2WD Vs. 4WD

If the world of off-roading calls-out to you, and you're ruing the limitations of your two-wheel-drive light truck, then read on. While 4x4s are the kings of rock crawling, mud bogging and all other sorts of non-paved adventures, you don't have to scrap your reliable 4x2 in order to join in the fun. By simply adding a few upgrades, you and your 2WD may be able to respond to that call of the wild.

Closing the Gap
Ten or 15 years ago, the choice between two- or four-wheel-drive light trucks involved some serious thinking. Although tempered by the fact that the off-road models held their resale value in direct proportion to their less expensive 4x2 counterparts, at least on a regional basis, the cost of 4x4s was higher. To further complicate matters, the 4x4 option at that time came with some noticeable downsides: harsh rides on paved roads and heavier weight, resulting in lower gas mileage and less highway horsepower.


With the growing popularity of light trucks in the forms of both pickups and SUVs, manufacturers realized that this vehicle category was being used in a broader range of driving conditions than before. The result of this realization is a wide truck selection that appeals to today's driver, and a narrowing gap between two- and four-wheel-drive features.


Today, some of the larger heavy-duty trucks come with the same suspension systems loaded on their 2WD and 4WD models. The only real remaining differences are the inclusion of differentials on the front wheels of 4x4s and the availability of lower gearing and higher low-end torque in the 4x4 mode—a plus for tow vehicles, regardless of whether or not they ever actually encounter off-road driving conditions.

Modifications
So what sort of modifications will breathe new life into your trusty 4x2 and open up new off-road capabilities? Look at the 4x2 Toyota Prerunner, a phenomenon modeled after the two-wheel-drive trucks used to pre-run desert races. Having to cover the same terrain as the actual race trucks, they are not obligated to do everything that the race trucks are capable of. You may also consider that the famed Paris-to-Dakar rally now has a category for two-wheel-drive vehicles.