I have both. The 2X4 is really a kick to ride! It is fairly sporty for a ute (I ride my utes as "go anywhere sport bikes" anyway). I live in primarily dry country, so my main requirement is high ground clearance, when the rocks get to big or the stream crossings get to deep. I saw a post by a guy who rode his 2X4 Rancher on the Rubicon trail, with no problem.

That said, I do occasionally wish I had another 4X4. When you are in mud or snow, or the traction is sketchey, a 4X4 is a great asset. I have the Warn 424 on my 4X4, and it is a great option.

 

4x4, even if you don't use the 4x4 very often your gonna get better resale out of it later down the road.

 

Get a 4x4. Most are selectable and you can run around in 2 wheel drive when you don't need it. And make sure it has a locking front differential not just an open differential or a limited slip differential. I haven't had a lick of luck with limited slips.

 

I'm with the 4x4 contingent. I do much the same thing with mine as you're planning and the 4x4 has come in handy many times. Often it's the difference between going at something slow knowing all 4 wheels (or at least three) are pulling, instead of needing to give it more gas in 2wd. In a word, confidence.

 

Hey Reconranger, in your sig it says you have a rancher 4x4 and a rancher 2x4, best of both worlds! Is the 4x4 on all the time or can it be switched to 2 wheel/4 wheel drive as needed? I've just been looking around the web and the specs do not say if it is switchable or not. The dealership is closed, so I can't call to ask...

Horses have eaten the pasture way down and the rain is never ending! There are a lot of very muddy spots... I am beginning the feel the lure of 4 wheel drive...

Thanks, David

 

On the rancher 4X4 it is full time 4X4 so no you cant take it out of 4X4.... i think you would be happy with the polaris magnum330 or the ATP330. they are 4x4 and the atp has tons of storidg space!
and the 4x4 is on-demand and true. the atp has a selector that you can even unlock the rear dif for smoother turnoing and it dose not ter up the lawn as much! all this sed you should probly go with a 4X4 with a fully lockable dif (rancher is not) and selecteble 2X4/4X4! any way you look @ it 4X4 is better unl;ees it's a sport quad! and thats a hole nother world of atvs!



Ferdinando//////////////////------------------fast---------------\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

 

The Rancher is full time 4X4, but a Warn 424 will fix that.

 

Hey dj, I don't live far from you. A mile or so south of the cherokee county line on canton hwy. But anyways, keep researching quads. I'm not sure what your budget is but you can definately find dealers that sell brand new quads way under MSRP. There is two up around chattanooga that are constantly battleling back and forth on prices for hondas and polaris. I'm heading out saturday morning to tn. to buy a new kodiak 450 for $1000.00 less than msrp. Woot Woot! But I've got to travel 700 miles round trip to get that. I don't mind driving though. But definately do some research and try to test ride everthing you can. Good luck and if you have any questions you can do a search on many sites to get info or just post up. Good luck with your choice.

Ethan

 

hey i got a 2x4 bruin and its all i need for what i use it for mostly cruising woods roads and general weekend trips, ride with my buddies who some have 4x4s, but what you want i would go with the 4x4 i love my 2 by but there are times when i wish it was a 4 by at least i bought it with a winch have not ever used it yet but its a good feeling knowing its there. good luck and enjoyl

 

djs60, why dont u just try and find a used 4x4 for a lot cheaper than buying brand new? just my idea