TOYOTA TACOMA vs FORD RANGER- Part XI

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Comments

  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    at the dealership next to me but they informed me I would have to go to a dealerhsip that carries Ford's SVT (Special Vehicle Team?) lineup. I don't have such a dealership anywhere close to me at the moment.
  • 759397759397 Member Posts: 79
    Pluto what would you be doing looking at the FX4?
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    and want to see what Ford's competition to the Tacoma TRD is like. Is that a sin or am I breaking some kind of law? This doesn't mean I'm going to go out and buy an FX4.
  • 759397759397 Member Posts: 79
    No reason to get defensive. As Tacoma owner I will admit that I am pretty impressed with the FX4. I was wondering if you thought the same thing. It seems like a decent truck and good competition to the TRD.
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    good competition until you get yourself into a situation a rear locker is needed. Nothing, absolutely nothing, will get you out of a bad bind better than a locker. Go to a four-wheeling meet and talk to the folks with lockers and why they have them. They'll all tell you the same - a limited slip is, well, limited.

    While the FX4 will be good competition, it still is underpowered compared to a supercharged Taco with 265 horses on a lighter truck. Light weight, big tires and lots of power, combined with a locker and one of the best suspensions out there, is going to probably keep the Taco on top of the heap for a while to come.

    Ford needs a supercharger and a locker to be truly competitive, I believe.
  • sc0rpi0sc0rpi0 Member Posts: 897
    It'd be especially interesting to see how Ranger vs. Tacoma arguement goes when Taco gets a 3.7L V6 next year. It'd be too early for Ranger to get a new engine, but Taco is due, it's had the same V6 for 6 years now.
  • 759397759397 Member Posts: 79
    Has been a decent engine considering. I have no real compaints with ours. So far 62k strong miles. I can see the argument for the locker. Unfortunately when you start talking about adding the TRD supercharger to a TRD truck you 're getting a little expensive. Then again do you want the best tool available or not.
  • eagle63eagle63 Member Posts: 599
    I don't really think ford needs to offer a supercharger for the ranger's V6. The SOHC has pretty decent power, especially for a compact truck. I have the SOHC in my explorer and I think it's pretty quick, and the explorer is considerably heavier than the ranger.
    The supercharger for the taco's 3.4 is awesome, but I would never spend the money on it unless I had the S-runner and was into street racing. Although the 3.4 is showing some age and isn't at the top of the horsepower/torque ladder anymore, I still think it's a great, quick little engine.
    I mean, I like powerful engines just as much as the next guy, but I just don't know how much sense it makes to keep putting bigger engines in compact trucks - assuming the trucks themselves stay the same size. 200 hp is plenty for 99% of what people do, including off-roading. If towing is a big concern, you'd probably just get a fullsize anyway.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    NOT horse power that does the work.

    Why is the 265 hp of the SC always cited?

    HP digs you in deeper, TORQUE gets you moving.

    BTW, the torque of the Tacoma engine is developed at a much higher RPM than the Ranger 4.0. That is harder on the engine and gives the opportunity to spin the wheels more so than with the lower torque curve.

    As to lockers, bets on rocks. Been rock climbing lately in the Tacoma?

    I thought not. . .
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    Back some of that stuff up, man. Do you not think a truck with 265 horses still has only 210 lbs of torque. Come on man, think. And can you compare the two trucks on exactly where the 2 develop their torque? I can. I bet if you looked you would see that the 3.4 develops quite a big percentage of its torque at a very low RPM - especially for a small engine which normally gets torque at higher revs. The fact that the 4.0 gets more torque is not in question, but you are a little off when you say that the 3.4 gets its torque at a MUCH higher RPM - after all the 3.4 also revs a little higher (so it evens out).
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    reminds me of the Tundra vs. Big 3 debate, but with the roles reversed. We kept stating the Tundra's 4.7 made 315lbs of torque at a lowly 3400rpm, while the Chevy 5.3 made 325 (wow, 10lbs torque more) at 4000rpm. Forget even comparing the Chevy 4.8 - it wasn't even in the same LEAGUE as the Toyota 4.7 But the Chevy boys would never admit what a great engine that Toyota 4.7 is, making all that torque down low, which is what cpousnr is now praising. Now here's cpousnr, making the same argument we did that the Chevy boys just wouldn't acknowledge. Kinda ironic, huh? Disregard the truth when it doesn't favor your argument, embrace it when it does...

