That's why I said "if the braking distance, fade resistance and reliability or comparable". Maybe they have found a way to do that by use of different materials...I don't know. I'm not saying drums are better or defending GM for doing it, just stating that it doesn't make a hill of beans worth of difference if they are discs, drums, or square pieces of plastic, as long as they work as well for as long.

I was speaking more towards the design and manufacture stand point, not the "DIY mechanic" side. Plus, I thought newer drums were self adjusting if you use your E-brake regularly? I could be wrong...


BTW, I like the discs better than drums as I think they give a better braking feel...just playing devils advocate.

 

I've never had problems with any of the Fords that I've owned. All my friends that drive Chevys have had one problem after another. Plus, I like the styling of the Ford more than that other trucks out there (and refuse to buy a foreign "truck").

 

EXACTLY. I had an '02 Z71 that had 4 wheel discs on it... GM went back to rear drums when they upgraded the front brakes, and wanted to offset the cost to the consumer. The stopping distances with the upgraded front brakes and the rear drums were superior to the previously used 4 wheel discs.

If drums were really that inferior, would the road going vehicles for whom braking is most important (read: dump trucks, cement trucks, 18 wheeler rigs, etc...) use them? Probably not. Drums are used in that application for the simple fact that they are inexpensive to purchase and maintain, they're effective, and they're durable.

I'm not advocating everything shifting back to 4 wheel drums... I'm just saying that just because something is an older design doesn't necessarily mean that it's an inferior design... just look at the latest pushrod V8s from Dodge and GM.

All of that being said, the reasons I bought a Ford are:

- I wanted a boxed frame, which GM didn't offer until the '07 model year
- I wanted rack-and-pinion steering, which GM didn't offer until the '07 model year
- I have more faith in the 4R70W than the 4L60E
- I have a friend that works for Ford who does transmission calibrations, so if I want any custom tuning done, he has the know how to make it happen
- the torque available in the 3V 5.4L

The main thing that I wish were different about my Ford is the engine... I think Ford messed up with the modular engine design by making the bore WAY too small; if it wasn't for the 3V setup on the '04+ 5.4L motors, I'd own another GM, or perhaps a Hemi Dodge. The 2V 5.4L was way too weak (re: power) for me. It really is just stupid easy to make stupid power out of either the Dodge or GM motors, whereas it's more challenging with the Ford modular stuff.

 

Just my funy story on this subject. A good friend of mine ordered a new chevy 1500 max from scratch. Put every option on it waited 4 months for it to come in. I gave him a ride down to pick it up in my 04 screw. While we were out looking it over he was amazed at all the " cool toys" parking sensors, DVD player, amd he went ahead and happily mentioned that he had four wheel disc brakes on his truck. After he was done running down the list of toys his truck had I burst his bubble by walking him back over to my truck and showing him all the same stuff, standard on my truck that is three years old. Than as an added DIG I told him that chevy is three years late in trying to catch up to FORD. I have always driven ford, and always will drive ford.

04 lariat screw
02 Mustang GT
65 f-100. balanced and blueprinted 460
02 e-350 company truck.

 

Just so you know, the GM trucks had 4 wheel discs starting with the '99 model year.

 

I did not know that, but I know he had to order it this year as an option, and being the smart a$$ I am, I could not miss the chance for a little dig. But thanks for the info. Also I'm not trying to add to the debate between chevy, ford, dodge. I know what brand I like, and I don't belittle anyone for having their opinion.

 

I understand what you're saying and I respect the fact you're willing to take on the other side of the discussion. The bottom line for me is if GM wants to compete there really is no excuse for not making 4 wheel discs standard, especially on a totally new truck. I fully expect manufacturers to cut corners on certain things to save money. Ford went all out on the '04 F150's and then cut back on things for '05 and up to cut cost of production. The use of the "Quiet Steel" was limited to the firewall, the overhead rail system and foglights were made options for '05 and up. They were standard on the '04's.

A drum brake will never be superior to discs and the brakes are the one thing I cannot accept a manufacturer choosing as the place to save a buck.

 

Fair enough.

While I do like the GM stuff, I also like the Ford stuff (or I wouldn't own one)... I just happen to know more about GM, is all.

