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  #1  
Old 12-07-2016, 04:38 PM
bestbeeb bestbeeb is offline
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Default which should I get?

Hey,
So i'm trying to get a new ranger. I'd prefer a 4x4 so I can lift it and take it offroading, but all the ones I've found are either in bad condition, have a ton of miles, or out of my budget. But I just found a 1997 rwd 5 speed manual that is in really good condition and cheap. But since I live in northern IL where snow and ice gets really bad, I'm not sure how well it will handle in the winter.

So do you guys think I should keep looking for a 4x4? Or do any of you have experience with a rwd in heavy winters?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 12-07-2016, 05:04 PM
Kealel Kealel is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

I've been driving rwd Rangers in the winters (Michigan, and where I am gets hit bad) and as long as you have heavy things in the bed and good tires you'll have no issue.
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  #3  
Old 12-07-2016, 05:21 PM
horizon94 horizon94 is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

I'm sure some people can get away with 2wd but I've personally had to use 4x4 in several situations. Some of the roads I travel to my family's camp are not maintained all too well. But a shovel and some sand will be cheaper than the extra money spent on a 4x4.

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  #4  
Old 12-07-2016, 05:47 PM
ranger*danger ranger*danger is offline
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Default which should I get?

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  #5  
Old 12-07-2016, 05:48 PM
Kealel Kealel is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

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In 18" of snow a 2wd ain't going anywhere


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I thought that till I did that.
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The only reason it's worn out junk is because you've gone 70k miles without changing the oil.

Last edited by Kealel; 12-07-2016 at 05:57 PM.
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  #6  
Old 12-07-2016, 05:48 PM
ranger*danger ranger*danger is offline
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Default which should I get?

I mean, I guess if you had really good tires.
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Last edited by ranger*danger; 12-07-2016 at 08:20 PM.
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  #7  
Old 12-09-2016, 05:43 AM
RustyTheRedRanger RustyTheRedRanger is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bestbeeb View Post
Hey,
So i'm trying to get a new ranger. I'd prefer a 4x4 so I can lift it and take it offroading, but all the ones I've found are either in bad condition, have a ton of miles, or out of my budget. But I just found a 1997 rwd 5 speed manual that is in really good condition and cheap. But since I live in northern IL where snow and ice gets really bad, I'm not sure how well it will handle in the winter.

So do you guys think I should keep looking for a 4x4? Or do any of you have experience with a rwd in heavy winters?

Thanks!


I live in northern New England, where roads are maintained well enough, on days of bad snow the rear wheel drive isn't gonna move, unless you out so much damn sand in your bed the truck squats to pee.. however I was able to wait till the day after the snow or some time later after the salt and plow truck had a time to work the snow and ice away I was able to drive. Not as comfortably as I'd want, but drive none the less, I bought two 4x4 and have driven them in the snow through in maintained roads or whatever have you no problem, I'd never go to a 2wd unless I moved down south, but that's not to say you'll never drive it in less than perfect conditions


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  #8  
Old 12-09-2016, 07:13 AM
Ordinary Biker Ordinary Biker is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

Yay, another argument about personal opinions.

I had a 2wd 4cyl Ranger for 10 years. Went everywhere in it. We get a little snow here sometimes, maybe you heard of us. The Rocky Mountains. I have a 4wd now. Go everywhere. It's just easier, doesn't take much thought, no planning required, no 'Id better not stop completely on this hill' type stuff.

In the end you have to decide for yourself. Do you want the 4x4, the wait for the right truck, the more money, or do you want one right now that is cheaper?
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  #9  
Old 12-09-2016, 07:33 AM
Fackler Rebel Fackler Rebel is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

I still remember that afternoon I drove my brand new Wrangler jeep up to the holding pen where they were working cattle. I was all proud and he asked me if I knew what 4 wheel drive was good for? I told him I guess I did and he then told me this, "it allows you to get further off the road, before you get stuck". He was right. 2WD and good tires and KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW and you'll be fine.
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  #10  
Old 12-09-2016, 09:47 AM
stateranger stateranger is offline
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Default Re: which should I get?

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Originally Posted by Fackler Rebel View Post
I still remember that afternoon I drove my brand new Wrangler jeep up to the holding pen where they were working cattle. I was all proud and he asked me if I knew what 4 wheel drive was good for? I told him I guess I did and he then told me this, "it allows you to get further off the road, before you get stuck". He was right. 2WD and good tires and KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW and you'll be fine.
You must have ran into my grandpa. Lol. 2wd is just fine with a little weight and good tires, drive smart and nothing will go wrong. 4x4 is nice though.
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  #11  
Old 12-09-2016, 01:04 PM
Jimmyspy Jimmyspy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bestbeeb View Post
Hey, So i'm trying to get a new ranger. I'd prefer a 4x4 so I can lift it and take it offroading, but all the ones I've found are either in bad condition, have a ton of miles, or out of my budget. But I just found a 1997 rwd 5 speed manual that is in really good condition and cheap. But since I live in northern IL where snow and ice gets really bad, I'm not sure how well it will handle in the winter. So do you guys think I should keep looking for a 4x4? Or do any of you have experience with a rwd in heavy winters? Thanks!
The line "so I can lift it and take it off-roading" kinda makes me think 4x4 would be a must. Lol

It's all personal preference. Yes, you'll be able to get around alright without it. Yes, you'll be able to get farther with 4x4. Some might point to the whole "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it". But, it really comes down to what you want and what your budget is.

Personally, I went a winter without 4x4 (broken tcase) and its not something I want to do again. Plus, I enjoy getting out on the trails every once in awhile, so 4x4 is kinda of a must have for me. But that's just me.
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