to 4x4 or not...

I have a 2021 2.7l RWD SR Access Cab. I love my truck, however I am starting to regret not getting a 4x4. With gen 4 right around the corner, I am seriously considering trading in my truck for a new version of the same truck, only a 4x4...

I do not really drive off road(i live in South Carolina near the coast). Getting deeper in debt for a possibility of maybe going off road seems stupid, but it is an itch I am do not seem to be able to get rid of.

I am thinking that just by getting better tires and a diff augment (Detroit Truetrac or Air Locker) would probably get me through the things I am realistically going to do. I also have to say that we just got my wife a 2023 4runner SR5 Premium with 4x4, so I really don't technically need a 4x4 either... I guess if I am being truly honest, its mostly because I am a bit jelly that her truck is better than mine haha. The rest is that I love this engine and i kinda want to getting a newer one before it is retired to history.

Thoughts?

 

What do you actually use it for?
I have the off road do I actually need it all no!
It’s like getting a divers watch incase I get it wet doing dish’s.
Am I happy I have it yes!
No regrets plus the overhead switch’s are cool!

 

I agree with your analysis.

Historical side note. When I worked as a cross country surveyor we'd sometimes be visited in the field by engineers wanting to see the job site in person. Or more likely have a day out of the office.

Anyway, we had 4wd trucks, manual hubs, H/L J sticks and a winch that was PTO, not electric. No cup holders. Primitive, but effective.

You'd be surprised at how many lunches I earned by betting I could go further in 2wd than they could in 4wd.

Point being it's often about the line, momentum and the nut behind the wheel instead of the technology.

 

I say keep it, and get better tires....
I absolutely need 4x4 in the winter, but seldom do weekend warrioring anymore... (but when I do, it's fun in 4hi in the trails).....

 

How many trails do you ride now? And deep down in the bottom of your heart, how many trails would you go seek out if you had a four-by?

Or would it be the same as the boat who's owner was all hot and bothered to buy, enjoyed it for one season, and now it sits forever trailered in his driveway collecting spiders and rust? Is that worth a 5 year note to you?


Take your two-by on some light trails first. See if you make a habit out of it. And then revisit that itch later. I have taken mine on several enjoyable Backcountry romps (including one right in your backyard along the edistoe), and haven't really found a need to "upgrade."

 

It sounds like you haven't actually yet run into anything you can't do and you're just feeling fomo. Consider 4x4 when you actually hit a scenario you could have needed it, not before. I could what-if my way into an M1 Abrams but there's a pretty good chance I won't need it.

 

use the wife's 4runner when you need to scratch that itch

 

Ok, but I get dibs on the wife......

 

Skip it. Buy a beater Jeep..

 

In the words of Wisconsin's finest financial advisor; "DO IT!" Just ask @Larry Dangerfield


It's better to have it and not need it than the other way around. 4x4s sell for more if you should ever decide to part ways with it, and they have a much broader appeal. Lots of folks will immediately say "nope" if a truck is 2WD, whether they need 4x4 or not, but very few will refuse to buy a 4x4 in the same manner.

Also, if you're gonna do it, go big and get a Pro! Best value retention there is, and even if you plan to drive it until the wheels fall off this is important. If some jackhole decided his latte and phone are more important than paying attention while he drives down your street and he creams your truck, you will get a better payout from insurance to help with the replacement of your truck.

 

Need vs. Want is an interesting topic... I had a Corolla for years. Never had any issue with it. Drive all over but wanted a Tacoma. I got stuck one morning in snow ruts in front of my house and had to call into work for a snow day for the first time ever in my life!! I started looking that day for a Tacoma. Took 9 months and I found my current truck and have been happy the last 5 years. Now did I need it... the truth is, I didn't, I could have done a few things differently. Shoveled the road more... but would I have been happy? I doubt it.

You have to do what will make you happy.... but don't forget the financial side... being in debt and not being able to afford it, is not going to make you happy. If the financial side is too much, look at options to improve your truck... like a rear locker and a winch. Go out with friends and enjoy some backroads. Offroading doesn't always mean 4 wheeling...

 

The itch you have is not stupid, you just need to scratch it. A lot of us have been infected.

I would hate to see you get into debt at a times like this, therefore my advice, keep what you have and find a used beater with as few electronic gizmos (junk) as you can, as it will be a lot cheaper to build.

Make sure it has plenty of aftermarket parts and support.

My favorite is the 1st gen as it is a lot smaller, more nimble and is great looking beast with big tires on it. A Jeep would probably do it too.

 

To be 100% honest, it will likely not get used much if at all...

 

Hahaha, careful what you wish for...

 

I think this is the real answer, thanks

 

Cant do a Jeep... but maybe a 2005 base 4x4 with a 2.7l and a manual

 

Just cant stomach the cost of the TRD Pro... just can't do it!

 

Bro... You hit the nail on the head... FOMO is what this is all about... and that is a very stupid reason to do something... Thanks for calling it what it is!

 

Get better tires and a Torsen rear diff and you're good.

 

It wasn't easy for me either, but I didn't want to mod again. And I had to have the Solar Octane. Love the color.