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4x4 really needed?

Discussion in 'FJ Cruisers' started by TiYo, Aug 27, 2012.

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  1. Aug 27, 2012 at 12:53 PM
    #1
    TiYo

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    TiYo [OP] Member

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    Ken
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    Hi everyone, Newbie Ken here...I have been looking into the FJ cruiser for some time now. And what made me want it so bad was the 2008 white Team Trail edition. Then the 2012 white/black TRD edition. It looks too sexy.

    My question is...I've always wanted 4x4, but do i really need it even for some light-moderate off road use? My brothers friend said that I dont need 4x4 as long as it has rear differential locks. Is this true? I know that I should be getting the A-Trac. Is the downhill/uphill assist only on the tacoma 4x4?

    I want the confidence and peace of mind that if I do take it to the mountains during snow season, that I wont get stuck. I also want peace of mind that I wont be left behind if I go off roading with my brother and his Land Rover crew/ camping.

    All I know is, if i'm going to spend money on something that blows that much gas, it might as well have everything....what do you all think?
     
    TiYo, Aug 27, 2012
    #1
  2. Aug 27, 2012 at 1:12 PM
    #2
    SACTOWN

    #2
    SACTOWN ???????????????????????

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    The good old debate.



    "As soon as you don't have it you need it. As soon as you get it you well never use it"
     
    SACTOWN, Aug 27, 2012
    #2
  3. Aug 27, 2012 at 1:14 PM
    #3
    Beefed Taco

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    Beefed Taco Taco Vending Machine

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    Yes. Have you ever started down a steep hill, then realized you have to back up? I have. Have you ever had to pull someone who was really stuck out? I have. Have you ever been in a freak snow storm that came over night? I have. Have you ever wanted to idle up a steep hill without beating your truck to death at the risk of breaking drivetrain parts or shaking your beer to death in the cooler? I have. Have you ever wanted to drive through soft sand without worrying the entire time and having to plan your parking spot and exit? I have. Have you ever had to come home on the front axle due to blowing the rear axle? I have. Have you ever wanted to be allowed up the snowy mountain without having to chain up due to CHP checking cars? I have. If you go wheeling a lot, you will eventually sell the 2WD for a 4x4 just to keep your heart rate down when wheeling alone.
     
    Beefed Taco, Aug 27, 2012
    #3
  4. Aug 27, 2012 at 1:47 PM
    #4
    IDtrucks

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    IDtrucks Unhinged and Fluid

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    all of that right there! ^



    not to mention with 4x4 over the 2wd you get a magical thing called 4lo, which is one of the big reasons why an open/open 4x is better than a locked 2wd
     
    IDtrucks, Aug 27, 2012
    #4
  5. Aug 27, 2012 at 2:49 PM
    #5
    lucky73

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    lucky73 Limited

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    for driving down a dirt road or light snow = NO 4x4 needed
    for heavy deep snow, sand, or real trails = YES

    If you live in SoCal, then NO
     
    lucky73, Aug 27, 2012
    #5
  6. Aug 27, 2012 at 2:51 PM
    #6
    Manwithoutaplan

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    Manwithoutaplan the full Monty

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    You always need 4x4 screw 2wd.
     
    Manwithoutaplan, Aug 27, 2012
    #6
  7. Aug 27, 2012 at 2:53 PM
    #7
    jtav2002

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    jtav2002 Kenny Fuckin Powers

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    4x4.
     
    jtav2002, Aug 27, 2012
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  8. Aug 27, 2012 at 2:57 PM
    #8
    tacohound

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    tacohound Well-Known Member

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    I used to have a prerunner and even though I had the rear diff lock I was always worried about getting stuck in even light mudd, I traded that truck in and got a 4x4 taco and I absolutly love it, Im never worried about mudd or anything like that. Once I get back to MA I will be very happy to have the 4x4 for when it snows, If you have any worries whatsoever about getting stuck where you go then deff go 4x4. that is all.
     
    tacohound, Aug 27, 2012
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  9. Aug 27, 2012 at 3:21 PM
    #9
    Aw9d

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    Aw9d That one guy

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    I opted out of 4x4, I've only needed it once (got stuck since I'm a newb to off road). But I've never needed it since. I don't try and climb crazy stuff or anything but I can keep up on most trails by keeping the foot down on the skinny pedal.
     
    Aw9d, Aug 27, 2012
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  10. Aug 27, 2012 at 5:03 PM
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    Beefed Taco

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    Beefed Taco, Aug 27, 2012
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  11. Aug 28, 2012 at 10:25 AM
    #11
    TiYo

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    TiYo [OP] Member

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    wow, so many replies in such a short amount of time. Thanks everyone

    :amen: 4x4 it is! haha, now all that really matters is Taco, or FJ. I was leaning towards an FJ bc I like the SUV look and the overall bulkiness. Not to mention its an SUV what I like. But last night I saw a brownish TACO 4dr with the bed cover painted on it, and I thought....SEXY:D
     
    TiYo, Aug 28, 2012
    #11
  12. Aug 28, 2012 at 10:33 AM
    #12
    macgyver

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    macgyver Well-Known Member

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    My opinion is already stated.. Better to have it and not use it than to need it and not have it.

    I drive around in 2wd 99% of the time but when I do need it, it's there. The great thing is that it's there at the turn of a knob when you need it.
     
    macgyver, Aug 28, 2012
    #12
  13. Aug 28, 2012 at 12:39 PM
    #13
    David K

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    David K Well-Known Member

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    The only reason to not get 4WD is if you never leave the city or can't afford the cost. Then you can't be comfortable going into the back country, exploring, or without other 4WDs along to pull you out.

    A rear locker will give you more traction, but 4WD doubles 2WD traction. A-TRAC makes all four tires work and not just the back or one in front (if it isn't in the air or over loose ground).

    The short answer is yes... no regrets if you get 4WD, but plenty if you don't!
     
    David K, Aug 28, 2012
    #13
  14. Aug 28, 2012 at 12:58 PM
    #14
    Manwithoutaplan

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    Manwithoutaplan the full Monty

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    :laugh:
     
    Manwithoutaplan, Aug 28, 2012
    #14
  15. Aug 28, 2012 at 1:07 PM
    #15
    Graham

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    Graham Pay it Forward

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    ^This!
     
    Graham, Aug 28, 2012
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  16. Aug 28, 2012 at 2:12 PM
    #16
    TiYo

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    TiYo [OP] Member

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    So is the turning of the knob the same on the FJ as it is on the Taco?
     
    TiYo, Aug 28, 2012
    #16
  17. Aug 28, 2012 at 2:53 PM
    #17
    Manwithoutaplan

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    Manwithoutaplan the full Monty

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    Unless you are christian he has magic power to make it manually turn on.
     
    Manwithoutaplan, Aug 28, 2012
    #17
  18. Aug 28, 2012 at 2:55 PM
    #18
    BradleyScottETC

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    BradleyScottETC Class IV Category 8 Elite VIP Member (Only)

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    I wouldn't get the 4x4. There's like 3 extra zerk fittings you have to grease. Totally not worth it. :(
     
    BradleyScottETC, Aug 28, 2012
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  19. Aug 28, 2012 at 3:14 PM
    #19
    Manwithoutaplan

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    Manwithoutaplan the full Monty

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    really u are baseing not getting 4wd on zerks wtf.
     
    Manwithoutaplan, Aug 28, 2012
    #19
  20. Aug 28, 2012 at 3:23 PM
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    Leggo

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    Leggo slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

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    If you are not sure, You should get it so you never have regrets. Nothing worse then spending good money after bad.
     
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