Differences Between 4x2 and 4x4

mnmsmith · 07-06-2005, 09:11 PM

Aside from the obvious, can anyone answer my questions? I'm replacing an '04 F-150, always had Fords so I need some answers.

I'm assuming the towing capability of the 4x2 is the exact same as the 4x4 so long as they both have the Big Tow package, correct?

Both the 4x2 and the 4x4 seem to sit the same height, is that correct?

Are the suspensions on a 4x2 and 4x4 the same (excluding the 4x4 off road package)?

Other than the fact one is 4x4, are there any mechanical differences in the truck?

Thanks guys!

mudfinder · 07-06-2005, 09:21 PM

i don't know about the towing cap. on the 4x2 and 4x4. mine is 4x2 w/ the bigtow pack. and mine is at 9500. payload, at nissanusa.com it has that the 4x2 has a heavier payload. max payload on mine says 1408lbs. i just hauled over 2000lbs in the bed this last monday w/ no problems. the 4x4 does sit higher in the front than the 4x2. here's a link because it has different numbers for the XE, SE, and LE and CrewCab and King Cab. NissanUSA.com

John Harden · 07-06-2005, 09:23 PM

I have a 4X4 and am by no means an expert, but from memory, here's the differences.

4X4 (w/BT) has slightly less tow capacity. 500 less or something. Not significant to me as it's still over 9000 lbs.

4X4 is higher when looked at parked next to a 4X2. Measure the tailgate heights in your local dealers lot, but I think it is about 2".

Suspension on my OR 4X4 is slightly different with increased size on springs. I heard this from someone who gave me a 2" lift on my truck.

Other than those minor things, I know of no differences between the trucks.

Regards,

John

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 07-06-2005, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnmsmith

Aside from the obvious, can anyone answer my questions? I'm replacing an '04 F-150, always had Fords so I need some answers.

I'm assuming the towing capability of the 4x2 is the exact same as the 4x4 so long as they both have the Big Tow package, correct?

Both the 4x2 and the 4x4 seem to sit the same height, is that correct?

Are the suspensions on a 4x2 and 4x4 the same (excluding the 4x4 off road package)?

Other than the fact one is 4x4, are there any mechanical differences in the truck?

Thanks guys!

According to the handy dandy 05 brochure, 4X2s and 4X4 Titans towing capacities are THE SAME.The difference is between the SEs and LEs. The SE is 9500 vs the LEs 9200 LBS (w/BT pkg). KC SE allowing an additional 100 LBS I guess because it's a little lighter.

Ride heights also differ. A 4X2 SE CC is 75.1" vs the same truck in a 4X4 which is 76.7". Just a slight, un-noticable difference IMHO.

Suspensions are the same on all...minus the OR pkg upgrade, and the addition of the front Dana axle on the 4X4 model. Comparing those same two trucks, the 4X2 has about a 100 LB higher payload capacity...again, probably due to it's lighter weight.

I don't see anything else significant enough to mention.

mnmsmith · 07-06-2005, 09:47 PM

Thanks guys! I was set on a 4x4 LE, but the particular configuration I'm looking for is no where to be found in my area. So I decided to consider a 4x2. Either way I'm put the leveling kit and wheels and tires soon after I get it.

92TripleBlack · 07-06-2005, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnmsmith

Aside from the obvious, can anyone answer my questions? I'm replacing an '04 F-150, always had Fords so I need some answers.

I'm assuming the towing capability of the 4x2 is the exact same as the 4x4 so long as they both have the Big Tow package, correct?

Both the 4x2 and the 4x4 seem to sit the same height, is that correct?

Are the suspensions on a 4x2 and 4x4 the same (excluding the 4x4 off road package)?

Other than the fact one is 4x4, are there any mechanical differences in the truck?

Thanks guys!

Payloads and tow ratings are slightly lower on the 4x4 because its carrying the extra weight around already. King vs.Crew, SE vs. LE, etc. also affect the ratings in the same way.
You get a handy dandy switch that goes from 2wd, to Auto 4wd, to 4wd hi to 4wd Lo. Nice.

usulsuspct · 07-07-2005, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92TripleBlack

You get a handy dandy switch that goes from 2wd, to Auto 4wd, to 4wd hi to 4wd Lo. Nice.

I am not in my truck right now so I can't take a close look at the switch but is the "Auto 4wd" a option on the Titan? I see you have an Armada and wasnt sure if that was Armada only?

phlydude · 07-07-2005, 07:55 AM

Nope. On the Titan we have 2 HI - 4 HI - 4 LO, no auto

usulsuspct · 07-07-2005, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlydude

Nope. On the Titan we have 2 HI - 4 HI - 4 LO, no auto

Wonder why we dont have an auto? If I remember correctly this is something that is in my brother in law's Silverado. Seems like a good idea to me?

92TripleBlack · 07-07-2005, 08:15 AM

I thought they were the same also. 4 Auto engages 4wd when wheel slipping is sensed. It is 2wd otherwise. However, I feels like 4wd to me rather than 2wd as when I put it on 4 Auto vs 2wd it feels like it is engaged all the time. Strange its different.

phlydude · 07-07-2005, 08:27 AM

I know I didn't buy the truck to have full time AWD (or 4WD Auto). If I were looking at an SUV, yeah that might be a feature I would look for (different beast, different circumstances, different uses)

grunge311 · 07-07-2005, 08:49 AM

Its so wierd for me to come here and see how many people have 4x2s, In MN buying a 4x2 truck is like buying 50acres of swamp land. Sure you can tell people you have it, but you can never do anything with it.

around here the only reason people here buy a truck is for the 4x4. And our vehicles only last 5-6 yrs before they rust from all the salt on the road.

/jealous

PrerunnerGreg · 07-07-2005, 10:26 AM

The beauty of the sun-belt states. We have about 60% of our trucks are 2wd. Lots of towing and very little snow or mud. Plus, if you want to go fast in the dirt a 2wd is much easier to build.

As for the differences, the 4wd all have a heavier front spring and a longer loverload leaf in the rear (as well as a 3/4" taller spring perch on the axle). The front and rear suspensions and drive are the same (if you look the 2wd has the splines for the front axles, they just arent there). This is the same approach that most new trucks are taking too.

ptgarcia · 07-07-2005, 10:32 AM

Greg, have you tried putting a factory 4x4 leaf spring pack on a 4x2? I'm sure the Deavers are better, just curious if it has been done, and what were the results.

92TripleBlack · 07-07-2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunge311

Its so wierd for me to come here and see how many people have 4x2s, In MN buying a 4x2 truck is like buying 50acres of swamp land. Sure you can tell people you have it, but you can never do anything with it.

around here the only reason people here buy a truck is for the 4x4. And our vehicles only last 5-6 yrs before they rust from all the salt on the road.

/jealous

Me too. To me a 4x2 SUV is a minivan, 4x2 truck is an El Camino. Alien concept. I had to look hard to find a 4x4. No snow and different priorities down here. I'm from NY. I still got the 4x4 for off road and ski trips though.