Comparison between 2WD and 4WD

I test drove a 2wd TRD(auto) when I was shopping. I also test-drove a ridiculously loaded "All-In" taco(auto) that had every bell and whistle imaginable. I didn't notice a difference in ride quality between them, but I was coming from a junker ranger with a blown-out suspension (Ball joints were gone, shocks were attached/present but just for laughs, springs were only acceptable if you hitched horses to the truck and used it as a wagon, power steering pump was just there to keep tension on the serpentine belt... )

After a few hundred miles on a 2016 base 4x4, I find that the ride still feels Like A Truck Should. It's not beating on me, but it's not bouncy like a caddy or minivan either. I no longer route around speed-bumps, I can go over them without spinal injury.

The 4x4 is 400 pounds heavier, and gets worse mileage. But it will also get you to work after it snows. The 2wd MIGHT get you there in snow, after a lot of shoveling and a change of pants. That made all the difference in the world for me.

 

The answer is simple. In Canada the vehicles were launched later. Provinces like BC and Ont had about a four day head start over everyone else. I was the first guy from my town that was given the chance to drive one. Not a single dealer within the province of Sk can tell you where or when a 4wd will arrive in October. They have a list and are assuming something will pop off the train in November. The dealers, the mechanics, the sales people and the public are all curious to see how well the new transmission works and are eager to see new 3.5 which is a no show. The sales staff hasn't had the chance to demo the product and both Tacos weren't even PDI'ed. What I drove had all protective paper on it right off the train. Late verses early is dependant to where you are geographically speaking. The point of my review was this:

"I'm thinking of purchasing a 2016 Tacoma, but I would like to know how rough the ride is for the different models. Does the 2WD drive [ride] smoother than the 4WD?"

To which I replied the ride wasn't bad for the 2wd. To say it rode okay but had other problems and then not elaborate would not have been fair to the original question. The truck was sufficiently different from the last generation the test ride warranted further comment. If you don't get that I can't help ya.

 

Wich shocks do you like better?

 

Two year old thread my friend. I admire your search skills but posters from old threads are usually not around to answer questions.

 

Haha thanks for the tip. You got any input on whats shocks are better? Bilstein or hitachi?

 

Depends. My Hitachi shocks do just fine on the street and not bad at all on slow off road driving. Here in the east we don't have the opportunity or the wide open spaces for high speed off road. In my opinion? I've run the Bilsteins in the past and I truly don't think there is much difference for budget shocks.

 

Test drive them on your route if that's a possibilty. I chose the 2x4 OR over the Sport because it was a nice balance between comfort on harsh roads and preference on the look. I immediately knew the Sport was out after I drove the OR. Both were good, just a connection I had with the OR. Drives like a car and got quite a few compliments from passengers who where expecting a more truck-like ride.

I haven't seen anyone posting any specific model having harsh ride qualities....just get out there and do some test rides.

 

Is this with bilsteins or hitachis?

 

Bilsteins.