Do you REALLY NEED 4×4?

[TexasTruck]

For most applications the TOD is a better transfer case and you can swap them out for ~$1200 or so depending on new/used parts availability.

Not to hijack here, but what is a TOD transfer case?

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[Bossharp]

WalterMitty I mentioned the Super Cab to show the cost of adding 4×4 on it is much cheeper (over $1,100.00) than on a single cab. I tried to build ANY F-150 with a 8' bed and the only configuration is a single cab. But the only truck that I am considering is a single cab. With a 6.5' bed. I was hoping that I would get a 36 gallon tank because I love being able to 'have it and not need it' but the single cab is 23. It has turned out that the 2024 single cab restrictions is absolutely perfect for me. 5.0 12" screen 3.73 locker and the hitch to carry a scooter. I didn't want carpet or chrome. Believe me I looked for a 2023 equipped similar to possibly save a little but none..zero.. are out there. A few with a 8' bed came close but all had a higher MSRP.

 

[Chili]

Pickup truck buyers tend to buy just in case they need something. The reality is, that's a $5000 option that will make your truck 275lbs heavier up front resulting in worse handling, slower and worse gas mileage. Many buyers of regular cab short beds like to modify them into sport trucks, but I'm not sure if that applies to you. 4wd would be nice if you decided to supercharge it but short of that, it just slowed your truck down. You will have more potential issues as well just due to the nature of having more moving parts. Some people look at 4 wheel drive as the only downfall is the purchase price and that's not entirely true.

If I lived in Florida I would absolutely not get 4wd unless I was an avid off-roader. A set of dedicated tires (you get a locker with the 2wd) will get you where you need to go.

Even in the snow belt, you are better off with 2wd and snow tires than you are with 4wd and stock or all terrain tires.

 

[Samson16]

I chose 4WD for getting an RV out of a spot after it rains and pulling a boat up a slippery ramp. 4WD and rear locking differential. It does cost and adds more parts that can break. Increases the resale on the plus side. I'd rather have it, and not need it, than need it, and not have it. It was more important to me than leather for instance.

 

[fmozza]

I use 4WD almost every day in the winter to plough myself out of my inclined spot I park on

this is Canada though, and I could probably use the locker and ease myself out, but why not throw it in 4H and mash the gas?

meanwhile in Canada a guy up the road from me mashes the gas too hard going DOWNHILL

guess the engineers didn’t design the 4A transfer case to get into ditches - ‘eh

I'm also from Canada (Winterpeg...) and there are very few 2WD trucks. But, during and after a winter storm, a good portion of the vehicles in the ditch are 4WD trucks ... probably because drivers think 4WD enables them to drive "normally" regardless of the conditions.

 

[HammaMan]

Not to hijack here, but what is a TOD transfer case?

Allows variable torque engagement of the front wheels by using a variable clutch to engage the propeller shaft in 4a, while still allowing a 50/50 split by fully engaging.

 

[Bossharp]

Chili I had a 2006 SRT-10 Quad for 3 years after seeing one fly by me taking the kids to Disney world. The quad cab has only a auto transmission that I have to use (loss of use left arm) and it was a incredible ownership experience. Lay a 2' patch in 2nd no problem! Chirp going in 3rd? Yep. Mine was a Mineral grey with a hard factory tonneau cover (with wing lolol!) and I kept that truck until the very day the super premium factory warranty expired. Chris Mossberg of the shotgun family bought it and took it home to Maryland on a train..

 

[Samson16]

Allows variable torque engagement of the front wheels by using a variable clutch to engage the propeller shaft in 4a, while still allowing a 50/50 split by fully engaging.

Good God man! Bring him along softly! It is similar to AWD or All Wheel Drive that can remain engaged full time without causing damage or steering issues lol. The Lariats and above have it. My XLT has a more basic system that should not be used on dry pavement for extended periods.

 

[Samson16]

Chris Mossberg of the shotgun family bought it and took it home to Maryland on a train.

I own one of his 940 Pro Tactical 12 gauges. Good gun

 

[FirstTimeFord]

Record for shortest answer: YES

 

[stevemcbo]

You only need 4WD when you need 4WD. Other wise all you need is 2WD

 

[Iconic22F150]

I’ve been stuck several times with 2wd in random mud patches on an other wise dry dirt road with my pops. I’ve only owned one 2wd since which was a great buy from a grandparent. Only 4WD outside of that but if you don’t go off road or tow a boat then I would think it’s a waste of $4-5K in your case.

 

[Chilidog]

If nothing else, I would want it for all wheel drive in the rain. Our back ends are light.

 

[WD8CXB]

For most of my driving I don't need 4x4 but knowing I have 4X4 I go places that those with 2WD or All-wheel drive will not go! I have the FX4 package in my truck and my wife's Expedition. This is the first 4WD vehicle she has owned and I am shocked as to where she is willing to drive! Especially when visiting her parent's farm in WV! Being a full-size truck I don't go places where I would take my Jeep CJ5 but still have lots of fun with the 4x4! The truck and Expedition are a lot more comfortable than the CJ5 too! The CJ sees more trailer time than trail time!

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

I drive a 2wd and have had no problems! Plenty of dirt, gravel, and light mud situations. Truck has served me great. Now would I rather have 4wd and not need it yes of course. It also helps with resell. So do you need it no, is it nice to have yes. And with all the info given in the thread and the fact you posted the thread I think you know the answer to the question. I would say look for a 4wd but if a good spec’d 2wd is available at a cheaper price don’t be afraid to pull the trigger. But don’t make a simple decision you end up regretting down the road. Good luck on the truck hunt!

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