to 4x4 or not...

I am thinking for along the lines of a 2005 base single cab 4x4 with a manual...

 

Off roading in the 2wd will teach you how to drive off road. Insurance will be cheaper too.
I wouldn't take on more debt to get something I didn't need but that's your choice.

 

Get a set of Nitto Ridge Grapplers and everyone at the mall will think it’s 4wd anyway and you will have enough tire to not get suck unless you go somewhere you know you shouldnt

 

I’d ask yourself if you even need a truck in the first place. Unless you’re consistently using it to haul stuff around town, I don’t really see the point of a 2WD body on frame pickup truck.

A RAV4 would probably be just as capable for light trails and would drive better and be much more efficient.

Then maybe get an older minitruck or XJ if you wanna run some tougher tracks down the road.

 

Just remember to check the frame. The only thing that rusts faster than a Wrangler is a Tacoma.

 

You're fired!!! There will be no bullshit ass RAV4 in my future... Maybe a 4runner... But absolutely not a RAV4 or anything like that hahha

 

Good looking out sir!

 

I had a 2WD drive for years and used the crap out of the bed. Additionally, I preferred the raised seating position and the aesthetics.

 

Used to live in a hilly city that averages 300 inches of snow a year and was an avid hunter/outdoor enthusiast/fisherman. Bought a 2011 2WD Tacoma in 2010. Went where ever and when ever I wanted to go. No issues. Only got stuck once (4WD would have gotten stuck also). Will probably be my last Taco as no 2wds available in Canada anymore and 4X4s are close to $50K.

 

I don't think anyone would dispute that a 2WD Tacoma with good tires and a smart driver can go a lot of places that equal where a 4WD truck can go (minus rock crawling, etc). But there is one exception to that; snow! A 2WD truck without any weight in the bed can be a nightmare to drive when that white shit is coming down. Adding 4H to the arsenal makes a big difference.

 

So does good winter tires and a 200lb bed mat.

 

If she can cook & clean, I'm in....

 

I certainly won't argue that point either! And can I assume by your statement that you live in snow country since you have this stuff? Reason I say that is not everyone does live in the snow belt but do occasionally get snow. Thus they would probably not invest in snow tires and/or a $200 pound mats.

Case in point, we just had kind of a freak snow storm here in the north Georgia mountains where my cabin is. Only about an inch and a half came down (BTW, that is a lot by north Georgia standards), and it froze instantly and turned all the mountain county roads into a complete disaster. If you did not have a 4WD, then you probably had a real tough time getting home that night. I spent two days ferrying people up and down the mountain to retrieve their abandoned 2WD SUVs / 2WD trucks.

 

I grew up in northern california near lake tahoe... we never had a 4x4... I grew up driving in deep snow with 2wd vehicles. Like you guys said, weight in the back makes a massive difference. We just kept wood in the back all winter. It's kind funny, I was 27 the first time I ever drove a 4x4 in the snow and it was very different.

I am going to stay in my truck... I will likely be looking for a 2005 or so regular cab base with the 2.7l and a manual transmission. Interested in the shorter wheelbase and the cost savings. It will be a good toy while I am enjoying the longevity of my SR Taco.

Thanks for all the good input everyone!

 

Unloaded 2wd pickups are the worst thing ever on snowy roads. I’ve owned 3. Yes, you can make it work. Is it fun and safe compared to anything else on the road? No.

Living in a snowy area is reason enough to get 4wd if you can afford. It will definitely get used.

I do however question those buying 4wd trucks when they rarely if ever use 4wd.

 

Nice to have when it’s needed though!

 

This guy knows whats up. Thats the advice i ran with and havent regretted it. Save the money up front and you can build it to your liking

 

Detroit Truetrac has been good to me. Really made my 2wd more capable