4X4 worth the money

[DQDick]

Joyce and I spent today in the back parts of the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Roads were at best fire roads and even though it hasn't rained in over a week we had to use the 4X4 twice or we'd still be there. Saw Antelopes, deer, turkeys and a golden eagle (besides the usual small animals) that we never would have seen if our TV wasn't a 4X4.

[Bill-N-Donna]

I wouldn’t want to be without one. However, I’m getting ready to purchase a compact tractor and it isn’t a 4X4. I hope I don’t regret that but the purchase price and what I will actually be using it for helped me in the decision.

[kdeiss]

My first P/U was a 76 Chevy 2x2 after that experience I said "I will always own a 4x4"

[camper4]

I won't buy a truck with two wheel drive. I use the 4x4 frequently. Gets me out of trouble!
My compact tractor is a John Deere 4x4. For my uses, the 4 x4 was the way to Go. Amazing what those little tractors can do! I have found that the tractor wins.. against the garage door, door header, trees, siding, etc. Good luck with yours!

[Tom S.]

I started driving 4x4's just before the craze caught on. I ordered my first one, a 1973 K5 Blazer in the fall of 1972. I've owned many cars since, but have never been without a 4x4, either as a pick up or a Blazer.

[ols1932]

Is it worth the money? Ask the guy who needed it when he got stuck on some wet grass and couldn't move, just spin wheels. I won't be without my 4X4.

Orv

[1retired06]

Same here. Always have had 4WD and ir has saved us several times, particularly in rainy weather pulling out of dirt sites.

[Slufoot733]

I need 4x4 just to park my Monty at home. It's stored beside my garage which is slightly up hill through grass. Without 4x4 I sit and spin in the grass. If we've had any rain then I really need it, even to go down hill. Needless to say that part of my lawn takes a beating.

I have also needed 4x4 at campground when I find myself on wet grass or other soft conditions. SO, my answer is YES, it is worth the extra $$$.

[BB_TX]

I owned 4x4 1987-1997 and 2004 thru present. But can't say I have ever really NEEDED it. Even though the "road" in to our hunting lease is dirt (and often mud) I rarely use the 4x4. Main reason I bought 4x4 on recent trucks is that you can't find much in the way of 4x2 except basic work trucks, at least around here.
But my compact JD tractor is 4x4 and have often used it in 4x4 mode.

[DQDick]

I've even had to use mine to get out of our parking spot this winter. Since they have the new lot scraped out between us and the highway everytime it rains it turns into a mud-a-thon.

[RickW]

I have never needed 4x4 for my TV but roads/areas like you describe are exactly why we carry the Jeep. With its small size it will go almost any where and in the city I can find a parking space for it with ease too.

Both of my F250 Diesels were 4x2 but I factory ordered both of them and made sure both had limited slip rear ends. I never had any issues.

[LonnieB]

The last 4x2 I bought was in 1979. In 1981, after getting stuck in the middle of a dirt road 20 miles from the highway, and 5 miles from the closest ranch house, and spending several hours digging half frozen mud with sticks and a lug wrench, I bought a 1981 GMC Sierra 4x4. I can't say I'll never own another 4x2 truck, but I will say I'll never own one as a tow vehicle.

[mlh]

Almost as many people here have a compact 4x4 John Deere as we have 4x4 trucks. I wouldn't be without a 4x4 990 JD compact farm tractor or a 4x4 truck.
Lynwood

[bncinwv]

The first time that you put a diesel truck onto any type of soft ground (sand, mud, etc.), you quickly learn the value and importance of four wheel drive. I have sunk the front end up in a friend's yard far enough that all the rear tires would do is spin. One press of a button on the dash and out she came. Those front wheels pulling under the weight of that heavy diesel motor comes in handy too many times! Now with all that being said, my work truck is 4x4 for obvious reason's, DW's Suburban is 4x4, and our dually is 4x4 (see a trend there?). Both daughters have front wheel drive, but at present they stay on pavement (hopefully). When they grow old enough to appreciate the value of 4wd, they can buy it themselves (gotta give them life lessons sometime!)
Bingo

[Rondo]

Lynwood-- My brother has a saying he keeps pounding into my head--" Friends don't let friends by green tractors!" He sells AGCO and that's all we've owned since I was born on the farm. We were the first family in Nebraska to own the old round baler from Allis Chalmers and still own it along with numerous other Allis equipment. Just had to jump in on the idea of JDs! I know there are plenty of them around but........!
On the subject of this thread-- I've owned a 4X4 since we've had the Monte and will not be without it! It's got me out of alot of positions and some slick area(both mud, snow and ice)that I'd never have gotten out of with just a two wheel drive unit!

[washley1]

You know, we've only been pulling a 5er for 4 1/2 years now, and I have never yet needed to use the 4x4 setting when pulling...but I would not be without it because of all the situations that many of you have been in! Outside of hauling, I have only had it in 4x once!

[Tom S.]

Another big advantage to 4x4's is the low range. If you put the transfer case into low gear, it's real easy to move the tow vehicle or both vehicle and trailer if hooked up, minor amounts. I use low all the time if hooking up a regular trailer because it so much easier to move an inch at a time. It also works great for pushing the trailer up on leveling blocks.

[richfaa]

It is a complete waste of Money till the first time you need it and do not have it.

[grayghost03]

Rich is 100% correct. When I was young, I spent every weekend in Mexico, Rocky Point. I would pull people out of the sand on Sandy Beach, where everybody camped. They would usually tip you, 5 bucks or so, a lot of money back then. I pulled out one gentleman several time and told him, he needed a 4 wheel drive, he said "nope I pay you and you pay the extra cost for buying and maintaining your 4 wheel drive". He was right, he was saving money. Next time I pulled him out, I charged him 10 buck. Nothing but 4x4 for the past 40 years. Needed it once so far to move the 5ver.

[Slufoot733]

Tom, excellent point on the low range. I have always opted for the manual hubs* for just that reason. Using low range in two wheel drive allows very accurate maneuvering with the trailer attached. It also allows you to ascend steep hills (at much reduced speeds of course) without overheating the automatic tranny.

* using low range with auto-hubs in four wheel drive will also work but sometimes the gears will bind if you're on pavement or another hard surface. This can cause the front end to 'hop' occasionally but is manageable.