4WD Advice please!

[Floyd]

I must have missed something. Did someone propose that 4WD should be required in Florida?

NO , I simply stated that it made some sense in Canada (although not much)
Florida was an example only.... Offering only 4wd in the US would have made no sense at all.

Please read my post #41.
I have nothing against 4WD or SuperCrew, I am simply saying that I wouldn't buy either on a "just in case" basis, but rather on a basis of expected use.

I would not have a gen 5 Ranger if they only offered the 4WD or only the SuperCrew version.
Fortunately, I had a choice and was able to buy a 2WD SuperCab.
That way we can each have a Ranger which we can live with and enjoy.

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[Sanford & Son Salvage]

Just a counterpoint to ponder...

I have chosen to drive 2WD in rural IllAnnoy.
For more than half a century I have not found myself in a position where it would have been worth the extra cost, higher maintenance, lower fuel efficiency, or reduced drivablility of 4WD.
Sure... if you need it, buy it, but don't by it "just in case"... It ain't worth it.
The only times I ever got stuck... it took a 40/20 John Deere to pull me out, yet I have rescued dozens of other vehicles with my 2WDs.
The actual purchase of 4WD just one time, would have been more than the all the benefits it would have accrued for me in 50 years of driving.

4WD certainly has advantages, but it is nowhere near a necessity for 90% of those who buy it.

Actually it may enhance the resale in the first 5 years commensurate with its cost, after that it is at best a wash.
4WD is a great option, but it is only marginally better than FWD or RWD with limited slip and decent tires for normal on-road driving. Unfortunately the Ranger doesn't actually offer limited slip as an option and 2WD models are still stuck with a 2 piece drive shaft.
In Canada, I understand you can only buy a Ranger with 4WD. While that makes sense on some level it makes no sense at all in Florida.
I have replaced dozens of hubs , half shafts, carrier bearings, front drive shafts and even transfer cases, all worth the effort if needed, a total waste of effort and money if not.

BTW, the only weight that ever went in the back of any of my Rangers was Cargo, not traction weight.

Also... LOVE your F1 ! I built one that looked like it on an Econoline chassis.
Say "hi!" to Lemont for me!

First "car" I owned was a 4X4 Subaru Bratt.. My high schcool buddy had a 4WD Chevy S10 with big tires on it, at least they seemed big to me back in the day. We went off roading often and mudding a few times. I got stuck once in a rutted swamp area and he pulled me out. If I had to pay for that, where I was stuck in some swamp area that was harldy accessible, it would have cost me hundreds of dollars. Still maybe not enough to justify paying for 4WD but still would rather have it than not.

After using his truck to pull many other 2WD trucks from being stuck at powerline parties, fields and other events, I told my self I would never by a 2WD truck so as to avoid those situations as there may not be anyone around to help me out. Only 3 pickup truck purchases since and they are all 4WD . I either save up to a 4WD, buy older model or wait for a 4wd on the market in my price range.

Your math may be right and with the extra weight, added repair cost of the 4wd and loss of MPG it might seem like a waste. Your repair skill list is well beyond what I can do and most of the work you mentioned I would have to pay for. Another check in your pro 2WD column.

ALso, two trucks on the market, all other options and price are the same. One a 4WD and the other a 2WD my bet would be the 4WD goes first.

There are so many 4WD trucks around that are trophy queens and only leave the road when they hit a curb or rotate the tires that those folks dont need or never use the 4WD. Which I think is a point you are making that many people with 4WD never use it or need it.

Actually found a replica of the S@S Truck... 1/16th scale.. Looks realy good..

Nice "F1" That is impressive work! Looks really well done! Do you still have it?!

 

[dtech]

Yes, most AWD vehicles have 3 diffs (center, front, rear), the center is the one that allows different front/rear diff carrier speeds. The Focus RS is one of the exceptions.

Hyundai and KIA - use 2 diffs , a front one whose purpose is spin an output shaft that connects to a rear diff/clutch pack where power can be sent to the rear wheels, a few other makes do this, it's a less expensive part time awd setup, works well but a driveshaft to the rear is always spinning so there is some parasitic power loss while in fwd. They touted this setup on ads as featuring a "locking diff" - which is nothing more than having steady power applied to the rear clutch assembly.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

While 4WD is great to get you going, it does nothing to get you stopped on low traction pavement.
In fact, if anything, it is slightly worse for stopping.(extra weight)
The one rookie mistake that I have found most common, is over confidence with 4WD.
While 4WD can be a great asset on snow and ice or other slick surfaces, it really only serves to get and keep you going, not so much for steering or stopping.