    The supercharger allows the Tacoma V6 to make 225lbs of torque at just 1800rpm, with a maximum of 265hp and 275lbs or torque. But what has amazed everybody about the supercharger is its instant throttle response and gobs of torque down low. So much for cpousnr's argument about no power down low.

    Also, don't forget that those maximum torque and hp figures, though they come high in the rpms, are COMPLETELY usable during many situations, such as passing on the interstate, acclerating on on-ramps, and having a lot of power on tap while towing at high speeds.

    Too bad the Toyota vs. Big 3 thread still wasn't raging. I would have LOVED to post Cpousnr's post over there, as it is such a good argument in our favor!
  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    It gives more torque then you can even imagine. I have an auto and can squeal the tires through second and sometimes a chirp into drive. With 4:10 gears and S/C torque is no problem, neither is horsepower for that matter. My S/C truck puts out the same amount of torque idling as it previously did redlined when normally aspirated.

    The normally aspirated 3.4 had good power, but after S/C'ing it it seems like I have gone from a mild v6 to a strong v8! WELL WORTH every penny I paid for it and would do it over and over again. I will never buy another Toyota truck without it. After I changed out the exhaust it was even more responsive. If I do not use the blower my gas mileage increases, but it is awful hard to stay out of it. After I did the locker mod, so now I can lock the rearend in 2hi, I can go just about anywhere without locking into 4hi.

    And NO I do not jump my truck. Anybody who jumps a stock truck has some issues that need to be worked out or buys a new truck every year!
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    getting the supercharger for a guy like me? My truck is a 1998 with 50K problem free miles. I'm a little weary about putting that supercharger on my truck with those miles. If it was still new, no problem! I've always heard the Tacoma's engine and tranny was "overbuilt" and could withstand the stress associated with more power, but with my miles, I just don't know.
  • midnight_stangmidnight_stang Member Posts: 862
    Don't you believe in the reliability of your truck? Don't forget that warranty!

    Are you SKERED? (Scared for the slower minded)

    :)

    Smgilles--->I guess the 4.10's still give you a good cruise RPM? Ever take your truck to a dragstrip to see what she would do in the quarter-mile? (With a Blower, you know you want to) :)
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    "SKERED" mean? Last time I checked, English was spoken in the United States, not Stangbonics.

    I would say Toyota has more confidence in their engines, even supercharged engines, than Ford does even its own normally aspirated engines. Afterall, Toyota's powertrain warranty is 5/60K (even for TRD supercharged engines), Ford's is 3/36K. Wow, with Ford, after just 12 oil changes, you're on your own!

    Whoops, I know, I know, unfair comparison. Ford doesn't even offer supercharged engines in its compact trucks...
  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    Pluto- I would highly recommend it. I have a 2001 so I believe the fuel injectors are larger, but am not for sure. Go to www.tacomaterritory.com There are a lot of guys with 97-99's with the blower, one guy put his on with mileage around 90,000! It's a Toy don't worry about it. You won't regret it. TRUST ME!

    Stang: Would be fun just to see what some times would be.
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    from my reading on the aforementioned tacomaterritory.com site, go for it. It seems that 50k is not too much. For more info go to www.gadgetonline.com. He has done all kinda research on the blower and what kind of mods are needed to keep it supplied with the right air/fuel mixture so that it runs great. If I had the money, the blower would be the first thing I bought.
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    I haven't driven a Ranger with the 4.0 but I have driven an Explorer with the same engine. Power is not an issue with that engine and it really has all the torque that you need in a small truck. Even on the Tacoma, adding the supercharger really isn't need as the Toyota V6 is more than adequate for most of us no matter what you use your truck for.
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    First, it has always been my understanding than anytime an engine is supercharged, you are going to decrease that engine's life. Would it be reasonable to expect a supercharged Toyota V6 to go 200K-300K miles, just like a normally aspirated V6, without some work? Longevity is very important to me, that's why I spent a little extra for a Toyota.

    Really, how USABLE is the supercharger's extra power? I never rev my truck past about 3100rpms, as revving passed that kind of feels like you're "redlining" it. Am I going to have to really drive my truck HARD to take advantage of the extra power? I want something quicker, but not that I have to race to go faster. Does that make any sense?

