I'm going to be purchasing an F150 truck and my last hurdle is whether to go with 2WD or 4WD.

It will be used strickly for highway driving including PA snows. Truck owners with 2WD indicate that their trucks are fine in the snow and they do not get stuck. They also ask when would you need 4WD for everyday driving. This is is their selling points.

From others I have heard that 2WD can fishtail when pulling out from a stop sign after it has rained. Worse yet, if your attempting to go over a mountain with packed snow, a long bed, and nothing in it, your truck may not make it. No gain over my Tbird if this is true.

Thats where I'm at. Any respones appreciated. Probably should just get the 4WD for peace of mind. Heck, just go all the way with the F350 4X4 Off Road package.

 

I have to use two wheel drive a lot during the winter, and I suppose that there you may have rougher winters than I do here. I would suppose that if you weighted the back of a 2wd, then snow wouldn't be a big problem at all. With tire chains, you may even make it farther than some 4wds! Except for me, of course...
It's whatever makes you more comfortable, you don't ever 'need' 4x4, but it you feel better about it that way, go for it! Also, check the mileage difference between 2wd and 4wd, that may end up being a factor in your decision.

 

I'll agree, for driving on the road you rarely NEED 4X4. We can get alot of snow here, and I have never gotten stuck in my 4X2 F-150. I also had a 4X2 Ranger for a few years and had no problems. Not sure where in PA you are, the main difference from here and western PA where I am from is all the rads are straight and flat here, not so in PA.
Good luck
Jeff

 

I suggest going for a compromise...


2wd with posi and damn good AT tires and you will no problems at all. When its snows, shovel a little into the bed. This is what pickup owners have been doing for 50 years without 4x4 off-road packages.

 

Evan,

Does it have to be a Truck? If not get an SUV it has a more street frendly 4x4 system. It is there when you need it and it isn't when you don't. Agreed a properly weighed down 4x2 with snow tires will go anywhere a 4x4 will on the road. If it can't then the road is probavly closed.

If there was ever a time in your T-Bird that you wished you had 4x4 then think back to that time and then evaluate what you were doing that required 4x4. If you frequently drive roads that are not properly maintaned then you might need 4x4. How deep does the snow get? Think about this; Do fire trucks or ambulances in your area have 4x4? If not then the odds are that you don't either.
Sorry for the long post.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

You can also consider efficiency. A 4x4 won't be as efficient. You will consume more fuel and lose some of the power potential.
We used to get a lot of snow here in MA. I have been stuck in snow with a 4x2 pick up. It was because I tried to park in a snow pile. I do fishtail. It is possible to keep that under control, but not much fun if you do. I don't add weight to my truck. I don't want to make it work harde carrying that extra weight. I can take off from a light in the snow as good as most vehicles. Of course a 4x4 will take off a bit faster. They don't stop any better.
For the amount of snow we get in my area (wich is probably similar to your area) I would opt for a 4x2. I dosen't seem worth the added fuel and maintainence, nor the loss of potential power.
If you will be driving off road. I think the added weight (strength) is necessary.
That's what I think.

Tom

 

Here in Mn, I always like to have 4wheel drive. Sure is nice in the snow and keep in mind if you plan to do any projects. Pulling shrubs, stumps , getting fire wood and exploring off pavement. Haveing a 4x4 truck is a plus. If it is just for hwy you should be ok with the 2wd.

 

but there are millions of rear-wheel drive vehicles on the road without it. The only reason that I have 4WD is because I am one of the few people who actually drive their trucks off road. Most of my off road miles could have been navigated in 2WD, but I'm not willing to take the chance of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.

If all of my driving was on the roads and the only thing that I was worried about slippery roads, I would purchase a 2WD with a limited-slip rearend and the 5.4 auto.

 

No need for a 4x4 down south! Anyway, if I was to live in a place always filled with snow Iam sure a 4x4 will be ideal. IMO, I dont think you need it since you probably dont intend to do serious offroading and would probably like to save some money.

 

If you dont need a 4x4 dont get it.

 

All the above is good advice. The one thing nobody has mentioned is the resale market.

In some areas, such as where I live, a 4x4 truck will sell before a 4x2 will.

 

Thats true, something else I thought about is the average maintenece costs for a 4x4 are generally more. Tires, alighnments...etc.etc something else to factor in.

 

I would say go with a 4x4. I don't believe all that crap about the maintanence costs being higher, just keep everything lubed and maintained and the one or two times you need 4 wheel drive you will have it. And trust me, if you have it you will use it, sure you can get by with 2wd but if you can throw in into 4hi and go life will be alot easier.

-Jon

 

All you have to do is look at what you pay for servicing you 4x4 and that "crap" all the sudden becomes reality.

 

Hmmm... well, I live in the south and I have 4x4. 3 reasons, one is I pull a bass boat and some ramps aren't paved. Two, resale, around here, 4x4s go much faster. Three, ice... show me a 4x4 will definitely outperform a 4x2 on ice... Never a problem with hills, starts, etc. They don't stop any better, but it will go better.

John