4wd drive vs 2wd w/locker

[Jb1rd]

* *****Yes I searched the forum, sorry, think I figured it out****:clapsmile

I am trying to be honest with myself about what I really need and what kind of driving I see myself REALLY doing. If I look back, historically 95% of my miles are paved and or forest service roads with the odd excursion in my p/u that was 4wd up mild jeep trails often times never needing 4low. Since I sold the Sprinter and am on the hunt for a new platform for a Stealth Camper/Fun Mobile my head is spinning with the possibilities. As I look at an already 4wd converted van it seems a pretty high price to pay for one that is in comparable shape to a 2wd version. I asked earlier when I had my Sprinter if I could simply add a locker to it and it seemed to be a resounding NO, unless was going to spend major money. Now I pose the same question, can I get an E2-350 and add an ARB locker? It seems to me that my money could be better spent on a newer van and add a locker than to pay the premium for a Quigley Conversion that 99% of the available vans seem to have, which in turn a lot of folks here seem all to happy to replace with something different???????? Any insight will be great :Wow1:

 

[Bbasso]

A locker + quality tires + ground clearance + driver's skill = go as you please

 

[ujoint]

If a 2wd + locker was good enough nobody would have 4x4's!

 

[Jb1rd]

If a 2wd + locker was good enough nobody would have 4x4's!

Like I said, just trying to be honest with myself as to how much actual "off-roading" I will be doing. And where I will be going Baja maybe some interior Mainland Mexico, more sand and bad roads than rock crawling
o

 

[boardrider247]

For me it's not off roading which requires 4wd/awd but snow.
Yes you can get by just fine with 2wd in the snow. But 4wd makes it so much easier and safer.
Not to mention trailhead parking in the winter is questionable at best, it's very easy to pull over just a bit too far and have the front end go down.

 

[tarditi]

Originally Posted by ujoint View Post
If a 2wd + locker was good enough nobody would have 4x4's!

Since most 4x4 are open diff, and precious few manufacturers offer locking rear differentials (I do not consider limited slip or electronically managed braking/traction control the same as a locker) I'm not sure that is true.

A well set up 2wd system (clearance and traction taken into account) with a locking rear differential will do well on many surfaces, but sometimes there is no traction at a given axle if you understand this (fishtailing and muscle car-styled hoonage may ensue!) you will still need a plan for recovery. Perhaps a hitch-mounted winch with hookups front and rear?

A switchable locker in the rear coupled with a good recovery plan sounds like it can get you through most of what you need to do. Some skill and judgement may well make up the rest of the circumstances!

 

[Haf-E]

The other thing that 4wd usually gets you is a low range - which allows going over difficult areas at slower speeds - which results in less damage to the vehicle and less wheel spin - doing the same obstacle in a 2wd without low range often requires more speed which results in damage to the vehicle, wheel spin and getting stuck. I've thought about putting just a transfer case in a 2wd truck just to add the low range to the rear wheels.

Snow is a big deal here in the west as they often require tire chains on non 4wd vehicle - sometimes when it is not really required but in order to slow down drivers it seems. It only takes a couple of times putting chains on and driving with them on for you to wish you had 4wd.

Sand is a different problem - my sprinter is nose heavy and the front wheels plow in and then the rear wheels spin and dig in - and I am stuck... happens quickly and so often that I am reluctant to stop and explore lots of places where I would go if I was in a 4wd vehicle - so it ends up affecting me in more subtle ways.

Bumpers, anti-lock brakes and airbags aren't needed either for 99% of the time...

 

[Skooter_Built]

I learned along time ago, that moment When you realize you need 4x4 is when you don't have it. Yes you can get by with good tires, a locker and a winch but its still a pain in the backside.

My 2002 F250 weighs 8000lb or more, has new 35" Duratrac tires and if it gets into anything soft or slick is absolutely useless without 4x4. I've gotten stuck in my driveway a few times this winter in 2wd.

For my piece of mind I wouldn't venture very far off hard pavement in any vehicle without 4x4.

 

[86scotty]

Yep, think about pulling rather than pushing. A locker will help considerably, and considering you are in Fl? you would probably be fine, but once you venture out west, Mexico, wherever, you may regret not having 4wd. I'm in Tn and I was fine with 2wd most of the time, but when it does snow, or in sand, or on icy roads which we have here sometimes, 4wd will let you pull yourself rather than pushing a heavy van with the rear tires only. But, realistically, is 4wd worth the asking price for those of us who only use it 1% of the time? Hard to say. Just be patient and wait on a 4WD van to present itself. That's what I did and I couldn't be happier. They are out there.
Maybe the guy with the 6900 V10 will come down a bit. $6k would be a good price for that van IMO.

Good luck!

 

[poriggity]

I would much rather have 4x4 and not need it than not have 4x4 and be wishing I did.

 

[Skwerly]

I would much rather have 4x4 and not need it than not have 4x4 and be wishing I did.

Exactly! It won't hurt ya to have it, even if you never use it. four-wheel drive can do things regular vehicles just simply aren't capable of, and at much lower speeds. Easier on the drive train, easier on you. I personally will never, ever be without a four-wheel drive vehicle of some sort.

 

[Plannerman]

As said above, having 4Lo is very valuable for technical and steep trails


Sent via fat thumb

 

[tanglefoot]

Since you mention sand, that's a definite terrain-type where 4wd and open diffs does much better than 2wd and a locker, unless you drive a sand rail.

 

[T.Low]

Sounds like you could cut out that other 5% of places you drive and you may be fine.

Personally, some of my fondest memories were made possible in part by 4wheel drive.

 

[Paddlevan]

Thanks for the truth

A locker + quality tires + ground clearance + driver's skill = go as you please