4x4 vs 4x2
#1
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4x4 vs 4x2
what is the difference and advantages/disadvantages. Noticed it on some SUV's. Thanks
#2
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4x4 is four wheel drive, 4x2 is two wheel (only) drive. With 4x4, you can switch back and forth from two wheel drive to four wheel drive as conditions warrant. Four wheel drive will give better traction in snow (or mud, depending on your lifestyle), but costs more, uses more gas and adds more parts that can break.
#4
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ok...
I get it now. I just figured that 2 wheel drive was assumed and that 4 x 2 meant something else. Thanks again. You guys rock...
p.s. with this being a truck for the wife (i live in SE Michigan) do you think we should get the 4x4???
p.s. with this being a truck for the wife (i live in SE Michigan) do you think we should get the 4x4???
#5
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It all depends on how [and where] she plans to use it. 4x4's go better in the snow but don't necesarrily stop better. If the roads stay plowwed and salted she may not need 4 wheel drive. I think all the new ones have automatic locking hubs but if buying used that may be something to consider. I have manual lock outs on my truck but my jeep [which my wife occasionaly drives] has automatic hubs. I couldn't imagine her getting out to lock the hubs
#6
4 X 2 is a marketing gimmik. it's two wheel drive designed to look like 4 wheel drive. if you're considering a towable vehicle look for terminology like limited slip, traction control, or in rear wheel drive, a locking differential. so many have bought "four wheel drive" vehicles that never turned more than two wheels at a time.
#7
Also worth checking if the 2 wheel drive version is the same as the 4wd version, sans the axle and transfer case.
Case in point, my jeep cherokee, has all the makings of 4wd, including 4wd hubs on the front. Instead of replaceable bearings at $20 a hub, I had to buy complete hub assemblies at ~$300 each.
If you do get 4wd, make sure it is one that can be 'full time'. Many 4wd's break because the owner uses them in 'part time' 4wd mode on pavement. 'Full time' can be used on pavement.
Case in point, my jeep cherokee, has all the makings of 4wd, including 4wd hubs on the front. Instead of replaceable bearings at $20 a hub, I had to buy complete hub assemblies at ~$300 each.
If you do get 4wd, make sure it is one that can be 'full time'. Many 4wd's break because the owner uses them in 'part time' 4wd mode on pavement. 'Full time' can be used on pavement.
#8
Forum Topic Moderator
Originally Posted by Pendragon
If you do get 4wd, make sure it is one that can be 'full time'. Many 4wd's break because the owner uses them in 'part time' 4wd mode on pavement. 'Full time' can be used on pavement.
A lot depends on the use of the 4 wheel drive. I have a jeep that has both part time and full time selection. Full time is great for pavement but if you really need traction [off road or snow covered road] the 'part time' [all 4 wheels] is the only way to go.
BTW it has always dumb founded me that jeep with their reputation would make 2 wheel drive vehichles
#9
I think having a locker is better then 4wd. Unless you have 4x4 and a locker. Front and rear axle are only one wheel drive, the wheel that turns easier spins. So the wheel with traction wont spin on front and back. with a locker both wheels spin and its rare that both rear wheels have no traction, unless you nose dive into a ditch.