I'm a senior as well. If i where you i'd get a 4X4. It's great to have it when you really need it. Like mentioned, the gas mileage isn't the big of a difference. I'm buying a CBR600 with graduation money so i don't have to drive my truck.

 

Seeing that you are only 18, have you thought about insurance yet? Im sure they are already going to stick it to you pretty good for your age, it will be higher because of the HEMI, and even more if you have a 4wd. Just something for a "poor college kid" to think about.

I am a senior in college and have had my truck (05 QC Hemi 2wd) since sophomore year. I love the truck. Living in Arizona, I really dont have much of a need for 4wd, but I can honestly say that looking back on it I wish I would have gotten a 4x4. More than anything just for the peace of mind that it brings. Now, for example, I am going snowboarding this weekend and am paranoid that I will get stuck some where along the way!

My 2 cents.

 

my insurance is not that high and ive had my truck since i was 16. IMO i would get a 4x4. i wish mine had it sometime. and if you do get a 4x4 then just buy a programmer and you will gain those mpgs back

 

yeah no matter what you're still going to suck gas but when i use my 4 wheel or 2 wheel i dont notice a difference in gas

 

Im 28, However just recently went from 2wd to 4wd, effectivly lost 1 mpg and my insurance went up by $15 for 6 months. The 4wd ability has saved my butt and provided more than enough fun to make up for it. I will never go with a 2wd truck again.

Go 4 or go Home.... , Also get the HEMI, you won't regret it.

 

I have a 2wd and wish I had gotten 4x4. I wouldn't have gotten stuck on the beach last week if I had it. Maybe if something bad happens to this truck like it getting totaled, I will definately purchase a 4x4 next time. Even if you don't need it 99% of the time, you will have it there for you for that 1% you will need it. Also get the hemi. It has all the advantages over the 4.7L, even gas mileage.. Especially with a CAI and a tuner.

 

There are more things to go wrong with a 4x4 like your dad said...transfer case, front differential, CV joints and everything inbetween that engages 4wd. Maintenance cost more also..along with some mods like gear swaps if you plan on going that route. But if you need a 4x4 then there's no substitute...although a 2wd with a nice LSD, good tires and some sandbags do very nice in bad conditions too. A winch up front for some extra security wouldn't hurt either

My last truck was a 4x4 and she was a great truck...and i'll admit there were times when I would've needed a tow if I was in a 2wd. But I weighed everything and decided on a 2wd this time around...so far i'm very happy.

 

yeah i got my truck when i was 16 and the insurance wasn't off the charts but it was a decent amount..i still don't care i love driving the thing

 

I got the build sheet for my truck and it shows it has a LSD. What exactly are the advantages of an LSD?

 

By nice I meant aftermarket . A limited slip differential acts as an open rear (power only to passenger rear axel) during turns and when theres traction but sends power to the driver rear axel when the passenger wheel breaks traction. So you get better traction and can do a real burn out