Aaron, I am all for 2wd's. I see nothing wrong with them. As I said we had a 2wd, but at the same time I owned and still do a K2500 Suburban that will pull better due to wheelbase and the fact that it is a 3/4 ton.
Ryan, the 4wd has nothing to do with the truck going into the drink when backing down a ramp. That is all about brakes and the only thing that is really going to help is good tires.
Most 4wd's are open in the rear diffs anyhow, so a 2wd with a locker is about the same. Even if a 4wd does have a locker, they will not engage unless you put your foot on the brakes. I have seen trucks with lockers crossed up going nowhere. Once the brakes are applied then they start on their way again...sometimes
Duffy, do your use tow/haul button, even on flat ground. It will help save your transmission. The EPC pressures are bumped and it changes the shift points along with firming the shifts. Slippage is what damages trannys.
Edit: BTW I have never used 4wd launching or retrieving a boat. Not even on a slippery ocean or bay ramp. I consider it a game.
(Message edited by Peter_C on December 17, 2006)