4x4 vs. 2WD Ex

[Dr_Wayne]

I'm in the process of getting a replacement vehicle. I currently have a 2WD and am toying with the idea of moving up to a 4x4 Ex. I test drove one today and the ride is definitely not as smooth and you do sit up about 3" higher. We get snow/ice maybe once per year and I never plan taking the Ex off road; however, would hate to end up on a soft muddy road with that heavy diesel. What are the thoughts out there on 2WD vs. 4x4 for the Excursions???

Wayne

[Mark Hodowanec]

I don't off road my Excursion either. I like having the 4X4 when I Launch the boat on steep, slipery ramps. Also like the insurance if I go on some muddy back roads. Really hard for me to justify it, but I know that all my trucks will continue to have 4X4.

[RoyC]

After owning 6 4x4s and not putting the last two into 4x4 for there time with me I decided to for go the purchase cost and associated operating cost of a 4x4 when I got my 03 X. The fuel milage cost saving which, in my expierence is about 2 MPG, was not worth the option of having 4x4 for the one day per year snow events we have in Georgia.


RoyC

[CHPMustang]

We do tow/travel between Texas and California a couple times a year and the 4x4 comes in handy when working the snow covered Sierra Nevada summit highways during the winter season(I don't miss chaining up!)I do take it off road when working the Hot Air Balloon Festival for recovery/chase duty otherwise the X sees flatland conditions rest of the time.

We make sure 4x4 is always included when we purchase F250 or higher capacity trucks otherwise we'd get an F150 4x2 SuperCrew for around town driving.

-BILL

[Maverick4x4]

[ QUOTE ]
What are the thoughts out there on 2WD vs. 4x4 for the Excursions???

Wayne

[/ QUOTE ]

You only need it when you need it. If you haven't needed it, why get it? Personally, I find ways to "need" it. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

Is there a way to tell if it's 4x4 or 2wd from the VIN?

Thanks,
Brett

[jschira]

4x4 is like diesel, more $$ up front, more $$ at trade-in time. People who are looking at a 4x2 will buy a 4x4. People wanting a 4x4 won't touch a 4x2. This is especially true in an SUV. 4x2 SUVs are dogs on the market in OH, for example.

As far as MPGs, these things are bricks and wind resistance has a bigger effect on MPGs than 4x4. For example, my MPGs change very, very little with or without a load in my trailer. 4000 lbs. empty or 8000 lbs. loaded. Once up to speed, MPGs are the same.

My 4x4 X gets the same MPGs as my '99 4x2 F250 SC (which weighed 2000 lbs. less).

[Dr_Wayne]

Is there a way to improve the road ride of a 4x4 over a 2x4?

Also, my 2x4 handles like a dream...are there stats indicating increased roll overs on 4x4's? The 4x4 I tested just didn't seem to corner quite as well or didn't "feel" as comfortable, it could just be an adjustment to feel, I guess.

[Zaphod]

Speaking as a winter-loving Canadian, limited slip is more important than 4x4. Not that I'd by an X without 4x4, but even if you buy 4x4, LS is a must.

Also speaking as a winter-loving Canadian who uses back roads as insurance against speed traps; Tires make more difference than 4x4 or LS. Luckily, Ford seems to provide _much_ better tires when you buy 4x4.

... You don't really "off road" unless you pack a winch.

[rozett]

A 4x4 with solid front axle will never handle like a 4x2, no matter what you do to it. There are things you can do to help, like aftermarket shocks and LANDYOT's radius rods. You might try out a 4x4 Expedition. It's built on the F150 chassis and has independent front suspension instead of the solid axle.

Sounds like you are looking for a large SUV. But the Excursion is a truck with extra seats. They are different animals. I wouldn't want to pull my 10K poound trailer with an Expy.... I'll take the solid axle and tougher chassis.

[dmftoy1]

The comment about the 4x4 PSD X on a muddy road is funny. That pops into my mind everytime mine is offroad and I can't shake it. That being said, I haven't had it sink yet. (to my amazement). My offroading is primarily limited to moving trailers on/off the flood plain below my house in the dry months and a bit of offroading in "easy' areas. The diesel is really good for 4 wheeling because of the torque, but it's pretty hard to find open enough trails to take it down without risking "natural" pinstriping. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I think given your criteria I'd probably buy a 4x2. Around here the peace of mind during a heavy snowstorm (2-6 a year) is worth the extra cost. The other thing I wouldn't trade is the 2wd LOW for backing a heavy trailer. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

[blackx]

When we purchased our X, we test drove the 2x first. We liked the ride of the 4x4. I see people seem to think the opposite, so I do not know why. I just felt that the 4x4 handled and rode better (maybe subconciously I convinced myself it was better since that is what I wanted anyhow). The X is heavy and if you get off the road in sand or mud or wet grass, you can have problems I have found, The stock tires (Firestones) do not have very aggressive tread. I still have them because I got a free set from Firestone at 50k miles.

[MGX]

I live in snow land but I don't tow, off road, or launch boats. Therefore, I have never had a big reason to have a 4X4. I've found that the weight of the vehicle and a good set of tires is all that I have needed. I didn't want the maintenance problems, expense, rough ride, instability, and tire wear issues. Since you don't seem to have a defined need for a 4X4, a 2WD will probably do well for you. Good luck and let us know what you wind up with.

[CHPMustang]

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a way to improve the road ride of a 4x4 over a 2x4?

Also, my 2x4 handles like a dream...are there stats indicating increased roll overs on 4x4's? The 4x4 I tested just didn't seem to corner quite as well or didn't "feel" as comfortable, it could just be an adjustment to feel, I guess.


[/ QUOTE ]
I'd suggest aftermarket shocks,steering stabilizer and better tires than the stock ones.

[Dr_Wayne]

[ QUOTE ]
I live in snow land but I don't tow, off road, or launch boats. Therefore, I have never had a big reason to have a 4X4. I've found that the weight of the vehicle and a good set of tires is all that I have needed. I didn't want the maintenance problems, expense, rough ride, instability, and tire wear issues. Since you don't seem to have a defined need for a 4X4, a 2WD will probably do well for you. Good luck and let us know what you wind up with.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the input. I spent 4 years in Indiana (Hail Purdue!) and survived great with 2WD. Snow and ice don't bother me in a 2WD at all...now all these rednecks down here in Arkansas seem to think you can drive better and faster with 4WD in any weather..but that is another post. We have anticipation of purchasing a boat or travel trailer in a couple of years and my main concern is getting in sticky situations with that; however, I really doubt I would choose to go down an extremely steep boat ramp or into a swamp to camp so 2WD is probably just fine...not to mention, the ride is sooo much better.

I really hate decisions.

[jschira]

[ QUOTE ]
not to mention, the ride is sooo much better.

[/ QUOTE ]

I guess that it is all relative.

My 4x4 X rides MUCHO better than my 4x2 '99 F250.

Also, check the GVWR. I think that the 4x4 is higher.