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Anchorage, Alaska
USA
1340 Posts |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 5:59 PM
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Although I enjoy my Suzuki I'm humble enough to admit the only 4x4's that I see off road are the Toyota's and they pass me in a flash. Better clearance, more power, and alas more room.
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lightfootcycles.com
Ranger |
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Langley, BC
549 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 6:15 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Dirt Diggler
If the vehicle has independant front suspension it is more unlikely that one of the front wheels will come off the grond on a mean obstacle.This does not however nullify the need for a posi diff in extreme situations.Too tell you the truth,you would probably never feel the need for true 4 wheel drive getting into a trailhead.Just remember"if all four tires have traction they are all powering the vehicle".
I have to disagree -- axles give way more articulation. Solid axle swaps (rip out the IFS and put in an axle) are popular for a reason.IFS gives a better ride on smooth roads but when it gets rough axles are the way to go.
Most FSRs don't need lockers but never say never. All it takes is one muddy hole and you're stuck. A limited slip is nice to have and I wouldn't turn my nose up at a locker but it wouldn't be a deal-breaker.
In my truck I switch to 4Hi as soon as I hit gravel. It makes for a smoother ride -- no rear wheel hop going up hills and why not use it if I have it. I use 4Low on hills because the low speed really heats up the auto tranny fluid. And again, I have it so why not use it?
The old 4 door Suzuki Sidekick/Chevy Tracker will get you where you want and you don't have to worry about scrathing it or having it stolen. 
The Jeep Cherokee is another cheap solid choice.
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881 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 6:50 PM
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| I have heard that from other people as well Slow Dog.The reason I think that people use a solid axle is because it is so much easier to lift.With a solid differential (like the rear one in your pic)the tire that is not climbing the obstacle is forced to roll over on it's corner causing traction loss.This doesn't happen with ifs.The price a properly done ifs is outrageous though.The Hummers and Range Rovers are equipped with this system for a reason as well.It works well for providing maximum traction.Your response is not without merrit though.A solid axle can provide more suspension travel than independent simply because of the control arm geometry.So in conclusion I feel that it is matter of what you'll be doing with your truck that determines what's best. |
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Ladner, BC
Canada
1179 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 7:10 PM
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For logging roads, I prefer my logging truck...I mean...that's what it's built for right?
for all other occasions... this versatile set up will suffice
   
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The tougher the climb, the better the food tastes. -Lupin- |
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Langley, BC
549 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 7:29 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Dirt Diggler
I have heard that from other people as well Slow Dog.The reason I think that people use a solid axle is because it is so much easier to lift.
Price is a big part of it. Another is that the ground clearance is fixed -- the diff is the lowest point and can't go any lower. With IFS you lose clearance when you add people or cargo. There's fewer u-joints to break and the axle shafts are protected inside a tube. |
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 canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6871 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2006 : 8:06 PM
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| For 10K you should be able aquire a good used unit.SUV's are in demand and many crooks have been selling rebuild status vehicles.Some are fine ,but many get passed by inspection by groups of shady trades people.I have been in the repair industry for 20 + years and see this daily.Inspect your purchase very closely.bad gaps and ill fitting trim is a common indicator of poor work.Since you will be buying used you need to really pay attention to a few things.Sellers rarely tell you things you dont want to hear. |
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Mysterious, pop can stove stashin', gps totin', overnighter virgin, wannabe tentmaker and foul weather wuss who rides a thumper to the trailhead with wonderdog Max to hike the Chilliwack Valley
Chwk
Canada
4921 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2006 : 12:37 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Dirt Diggler
Where the truck reaches it's limit I resort to the KX.
Yippee!
But on the other hand...I've seen Subaru's and Honda Preludes at the Cheam T/H!
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You won't see the woods while you're a tree... |
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Langley, BC
Canada
80 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2006 : 9:37 PM
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| I got a '71 Land Rover just for this purpose. Small, light, dependable and I dont worry so much about the occasional sccratch or ding...... |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2006 : 09:08 AM
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You have to ask yourself what you are trying to achieve. If you are just getting to trail heads most cars will do. I mean if you want to go extreme 4X4ing then that is totally different. I have a Mazda Tribute and it has gotten me every where I wanted to go. Actually handled something better than I would have thought. Unless you are going to deep mud or rock crawling stick with something that wont suck the gas or be wicked uncomfortable to drive.
