I've been considering an F150 for awhile and hopefully, if all goes well, after this summer I'll be able to afford a used one. Seeing as I live in Wisconsin I have been leaning heavily towards a truck with 4x4. My question would be: what do people who live in similar (snowy) areas think of the situation? Should 4x4 be a deal breaker for me or should I consider a 4x2?

 

I lived in WI for a long time and my drivetrain of choice was AWD. I had a Subaru STI that, with winter tires, rumbled through the snow like it was born to do it. Ground clerance sucked, but the DT powered through.

My girlfriend drove a sporty FWD car, and she did reasonably well.
A RWD pickup- not sure I'd want to depend on that.

Chances are, if you're even considering a 4WD right now, if you end up with a RWD, you're going to regret it and be posting in a couple months looking for advice on how to convert your 2WD to 4WD.

$0.02

 

I can take my 2wd pretty well anywhere i want to go...but if i had to deal with the crap everyday.. i would have only a 4wd...

 

Well, I bought a 4x2 and I live on the East Coast of Canada. I was a bit leery of it but I also do not _have_ to drive in the real nasty stuff although I did a few times. It was a just a little bit trickier than I was used to in my FWD car but the increased ground clearance negated a lot of the problems I had in the car. I didn't put snow tires on this year as the tires were brand new Michelins and had a lot of good looking tread but next year I will have snow tires. I will say that the weather in WI will be different than here but I wouldn't hesiatate getting another 2WD truck. The extra inital cost, worse mileage and repairs wasn't worth it in my mind and I haven't regretted the decision yet

 

As someone who spent many Wisconsin winters in rear wheel drive cars including a Mustang, good snow tires make a world of difference. However, now that I have become use to a 4x4 I do not think I could go back. The extra confidence that knowing I have 4 wheel drive if and when I need it is very relaxing.

 

If you get the 4x2, it will only take 1 time getting stuck, in whatever condition from snow to mud, to make you realize you should have gone for the 4x4. Even if you don't use it very often, it will be worth the investment one day.

Read this link for another member's view on the subject:
https://www.f150forum.com/f2/never-s...x4-f150-86852/

 

I am in MI and we get the same snow as you cheese heads~! jk You'll kick yourself in the *** for not getting 4x4. My guess is you are shopping around and are noticing that the 4x2 are way cheaper right? Thats cuz most everyone in our areas know that a 4x2 truck sucks in the snow and ice. Save yourself the headache and go 4x4. I love mine!

 

If cost is not a factor then go with 4x4. At least you will always have the option to use it or not or upgrade your F-150 to a Harley for AWD...heh.

 

Go 4x4. You won't regret it.

 

Ensure you understand the difference between AWD and part time 4WD.