General service accessibility: 2WD vs 4WD ?

As a prospective 2018 Tundra buyer, I'm hesitating between 4 & 2 wheel drive with the 5.7L engine. I only use 4WD few times per year, mainly ski trips.
While 4WD is a "nice to have" ... I could probably get by with chains and eventually a real locking Auburn diff.

I prefer to do much of my own work and especially after warranty runs out, I'll do most of the routine servicing. I'm concerned how difficult 4WD might (or not) make some servicing or repairs.
> > Is 2WD any easier?
I've seen some videos of routine starter, alternator, and AC compressor replacements, and I'm horrified how time consuming & difficult it is on a 4WD ... some were saying it's a 4-6 hr job for an alternator... there's so much junk in the way, which isn't helped by the extremely wide, quadruple overhead cam engine.

I'm used to early 90s Chevy GMT400 trucks & SUVs, and even with 4WD and 5.7L small block engine, there's tons of space. 10 minutes to change an alternator, 30-45 min for a starter.
Front & rear axles, transfer case, transmission pan, oil pan, filters, Zerk grease fittings, etc, are all relatively easy accessible.
TIA.

 

The engine bay of 4x4 and 4x2 models are the same. Get the 4x4!

 

^^^This.
I’ve never regretted having 4wd. Its always there the few times when needed.

 

Most definitely get 4x4. You will be glad you did the first time you get stuck.

You are $hit out of luck with cramped engine bay with any newer vehicles (any brand). With the space in the engine bay engineered to the brim, even changing light bulbs is not easy on these trucks.

 

I’d rather (maybe) have to spend an extra hour or two working in a garage once in a blue moon vs spending time in the slush trying to put on chains

 

2WD trucks have never made sense to me. Get the 4X4.

 

Get 4WD, What if....

 

How often are you planning on alternator, ac compressor, and starter replacements? If you're comparing a new Tundra to a early 1990's vehicle, have you compared a new GM/Ford/Ram/Nissan to the early 1990's trucks? Tundra's are, generally, extremely reliable and those items, although they do break/wear out, should not have to be replaced very often.

If you need 4wd, get the 4wd. Even if it is only a few times per year. That being said, if it comes with the Bridgestone Dueler Alenza tires, ditch those immediately. They suck.

 

There is no difference between maintenance of a 2WD vs 4WD in the engine bay. The only difference would be the 4WD system itself - Maybe a few extra grease points, CVs etc., but that is minimal.