trying to decide betweem 2wd or 4wd
09-15-2018, 10:58 AM
#51
Actually the number of open ended diffs in front wheel drive cars is probably closer to 75% open VS Limited Slip. Kind of like the whole Mazda3 Line the only one with a LSD was the Speed 3.
I have had my 2 wheel drive trucks forever, and most of our company trucks have Open Diffs so they are one wheel drive. I am in East Tennessee and live at the top of the hill and my E locker gets up to my house just fine, as well as my Mustang with the LSD and summer tires (1 Time coming back from the dealer after a warranty repair). The only time I had any problem getting up to my house last year was when the 4x4 was stuck in front of my house and I still went around him and parked in my driveway.
My truck is also used as a truck and has a Shell and normally has 400-500 pounds in the bed. If it is bad enough to need a 4x4 there is no need for me to leave the house. For the rest of time why do I need all the stuff in the front end to be there to wear out and/or break.
Even when I lived up in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and plowed snow I was driving a Ranchero, just had to have a set of snow tires and away you go.
I have had my 2 wheel drive trucks forever, and most of our company trucks have Open Diffs so they are one wheel drive. I am in East Tennessee and live at the top of the hill and my E locker gets up to my house just fine, as well as my Mustang with the LSD and summer tires (1 Time coming back from the dealer after a warranty repair). The only time I had any problem getting up to my house last year was when the 4x4 was stuck in front of my house and I still went around him and parked in my driveway.
My truck is also used as a truck and has a Shell and normally has 400-500 pounds in the bed. If it is bad enough to need a 4x4 there is no need for me to leave the house. For the rest of time why do I need all the stuff in the front end to be there to wear out and/or break.
Even when I lived up in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and plowed snow I was driving a Ranchero, just had to have a set of snow tires and away you go.
Thos who can't, get 4X4
The following 2 users liked this post by acdii:
GossipIsBad (09-15-2018),
Siber Express (09-15-2018)
09-15-2018, 12:55 PM
#52
Senior Member
Real trucks have 4x4 and long beds. 
09-15-2018, 01:48 PM
#53
09-15-2018, 01:52 PM
#54
But, and this is an important But, her car sits so low it drags bottom a lot in the snow and that is the problem. My 2 wheel drive truck sits lower than a 4x4, but still has significantly more ground clearance than her Civic does. In snow the pickup has a huge advantage over a low car.
09-15-2018, 02:48 PM
#55
Senior Member
This is one of those questions that can't really be answered. People who've driven all three types of drive, in different conditions, know the benefits. But trying to describe why a person might need one or the other is almost impossible. You have to understand traction and where it comes from, and how to get it from your tires, which is where it starts. 4WD with the wrong tires is probably no better than open RWD with appropriate tires. LSD without weight in the bad is probably no better than an open diff with a load and appropriate tires.
The best way to learn is to live in a hilly rainy area, out in the boonies, where getting stuck is common.
The best way to learn is to live in a hilly rainy area, out in the boonies, where getting stuck is common.
09-15-2018, 07:00 PM
#56
09-15-2018, 08:12 PM
#57
Old Fart
09-15-2018, 08:47 PM
#58
Senior Member
09-15-2018, 09:52 PM
#59
Daughter's Focus has LS diff.
09-16-2018, 09:51 PM
#60
I thought I wanted 4x4 but I thought for a moment. I live in the south where we never get snow, I am not going to take a $60k+ truck off road on some crazy trails, and my wheels don't even touch the water at most boat ramps. There was absolutely no reason for me to get a 4x4. I saved $4k+ up front, I get 2-3 mpg better than a 4x4 and it is less to go wrong in the long run. I probably won't ever buy a 4x4 unless I get a Jeep or something to do some REAL offroading. That's just my experience though, it is different for everybody.
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GossipIsBad (09-30-2018)