When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
3rd Gen Ram Tech2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
In your situation I'd go with the 2wd. Even betterif it doesn't have the stock LSD. The money you save on it not being 4wd you can purchase a quality LSD like a Tru-Trac. The stock LSD has a history of self-destructing. Not all of them, but you don't know until it's too late.
If you don't need 4wd, don't get it. The 4wd is heavier, has more moving parts, gets worse gas mileage, requires more maintainence, and will have higher insurance premiums due to the higher repair costs if in an accident.
It's true that when you need the 4wd its indispensible. I won't dispute that. My last truck had 4wd and I do live well into the snow belt. Haven't been stuck in the snow or the boat ramps (yet!), but I avoid the really slick ramps with the 2wd truck.
I have always purchased 4wd vehicles. We don't have a lot of snow here ,but it is nice to have when we do. If you pull anything it can be nice. If you need to pull a buddy out of somewhere it is great.
One of the many problems of the 9.25 differential
is that electric, air or cable lockers for them have been slow to appear.
Perhaps that will change soon.