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2wd vs 4wd

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Ac91, May 12, 2018.

  1. May 12, 2018 at 6:23 AM
    #1
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    Hey, guys so I’m posting to figure out if I’m crazy or other people feel the same way. I purchased my 18 tundra 4x4 in January of this year. In talking with my brother last night at dinner. He brought up the fact that in 4 years of ownership on his ram 3500 including purchase price he has spent over $7k on maintenance, replacing parts etc on his drivetrain And stated he has only had to use it 2 times and even then he thinks he could have made it out in 2wd. He says his next truck will definitely be 2wd. So my question is do you guys who don’t off road or live in places without heavy snow ever regret going 4wd over 2wd?
     
  2. May 12, 2018 at 6:29 AM
    #2
    Bprose

    Bprose Old member

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    I wouldn’t get a 2wd truck unless it was a work truck and I lived in a big city like San Diego or LA.
    I’ve seen guys spinning tires on easy grade boat ramps.
    4wd costs more but the 1 or 2 times you NEED it it’s paid for itself. Where I live in AZ people get stuck all the time on shoulder or median or on sandy dirt roads. It’s about $500 just for a tow truck to get you back on pavement.
     
  3. May 12, 2018 at 6:31 AM
    #3
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I wheel a lot where I've had to use 4X4 so I can't help you there. I'm more concerned about your brother having to spend $7K on repairs over 4 years. As far as repairs only...I've spent $0 on my 07 Tundra. I've owned it 4 years now.
     
  4. May 12, 2018 at 6:33 AM
    #4
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Neighbor had the same Tundra but his was a 2WD. We had some random snow and he was unable to use his truck for a few days because the snow was so deep he got stuck. Meanwhile, my 4WD was getting me places.
     
  5. May 12, 2018 at 6:33 AM
    #5
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    $7k including the price difference on the 4wd over 2wd
     
  6. May 12, 2018 at 6:33 AM
    #6
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    That pretty much sums it up...
     
  7. May 12, 2018 at 6:36 AM
    #7
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    To clarify I’m not saying don’t get a 4x4 I’m just seeing if anyone in the tundra community has any regrets like my brother
     
    Thegr8punkin likes this.
  8. May 12, 2018 at 6:41 AM
    #8
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    OK. That makes sense. 4W option can be pricey. I've never owned a 2WD but yes there are times where the added expense may not be worth it for your use. I can tell you from experience...I can't count how many times I've helped friends over the years get their 2WD unstuck or even have to hoof it. Usually was during hunting season. The only time they'd go off road. Every single one of them wished they had bought a 4X4 after that. Word for the wise...don't go wheeling with anyone with a 2WD. Odds are high you will be hoofing it out.....hahahaha
     
  9. May 12, 2018 at 6:42 AM
    #9
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    When looking for our tundra, would have taken a 4x4 truck for the right price but it didn't break my heart that we did not get one. 99.99% flat street driver and no snow. For me "that something else" to fail was always in the back of my head.
     
  10. May 12, 2018 at 6:44 AM
    #10
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah he had a lot of issues with his Ram initially but ever since he did the all the emission deletes and tuned it he has almost 180k miles on it with zero issues but I get what you’re saying I have never went off road or plan on doing it but I can see why people go 4wd over 2wd especially if there is a need and I can also see why people go 2wd over 4wd
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. May 12, 2018 at 6:50 AM
    #11
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah I can see your point 4x4 can get pricey and if it’s not needed I can see why people shy away from it seems like where I live the 2wd trucks out number the 4x4
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  12. May 12, 2018 at 6:50 AM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    No regrets. Only thankfulness to spend a little extra upfront for the 4WD option and have it when needed. Never have had a problem with mine costing extra other than routine maintenance (fluids/adjusting).
     
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  13. May 12, 2018 at 6:52 AM
    #13
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    The only way I’d ever own another 2x for personal use, is if it at least has a locker or posi. I live in SoCal but the 4 x 4 has paid for itself a couple of times on my adventures. Once I stupidly pulled on to the soft shoulder on my way home from the Colorado River, because I got a flat on my boat trailer. When I went to pull back out my truck started sliding closer to the embankment. Put it in 4 x 4 and pulled right out. No waiting for a tow truck and only headache to deal with was the tire change.
     
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  14. May 12, 2018 at 6:52 AM
    #14
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    That is my reasoning for going 4x4 over 2wd I don’t want to have to steal my wife’s Lexus is250 awd to make it to work lol
     
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  15. May 12, 2018 at 6:53 AM
    #15
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    Yeah your wife can’t have a more manly car than you LOL.
     
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  16. May 12, 2018 at 6:54 AM
    #16
    Bprose

    Bprose Old member

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    Coming back from Martinez? Getting stuck on shoulder in Yuma or El Centro in the summer is like sitting in hell.
     
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  17. May 12, 2018 at 6:56 AM
    #17
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    Lol my previous Ram 1500 was 2wd and no issues in snow/ice when we had it but to say it wasn’t nerve wrecking driving home is a understatement lol
     
    15whtrd[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. May 12, 2018 at 6:59 AM
    #18
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    Coming back from Parker. It was on the 62 before 29 palms. Hundred plus degrees 2 lane Highway. F that LOL glad I could get out of there ASAP.
     
