+1 on the 4X2

I live in Florida where we don't have to worry about snow. I tow a 6500 boat / trailer around all year to include a trip up to Tenn / Kentucky every year and just traded in my 2006 F-250 4X4 Diesel for a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 4X2

Out of the 5 years I owned my Ford I used the 4 wheel drive twice and both of those were just because I wanted to use it.

If you don't truly need 4X4 it is just something else to maintain and fix if it breaks. It's extra weight that's not needed as well.

I vote for 4X2.

 

Learle,

I agree with the other posters on here who say if you don't use the 4X4 don't buy it. Costs more, weighs more, and more things to maintain or possibly fix. I live in Michigan and we have harsh winters here. I have a 2000 1500 Quad Cab long bed 4X4 and my next truck will be a 2 wheel drive because I can count on 1 hand the number of times I actually needed to use the 4 wheel drive. Have fun with whatever truck you decide on.

 

4X4!!! Just do it...save up..

 

I know if I lived in the south I would be driving a 2WD R/T.

 

So I just came back from the Stealer, I mean Dealer. Drove a 4x4 and 4x2. The 4x feels a bit more stiff and a little slower out the gate. 2x feels like a sporty rocket ship. Both had 5.7's because I would not settle for anything less. Does that sound wierd or am I right on. Assuming since the 4x is a bit heavier than it looses a little umph. Thanks for all of the great replies. I believe that I am leaning toward the 2x and should decide by friday!

 

Did they both have the same gears? AND did they both have a limited slip diff?

If they did...well...its a little bit more weight i guess, but with 400HP under the hood I don't think you would notice it that much. My next thought was your driving an extra transfer case for the front drive axles, but then I thought your not driving anything within the case but the gears, that are not connected when not in 4x4. Yes you would still be moving the driveshaft, but again I would not think you would notice it that much....maybe im wrong...

My best guess is they had different gears, double check on that...

***Make sure when you are looking that you get the Limited slip diff if your not going 4x4...It does WONDERS, even in a 4x4***

 

ALL are 2010 4th gen HEMI`s = HUGE difference in performance between them all. (All were 3.55 gears)
I`ve owned the 2wd reg cab shortbed = SUPER QUICK (excellent mpg)
I`ve owned the 4X4 reg cab shortbed = QUICK (fair mpg)
I now own a 4X4 QC = SLOW as a TURTLE (not so good mpg)

Heavier it is, the slower it becomes, to roll up to 55mph.
Also, more weight, less mpg (goes without saying)
Unless you have alot of snow, i wouldnt bother with the 4x4, thats wasting money as far as i`m concerned.
The 4x4 trucks are very hard on tires as well...! The 2wd drives i`ve owned would go thru 1/2 the tires of my 4x4 trucks.

Also, check out the 2012 hemi trucks, i hear they`re much better than the previous 09 10 11 4th gen trucks.
Rumor has it that the MDS is much better, and no torque convertor rattle

 

I pull a camper, and more than a few times have needed the extra help of the 4x4 to get the camper where I wanted it to go. Mud, hills, sand, sure... But once, on a fine, dry sunny day on FLAT ground, I needed 4 wheel drive just to make the camper move. Why? Pine needles everywhere ! Crazy huh? If you need it and don't have it, you'll really kick yourself. I'd get the 4x4, especially if you'll be pulling a camper.

 

So the decision has been made, going with the 2 wheel. Narrowed it down to 2011 Ram 1500 CC, 5.7, Big Horn, Mineral Gray. Center Console, Tech Group, Lux Group, Alpine, adjustable pedals. Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for all the help and great replies. Now to just work out the minor details of money. Hopefully by the weekend I will be posting a pic!

 

4wd is always nice to have if you can affoard it get it but thers nothing wrong with 2wd. I opted for 2wd cuz i needed a cheap truck and 4wd was a 4000 dollar option on a 19k truck which is to much for my cheap wallet