If price is not a factor, then go for it. The added cost of maintence.... Well, I guess if you consider the transfer case fluid, then YES, it'll cost more. I don't really need 4x4, but I just like the fact that I HAVE it...... The first time it snowed after I had my rig, I couldn't get up my driveway. It's pretty steep for a driveway. Popped it in 4x4 and didn't spin a wheel. Plus it just looks COOL!!

 

Get the 4X4. you may never ever need it, but at least you have the peace of mind.

And not to mention , it looks COOL, like Mitch said

 

A 2wd with a good set of AT tires or snow tires in the winter would fit the bill just fine. Lots of folks up here make it sound like you have to have 4wd to drive in the winter. You don't. A decent set of tires and a little weight in the bed (I use 280lbs of sand tubes) and you can go nearly anywhere.

2wd Pros: Cheaper up front cost, less moving parts, better fuel efficiency, lighter weight (and higher payload and towing capacity as a result), less maintinence ( no transfer case, extra joints in the drivetrain, extra diff, etc.), lower insurance rates
2wd cons: Less of road capability (does not mean none), harder to find on a lot (around here at least), less snow capability (were talking the REALLY bad stuff here)

4wd Pros: More off road and snow capability, better resale (around here, at least), looks good
4wd cons: More expensive to purchase, lowered fuel economy, more moving parts and maintinence costs (lose one part in that system and prepare for that bill), higher insurance

To put it into perspective, last winter was a rough winter up here with lots of snow and cold. A friend has an F150 with 4wd. I asked him how often he used it last winter, and the answer was about 10 times. I look at that and say - 10 days out of 365 a year, and I got around fine in my 2wd truck in the same weather.

2wd would be my choice, but if you are going to regret not having the 4wd after you get it, then go for the 4wd.

 

1) Can you afford 2WD?

2) Can you afford 4WD?


I'm not going to tell you buy this becouse of this or that, but will give you some of my experience.

I don't have a 4X4, and I get by, in Oklahoma, it snows and ice once or twice a year. The rear end slides really easy, fun though. My mom dad have 4X4 and they can go anywhere. Other than snow, there is a few lakes whose ramps get wet and mossy, other truks burn rubber the hole way up, ours in 4hi yanks the boat out with no trubble what so ever. We also head to Colorado in the summer and explore the four wheel drive roads. If you have ever seen Black Bear Pass, you will see why 4X4 comes in handy (espically when only 2 wheels touch) And finaly, my grandparents have a few farms, and 4X4 is fun on them and becomes usefull time to time. And just before I posted this, I talked to my parents, and they had just got done pulling a stuck ATV out with the 4X4 sporttrack. Anyaway, with all this said, I will buy a Super Crew FX4 for the next truck, that or the L and keep mine. So as you can see, I want 4X4 as a usefull truck and the L to play with. All this is my opinion though and it fits my needs.

 

4X4 isn't needed, like I said, but it does make it easier. If possible, go with the 4X4 in my opinion, because it is definitely worth the money if you still have the truck after it is paid for. You may hardly ever, maybe even never use it, but it is still worth it just have have, I think, if price isn't a factor, go 4 it!

 

Ummm... I tend to disagree, if you get alot of ice storms, it makes a significant difference.. enough on that though, let us know what you decide. By the way, the fun stuff you can do with a 2WD you can do with a 4WD and if you get into trouble (stuck), you can get out for sure.... Before someone says something, if you ain't getting stuck in 2wd playing in the snow, you ain't having fun yet!

 

I don't buy into that cheaper insurance for 2 wheel drives.I know I used to have a 98 2 wheel drive.I traded it off on a y2k 4x4 and my insurance actually went down by about $50 every six months.My reasoning for a 4x4 was simple.While I live in a valley that rarely sees any snow, I like to go hunting in the mountains where it is not uncommon to see 24 inches of snow from just one storm. My 4x4 has allowed me to hunt the areas I like to hunt later into the season.

Here is a link that has a bunch of Oregon Roadcams. Click on the camera that is located where hiway 138 and 230 come together. These roads are near where I hunt.Yes the road is clear now. But 2 weeks ago, it had 1 ft of packed snow on it. http://www.tripcheck.com/RoadCams/roadcams.htm

 

All I know on the insurance is what my insurance agent told me - 2wd was cheaper to insure. Good enough explanation to me.

 

representing Canada and our winters, I would say that better than half of the new and newer pickups I see are 2wd. 4X4 is NOT needed in average ON ROAD driving conditions. 4x4 is like auto tranny or airconditioning. You can live without them. Or you can pay for them.

I have A/C and dont actually use it all that often (during the hot months)

So consider all of the opinions stated above and ask yourself if you really NEED to have this option. If you do, go for it. If not, save a few bucks to put towards mods.

 

I use my 4WD in the winter a LOT - I wouldn't consider anything but 4Wd here in Buffalo. When we get hit we get hit hard - check my gallery! If I didn't have the 4WD I'd never have gotten the truck out of the driveway.
I fishtail in the rain all the time unless I go REAL slow which is not an option for me! I have been known to throw it into 4Hi to get thru an intersection or make a turn & then slip back into 2WD if the roads are generally clear.
I also love the mud - can't wait to go again this summer. If you get 4WD you can come along - I have a bunch of friends here (yes - some are NOT Ford's) & we are planning various trips so email me & I'll tell you more about them. Even if you do decide on 2WD you're still welcome to come along!
Whatever you decide I am sure you'll be really happy you got an F150! BTW - welcome to the site!

 

not much to say that hasn't been said already.
i live in wis. and other then hunting or "exploring" i use my 4x4 on ave probably three times a year, and could easily get by without it. it is very nice to have on slippery intersections though. i've used 2wd trucks for years with no problems whatsoever.
mostly, if you want it get it, otherwise next year you'll be saying "i wish i had a ..." and then you'll be shopping again.
remember 2wd's look pretty tough with rims and tires in the summer, also they're faster.
while 4x4's are much more reliable now days there is still quite a bit of extra maintenance and expense involved. many extra parts means many extra potential breakdowns. motor works harder, as does tranny and all other driveline parts just due to the weight and extra rolling resistance. also more possible noises to develop over time.
all in all i don't regret owning a 4x4 at all but it's what i wanted, my g/f just got a 2wd and has had no problems with it this winter.( mild winter though ).