Looking for SUV recommendation

[DJ]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Búzios,<br /><br />The pickup is a little bit of a different animal.<br /><br />I am driving an '04' F-150 Super Crew with the three valve Triton 5.4L. At 300 ponies and a flat torgue curve, it's more of a horse than the Navigator.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Originally posted by Búzios:<br />I remember just before purchasing my ranger being advised to stay miles away from SUVs, due to weaker tranny and construction. Myth?

Saying any vehicle has a weaker tranny or construction is RIDICULOUS based on whether it is a pickup or SUV...that has absolutely nothing to do with it.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

I agree with ZmOz,<br /><br />I am with your statement that there is no difference between a SUV and pick-up. They are usually built on the same platforms and engine/drivetrain setups.<br /><br />In fact a SUV will provide better aerodynamics than a PU without a cap allowing for less wind resistance.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

SUV s are TRUCKS with the exception of the smaller import models that are unibody construction. An on-frame SUV has all the components that it’s sister truck have…..SUVs have an advantage on traction due to their shorter wheelbase and better front/rear weight ratio. They generally are less likely to jack-knife during a panic stop.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

The only SUV I'm familiar with is my 2000 Explorer V6 4.0, which tows my 19 footer (2,800#) up and down steep mountainous roads with ease. Consider this a recomendation <br /><br />DJ - those are interesting comments abount the V6 and V8.

 

[DJ]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

ZmOz,<br /><br />Those comments regarding lighter driveline components in SUV's is completely false. At least I can speak fori the Ford built vehicles. The Explorer/Mountaineer share some driveline components with both Ranger and F-150. It depends on which engine. The Navigator/Expedition are F-150 components, except the differential. It is the same size (differential), it just happens to be independent suspension, in the SUV.<br /><br />62_Kiwi,<br /><br />That has been my experience. I've towed extensively with both. The real difference is the five speed auto behind the 4.0. That extra gear makes a big difference. When it does downshift, it is not as much of an rpm diffrence-thus smoother. Granted, as I stated, the V-8 shines with loads over 5K. It has more low end grunt.

 

[dmartin1215]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

When I bought by 20 footer..about 3800lbs, I had a Ford Ranger 2.3 4 cylinder...I didn't even hook it up...I found a 1995 F150 extended cab with the 300 straight six. Won't win any races, but it will pull a house down! Only gave $4000 for it, and sold it a year later for $5K. Bought me a 1998 Expedition Eddie Bauer with the 5.4 in it. $13,000. I have put 17000 miles on it, and now have 91,000 miles. Never had a bit of trouble, and it is a workhorse for towing! My wife had a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with the 302 V8, and it tows the boat fine, but the handling and stopping cannot even compare to the Expedition. It is now possibly to find a nice Expedition for less than $10,000 now. Gas milage in town is about 12.5, and highway 17-18 though.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Good choice "2boat" even though I am a Chevy man, a SUV is a better tow vehicle over a standard 1/2 ton pick-up. You can't haul firewwod as easily but you will outperform most pick-ups when it comes to towing, especially at the ramp. Personaly, if it wasn't the need for towing I would prefer a PU but after switching from a F-150 to a Blazer I will never hook-up to a PU again!