Used Truck - Do I need 4 x 4?

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Originally Posted By: coopns
Considering two used GMC Sierra 2006:

1. 06 12.8K price and 102K miles 4 x 4
2 06 9.5k price and 139K miles no 4 x 4

Live in MA. Don't drive far to work 20 slow miles. Is it worth the extra money? Both trucks are sharp looking.

Advice/recommendations?



For much of the year, you won't "need" 4wd. But there will be a few days you wish you had it. I had a 2wd pickup for awhile in 2004 in southern VA. Going up hills, it would spin a wheel and be hard to drive in 1/4" of snow.

IMO, digging out some ruts for the front tires to get moving, in 8" of snow while getting hit with ice pellets in a strong wind at 15°F -VS- buying a 4wd is a no brainer.
 
In simple terms, I would rather have it and not need it than the other way around, but YMMV. I head to CO/WY/MT offroading in the winter and summer so I use mine quite often and am glad I have it.
 
and on dry roads, with the different driving dynamics modes



and if you do get in a crash




the right question is maybe if you need a truck?

I can understand wanting a truck though...
 
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Originally Posted By: MuzzleFlash40
You seem to get pounded with snow in the winters. If you are going to get a truck and can afford the 3 extra grand get the 4x4. I've never heard anyone say after buying a 4x4 truck say "I wish I would've got a 4x2".


This!
 
Daily drove a 1976 K5 Blazer with front/rear lockers for many years. (mini spool in front, Auburn LSD in rear, central disconnect in the TC).

For everday commuting, my experiences have shown you usualy get into deeper trouble with a 4x4 as
you're more confident, take chances and end up getting stuck farther than if you had a 4x2.

My current '14 F150XL 2WD with limited slip axle and quality snow tires does just as well (or better) for on-road use during Montreal and surrounding area winters.

If you don't plan on off-roading, running dedicated snow tires on a 4x2 would be more beneficial than
having a 4x4 equipped with all-season or all-terrain type tires in winter conditions.
 
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Originally Posted By: Jetronic
Actually, an open diff means either 2 wheel drive, or no drive... can't have it any other way


No. We're discussing motive force here, not theory.

Additionally, the vehicles in question are GMT800 pickups, not Alfa Romeo cars.
 
It's all about additional margins of safety and security. True the 4x4 won't stop better or turn better than the 4x2 but you sure have a heck of lot better chances of keeping forward momentum with 4x4. This and the 4x4 models just look better!

I never have nor ever will own a 2WD truck. I currently have an AWD Sierra Denali and come rain or snow that truck leaves a stop with no drama and no skidding. The same 2WD trucks are all over the road.
 
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Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: MuzzleFlash40
I've never heard anyone say after buying a 4x4 truck say "I wish I would've got a 4x2".
This!
01.gif
+2 - I have heard any 4x4 owner demoan the fact they bought one, but as always YMMV.
 
Thanks, I really appreciate the advice.

Considering the price and years, does that factor in to my decision? Both 06's but one with 140k and the other with 100? Should I be concerned with those miles?
 
Only you should decide what you need. I have had both 4x and with 2X re read Hatteras posting. When in doubt 4X4
 
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: Jetronic
Actually, an open diff means either 2 wheel drive, or no drive... can't have it any other way


No. We're discussing motive force here, not theory.

Additionally, the vehicles in question are GMT800 pickups, not Alfa Romeo cars.

[video:youtube][/video]


I also wasn't replying to a G80 comment, but a regular open diff as used by most 2wd trucks. As did my Silverado back in the day. either you have traction on 2 wheels, or on no wheel. No such thing as 1 wheel drive with an open differential as your video shows!

I'll put one side of my car on a roller bed at work next week, see how it does. it has an open differential but should lock the spinning wheel using the brakes like the eaton does
 
Since you're buying used, the 2WD likely stayed home the worst winter days. So it'll be less salted/ rusted.
 
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