4x4 vs 2wd

[akcowboy]

I'm curious as how well a 4x4 with open diffs would compare in use to a 2wd with a locked diff? Everything else would be the same of course. Engine, wheels, tranny, gears....

[bleedfordblue]

nothing compares with 4wd.....

[cdeal28078]

nothing compares with 4wd.....

I agree with the above but If you are not used to a locked rear-end it WILL surprise you with the difference between it and an open. It'll make you think you have a 4x4 until you get stuck.
It does make a huge difference.
clint

[xxxtina63]

From the land of mud and snow,

[akcowboy]

Thanks for the help. I suppose I'll look for anything with a locked rear or a 4x4 then.

[binder56jd]

an old timer(now deceased) once told me that the main difference between 2 and 4 wd was typically 20 to 30 ft ( into whatever stuck ya) jd

[spartman]

[xxxtina63]

Just remember, don't get a spool for everyday driving. It can be dangerous, especially if you drive on snow/ice. Even a locker sometimes won't disengage on a corner when on ice.

[460 crew]

4x4 all the way but it depends on what you plan on doing with the truck and if you will need additional lift later on down the road. A 4x4 is easier to lift IMHO but both are possible and functional with the right parts. On the other hand sometimes when you have that 4x4 it goes to your head and you end up twice as stuck. Along the lines as what Binder56jd said.

Any 2wd ford with a trac lock will be adequate for the usual trail drive.

[68half/step4x4]

One of the good things about 4wd is the weight over the front tires. For the most part, a little extra weight over the rear tires will help with traction. Plus, with the front wheels pulling further ahead of the rear, the traction may be better up there. But I have seen some amazing things done with a locked up 2wd.

[jor]

I've owned several 4X4s over the years. In my experience, they allowed me to become more thoroughly stuck than my 2X4s. I sold one of them (a one ton Chevy that used to be a school bus van on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico) to a Mexican Customs officer. Later that year, it was found abandoned in the middle of the Rio Grande with a load of marijuana. Like I said - stuck. Here's a photo of that old Chevy (still have a soft spot for it - too bad she turned to a life of crime)
jor

[460 crew]

Nice!! Thats a burley lookin rig.

[binder56jd]

jor- that's a truck's truck- i can see why you have a soft spot for that one- regarding the lockers and such- one of my scouts had a limited slip- it was good in mud and snow, but on ice that was the squirrliest thing i ever drove jd

[steveheer]

When my limited slip was fresh I had it in the hills on ice. It was FUN, but was workout keeping it straight!!

[Jake11]

The best thing to get there is a "Horse"