Greetings, first time here. I have been shopping for a new ride. I have looked at everything, it seems.
New and old Grand Cherokees (My wife has a '93 grand laredo we love). 2k
cherokees. Durangos. Explorers. F-150's. Pathfinders. 4Runners.
Expeditions.

Has anyone out there in cyberville own(s)(ed) a SUV and a F-150 and used
both off-road? I intend to use the truck like I use my jeep; daily rig,
long distance trips, interstate and 2-lane state and county roads, forest
service roads and trails. No extreme rock climbing like Moab. But I do
expect the rig to get me out.....

How does a F-150 compare with an suv off-road and on? which, IYHO, is
better for these tasks, and why?

Please comment with regards to my concerns: Comfort (mainly seating, I am
6'2" and 260 lbs) for trails and long distance, and capability (performance
and handling on highway, and off-road).

I have driven a 2k F150 XLT 4x4 5.4L supercab with the bench seats and was
very impressed with it. I did drive it on interstate, 2-lane state roads
and I did take it on a short trail and found it a little bouncy v. my jeep.
But it is a truck.....

My rig: 1989 cherokee 4.0L Laredo. Had it 5 years, put 100k miles on it.
It
has 221k miles on it now. I use it off-highway regularly, and intend on
using the new rig in a similar fashion. I do a lot of interstate
driving with it.

any comments appreciated.

--Karl in Idaho

 

Karl From Idaho:

I had until recently a 97 F-150 S/C 4x4 4.6l. My wife's daily driver is a 98 Cherokee Classic 4.0l 4x4. Having been off-road in both I can tell you the Jeep is just better at it. It's shorter wheelbase, lighter curb weight, and whatever it is that makes it a Jeep is just impossible to beat as I am sure you know. Having said this, I took the 97 (and will take the 2000) Ford on about 90% of all my off-road trips. It was more comfortable, had more room, better ground clearance, and just inspired more overall confidence on everything but the narrowest trails and steepest inclines/declines. Sure I didn't attempt some things in the truck I would not have hesitated to do in the Jeep but to me it was worth the trade-off in comfort and size. The truck is easier to get stuck though, and the long wheelbase results in some interesting angles when approaching obstacles one wheel at a time as I like to do (if that makes sense). As a daily driver though you can't beat it. The added height gives improved visibility and a greater feeling of "uh oh" survivability. I always feel like I'm gonna be squashed in the Jeep... No such feelings of vulnerability in the truck. As far as on road performance... The Ford is far more well mannered than the jeep will ever be. The ride is better, handling is better, almost everuything is better... The Jeep's turning radius is impossible to beat but the ride sucks for comfort in comparison to the truck (still solid axle, and the 8 ply BFG's and Rancho 9000's don't help). All things being equal I use the truck more and have never gotten stuck when I didn't deserve it or been disappointed with it's off-road abilities and finesse. I am glad the wife likes the Jeep though and I can abuse it on weekends when the urge arises... There are just some times the Jeep is better suited to the task and worth the minor discomforts... And it is soooo cabable it's scary. Just some thoughts on the subject...

------------------
2000 F-150 Lariat S/C 4x4 ORP 5.4L Bright Red/gold

 

One of my friends owns an offroad school! He had a F150 4x4 shortbox 4.6L LS 3.73s. That truck took him everywhere he wanted to go! But now he has an off-road edition Jeep Grand Cherokee with 260Hp (i think). Man that SUV is impressive!!! It is just as good or better than an F150 but a Ford Expedition isn't all that great on the mountains (well with stock tires - I don't know why the Expedition guys had trouble going in the same places as I (F150 4x4) and the offroad guy (Jeep)). The Jeep had stock tires too!

I have a 97 4x4 V6 flairside short box and regular cab, so my wheel base is good for off-road! I never really got "high-centered" before (well ok maybe that one time ) But I do climb a 3 foot high road block with my truck 90 degree approche (both wheels at a time). It scrubs a little on the frame and the gas tank skid plate but...

I say try the ford it is a great truck! But get the LS and 3.73 gears, the 5.4 is a nice and strong engine with great low end torque for off-road. Well I have a V6, 3.08 gears and no LS and this truck surprises me a whole lot! People tell me that it can't make it, don't try this etc... But I DO make it and it is FUN!

Have fun with whatever you buy!!!
And drive safe,
steve

------------------
Formerly known as 4byFord

Check out my site: eph1fifty.cjb.net My email: eph1fifty@hotmail.com
1997 F150 4x4 XLT with ORP 4.2L V6 and 5-speed manual.