HELP! Double Cab 4x4 vs 4x2???

Help.
I currently have a 2002 4x4 Green Double Cab and it's about time I start looking for a replacement.

I've been looking around for another Double Cab and came across a few first gen 4x2 Double Cabs.

It's been so long since I've driven a 4x2 and from what I've read in the 4x2 PreRunner models Toyota put in traction control, plus a limited-slip rear differential. How does that compare to the 4x4? I sometimes go into the mountains to snowboard and it does snow in the winter months here in Denver.

Is there anyone out there that has owed both? or is there someone who owns a first gen 4x2 Double Cab PreRunner model that can offer their feedback on how it drives in slush and snow.

Thanks,
Joe

 

Also ---- I should mention from time to time I tow a small tear drop trailer.

 

Everyone I talk to with a 2wd wants a 4wd. Keep the 02

 

Interesting that you are considering a 4x2 coming from a 4x4 in your weather climate. It sure is a nice option and better to have it and not need it than not have it at all.
As far as wondering how one drives in slush and snow....the same as your's does in 2wd?...without the option to engage 4wd.

 

Thanks everyone. That video was perfect. No 2WD for me.

 

What's wrong with the 02? 4x4 all the way though, considering you live in Denver you would be regretting a 2wd the first heavy snow you have to drive in. How many miles on the 02? My 04 double cab only has 78k, it's still a baby!

 

that video is true but a bit misleading.. all of those obstacles can be conquered with a prerunner trd... he either has no concept of momentum of was just trying to prove a point.. enough skinny pedal and the right line can easily be taken with a 2wd...

 

That all depends.

I have had 4x4 trucks...and I have BOTH Tacomas, a new 4x4 and an older 2wd. The 2wd gets better gas mileage; rides better; is less complex mechanically - and since it has 240,000 miles on it, that's a consideration.

Four wheel drive is important - IF you're going off-road, or in snow, or driving hard in rain, on a regular basis. Otherwise...for occasional stuck-in-the-mud situations, the locking diff works. The PreRunner is a "Cafe Racer" truck - looks like an off-roader but isn't. If it's just snow, and it happens, maybe four times a winter...tire chains work well. Have a second set of wheels with tires mounted, along with chains...and use a floor jack, just change the wheels. Really, much easier and quicker than mounting tire chains.

It comes down to what you want. I bought the 4x4 because work takes me over a mountain pass, on a couple hours notice; and because in my area, 4x4 trucks are in HEAVY demand. That isn't always the case. And I bought my high-mileage 2wd Tacoma at far below KBB...and it's been a reliable performer.

Do some soul-searching on what you need.

 

buut.. they are tacomas.. the beauty of these trucks is their durability, none of the obstacles in that video would require you to abuse the truck...

plus, getting stuck and ripping on it, attempting to get unstuck pushes the truck way harder than just keeping your momentum and mobbing throught the obstacle... throttle+the right line is way easier on the truck than babying it and getting stuck...

 

I live in Minnesota. My tacoma does MUCH better on snowy roads in 4x4, vs. 2wd. The difference is quite noticeable.

 

THERE..ya...GO...USING the truck where the 4x4 system matters...frankly, abuses the truck. WHY? If it's good...use it. If it's a beater...you'll spend money for the 4x4 and then lose it when a component fails.

Ya wanna beat on something, rent something. Or buy another truck..

 

wat?

 

if you go from 4x4 to 4x2 you will regret it. especially since you live in snow and mountain country.

 

Taking an expensive vehicle you like...and beating on it...will guarantee you'll be without that rig soon.

You wanna do whoop-de-doos, you should probably buy a junker or beater for those. Meantime, those trips to Home Depot...work fine in a 2wd.

 

Only you can say how often you have actually needed and used 4x4 in your '02, and of those times, could you have avoided the route that took you into 4x4 country?

And yes, the video overstated the need for 4x4. A bit of patience and wise use of throttle and for/rev gears goes a long way in showing who's got the driving skill needed to get where you need to go.

 

Like mentioned drive your truck around in the snow in two wheel and decide if you can live with that performance. Living in a snowy mountain range I wouldn't even consider not having 4x4 for those just in case moments. I use driving skills to avoid putting it in 4x for as long as I can until its absolutely necessary just so I have something to fall back on if needed. Some folks will lock it in as soon as they leave pavement but I don't like doing that cuz if you get in a situation and your already in 4x then your f'd. Running in 2x as long as possible(and I'm not talking to the point you bury it) helps me feel out the terrain a bit before 4x is needed but that's just me, and I also enjoy alittle tokyota drifting in the snow. If I know I'm goin into something that I'm definitely gonna need 4x then yes I'll lock it in early, mostly so I don't gotta get out and lock the hubs in in the mud/snow. Anyone who says a 4x2 can go anywhere a 4x4 can is either an idiot or has never been in a situation where 4x4 is actually needed.