    My truck is stick-shift. Even now, without the charger, I run through first and second gear pretty quick. Third is when you can really step on it and wind it out to get some steam going. Is the Tacoma's short gearing going to hinder the supercharger's capibility with a stick-shift? I suppose the truck would really take off in third, fourth and fifth, right?

    Lastly, how much would this cost after installation? Who do you recomment I buy it from and have it installed? Are Toyota dealerships the only option?

    Thanks for any insight. I will go check out those other sites you guys mentioned in the meantime.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    My 99 Ranger develops max torque at about 2600 rpm, the Toyota 3.4 develops max torque in the area of 3600 rpm.

    I will go get an article I have on my work computer about torque, seems you and others need a lesson.

    I will state it again, a supercharger is basically worthless on an off-road vehicle. Low end torque is the key to success in that situation.

    Plus you mpg goes down with the super charger, making the vehicle much less environmentally friendly.
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    in addition to the Tacoma's already proven superiority fourwheeling, the supercharged Tacoma will also be the most powerful and capable truck on the street and highway?

    I agree!

    If the Ranger's package is so more capable off-roading, as you presume, where's the evidence it beats the Tacoma? We've already posted numerous links and comparos electing the Tacoma as numero uno.
  • midnight_stangmidnight_stang Member Posts: 862
    Where are statements in your last post coming from? I think we all realize that the supercharger makes for a quick truck... Ever hear of the Lightning?

    No where does CP say the "Ranger's package is so more capable off-roading", yet you issue the challenge to provide evidence? You attempt to "restate" what he says so you can agree, but I find no correlation between the two posts.

    Just keep in mind that every truck is different, with their own pro's and cons. I think everyone knows on which side of the line everyone here stands. Everyone seems to agree that both trucks are in the top echelon of the compact truck industry. So just appreciate the diversity in trucks we can choose from. As not one truck is good for everyone, and not everyone will choose the same truck.

    You need to learn to quit jumping onto every subject or issue you can. You inject your own presumptions into everything. You are posting every hour or two and it is choking the forum! Keep it up and you will drive away that which you strive for, someone to talk to.


    Pluto's reply immediately below:

  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    http://www.trdsportparts.com/default.asp?page=supercharger


    This will give some basic facts, like at 1800rpm (225ft/lbs) puts out as much torque as a normal aspirated engine at its peak. They run about $1850 and that covers everything except labor, since your truck is at 50,000 I would install myself. You get 12/12,000 mile warranty. If you had less mileage I would have dealer do it, because then you have 60/60,6000 just like normal powertrain warranty, but yours is almost up.


    Go to www.tacomaterritory.com and you can find the best place to buy one and find people in your area who will help you install it if you are not that handy with a wrench. There isn't much to it though. Basically, torqueing manifold bolts and changing belts. It comes with a belt tensioner, so there is no lag time, you have power across the board.

  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    You may be thinking of a turbo which would only increase your torque at a higher RPM. The supercharger, as smgilles pointed out, will increase torque and horsepower even at lower RPM's because it's driven directly by the engine. In conclusion, the supercharger would not be worthless off road, however, it probably boosts torque and horsepower a lot more than you need.
  • plutoniousplutonious Member Posts: 799
    The TRD's supercharger isn't a turbo - it's not exhaust driven, therefore, turbo-lag is non-existant and instant power, even at low RPMs, is available.
  • tbundertbunder Member Posts: 580
    you've driven your truck for 50K without one, why do you think you need one all of a sudden now? i understand you want more power than a ranger 4.0, but do you really think its the practical and economical thing to do? at xmas time? you even said that toyota will probably come out with a new tacoma next year (ranger is gonna be new and with a new V8), why not save your $2500 and salvage your resale value so you can get a new tacoma next year? because once YOU put on a s/c, when you go to sell it, people will start asking who put it on, and what were their qualifications? i'd assume if YOU put it on, or joe mechanic, there wouldn't be any warranty on it. toyota is not THAT dumb. us ranger owners have 210 horse, and dont go around thinking we need a s/c, even though we could have one just as easy as you guys. is your tacoma so slow and underpowered off-road that you need the extra power? why do you want it? gonna drag race it? actually want something you talk about? imo, you probably don't need it, just all of this talk has made you think you need it.