 

Just so you know, the GM trucks had 4 wheel discs starting with the '99 model year.
_______

But for 2005 they went back to rear drums as standard. It was a cost cutting measure only. It is one thing to cheap out and stop putting in glove box lights.. (BAD Ford) to cutting costs on saftey items (really BAD gm (Gods mistake))

 

When I was looking into getting a truck I knew I really wanted 4 doors and 4 wheel drive. I was looking at the chevy SS but its only a extended cab- also I found out that the same 6.0L is gonna be offered in the new (this years) silverado so the cost of the engine was offset if everyone was gonna get it.

Then I looked at Nissan- the Bed was way to short you couldn't put anything in it, Was alittle to car like with its interior also no sales people came out to talk.

Looked at dodge- that was a joke of a back seat. Why pay for a crewcab if it was only 2 inches bigger than a extra cab. But I did like the motor. Didn't like the bump that the dealers were marking up for the "hemi"

Went with Ford because I love the body style. Also I love the center shifter. It was different from the other trucks on the market and I liked that. I really just love the ford styling. If I could do anything I would wait till they come out with there new engine and then swap my 5.4 for the new one. Also install the 6 speed trans.

If I had to buy a truck today. I would go with the chevy. Because I like the motor and the look ( I think they stole the basic concept from Ford). The Chevy is all new and has plenty of room. They also have the 5 speed transmission. I wouldn't get the Ford because I would be buying the 5.4 and they are going to be update in a year or 2 or 3 also the transmission is outdated. But once they update then its all Ford baby.

Have to mention this.. The reason so many fords are on jobsites.. Cause they are leased- hence fords huge share of leased and fleet truck sales. Ford has the best prices for that market. jmo

 

Nope...still a 4 speed auto for now. The 6 speed is coming in the next year or so.

 

Owned an '89 S10 Blazer. Terrible vehicle. Trans. was gone around 80K, radiator was toast at 65K, all kinds of interior falling apart issues. Owned an '89 Cheyenne. OK, suspension got loose early, drivers door sagged all the time. Plenty of annoying leaks, as well. TBI gasket dried up causing high idle. One injector stuck occasionally. Owned a '96 Yukon. Worst vehicle we EVER had. Too many problems to list, so it's easier to list what was good. Comfortable seats, that's about it. Owned a '97 F150. In 147K miles, replaced the starter, alternator, and the heater core. No other issues, except the pitman arm squeaked and was replaced under warranty. Currently have an '04 Lariat 4X4 SC. Some problems, but I get comments like "I didn't even know they made trucks this sweet" when friends ride in it. Has about the same amenity levels as my wifes MB CLK, and it towed 2 cords of wood up the mountains no problem : )
BTW - I love not being stuck in the '70's with the crappy drum brakes.

 

I to bleed Ford Blue !!!
Although I’ve owned other brands in my 35 years of driving, I’m a Blue Blood.

The List:
’71 AMC Grimlin
’73 Mazda RX3
’75 Chevy C-10
’75 Chevy Nova
’79 Ford F-100
’81 Ford Escort SW
’82 Ford F-150
’84 Toyota Mini Van
’87 Ford F-150
’87 Nissan Mini Van
’89 Mazda B-2000
’91 Mazda 323
2 ’93 Ford Ranger Scabs
’95 Ford Windstar
’97 Ford Explorer (Wife Current)
’05 Ford F150 Scab (My Current)

My 3 kid’s as teens:
’83 Ford Ranger (2 engines)
’90 Honda Civic
2 ’92 Ford Taurus’
’94 Ford Tempo
’00 Ford Focus

My kids now (all married):
Oldest – ’02 F-150 & ’05 Escape
Middle – ‘97 Taurus & ’04 Escape
Youngest – ’02 Taurus & ’04 Taurus

 

Ford man through and through, as taught by my Dad. I will never own any GM product; that's just me. I won't own a Dodge either. Some of it goes back to high school and every kid having a Chevelle or Goat, and me doing it the hard way with a Ford.

There is so much go-fast stuff for these motors, I don't really look at base HP comparisons between the brands.

 

Chevy is still a 4 speed. Retards!!!! I saw a commercial for Lexus I think it has a 8 speed auto (maybe it was BMW). Either one but it definetly said 8 speed.