No.... Well yes.... Maybe...

Basically, Rally School proves 4WD actually helps stopping. More of a phenomenon than anything. Driving in the Arctic, I've also experienced this.

https://jalopnik.com/this-should-settle-the-4wd-vs-2wd-winter-braking-debate-1822591648#replies

 

[Floyd]

First "car" I owned was a 4X4 Subaru Bratt.. My high schcool buddy had a 4WD Chevy S10 with big tires on it, at least they seemed big to me back in the day. We went off roading often and mudding a few times. I got stuck once in a rutted swamp area and he pulled me out. If I had to pay for that, where I was stuck in some swamp area that was harldy accessible, it would have cost me hundreds of dollars. Still maybe not enough to justify paying for 4WD but still would rather have it than not.

After using his truck to pull many other 2WD trucks from being stuck at powerline parties, fields and other events, I told my self I would never by a 2WD truck so as to avoid those situations as there may not be anyone around to help me out. Only 3 pickup truck purchases since and they are all 4WD . I either save up to a 4WD, buy older model or wait for a 4wd on the market in my price range.

Your math may be right and with the extra weight, added repair cost of the 4wd and loss of MPG it might seem like a waste. Your repair skill list is well beyond what I can do and most of the work you mentioned I would have to pay for. Another check in your pro 2WD column.

ALso, two trucks on the market, all other options and price are the same. One a 4WD and the other a 2WD my bet would be the 4WD goes first.

There are so many 4WD trucks around that are trophy queens and only leave the road when they hit a curb or rotate the tires that those folks dont need or never use the 4WD. Which I think is a point you are making that many people with 4WD never use it or need it.

Actually found a replica of the S@S Truck... 1/16th scale.. Looks realy good..

Nice "F1" That is impressive work! Looks really well done! Do you still have it?!

My Econoline 300 I-6 got totaled, so I took it home and built the F-1 on the Econoline Chassis..
I only spent $500 and about 6 weeks to build it. the hardest part was the steering since the F-1 Cab set a good bit further back on the chassis. The Econoline column was gutted , then the tube expanded, the guts from a Pinto column were then installed in it , the the compound U-joint from an Escort column was attached after being sectioned with a '65 Mustang steering shaft grafted in, then it was attached to the stock steering box... WHEW! Worked Perfect, looked pro!
I drove it for a few years then sold it.

 

[Floyd]

No.... Well yes.... Maybe...

Basically, Rally School proves 4WD actually helps stopping. More of a phenomenon than anything. Driving in the Arctic, I've also experienced this.

https://jalopnik.com/this-should-settle-the-4wd-vs-2wd-winter-braking-debate-1822591648#replies

Of course "Generalities are always false" but your example uses two 4WD vehicles.
I was comparing 2WD and 4WD anecdotally in the midwest USA.
AFAIK. the preferred transportation in the arctic is shown below....

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all at Ranger 5G!

 

[D Fresh]

For more than half a century I have not found myself in a position where it would have been worth the extra cost, higher maintenance, lower fuel efficiency, or reduced drivablility of 4WD.

Reduced driveability?

I've heard Illinois gets snow. You're telling me that in 50 years you haven't seen a snow event that was impassible in 2wd?

Denver sees at least one of those a year. I grew up in the Midwest. The winters there are worse.

 

[Floyd]

Reduced driveability?

I've heard Illinois gets snow. You're telling me that in 50 years you haven't seen a snow event that was impassible in 2wd?

Denver sees at least one of those a year. I grew up in the Midwest. The winters there are worse.

No I'm not saying that...,
Heck I've seen snow events which were impassable with 4WD.
I've see the road grader with a V plow "snowed in" next to the six wheeler township truck.
Once we had to wait a couple of days while they brought in articulated payloaders in to remove the drifts.

I once came upon a fullsized 4WD Blazer Upside down in the road after getting highsided on the shoulder.

One time I pushed snow with my Pinto sedan until it packed under the hood and forced the timing belt off!. I would have been stranded, but a farmer's kid came along in a highboy Chevy 4WD pickup with sensible snow tires and dragged my Pinto all the way to my house with a chain.
On the way we had to go around a John Deere 40/20 stuck in the middle of the road.

