherwise just get the 2WD and drive safely.

 

i would definitely go with the 4x4... i bought one ... drove in 2 wheel drive and look what happend... yes i was playing around but still

i definitely learnd a lesson on that

 

Unless you're trying to go through deep drifts or want to play a little, there's no reason the FX2 shouldn't work for you. 4x4 is going to make you a better driver or decrease your odds of a wreck. When I was 16 I had a 79 F 100 2WD. I drove in several snow/ice storms and never had much of a problem or a wreck. It's all how you drive.

 

No one in my family has ever owned a 4x4 till the one I have now and we ranch and farm. The only time I've actually "needed" 4x4 is offroad in the deep sand or mud. Otherwise I could have gotten by if I needed too. IMHO if you don't off road, hunt, camp, etc... you don't have a need for a 4x4.

 

Not sure what the regs. are in Mich. But here, ( So Cal. area) , chains or cables can be required when we get snow in not only the local mtns., but also the Sierra. When required, it's not optional. There'll be a CHP car diagonally across the road, and you can say how great you are with 2wd but until the chains are on, or you are 4wd, it's no go. No negotiations. We can also travel some extremes on altitude ; how 'bout sea level to 8800', or 9400' into Yosemite if the pass is open? The Sierra throws more snow at you than pretty much anywhere in the US ( not this year , though). So, while other guys ( I used to be one) are putting on the chains or cables, I'm hitting 4Hi and rolling on to first tracks somewhere near Mammoth or Tahoe. That being said, I got by forever with 2X. Still, I LOVE not putting on $$@#!@% chains. I love even more not taking them off in the filthy slushy mess that results later. So my vote is for 4X4. Either way, you'll get by without a big hassle. My $.02.

 

I'm in MI. I really appreciate the sure footimg of 4 wheel drive. Can you do 2 wheel? Sure. If you load up the rear good I think you'd be fine. Just like all the other rear wheel drivers--somewhat handicapped in deeper snow or ice. If that it theh ride you really want and don't need 4x4 for anything else, you'd be fine.

 

If you think there is one time you will need 4x4, get it.

This is my first 4x4 and I dont hunt, fish, or ever drive in snow. I wanted a 4x4 because 1) I could afford it. 2) there might be one time I'd use it.

I have used it twice, but if I did not have it, I wouldnt have put myself in that position.I personally like the extra confidence and ability. Since Katrina, I always want that extra option of 4x4. My wife's car is AWD and now my truck is 4X4. All of our company vehicles are 4x4. Once you drive one, chances are you'll always want one.

 

You currently have a 4x4.....how many times have you needed 4x4? Not used, but needed.


I like the FX2, put some Harley tails and peel that fx2 sticker - you'll be set as far as looks.

 

Thanks guys for all your inputs. I greatly appreciate all of your guy's wisdom. I still have a little while before my lease is up. I'm saving up so I don't know what I will do yet. Probably end up getting 4wd. Just cause incase i need it i have it. Like alot of you said the extra comfort of having it is nice.

 

I lived and drove through out Europe for 3 years and then completed my college education in West Virginia all the while never having a 4wd vehicle. Sure, having a 4x4 gives you the confidence to get out of some situations but my experience in the military is that 4wd is only necessary if you extend your driving to true offroad conditions. Even improved dirt roads can be transversed with 2wd in most cases and the role of state government in road clearing during winter months allows most emergency response teams to access snow covered streets using only 2wd equiped rigs. 4x4 is an added expense that rarely recomped by the buyer.

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