AG 97,

I went throught he same thought process and settled on the 4X2. I've owned 2 4X4's in the past and just didn't use the function enough to justify the added cost. I have the same truck as Jim Herron (he's spruced his up a bit more ) and I have some pictures of the interior and exterior (along with the dealer's invoice) on my computer I'd be happy to e-mail ya. Just let me know
jpmd@alltel.net



------------------
99 F250XLT Supercab LD
5.4L 3.73 LS
White/Silver
Graphite interior
6 CD changer/Captain's Chairs

 

All very good points.

I drive a 90 toyota to work 20+ miles per gallon and cheap insurance etc. However, here in Arizona 4X4's are a way of life. There are countless areas to four wheel and many clubs that do so responsibly. My cowboy town car has seen the dirt! Trucks are meant to get dirty, meant to haul things, and there is no better feeling cranking up a rugged hill while the boys in their SUVs look away in shame. Be practical buy a toyota or honda drive it to work and use the beast on the weekends. Just a thought.

 

All very good points.

I drive a 90 toyota to work 20+ miles per gallon and cheap insurance etc. However, here in Arizona 4X4's are a way of life. There are countless areas to four wheel and many clubs that do so responsibly. My cowboy town car has seen the dirt! Trucks are meant to get dirty, meant to haul things, and there is no better feeling cranking up a rugged hill while the boys in their SUVs look away in shame. Be practical buy a toyota or honda drive it to work and use the beast on the weekends. Just a thought.



------------------

 

I've had boring vehicles since my 396 (yup a Chevy) days before marriage. Been driving grocery-getters for years.

It seems that I had a rush of testosterone last Monday -- and am happy to say that I'm finally able to act on somewhat reasoned impulse -- and opted for a 4x4 to replace my very capable 4x2 XLT '97 -- which never did anything bad, but other than being a trouble-free ride -- never did anything outstanding.

For once, I'm actually looking forward to 10 inches of snow -- and, like the fellow above that said 'don't look back' -- I'm really proud to be driving this nice red "manly" truck -- despite the fact that it cost some $3800 MORE than a comparably equipped 4x2.

While I won't be tricking it up as much as some of you, I'll be loving it none the less.

JHG

------------------
"00" XLT SC 5.4 7700 4x4 SB repeat buyer

 

I like having low range. It's nice when your backing a trailer in tight spaces because the truck doesn't react so fast. Some of the boat launches I use can be rough and the 4x4 really helps. I got stuck on one last summer with my 88 because I had a problem with my transfer case and couldn't use the 4x4. I was only trying to pull 2 sea doos. The ramp was all dug up from guys with 4x2's that spin their way up the ramp. It's also nice if your towing and have snow covered roads.

------------------
97 F150 XLT S/C, Flare Side, Black over Silver, ORP, 4.6, Auto, Towing Package, Gibson Exhaust, Smittybilt Frame Mount Blk Powdercoat Bars

 

after buying many vehicles because it was all i needed, i went out and finally bought one i really wanted. 4x4 flairside rc. can't haul as much as a regular bed, can't tow as much because of 5 spd. doesn't ride as smooth because of short bed, and the gas mileage stinks because of 4x4. BUT when i ride past shops with long windows i can't help but look at her. i love it!
no one really needs 4wd. sure we use it. used mine last week while hunting, threw mud all over, then i had to clean it when i got home. maybe could've gotten through with 2wd or definitely could've went somewhere else but it was fun. use it here for the snow also but only because i have it. done many winters w/o 4wd and never missed a day of work yet because of snow.
bottom line if you want it get it. if you talk yourself out of it because of practicality you'll be back to the dealer next year. lets face it if we were practical we'd all drive hyundais with 10 yr warr. and great gas mileage....get what makes you feel good.

terry

almost forgot as far as long trips i'm taking mine from wis. to southern fla. for xmas to see family. also i drive 20 mi to work and the ride is not bad at all. 2wd is definitely more maneuverable but 4wd aint bad either.

[This message has been edited by wildchild (edited 12-08-1999).]

 

I just purchase my second truck in my life. My first was a 73 Bronco (4X4 of course). My second is my 2000 F-150. When I drove my Bronco I hardly ever used the 4X4. I could get almost anywhere without it. I needed it on big soft hills and thats it. Thats what made me decide to get 4X2 in my F-150. Better mileage, better ride, and with a locker in the back and some good technique you could keep up with most 4X4's.

I live hear in Southern California and I don't know if anyone is familiar with Glamis but it is super soft sand with really big hills. I watched a 95'ish two wheel drive F-150 going up the hills faster then any truck out there. He had nothing special on it, just a decent lift and some all terrains.

Thats just my two cents.


------------------
2000 F-150, ext. cab, short bed, 4.6 V8.

