Reliability of 4x4 parts??? Need your input.

[krikf]

I'm looking at selling my '94 3.0 ext cab and getting a 2002-2004 4.0 with 4x4. I only need the 4x4 a couple of times per year hauling firewood. I need the 4.0 to pull a 1200 lb pop-up camper in the Mts of NC. Are the 4x4 front end hubs, gears, etc likely to wear/fail more quickly than just a 4x2? Does manual vs auto matter? Will it cost me more over 10 years than the 4x2.

Also, are there different types of factory standard hubs on different year models or engines or trans types? Are some lock-out & some not?

I've never had a 4x4 so I need some good input/advice/experience on this one.

Thanks for you help.

 

[OilPatch197]

I really think it would be more economical to have two vehicles, a daily commuter and your 4x4.

I really don't like the ideal of driving a 4x4 around all the time if your only going to use 4x4 a few times a year.

 

[86ford]

98+ will be a torsion bar 4wd setup. Yes, having a 4wd costs more in the long run BUT if you can effectively use 4wd to your advantage it is worth it. 98+ rangers will not have manual locking hubs unless a previous owner swapped them in. The same front end parts that wear out in a 2wd exist in a 4wd for the most part, its just the 4wd parts are more expensive. for example the unit bearings cost more than wheel bearings but serve the same purpose.

86