5.0 sport truck - 2wd vs 4wd
 

Getting ready to place an order on RCSB 5.0 XL. I'm really waffling on going with 2wd or 4wd.

The truck will primarily be used to commute and run errands while having some fun doing so. Might see the strip rarely. Plan is to lower it and add some performance goodies with a possible whipple down the road. I live in the pacific northwest so only a weeks worth of snow per year max.

2WD pros

-lower initial cost (about $4k)
-lighter
-less parts to fail
-better ride quality?
-better fuel economy

Cons

-lowest gear available 3.55 with 8.8" rear
-zero traction from a dig with blower
-less optimal for snow/ice
-lower resale

4WD Pros

-available 3.73 with 9.75" rear
-launching ability
-poor road conditions traction
-better resale and the ability to go back to stock for a more traditional truck role

Cons

-basically the inverse of 2wd pros

Anything else I should be considering? Need you guys to sway me one way or the other lol.

Personal taste really, as a 2wd truck can certainly be made to go fast, it just won't be as flexible day to day. I didn't want a lowered truck or a raised truck, so a stock height 4x4 was a good compromise for me. I love being able to switch that 4x4 knob and launch like a rocket on street tires anywhere at anytime, and also love bumping up against curbs or potholes and not caring. But a 2wd ruck can also be fast, and will weigh a couple hundred pounds less.

You live anywhere with snow?

If the cost isn't that big of a concern go with the 4wd. Even if you only "need" it a few times a year it will be worth it and at the track you'll be able to cut launch at the track much easier. I have a 2wd rcsb and do wish it was 4wd.

I 2nd this.. My last truck was 2wd and I always wished I payed the little bit extra to get 4wd.
Never really hear anyway say the other way around.. Even if you don't use it. Better to have it.

Saying around here (NJ)

Buying a 2WD truck is like walking into a Harley dealer and riding out on a Vespa scooter.

Drove me crazy - my father owned three 2WD pickups here in jersey. Mother bought a Durango 4x4 which was used as ammo against me when I came home with my first Explorer Sport. "Your mother had 4WD in the Durango and used it like twice in 5 years. Why'd you buy a 4x4. Extra weight, bad economy, more parts - blah - blah - blah." Pretty much what you said as 4WD cons. :lol:

4WD can't be lowered as far as 2WD.

2WD can be considered more sporty - just think Lightning.

4WD good for launching. My old F250 diesel was 60 footing in the high 1's range. Load up 15 to 20PSi of boost and side step it. Effing rocket ship.


_

Wow, MECP haven't thought about that in ages, think my last certification expired in 1996 or so...

4WD can be lowered about as much as a 2WD and still be usable for launching etc... If you get a 2WD too low it's not going to launch for crap...

Odd man out here went back to a 2wd after a long spell with 4wd. Living in WI I do deal with snow and 2wd can be fine. Just more attention needed.
I do not do real off road driving anymore just often time spent on gravel forest service roads, wanted something with street performance and capable of comfortably handling the FS roads in MI, WI, MN.
My leveled 2wd seems to hit my current desires admirably!
It will be your truck make it what you want! KM

If you plan on putting a supercharger on a Regular Cab, I would go with the 4wd. I have owned both a 2wd and 4wd with a supercharger. The 4wd is way better on the street and track with street tires. Spinnin' ain't Winnin'.

I went with 2wd due to being lighter and a bit less drag. I was also not gonna pay 4k more.

Mine does pretty good from a stop with the traction bars and sport tires. For track duty a dr can solve your problem.

but then again you are not looking for much strip time. Go with the 4wd.

I can do just about every bit of what a 4wd does on the street just by running a purpose tire. I'm ok with that downside honestly. Main downside to not having 4wd imo is not being able to take off decently when it's wet outside without doing a 180 lol.