I grew up back in the 60's using RWD pickups. 1st 4x4 was in 1972. And we lived on rural gravel roads and rural two lane highways in farm country Iowa. Not the primary concern of the state road crews to clear during snow. We understood the limitations and capabilities of RWD and we did not have any major issues, even in snowy and muddy conditions. 4x4 is a realistic option, but if one uses the grey matter between their ears, RWD is equally a realistic option. The right tires, proper weight in the back, and maybe emergency traction devices for some unforeseen scenario, and you are pretty well set for all but the most severe conditions. But there is a very strong argument can be made for going with 4x4. Even then, I see a lot of 4x4's in the ditch each winter because folks don't use common sense.
Used Truck - Do I need 4 x 4?
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Another thing to keep in mind about that year GM truck is the intermediate steering shaft issues (clunking noise and feel in steering) effects front tire wear and doesn't do other components in the steering system any good.
I'm not sure the exact year of onset, but my uncle had a 2004 with it and they didn't redesign the steering until 2008.
I'm not sure the exact year of onset, but my uncle had a 2004 with it and they didn't redesign the steering until 2008.
Originally Posted By: Digital2k2
Another thing to keep in mind about that year GM truck is the intermediate steering shaft issues (clunking noise and feel in steering) effects front tire wear and doesn't do other components in the steering system any good.
I'm not sure the exact year of onset, but my uncle had a 2004 with it and they didn't redesign the steering until 2008.
Dorman ISS is $50 on Amazon.
Their (Dorman) wide array of parts can be hit-and-miss on fit/quality, but I've used it myself without issue, and the general consensus is in agreement: http://amzn.com/B000Q0K5SQ
Another thing to keep in mind about that year GM truck is the intermediate steering shaft issues (clunking noise and feel in steering) effects front tire wear and doesn't do other components in the steering system any good.
I'm not sure the exact year of onset, but my uncle had a 2004 with it and they didn't redesign the steering until 2008.
Dorman ISS is $50 on Amazon.
Their (Dorman) wide array of parts can be hit-and-miss on fit/quality, but I've used it myself without issue, and the general consensus is in agreement: http://amzn.com/B000Q0K5SQ
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: coopns
Here are the links to the two...
06 - no 4x4
06 4 x 4 - Less Miles
Those are both 4WD (with AutoTrac).
Where do you see 4x4 on the first one?
Originally Posted By: coopns
Here are the links to the two...
06 - no 4x4
06 4 x 4 - Less Miles
Those are both 4WD (with AutoTrac).
Where do you see 4x4 on the first one?
Four buttons left of steering wheel, right of air vent.
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Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Four buttons left of steering wheel, right of air vent.
Yep - see red box:
Four buttons left of steering wheel, right of air vent.
Yep - see red box:
Thanks for point that out! Whoops.
So considering both with price and miles...should I be concernted with the miles (138) or would it be worth it to spend more and only have 100k miles?
So considering both with price and miles...should I be concernted with the miles (138) or would it be worth it to spend more and only have 100k miles?
Originally Posted By: coopns
Thanks for point that out! Whoops.
So considering both with price and miles...should I be concernted with the miles (138) or would it be worth it to spend more and only have 100k miles?
Depends what you want.
The more expensive one looks like a plusher truck.
The cheaper one looks like a work trim.
If you don't care, go with the cheaper one.
30-40K miles isn't going to make much difference, assuming they are in comparable shape.
Thanks for point that out! Whoops.
So considering both with price and miles...should I be concernted with the miles (138) or would it be worth it to spend more and only have 100k miles?
Depends what you want.
The more expensive one looks like a plusher truck.
The cheaper one looks like a work trim.
If you don't care, go with the cheaper one.
30-40K miles isn't going to make much difference, assuming they are in comparable shape.
look at the 4th picture on the cheaper truck. Is that a rusty chassis beam?
ls1mike
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My truck is 2wd. Does just fine in Washington state. I will tell you having grown up in upstate New York. I wouldn't even consider a 2wd truck out by you
Originally Posted By: Tdbo
The more expensive one looks like a plusher truck.
The cheaper one looks like a work trim.
The cheaper one is actually a higher trim level SLT with "leather" and Bose. The more expensive one is an SLE. The coated leather face seats just don't look that good in 10 year old trucks. IMO, the "Custom Cloth" or whatever GM called it velour usually found in LS/SLE trim trucks is by far the best seat material in these. It holds up way better than the vinyl, woven cloth, and "leather," is more comfortable, and I think it looks nice.
