My wife and I are considering the purchase of a 2004 F-150 and I was wondering if I need 4x4 or not. I don't take my vehicle off paved roads (4 wheeling just isn't my thing). I just moved to Suffolk, VA. and I hear from locals that the winters here are fairly mild (a little snow here and there) . I moved from Washington, D.C. where 4x4 was a necessity due to deep snow during the winter (I currently have 4x4 on my 2002 Explorer). I just wanted to know that since I don't plan on any off road driving and according to locals this area rarely sees snow over 6" is 4x4 worth it or should I spend my money on other options?

 

No, it's not necessary, unless you want to spend the money on it just to have it (like most 4x4 owners). If you do get a good snow, throw some weight in the back and you'll be fine.

 

Thank you for your response.

 

It may not be necessary, but how long do you plan to keep this next truck? 4wd resale in many markets is typically almost as much higher than the difference when new, like if 4wd costs $2500 new, then resale values will be may be $2000 more. Of course, ove 10 years, that may not hold true, but 2-5 years it certainly does.

Penalties are upfront cost, about 1mpg extra fuel consumption and some acceleration loss.

 

If you don’t get the 4X4 then I would recommend you have the Limited Slip differential. It’s a big difference in snow, regardless if it is heavy or just light, it is much better traction.

I don’t have 4X4 and don’t feel I have a need for it. I live in New Hampshire and some winters, like last winter we got a ton of snow. I never had a problem with my truck that is 2wd and Limited Slip. When it was real bad out I just put about 150lbs of sand bags in the back (behind the rear wheels) and it had excellent traction. It also has the BFG’s for tires.

Tires play a BIG part in how good the traction your truck will have…

 

Funny how many people think they need 4-wheel drive when folks managed to get around without it for almost 75 years. Honestly, roads were poor, and road crews used sand or cinders (if they used anything at all), and people managed to get where they needed to go in rear wheel drive vehicles with narrow tires.

01 hit the nail on the head. Your climate isn't severe; get a 3.55 or 3.73 with a LS and move on with your life. You'll get better mpg, and there's less stuff that can break. Buying a 4X4 is for people who either need it, or want it. It doesn't sound like you happen to be one of them.

 

I'm one of those people who hates being in a
situation where I need a 4x4 and not having one.
I've been stuck in mud, stuck in my yard, stuck in
the snow, and even stuck in a shallow ditch near
my front yard. And everytime I just sat there
wishing I had a 4x4 while a neighbor or friend smiled
and pulled me out using their 4x4. I swore the next
truck I bought would have 4x4 whether I used it on
a regular basis or not. It was the absolute BEST
decision I've ever made. I bought an 01 4x4 a few
months back and haven't used the 4x4 capabilities
more than a couple of times. But for those few times
I used it...I was smiling from ear to ear. You can't put
a price tag on that type of happiness. It was worth the
extra couple of grand I had to pay to get the 4x4. I
would never have another truck without 4WD.

 

The average Joe didn't drive an unloaded pickup in the 70's, the drove large, heavy RWD vehicles with low torque. Pickups were used on farms and by contractors/construction, not commuter vehicles like today. Skinny tires are a good thing in the snow too.

Anyway, I iwll be the first to admitt that 4wd is unnecessary, but the times I do use it makes a huge difference in how the vehicel performs. And I can afford it, the initial cost and extra gas, so why does it matter?

 

I have never had a 4by, and I drive every single day of the year. I also don't get stuck, either. Not in my yard, the mud, or two feet of snow. (sorry trapper) I am a firm beliver in being ready for (almost) anything, but not to the point of excess, where cost is a factor. If you don't need it, it will cost you needlessly.
I only bought this new 4by because my lease was up on my old Truck, and I am planning on moving up north where there is way more snow.

 

andthensometoo,

No need to be sorry because you have greater
driving expertise than I...as a married man, I
am well aware that women can do everything
better than men!

 

I bet your wife was behind you when you wrote that...

 

I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about!!

 

You wont NEED it.

I have 2wd, and granted in the snow(we get MUCH more than 6") it will get out of its own way, but thats about it. ALTHOUGH, This is without any weight, and crappy road tires.

6"of snow couldn't stop a honda civic.

if your not short on cash I would go ahead and spring for it, just as a security thing, but if your trying to get this thing as cheap as you can then dont.

EDIT- I see you said you would spend the difference on options, Just get the 4WD.

 

i have also used the 4wd for pulling some small tree and bush stumps out of my yard, pulling a boat out of a river on a wet boat ramp, and even some times in rain when stopped and turning on a real steep incline.

you dont need to have it, but its nice when its there in those circumstances.

when i bought my truck years ago i remember doing alot of looking around at info. if i recall properly if you have the 4x4, it will hold the value of that option when you sell the truck.

so, the money will not be lost, granted the gas mileage may be a minimal difference, but for me it was worth getting.

before this truck i had a 2wd little chevy s10. in the winter i used to put a rack in the bed with coffee cans full of lead. i never got stuck in the snow either.

 

No shortage of replies/opinions but I'll throw mine in too. If you want/can afford the 4x4 then get it. Because when you compromise on something like that you may not be happy with your purchase.

If you dont care whether it has 4x4 or not then no I dont think you need it. But I would definitely spring for the limited slip differential like 01 XLT Sport said. A 2wd with LS, some weight in the back, and good AT tires, with a good dose of common sense will get you through most anything.

Just a quick story on my experience with 2wd trucks. The one and only time I have been in the ditch I was easily able to get out with my 2wd Ford, even in a foot of snow. I was on my way home and I came to an intersection where I had to go left or right. Well the gravel road had basically become one big sheet of ice and the neighbors dog (a really nice/smart golden retriever), decided to park himself right in my path. Not being able to stop and not wanting to hit him I went for the ditch. Came to a stop, yelled at the dog. Then drove forward and back a few times to make a good track in the snow. Backed all the way up, nailed the gas and climbed right up out of the ditch. And I didnt even have limited slip!

As for why I have 4x4 now I was tired of getting stuck in sand and other types of loose dirt when towing/hauling things out to the field. 4-Low really comes in handy too when the grain trucks need a little a little extra pull to get out of slimy fields.