Crazy 2wd vs 4wd question.

[Grumpaw]

We can call the event...

Rusty accepts the challenge

I don't know about goin up against Rusty...
with all the holes in his rig, it lets air pass thru creating less drag.
It'll be close though.

Grumpaw

 

[Dirtman]

I'd take 2wd with a locker over awd any day. My polaris ranger has an electronic rear locker and awd mode. I've been stuck in awd mode and been able to easily get out by switching to 2wd and locking the rear... of course true 4x4 is going to beat them both.

 

[Grumpaw]

Just for giggles, you have to remember that my Crosstrek, and the Outback's, does have both front and rear locking axles, via the center differential.
It also has traction control, which can be turned off via a dash switch. This lets it get around the post about it having a wheel off the ground.
Grumpaw

 

[rusty ol ranger]

We can call the event...

Rusty accepts the challenge

Ill whip that 3.0.

Then toss some deep lugs on the back and spank that subie to.

Never underestimate a crazy redneck with an old ford and 0 f's to give.

 

[Dirtman]

If the center diff of an awd locks... then it's just 4x4 mode... That's how the old dodge trucks were, they used full time all wheel drive but had lock mode for true 4x4.

 

[Grumpaw]

See, you guys are trying to compare two different vehicles and drivetrains.
I will concede to you with the knowledge about Rangers both 2 and 4 wd with and without lockers.....you are much more knowledgeable than I am. But unless you own a Subi or have driven one on and off road, you can't compare them.
The drivetrains are designed for totally different driving styles, and to judge them without driving them side by side, well, ya just can't do it. I've owned 4 Subi's, a Brat, 2 Outbacks, and now my Crosstrek, so although not an expert, I cnn give some insight to them, just like those of you who off road alot are in tune with that aspect.
Not saying one is better than the other, just different in their application and what there capable of.
You would do much better to compare an Outback to an Explorer or a Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee. Subi just dose not have anything to run against a truck.
Grumpaw

 

[91stranger]

I say go the adventure and take a chain or two. Someone may need pulled out. Even the most jacked up, heavily modded trucks get stuck from time to time. Driver skills will be what makes the difference when it comes to trails/mud.

 

[RonD]

A FWD will be better than any RWD pickup in slippery conditions

So AWD would be as well

Better to PULL a load than PUSH a load, any time, just physics

If you dropped 500-700lbs on the rear axle of the pickup it would get better traction, but you still have the physics issue of pulling or pushing a load

So not seeing a RWD with or without locker, being better all around than a FWD or AWD anything

I remember having to BACK UP hills in pickups to get to the top, lol, i.e. Pulling the load up the hill

 

[Josh B]

I remember having to BACK UP hills in pickups to get to the top, lol, i.e. Pulling the load up the hill

They had to do that in the old Model T's too didn't they? As the gas tank was then below the carb, and it had no pump

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Weight and tires will make or break the ranger.

When I am goofing around in snow and I bury one of my 4x4’s in snow it is a 5k lb rwd tractor that tugs them out dead stick.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Looks like it's a good question.

I can definitely say that driving in the snow won't happen. I live in Florida and the latest I drive anywhere North is mid October.

I figure that my brother and I would meet up and do some camping with our family probably mid summer to full leaf change.

Our routes would be a mix of freeway, twisty mountain back roads, and two tracks you don't need a lift and 35s to go through.

If in the Georgia/NC area think fire roads in the Cherokee national Forrest.

Trust me, I'd much rather have 4wd, but I know this truck now and it's been very faithful to me. I hate the idea on trading it for something I don't know, even if it's another Ranger.

 

[Dirtman]

I've never driven a soobie so I'm just going off my experience with basic awd. Which is still one wheel drive... you just never know which wheel that is. Left, right, front, back, who knows!

When you throw different forms of traction control and locking transfer cases it's a whole new ball game.

 

[Josh B]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Looks like it's a good question.

I can definitely say that driving in the snow won't happen. I live in Florida and the latest I drive anywhere North is mid October.

I figure that my brother and I would meet up and do some camping with our family probably mid summer to full leaf change.

Our routes would be a mix of freeway, twisty mountain back roads, and two tracks you don't need a lift and 35s to go through.

If in the Georgia/NC area think fire roads in the Cherokee national Forrest.

Trust me, I'd much rather have 4wd, but I know this truck now and it's been very faithful to me. I hate the idea on trading it for something I don't know, even if it's another Ranger.

Rig some kind of a portable winch.
I never even had a 4wd until buying the 93 Ranger 12 years ago, and tho I haven't been stuck since, fact is I've been stuck in more bizarre and out of the way places most people could ever imagine. Those times were all in 2wd vehicles, and Never really needed to get more than just a few feet to either solid, or higher ground

 

[bobbywalter]

fawk all stooooopid.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The biggest thing to remember when wheeling a 2wd...

PICK YOUR LINE

A smart guy in a 2wd can do better then a dumb guy in a 4wd.