I have been thinking about buying a new (to me) truck. ¾ ton, extended cab HD, diesel would be nice… Around this area, 4 wheel drives are very popular and as a result there are quite a number of used ones. I really do not need 4wd but since there are so many around, I may find a good deal on one easer then on a 2wd. My question is, since there is no free lunch, what penalty is associated with having a 4wd and only using it in 2wd mode? Are you just carrying around a bunch of extra iron, or does that even matter? Does your fuel mileage suffer as a result of all the extra “stuff” up front turning? Is the maintenance greater for the same reason?


Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.<O:p</O:p

Cant answer about the fuel mileage, but there is definately a bit more maintenance involved with 4WD, front diff, and tcase fluids on a normal basis compared to only rear diff on 2WD. The whole thing is slightly heavier with the additional components, think only 150-300LBs difference.

Honestly, its better have to have 4WD and not use it rather than not have it when you REALLY need it. It can definately pull you out of a bind in some cases, plus the whole offroading factor is must.

I had the same thoughts when I got my D/A. My last 4x4 was a 77 GMC fulltime 4 wheel drive. It is the reason the word "Gashog" was invented. Downhill with a tailwind and running empty on a good day got 8 MPG.-:t

I'll give you the short version speach my stealer gave me when looking at the D/A. When in 2wd the transfer case is diconnected, not pushing the front pig as was the case in my '77' that pushed all that iron 100% of the time. So far that seems right, I lose about 2 MPG when in 4wd which is real easy to live with.

Hope that helps a little. . . or I'll have to get a different speach from the stealer.):h ):h

I would say get the 4WD because someday you will regret not having it if you do get a 2WD. Plus they look better.

I would say get the 4WD because someday you will regret not having it if you do get a 2WD. Plus they look better. The look can be fixed.
I am also hesitant as what to buy but considering I have a 2WD right now which I last drove in Nov. or so mainly because it has no traction control and a not-so-well operating ABS. I think if milage is not a significant factor and drag strip performance is not priority #1 a 4WD is the way to go....I think I will go for a 4WD next time.

4X4 are more expensive to insure than 2WD. If involved in an accident, they cost more to repair.

Do you tow a trailer (camper, fifth wheel)? I do in the summer and have needed 4X4 when doing things in some campgrounds/parks.

4X4 should help in re sale value. But it seems kinda pointless to get 4X4 if you don't really have a use for it. We get snow, so I went for it. Plus there weren't any 2WDs around.

Buy whichever is the best deal. You don't have 4wd now, so if you get a 2wd truck you won't miss it. If a 4wd is the better deal, you'll be happy with that also.

I use 4x4 on a regular basis and have still gotten the truck stuck twice. Around here you almost can't resale a 2x4

I'd go for 4WD if you do any off-pavement towing or driving. Includes farm fields of camp grounds. These extended cab diesel trucks have heavy front ends - it's all too easy to get stuck, even in 4WD:rolleyes:. Better to have 4WD and not use it than wish you did while waiting to get dug/pulled out of a "situation"...

That said, if you only drive on pavement in warm climates, 2WD would be OK.

Get the 4x4!!!!!!!!!! Especially with a diesel. The front end of theese trucks are heavy and traction in wet conditions is not good. Mileage should not be that different. My dad has a 2004.5 2wd Chevy and I have a 2005 4wd GMC. We get about the same mileage.

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.!

There's no doubt a 4WD is more capable. If it was a $50 option, anybody would be crazy not to get it. But, $3000 or $4000 more? I just couldn't stomach paying that much for something that I will probably never get any use out of.
And, if you keep one a long time, you may have more maintenance to do, and more chances for oil leaks.

In the past I have had 2wd trucks and 4wd. I currently have the 4wd and I think that I will continue to have a 4wd. In my opinion, it has already been worth it this winter here in Michigan. In the end get what works for you, but as for me 4wd is the only way to go.

You will get a lot of your investment in 4WD back when you go to sell or trade. In all reality, I remember when 4WD was not available at all and we made do plenty well without it. You were simply more cautious where you went and when. The real choice is what will you use the truck for. Look around the area in which you live and get what most people have. Will make trading easier when that time comes.

Hi-
It really depends on your driving use as to whether it's worth it or not.

Some reasons I am glad I got the four wheel drive. Hope this helps.
Great in SNOW.
Great backing up a 10K lb trailer on wet grass/ muddy ground.
Great in SNOW
Great in low traction situations/ heavyly loaded situation (gravel, mud, dirt, etc.)
Great in SNOW
Great getting started from a stop when loaded and in soft/slippery ground situations.
Great in SNOW

Tip! Always us it a "preventative" or "just in case" measure. The trick is turn it on before or as soon as you anticipate a loss of traction situation. If you dig your rear wheels in the ground, then turn on the 4 wheel drive, it may not help you get out. If you put in on before, it distributes the power and can prevent you from spinning the rear wheels to get you going (hence dig you in and are now stuck.)

If you buy a 2wd there will always be circumstances that you will regret not buying a 4wd.

It costs a bit more for 4wd but you get every penny back when you sell it down the road.

If you buy a 2wd there will always be circumstances that you will regret not buying a 4wd.

How true! Been there :( !!! Never again.

I have owned 4x4's since 1986 and personaly I wouldn't be caught without one.It's the just in case factor.

I agree with the just in case factor as well but there is also a fun factor involved as well. ;)

Isn't that the truth Max

Like cowdoc says,
"Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."
I would always get a 4x4 over a 2x4. I have been bailed way too many times with my 4x4. We get snow up here and that makes it a must.
Do not know what you can expect in Georgia but plan for the unexpected (lakes, campgrounds etc). Maintenance is more but in the case of having 4 wheel drive, you get what you pay for.
Your decision.