[DannyG]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to purchase a TBSS and was intially interested in AWD only due to my winter habits, which take me up into the mountain snow. However, I've recently started looking at the RWD models as they're quite a bit cheaper, get slightly better gas mileage, are a little faster, and I kind of like the idea of a rear wheel drive "hot rod" SUV, if you will.

So, my question is; who here as a RWD TBSS and how has that worked out for you? I know we don't get much lowland snow but, when we do, it's really nice to have AWD or at least optional 4WD. Furthermore, trying to go up to Crystal, Stevens or even Snoqualmie can be tricky without the 4 wheel option. Your feedback/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Danny

 

[907TBSS]

If you continue to venture in to the mountains during winter I'd recommend you stick looking for an AWD.

Not saying WA is that extreme but I drove mine up to AK when purchased I'll tell ya it was hell driving through Canada in snow and that was just April, so it wasn't that bad but I was all over the place.

Granted, could have added weight and different tires would have been beneficial.

 

[DannyG]

Thanks for the response. Just went and drove a 2wd one and it felt way faster and tighter than the two AWD ones I've driven. Only thing I found odd was that the trans seemed to shift really hard into 2nd... Is that a pronounced characteristic of the 2wd TBSS, or is that just the "slip-bang" thing I've read about? Didn't notice it as much in the AWD rigs.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Sounds like the 2WD was tuned...even a tune makes them feel lighter and quicker all around. The 2WD ones are ~200-400lbs lighter (center diff, front CV axles, front diff, front driveshaft add up), but Ive gotta say, my AWD with the rear bags adjusted, a DJM swaybar, and Hotchkis swaybar bushings on my front swaybar handles pretty dang well. Corners like its on rails, didnt realize how much I missed that coming from my 02 (has a Hotchkis rear bar).

The only way I can recommend a 2WD SS is if you plan on forking out the $$ for a full set of winter tires (rims if you want to run 17/18s), a set of chains, and AAA. Maybe have a winter tune that has more throttle tip-in TM active so you cant spin the wheels as easily.

Im from Seattle but spend the winters in Spokane, even in my 02 TB I was always in 4HI whenever there was snow on the ground (even with good Dueler A/T Revos with lots of tread left). With the SS I bought a set of 17s and some Dueler A/T Revo 2s for a winter setup, they're great but there are still times I wish I could lock the 50/50 front/rear torque split like my 02 can vs the constant varying center diff the SS has.

They all have the lovely slip-bang 1-2 shift, especially with higher miles and/or if they've been beaten on.

Random, was the 2WD one a Red Jewel one? Thats the only one I know of up here, was owned by a member who traded it into a dealer a year or so ago for a fullsize truck.

If you have any other questions or want to talk on the phone, PM me.

 

[hifiguy7]

AWD means you do not have to chain up when traction tires required...

I love my AWD.

 

[K5/SS]

I love my 2WD

 

[ScarabEpic22]

I love my 2WD

Read my last post Dustin, you'll see a reference to your truck haha! :burp:

 

[Jake747]

I love my AWD.

 

[K5/SS]

Read my last post Dustin, you'll see a reference to your truck haha! :burp:

That's funny you old timer you:rofl:

 

[Jake747]

There's a 2WD Silver one at NW Motorsports with 77k on it. Is that the one?

 

[SSFOS]

Coming from St. Louis, and its wonderful winters. If you have some skills driving in snow, 2WD is all that bad. Now I would never have gone off pavement.