What Is This Worth?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Southeast MI
Yeah, but it won't be these tough little pack mules. Name only, like GM's Cutlass & Grand Prix after '77-1/2. I had both, well latter was a '76 Anniv Ed. Sorry if it's off topic. I think the Gen 1 to '08 could appreciate quite a bit in a few years. A chassis that will take whatever punishment it's owner can dish out without complaint for 20+ years until you run 3 or 4 times the torque it's designed for in a mini-truck. Tough act to follow in the snow belt. Big risks there with a lighter frame for us die-hards.
Last edited by matt's2.9STX; Dec 11, 2008 at 08:46 PM. Reason: sp there
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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How do you know it won't be a tough little truck? Ford only builds tough trucks. Your selling them short before you even see them. "HECK", being designed in austraila, they could be tougher than the current ranger. Austraila has a lot of tough and rough country in the out back, it takes a tough vehicle to cover thier terrain. Speaking of tough trucks, ford is bring the bronco back, with body on frame, solid axles front and rear and a removable top, that should be right up your alley Matt. Also the new F-150 raptor, it's biult for high speed desert running. It will come 33" tires, fox shocks and a rear selectable locker that can be engaged at high speed, big beefy A arms and long travel suspension. A truck just for Matt ha ha,
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Southeast MI
Think I'll have to build an auto ground-up in a few years or quit driving 4-wheeled cages. I further read Ford figuring on increased use of automatic & electric steering. They are also targeting Jeep Wrangler & GM's "H4?" Ford's afraid of THOSE?! The older Wrangler was cool before the new frame & stuff, but the new Jeeps don't appear safe off pavement. Have a look around the wheels... Haven't found GM's toys yet. I wonder if they plan on retaining a usable rear end on these things.
Post Fiend
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Yes it's true that manual trannies are fastly disapearing, not because ford doesn't want to build them. It's because demand is so low, no one wants a manual anymore. The only manuals on my dealers lot is a couple of mustang GT's, thats it. I have to order my rangers to get a manual tranny. If we could convince people to buy more stick shifts, they would still have a future. Maybe with the new ranger being 4 cylinder based with economy as it's goal, will retain the manual option. The 8.8 is a good strudy diff used in a lot of applications, I see no reason to ditch it. I can see an advantage to electric steering as that would put less drag on the motor for more power and better mpg. The down side is it will be just one more complicated system to have to repair over time. Ford isn't afraid of jeep, they just want some of it's market share. Like you, I don't care for the new jeeps, thats why I get the older ones. There easy to work on and tough as nails. I love the 258 straight 6 in my YJ, carb and all, awesome lowend torque.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Southeast MI
Press Release Detail - ALL SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSION LINEUP IMPROVES FUEL EFFICIENCY AND FUN- ... - Ford
Who knows? Anyway, I'd better work on our own little bunch of machines. The Fords are fine, but that little Japanese thing could use a good burial. May be in the crusher in 5-6 years. O yeah, as far as the electric motors in steering, I was thinking they might be confident in them enough to toss the columns out in favor of opening more room for powertrain. Don't see why they HAVE to have powered steering other than making room. When the cars get even smaller, power-assist is a ridiculous waste of energy. So space & lazy wusses have to be driving points. Remember the whole thing about whether hydroxy boost actually works? Same arguments after a fashion. As I said, they must be very confident in thier motors and gearboxes. Bugger is, when I get my hands on a few for myself, I'll be getting even crankier & too stiff to worm around in there. And far less tolerant of autos that drive themselves. Need to get my stuff out of the snow belt & keep it running.
Who knows? Anyway, I'd better work on our own little bunch of machines. The Fords are fine, but that little Japanese thing could use a good burial. May be in the crusher in 5-6 years. O yeah, as far as the electric motors in steering, I was thinking they might be confident in them enough to toss the columns out in favor of opening more room for powertrain. Don't see why they HAVE to have powered steering other than making room. When the cars get even smaller, power-assist is a ridiculous waste of energy. So space & lazy wusses have to be driving points. Remember the whole thing about whether hydroxy boost actually works? Same arguments after a fashion. As I said, they must be very confident in thier motors and gearboxes. Bugger is, when I get my hands on a few for myself, I'll be getting even crankier & too stiff to worm around in there. And far less tolerant of autos that drive themselves. Need to get my stuff out of the snow belt & keep it running.
Post Fiend
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Speaking of snow belt, I show a show on salt. It said there's a cleveland based salt company thats spays a chemical on road salt that makes it non corrosive. They say the salt is destoring frame work in bridges and what not. It gives the salt a blue tint. I've been watching for the blue salt in my area. That would be sweet to have non corrosive salt here in the north so it wouldn't eat our trucks away. I'ld even pay alittle more in taxes for the good salt.