 

Congratulations to JGORKA. I bought my '00' last saturday. I'm in love. I got the XLT, ext. cab, short bed, 4.6L, 3.55 limited slip, premium am/fm/cd w/ premium sound,6-way adjustable driver seat, towing package, and Island Blue paint job (I wanted black but they were bombing the Blues out for $4000 less). I'm very hapy with mine. Just wanted to congratulate you.

 

It jus alldepens onna where ya at. Ifin ya atinima snow ****ry, then ya gottaget a 4X4. Im almosta yooper so I's gotta gettum a 4X4. Butta ya canna makem lookalike annathing ya want. Dis heresa merica. Jus sayin my sayso!

------------------
2000f150 Lariat Supercab Flareside 4X4 Black 5.4 engine Leather Captains 3.55 Limited-slip and all the goodies, just ordered,traded my 99 f250 superduty Lariat V-10. Wife drives a 98 Navigator 4X4. Had a 97 Lariat 4x4 supercab Just ordered a lightning front and rear bumper,power tube,K&N filter,makin a 4X4 Harley ......... Toy: 91 Heritage Softtail Classic/lowered and chromed

 

If you really don't need 4x4, don't get it, I need 4x4 most of the time, expecially during the late spring and winter months. For most people limited-slip is enough. I encourage anyone to get Ls weither it being a 4x4 or 4x2. Its your choice, remember your the one driving/paying for the vehicle, you buy it to make you happy!

 

Is this really a consideration? As long as I've been alive, I thought trucks were supposed to be 4x4. Hell, it wasn't until about 2 minutes ago that I found out they even MADE 4x2 models

Really though, who cares what you NEED... this is America, the land of excess. Buy it just because it's there.



------------------
-cm

 

Another consideration is resale value. In my area, 4x4 vehicles are in demand and you'll make back your extra investment in a 4x4. In other areas of the country, I can see where a 4x2 would be easier to sell.

As far as maintenance goes, it's not all that much more expensive, at least while under warranty. Routine maintenance only requires inspection and infrequent changing of fluids in the front differential and the transfer case.

Mileage is lower, but like others said, it's a full sized truck.

I use 4x4 infrequently, but when I use it, I REALLY need it. Sure, I could have gone somewhere else, or stayed home, but what's the fun in that?

My guess would be, that the majority of 4x4 owners will always buy a 4x4. You get used to having it.

Finally, I think it makes the truck look "Ford Tough."

 

Well everyone on the board has good and legitimate points. I have a 4X4 and all of my trucks eccept for 2 have been 4X4, I don't need it, I only use it about 1 or 2 times a year if that. But to put it in simple form it's like this. I like 4X4's, the look, the ability to go places where most can't, the resale value, the low range is a big plus, they're stronger and heavier (more durable), they're the total package. The ride is almost an unnoticable difference the fuel mileage is about 1 mpg difference, and maintenance is pretty miniscule, you have a transfer case, front differential, and hubs that need occasional maintenance (lube changes).
To put another point in, if you want a 4X4 and settle for a 4X2 you will always deep down want that 4X4, whether you can justify it or not you want it. I'm the kinda fella if I want something I don't mind paying for it, I don't have to justify a need for it. And whatever the cost of the 4x4 option we all know you get that back on resale so the only cost is initial (your first 4x4) and the mileage which is minor even for me and I put 40,000 and year on mine. Oh, yeah let me not forget the extra lubes every 50,000 miles. If you want a 4x4-get it. If you can't afford the difference- I wish you could just like you do. But if you bought a 4x2 because your too tight and think you need a reason to (justify it) shut up and just keep admiring ours. <END>

------------------
'97 Ford SC 4X4 XLT Off Road pkg., 4.6,A/OD, 3:55, premium sound w/CD chg, Black clct,towing pkg., hvy duty elec. pkg., Bridestone dueler AT's, line X, Flowmaster true duals, chip, K&N air filter, smittybilt stainless nerf bars

 

I live in Minnesota and I would pay 15 grand more for 4x4 if I had to. You don't see many trucks in this part of the country that aren't 4x4. I was trapped in a huge Blizzard last year, could only go 35mph for 350 miles in 4 high the entire way. I go out to the mountains snowmobiling and it is a must for that trip. I t all depends on what you're going to do. If you're ever going to be in snowcountry with your truck then ya need it because it can literally save your life. In my personal opinion I think the 4x4's look a little cooler too! -ZR

------------------
98' F-150, Off Road, Short Box, Blue, 4.6, K&N, Auto, Captain Chairs, Dual Exhaust
Alpine CD Player, (2) 10" Rockford Fosgate Subwoofers and a big ol' Arctic Cat
sticker on the rear sliding window!!!!! Soon to be chipped!!!

 

As far as 4x4 goes I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Sure the ride isn't as good but it ain't bad either especially with these long wheelbases. And the 4x4's do maintain a higher percentage of their resale value.