I have (already) ordered a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500, two wheel drive.  Some folks have been saying I should have gotten 4x4...  I'm not sure I believe them, and was actually advised against 4x4 by a farmer friend who told me the 4x2 will do fine.

Only problem is that we have some sandy soil here and I'm afraid that backing a big trailer with a manual transmission 4x2 will only lead to spinning the tires.  The previous truck I had was a '91 F-350 diesel with automatic, and I could back the trailer just fine once I got it started.

The new Ram will have a limited slip axle, as well as the two wheel drive and six speed manual transmission.  I was reluctant to order 4x4 due to added up front cost (would also have had to have gone to the '07 model year and lost rebates), added maintenance costs, less fuel mileage, and more wear and tear on tires, suspension, etc.  I think I made the right decision... just trying to see how others with 4x2 and manual transmissions are faring on sandy soil such as that found here in South Carolina.

Thank you,

Mike

I have had 4x2 pickups for over 30 years, I now have a 4x4 and would never go back to a 4x2. I use the 4x4 more often when there is no snow on the ground, I had to use it when I bought hay in a sandy area, when I had to back up the trailer into a barn on an incline and was on wet glass, just yesterday I had to pull a tractor out of a ditch, if I didn't have 4x4 I could of never complete the above.

I have a 2002 F-350 crew cab dually, auto with a 7.3 PSD, 3:73 ratio, 4x4. I have around 90,000 on the rear General tires, if I keep my foot out of it, I could get 22mpg on the highway if I stay at 60mph. In Illinois the Speed Limit for trucks is 55mph. Besides oil changes, brakes, and fuel filter changes, I have incurred no expenses in over 90,000 miles. I am sure glad I have a 7.3 PSD

I have a 4x4 F-250 and have to put it in four wheel drive on several occasions around the house.  Even when the grass is just a little wet, it has a tendency to get stuck until you engage the 4 wheel drive.  My dad has a F-350 4x2 and will do alright when he has the extra weight of the trailer if he gets off the pavement or gravel.  It will not go through any soft spots like a 4x4 will.  He has to be real careful not to get off many places when he is not hooked to a trailer.  He will spin out real easy.  I would not have a truck without the 4x4.  However, I have to take mine through fields on a weekly basis.  I would have gotten the 4x4 if you are going to be on a soft soil condition at any point.  Around here, it is alot easier to sell a 4x4 than a 4x2.  Of course we have a large amount of farmers that drives our market. 

Thanks, y'all.

Gonna see how much trouble I can get into with the 4x2.  I never had trouble with the '91 F-350 2 wheel drive I had.  Not one hint, ever, of even thinking about getting stuck in sand or otherwise.

99% of our driving is on the highway... the 1% off road is ALWAYS with the trailer on the back of the truck and rarely on poor surfaces.

Mike

NEVER get the front wheels in any soft dirt or the Cummins anchor will take over !!! here in the North wet wet grass will get a disel 2 wheeler stuck !! gas is not as heavy and a little better.I had a 2 wheel drive pick up and had trouble backing up my drive in the gravel.

One great thing about 4x4 is you can shift to low range when in tight spots and get backed or pulled thru easier.Drove 2 wheel truck for years but now if I realy want to enjoy life it has to be 4x4.Just purchased a new F350 CC diesel 4.10 limited slip great truck!! traded in my 2001 crew cab F250 4x4 and got a great trade in deal. Here a 2 wheel drive is not a big seller.

Good luck on your truck you are the one that needs to be happy in your purchase what works for Me might not be the same for youthats why they make so many choices !!! have fun with it.And be happy!!