    Last edited: May 12, 2018
  19. May 12, 2018 at 7:00 AM
    #19
    mudslinger79

    mudslinger79 New Member

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    My first gen is a 2wd. I knew it was a 2wd when I bought it. That was not a big deal for me BECAUSE I have another vehicle which is 4x4. So, I really didn't need the 4wd tundra. Guy's at work give me a hard time because my tundra is leveled on big AT tires. But, they're not the ones paying for it LOL!! My Xterra sees offroad/snow use. My tundra sits when it snows because, well, it's 2wd AND I'm not driving it on the stupid salty ass roads.
     
  20. May 12, 2018 at 7:02 AM
    #20
    HamHands

    HamHands Honey-Glazed Member

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    I do a lot of things alone. Going out on the boat, four wheeler, or taking the truck on trails - most of the time I enjoy going by myself. So I prefer having the 4wd since I don't always have someone with me to be a safety net.

    This is my 5th truck I've owned, but only my 2nd 4x4. The first three were all 2wd. They were great trucks, and I went lots of places with them even being 2wd (no snow or mountains here in FL). I have nothing against 2wd trucks, but as long as the 4wd is within my budget, I plan to get it from now on just so I know I won't likely have to rely on anyone else to get me wherever I might be going.
     
  21. May 12, 2018 at 7:02 AM
    #21
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah don’t understand the hate 2wd guys get for lifting putting bigger tires on THEIR vehicles if they wanna pay for you to go 4x4 I’m sure you would be ok with that lol
     
  22. May 12, 2018 at 7:14 AM
    #22
    ShreveportTSS

    ShreveportTSS Huh?

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    I have avoided the 4x4s for the past 20 years for two reasons.
    1. I live in Louisiana with the occasional snow/ice. They pretty much shut the roads down, but I have been wishing I had 4x4.
    2. I live in Louisiana. If you are going offload more than just a gravel road, you need a light vehicle with a LOT of floatation. (old 2dr 4x4 4 cyl Taco with 44' Gumbo Mudders)
    I am a little more responsible these days and figured I can own a 4x4 without tearing it up in the woods.
     
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  23. May 12, 2018 at 7:18 AM
    #23
    ShreveportTSS

    ShreveportTSS Huh?

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    Having had two Taco TRD 2x4s that look like 4x4s, I can't see the point in putting mud tires all the way around and lifting a 2x4. Mudders on the back I can understand if you live out in the country. I ran an S-10 with 33 Buckshots on the back of it just to get down some farm roads..
     
  24. May 12, 2018 at 7:20 AM
    #24
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    I’m one of those people that doesn’t care if someone with a 2wd wants to throw a 7” lift on their tundra go for it at the end of the day if you’re happy with your truck then do what you want even if there isn’t a purpose for doing it but the same could also be said for 4x4 guys who lift and put mud tires on their trucks and never off road what is the point
     
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  25. May 12, 2018 at 7:31 AM
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    ShreveportTSS

    ShreveportTSS Huh?

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    True, I don't really look at trucks enough to see if they are 4x4 anyway. I just can't wrap my head around adding all the weight and handling characteristics unless you "need" it. I drive a Miata too (because I will loose my license with a real sports car) so I can't really talk about other's choices. :anonymous:
     
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  26. May 12, 2018 at 7:34 AM
    #26
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah been there done that also lol I drove nothing but sports cars since the age of 16 lol first car was a 05 mustang gt, traded in for a 09 bullitt, traded that in for a 2010 gt500 needless to say plenty of tickets were had in that time frame
     
  27. May 12, 2018 at 7:39 AM
    #27
    Viper3G

    Viper3G Why isn't work more like this?

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    You really have to evaluate what you are going to be doing with your truck. If you live in a city and never plan to drive in foul weather and stay on paved roads, you aren't going to need the 4X4. I live in L.A. and a 2x4 would be fine, except for the trips to areas where having the 4x4 helps. Like up to the eastern Sierras where you can get a snow storm in May or September. The surprise case is when I got stuck whenI pulled onto a shoulder to take a photo in the hills by Paso Robles. I didn't notice that the ground was wet and softer than it looked. The 4 wheel drive got me out, otherwise I would have had to wait for someone to drive by on this desolate road at night since there was no cell service. For me I like having the capability just in case. I've had my Tundra for a year and a half, used it 6 times and have had zero issues with it so far.
     
  28. May 12, 2018 at 7:40 AM
    #28
    fordguy1470

    fordguy1470 Member-ish

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    I'll come in on the flip side of the coin. I bought my truck strictly for on pavement use to tow a TT for work, and the most off roading I'll likely do is a dirt or gravel parking lot at a jobsite. I didn't want the extra cost/maintenance of the transfer case and front diff either. Living in the South, aside from the occasional ice storm I don't really have a seasonal need for 4wd. I've owned a couple of 4x4 trucks (F350, F150) and had to use 4wd maybe three times in 10+ years, I'll take my chances.
     
  29. May 12, 2018 at 7:41 AM
    #29
    Ac91

    Ac91 [OP] New Member

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    I think that’s the point my brother is at also that much money spent and only using it 2 times in 4 years is a little absurd for some people
     
  30. May 12, 2018 at 7:48 AM
    #30
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    Which Tundras have the hitch receiver but no coolers or wiring? I’ve seen people complain about that in the 4.6, also the 2WD?
     

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