4 wheel drive capability?
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Jackson, TN
4 wheel drive capability?
Hi,
I just discovered this forum while searching for information. I'm getting ready to replace my work vehicle. I'm a surveyor, and I do lots of off-road work. I'm using a 95 Explorer now. It gets great gas mileage, but it's 4 wheel drive is not the greatest.
My question is, would an Expedition be a better off road vehicle than an Explorer, or are they about the same?
I appreciate the thread about gas mileage, because that would have been my next question. It sounds like I could live with the gas mileage if the off-road capability is good.
Thanks
I just discovered this forum while searching for information. I'm getting ready to replace my work vehicle. I'm a surveyor, and I do lots of off-road work. I'm using a 95 Explorer now. It gets great gas mileage, but it's 4 wheel drive is not the greatest.
My question is, would an Expedition be a better off road vehicle than an Explorer, or are they about the same?
I appreciate the thread about gas mileage, because that would have been my next question. It sounds like I could live with the gas mileage if the off-road capability is good.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 263
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I don't really know how to respond... what didn't you like about the explorer?? The expedition does fine, but if you had problems with the explorer it's probably due to tires... I mean if all 4 wheels are turning and you're not climbing big rocks I dunno what could be the problem besides tires...
Sorry im not of much help, just don't really know what you didn't like about the explorer. Something to keep in mind is the explorer is based off of a Ranger, the expedition F150 so there are obvious advantages in there.
Sorry im not of much help, just don't really know what you didn't like about the explorer. Something to keep in mind is the explorer is based off of a Ranger, the expedition F150 so there are obvious advantages in there.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8
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From: Jackson, TN
It's hard to explain
My 95 Explorer is an XL, and has 15" wheels. I use the same size tires that I have on my 90 Bronco II, but the Explorer does not seem to have the same ground clearance. The Bronco II is one tough little truck, but the Explorer just does not feel as solid some how. Maybe it's just my imagination.
Anyway, I think you may have answered my question. If the 4 wheel drive system in the Expedition is the same as in the F-150, I believe I would be happier with it.
Thanks
Anyway, I think you may have answered my question. If the 4 wheel drive system in the Expedition is the same as in the F-150, I believe I would be happier with it.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 327
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From: Midwest
The upsides to the Expedition: larger wheels and tires, more ground clearance, more power, more durable drivetrain. The downsides: more weight and larger size. Comparing my Expedition (5.4L V-8, 4wd) against my mom's Explorer (with a 4.0L V-6 and 4wd), both do fine in light duty off-roading. The Explorer runs out of power in 4 Hi much faster than does the Expedition...but the Expy's extra weight is a downside in very soft conditions. I think the extra tire size helps offset the weight. To make either one dramatically out perform the other, one simple change could be made: change their tires. Throw an aggressive set of tires on either one, and their personalities would change dramatically.
That said, my Expedition does better off-road than did my former vehicle, a 1998 Ranger Xtra Cab with the Off-Road 4x4 package. The biggest difference again is the power. The Ranger ran out of power in mud and clay very rapidly...and off-road, the Expedition seems to always have power in abundance.
That said, my Expedition does better off-road than did my former vehicle, a 1998 Ranger Xtra Cab with the Off-Road 4x4 package. The biggest difference again is the power. The Ranger ran out of power in mud and clay very rapidly...and off-road, the Expedition seems to always have power in abundance.
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Posting Guru
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I would also look for the 17" wheel option. Provides about 1-1/2" more ground clearance. The downside is a more limited tire selection.
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Posting Guru
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If you want to see what an Expedition is capable of, check out the photo galleries at this site:
http://www.xpeditionexpedition.org/g...ndex.php?cat=6
http://www.xpeditionexpedition.org/g...ndex.php?cat=6
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
Originally posted by DB351C
Thanks for all the replies! PaulC, I looked at the photo galleries and I was impressed. I would say that the Expedition could be a serious off-road truck.
Thanks
Thanks for all the replies! PaulC, I looked at the photo galleries and I was impressed. I would say that the Expedition could be a serious off-road truck.
Thanks