I'm looking at getting either an 06 or an 07 f150 supercrew. What are the main differences between the 4x4 and 4x2's (skipping the obvious difference)? Suspension wise, do the 4x4's get a beefier suspension or anything? Also, what gives them the 3 inches or so difference in height, springs? or 3 inch body lift? Thanks

 

The suspension systems on the 04-07 4x4's and 4x2's are basically the same (IFS with coilovers). The 4x4's only sit about 2 inches taller than the 4x2's. In the rear, the 4x4's have a 2 inch lift block. Up front, I believe the coilovers on the 4x4's are slightly different. I would suggest deciding if you need 4 wheel drive. If you don't, you can save money on purchase price, gasonline, maintaince and insurance by going with a 4x2. And if you just like the looks of a 4x4, the 4x2's are easily lifted.

 

The reason I asked if the 4x4 got beefier components, was that I could justify it for pulling boats and stuff. But if there's no real advantage, then you're right about the economics of it. Thanks! I like the higher profile of the 4x4....would I be able to do something like a readylift leveler (or similar) 3 inches in front and 2 inch block in the back and accomplish the same thing? For several hundred bucks...

 

You can buy a 2.5 inch Autospring leveling kit for the front for about $100. You can add a 3 or 4 inch lift block out back for less than that. With these mods you will be slightly taller than a stock 4x4.

 

If you need some Fabtech 2 inch blocks message me

 

Towing boats...which means you'll have to deal with slick launch ramps. I'd go with a 4x4. I do it with a 2wd, but there's times I've wished for a 4x4.

 

The 4x4 is nice when lauching boats in extreme conditions, like the boat ramp on the river thats always covered in mud. Or lauching the jets skis from the bank with no ramp. That 4 wheel low is a wonderful thing...............

 

I totally agree!

My last truck was a 2wd, and i lost track of the number of times i got stuck using gravel launch ramps into the ocean and lakes. if what you're towing is any larger than a single jet ski, or if you are going to be using anything but the best boat launches, i would definately recommend a 4x4. either that or buy a winch!

Tanner

 

i believe the coilovers on a 4X4 are a little taller....mabye not
but the spindles are longer i know. and the rear has a 2 inch block.
for boating and loading and so on id say go with the 4X4....you never know when you may need it

 

Thanks guys! I went to a dealer and looked, and am still up in the air on the issue of 2wd vs 4wd. It's not a big boat, but a bigger one may be in the near future. I currently use my 99 f150 V6. I'm definitely getting the biggest gas engine (5.4 i think) I haven't plunked down any money yet....you guys brought up some issues I hadn't thought of, and will definitely keep em in mind. Thanks!

 

I've always wondered why do the 4wd have to be taller in stance?

 

Ground clearance. Think of how much lower the front is on a 2wd than on a 4x4, then think of trying to go up an embankment, go through a tank trap, over (sometiems unseen) rocks or uneven terrain. the front body on a 2wd can't take much of a ground angle before it bottoms out. Or for something you probably would never have to deal with, think about driving through deep snow (or mud)... the higher that front and back are, the less chance there is of your front body or frame dragging in the snow/mud, and therefore way less chance of getting stuck due to "plowing".

Also with a slightly higher rear end and overall ground clearance, going over obstuctions like logs (common out here where i am in BC) its much less of a problem.

Tanner

 

Yeah but it would see like a truck manufacturer would make them the same height. Would seem more economical on an assembly line.