We have a 2004 Sierra SLE at work with velour cloth buckets and Bose, just shy of 300K miles. It's the only one of our trucks that hasn't had the seat cushion cover replaced, and it's the most comfortable IMO.
I agree 30-40K doesn't mean much. Test drive both.
The more expensive one looks like a plusher truck.
The cheaper one looks like a work trim.
The cheaper one is actually a higher trim level SLT with "leather" and Bose. The more expensive one is an SLE. The coated leather face seats just don't look that good in 10 year old trucks. IMO, the "Custom Cloth" or whatever GM called it velour usually found in LS/SLE trim trucks is by far the best seat material in these. It holds up way better than the vinyl, woven cloth, and "leather," is more comfortable, and I think it looks nice.
We have a 2004 Sierra SLE at work with velour cloth buckets and Bose, just shy of 300K miles. It's the only one of our trucks that hasn't had the seat cushion cover replaced, and it's the most comfortable IMO.
I agree 30-40K doesn't mean much. Test drive both.
01rangerxl knows what he's talking about here.
I'll add this - condition, condition, condition. Any decent dealer can shine a truck up and make it look pretty in pictures. Do you know anyone that's familiar with these, and can go look with you? Buy them a pack of their favorite beer and a good meal; whatever you spend could save considerable headache and BIG $$$ down the road.
I'll add this - condition, condition, condition. Any decent dealer can shine a truck up and make it look pretty in pictures. Do you know anyone that's familiar with these, and can go look with you? Buy them a pack of their favorite beer and a good meal; whatever you spend could save considerable headache and BIG $$$ down the road.
Here in New York, I would take a 2 Wheel Dr. truck with formur snow tires over a four-wheel-drive truck with all seasons.
Seems the 2wd vs 4wd question is a moot point since both trucks are 4x4.
Regardless, I've owned both and driven both 2wd and 4wd through MN and CO winters. Both can be done.
That being said, I've never once regretted having 4wd. Can't say the same for 2wd, and I have chosen not to drive somewhere when I've questioned whether the 2wd truck could do it or not.
To those who point out getting a 2wd truck and putting snow tires on it, get a 4x4 and put snow tires on it - I do on both my F150 and Explorer. Makes winter driving so much more comfortable. Needed, no. Nicer - yes!
Regardless, I've owned both and driven both 2wd and 4wd through MN and CO winters. Both can be done.
That being said, I've never once regretted having 4wd. Can't say the same for 2wd, and I have chosen not to drive somewhere when I've questioned whether the 2wd truck could do it or not.
To those who point out getting a 2wd truck and putting snow tires on it, get a 4x4 and put snow tires on it - I do on both my F150 and Explorer. Makes winter driving so much more comfortable. Needed, no. Nicer - yes!
Agreed 4x4 w snows would rock
Originally Posted By: MuzzleFlash40
I've never heard anyone say after buying a 4x4 truck say "I wish I would've got a 4x2".
I have...usually, after getting a whopping repair bill; occasionally, after struggling to load something into a too-high bed. Don't forget the substantial hit in gas mileage.
I've never heard anyone say after buying a 4x4 truck say "I wish I would've got a 4x2".
I have...usually, after getting a whopping repair bill; occasionally, after struggling to load something into a too-high bed. Don't forget the substantial hit in gas mileage.
Originally Posted By: coopns
Here are the links to the two...
06 - no 4x4
06 4 x 4 - Less Miles
Whoa! You need to RUN AWAY from the second truck as fast as you can! It is in Hyannis, meaning it quite likely spent its first nine years on Cape Cod, slowly corroding in salt air! The thought of what might be behind those running boards makes me cringe.
Here are the links to the two...
06 - no 4x4
06 4 x 4 - Less Miles
Whoa! You need to RUN AWAY from the second truck as fast as you can! It is in Hyannis, meaning it quite likely spent its first nine years on Cape Cod, slowly corroding in salt air! The thought of what might be behind those running boards makes me cringe.
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Don't forget the substantial hit in gas mileage.
Often true, but oddly enough my 4.0L 4x4 Ranger gets better gas mileage on average than my 3.0L 2WD.
Don't forget the substantial hit in gas mileage.
Often true, but oddly enough my 4.0L 4x4 Ranger gets better gas mileage on average than my 3.0L 2WD.
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