Of course a 4WD with proper tires and good ground clearance will way out-perform my Pinto or even a 2WD truck in deep snow, but I only missed 4 or 5 days of work in thirty five years due to road conditions... each made up for in overtime in the next week or so.

I found out that I could only get in enough trouble with 2WD that a 4WD could still come and get me.
On the other hand a 4WD can get out there where they would have to sit and wait for spring thaw!

 

[D Fresh]

No I'm not saying that, heck I've seen snow events which were impassable with 4WD.
I've see the road grader with a V plow "snowed in" next to the six wheeler township truck.
Once we had to wait a couple of days while they brought in articulated payloaders to remove the drifts.
I once came upon a fullsized 4WD Blazer Upside down in the road after getting highsided on the shoulder.
One time I pushed snow with my Pinto sedan until it packed under the hood and forced the timing belt off!. I would have been stranded, but a farmer's kid came along in a highboy Chevy 4WD pickup with sensible snow tires and dragged my Pinto all the way to my house with a chain.
On the way we had to go around a John Deere 40/20 stuck in the middle of the road.
Of course a 4WD with proper tires and good ground clearance will way out-perform my Pinto or even a 2WD truck in deep snow, but I only missed 4 or 5 days of work in thirty five years due to road conditions... each made up for in overtime in the next week or so.

I found out that I could only get in enough trouble with 2WD that a 4WD could come and get me.
On the other hand a 4WD can get out there where they would have to wait for spring thaw!

I have a job that requires me to be present despite weather conditions, a wife with health issues, and children.

Sitting at home in a big storm is not an option.

If I only used it once per year 4wd would still be worth the cost of admission in peace of mind alone.

Luckily I get out and about a little more than that.

 

[Langwilliams]

Around here some people will only buy 4x4 trucks. This is my first one. My dad preferred 2wd to save cost an, upkeep an fuel.

I guess some look at 4x4 the same way some look at CCW/having a weapon: It's better to have it an not need it than to need it an not have it.

 

[Floyd]

I have a job that requires me to be present despite weather conditions, a wife with health issues, and children.

Sitting at home in a big storm is not an option.

If I only used it once per year 4wd would still be worth the cost of admission in peace of mind alone.

Luckily I get out and about a little more than that.

That's why they make them!
You can legitimately count "peace of mind" as a need.
My "peace of mind" gets traction without 4WD.
My neighbors would gladly step up to the plate if needed in an emergency ,
Fortunately I was "always" the guy who received the calls for help.

 

[Dgc333]

When I was in high school and college I worked in a service station that was in the corner of a small shopping center. I used to plow the parking lot of the shopping center with a 2wd pickup. Of course we had three 55 gallon drums filled with water in the bed and studded snows on all four corners. I have lots of experience driving 2wd and rwd in snow.

That being said if the road is covered with snow even if it's only a half inch I will use 4wd. The vehicle is more stable, pulls away from a stop with less fan fare and is generally more confidence inspiring.

 

[Floyd]

Around here some people will only buy 4x4 trucks. This is my first one. My dad preferred 2wd to save cost an, upkeep an fuel.

I guess some look at 4x4 the same way some look at CCW/having a weapon: It's better to have it an not need it than to need it an not have it.

Great comparison!
I live in IllAnnoy where getting and maintaining a CCW is a big expensive PITA requiring sacrifice and inconvenience, just like 4WD ... but certainly worth it if the need is sufficient!

 

[Langwilliams]

Great comparison!
I live in IllAnnoy where getting and maintaining a CCW is a big expensive PITA requiring sacrifice and inconvenience, just like 4WD ... and certainly worth it if the need is sufficient!

I have a CCW here in Ohio an the 5 year fee is $50 but I got mine in a neighboring county that does it free for vets. Right now the state is working to pass Constitutional carry where anyone eligible to own one can carry it. I kind of wish they'd require a safety test first.

 

[Floyd]

I have a CCW here in Ohio an the 5 year fee is $50 but I got mine in a neighboring county that does it free for vets. Right now the state is working to pass Constitutional carry where anyone eligible to own one can carry it. I kind of wish they'd require a safety test first.

So just rub it in!!

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