JM2C
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However long the night, the dawn will break.
--African Proverb |
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Courtenay, BC
Canada
181 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2006 : 1:49 PM
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Hey Lupin,
Just curious, what was the price tag on the lift for your subaru? I think it is awesome!! |
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Vancouver
Canada
291 Posts |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
667 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 09:46 AM
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suzuki Samurai with a 1.6 fuel injected .. I just saw one on craigs list with a turbo diesel ..
I would have to say this is one of the best 4x4 ever made.
If I had the money right now this is what I would be getting.
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/2047853871.html |
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Smurf Village, BC
Canada
1534 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 10:00 AM
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Suzuki Samurai, FTW!
It's too bad you can't get the short wheelbase version of the 3rd generation Rav4 (2006-present) in North America. Then you'd have luxury along with reasonable useability. |
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Brentwood Bay, BC
229 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 10:19 AM
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to throw in my 2 cents and what I'm taking to the TH...
2007 Honda CRV... handles the main line logging roads great, and can tackle the secondary roads and roads into the cut blocks ok (and I've put it through some nice tests on a few hunting trips) and on the highway the gas millage is pretty good... city not as much... but the city is just for resupply ;)
It holds lots and the front seats can be folded down into the rear seats and be used as bed (not the most comfortable but for an early start at the trail head it is very doable).
But I should get some skid plates for it ;) |
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Vancouver
Canada
291 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 10:21 AM
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It's also too bad they don't sell diesel front axle four door short-bed hiluxes with LHD here.
The biggest thing between me and my dreams is just the Pacific Ocean. |
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677 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 10:32 AM
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One BIG factor not yet mentioned is that a less serious AWD small SUV, RAV4 being a prime example that we happen to have, is far better on the normal dirt roads that you will be traveling on. It doesn't have the low range, solid axles, heavy suspension that you need for rock-crawling, but has a far better ride on normal dirt. Not too mention fuel economy.
The serious 4X4's rattle your fillings out at speed over washboard etc, while the RAV floats like a dream. Tires stay in contact with the ground, suspension works well, tracks straight, well balanced, not skittery like an empty pick-up.
The older RAVs, pre-2000 or maybe 2001, not positive when the redesign was, are much more capable off-road. Ours is a '98, we've had it for 100K now, 170K total on it, and it has been perfect. Tires make a big difference. Any of the small ones can benefit from a transmission cooler if automatic. No troubles yet other than normal maintenance, an oxygen sensor and a cat. |
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Van, bc
Canada
636 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 4:01 PM
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last week we went to Cloudburst area in my friends brand new F-150 4x4. we bottomed out on several crossditches that my 99 CRV tackled with no problem, no touching. his full-size was just as smooth though on gravel and potholes as my CRV.
my other friends TJ on the other hand is a disaster to ride in. on the highway it feels like gravel. on gravel it feels like potholes. on potholes you hit the roof and get knocked out. although there is no denying the low range and heavy duty suspension of a true 4x4 are pretty helpful to say the least.
for ME (maybe not for everyone else... dont get bent out of shape) the CRV (or RAV4) is the best combination of reliability, capability, gas mileage, size, clearance, comfort on and off road, highway, city, daily driver, road trip car camping family vehicle. good enough for just about any FSR required for access to local mtns in 103 hikes / Scrambles book. |
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Van, BC
Canada
2841 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 6:38 PM
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I am very happy with my XTerra after a summer's worth of use, and I'm noticing more and more people seem to be getting them for hiking as well.
-Ryan
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1273 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 6:58 PM
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| Soon I will sell my 2006 subie and hopefully get a 94-96 Tracker 4x4 power nothing, with scratches so I don't worry about the fine finish of the subie anymore. |
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Back Road Vehicles
