2WD w/ 3.55 E-lock vs. 4WD w/ 3.55 E-lock
 

I am building a Lariat SuperCrew 157" WB with Max Towing and 3.55 electronic locking axle ratio. Are there any additional advantages to getting 4WD? I don't do any offroading, but I do heavy towing and I also live in a state that gets some snow/ice. The $3,000 additional pricetag, reduced gas mileage, and reduced towing capacity (200 lbs) for 4WD makes it worth the research. I currently have a Toyota Tundra Crewmax w/ 2WD and I only get a little slipping during icy conditions.

Its a personal choice. You have 2wd now and don't have problems with it so I would say you would be fine. Although if you don't keep vehicles long you might want to consider the 4x4 just for the resaleability alone.

There are some towing situations where 4x4 would be helpful (slippery grass/boat launch) although i have never needed it and we do alot of camping and put the trailer in some unusual spots.

There are some benifits to 2wd also. Less moving parts to wear or be out of balance, less weight/more payload, the initial cost and the on going cost of worse mpg and more maitainance.

Good luck with your decision.

I had a 2wd S-10 for around 9 years and only got stuck in the snow once. Had I brought with me any kitty litter or salt, it would not have been a problem. So you don't "need" a 4x4 in most urban settings. If the weather is so bad that you "need" 4x4 to get to work, odds are you can take the day off without anyone being upset.


With that being said, I did go the extra mile and select a 4x4 F150. I only use the 4x4 maybe a half dozen times a year, and most of those times are when I am off the beaten path and trying to haul something. (Last weekend I went to my grandfathers old farm to camp, and needed to haul a downed tree out of my way to set up our camper.) So 4x4 while being a nice luxury, is certainly not a need for most.


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Even with the crazy Chicago weather, I think I only engaged 4x4 on the pavement twice last year. (the first time was just to help get another truck out of a ditch, and man that was a great feeling. Chevy can suck it. Although to be fair, it was more hit tires and poor driving choices that pushed him into the ditch)


If you stay on the pavement, and don't plan on selling your truck, I would say go for 2wd and spend some of the money you save on better tires for the winter.


Otherwise, it is nice to have that magic knob to get out of any slippery situation you find yourself in.


Just my $.02