    about the off-road thing, ill admit, that in stock form (non FX4), the ranger is not as good as the tacoma trd. but like ive said before, all you need are new tires and it will go anywhere a trd can go and more with the extra power advantage. new tires for $600, and you're still under the trd truck. and that's with an off-road equipped ranger 4.0. and to match apples to apples, a set of bilsteins will only set a ranger guy back $260. still under a trd tacoma. ive said it once and ill say it again, come to iowa and ill sling some mud on your windshield. someone will need to pull your underpowered toyota up the hill. hehe.

    note: the magazine test (the one) you always brag about pits stock trucks against stock trucks. we'll never see a mag swap tires. and i know your argument will be "no, no mods", thats fine. but when i can swap tires AND put on bilsteins and still be probably $1500 under a trd tacoma, this can be a fair comparison. your trd mod is not really a fair mod, because, it adds nearly $3000 to your trucks price, which is WAY over a rangers price tag. to get more power than a ranger, you have to spend $2500-$3000. for us to get tires to run with the trd, its like $600, and still less than the msrp of any trd truck. one more thing, i still haven't seen any test you have provided where the trd takes on a ranger off-road. is there one? has it EVER beaten the ranger itself? i see pickup truck of the year, ranger wasn't in that test i dont believe. i see ultimate 4x4, again, no ranger. where's the proof where the trd beats the ranger off-road, off-road? id like to see that one.
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    Tell me how much low end torque (as you call it) is provided by the supercharger. It is somewhere around 275. I don't understand how that is not useful in off-roading or any situation. The more low end torque, the better as you say, right? In fact the low end increase is what is most surprising for my buddies that have the supercharger. Speed is a byproduct. I don't understand how you can refute that. Please explain, right after you get back from your greenpeace meeting.
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    I don't disagree with alot of what you say, but please stop comparing non FX4s to the TRDs and then using FX4s the next time. Be consistent. For example you used the non FX4 in your previous post and then turned around and said that you could spend 600 for tires and still be cheaper than a TRD. My friend, the FX4 MSRPs at like 26k. So of course that would help your argument. And a regular ranger with tires WILL NOT go everywher a TRD will. Im not going to get in on the locker/LSD debate now, but that statement was an utter falsehood.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Does anyone know what KIND of SC the taco gets?
    Because unless it is a POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT, i.e. roots blower, rotary vane, you won't get much torque boost at low rpm.

    I'll bet anyone here a nickel to twenty dollars it's a CENTRIFUGAL supercharger. Said another way, resembles a belt driven turbocharger. So while you don't have to wait for exhaust temps and pressure to spool up, crankshaft rpms DO have to build some. So while you DO get a torque boost, (and horsepower), it comes higher up the rpm scale.
  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    Quad: You are correct, but to say there isn't additional torque in the lower rpms (1500-2000) is just bogus. I can tell a night and day difference from when I was S/C'ed and non S/C'ed, from a torque stand point.

    tbunder: I don't care if a Ranger is $10,000 less than a toy, I still won't by one. I will spend MY money on what I think is dependable, reliable, and I enjoy owning! Now if I jumped my truck like you do then I would by a Ranger because I would have to get a new truck every year. I can only imagine the stress fractures on your trucks. I am also putting on sway-away coilovers ($600), just me wasting money on the Toy I love way TOO much:)
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    Well you were wrong man. You were the one confused!!! Read ALL of this and you will see why. I LOVE IT, LOLOLOLOL. According to a graph in a magazine, at 1300 RPMs the supercharger gives about 10 more lbs of torque. At 1700 that torque number is up to about 230 or so. From there to 3000 RPMs the torque increases steadily to a peak of 267 fot/lbs. according to this test. This particular test was done on a '98 3.4. Also the report from owners that I have received is that the absence of lag is one of the coolest parts. OH yeah - did you say something about a ROOTS type blower, cuz thats what this one is. Just another example of people being way too uninformed to contribute to this little argument.
  • hdriderhdrider Member Posts: 49
    Just in case anyone was interested, I received an email newsletter by an old retired soldier who did a little research into the auto manufacturers in this country, both domestic and foreign. I know it's long, but worth the read. We are definitely pulling away in this country!
    Enjoy!
    ----------------------------------------------
    After seeing a short news listing on "CNN headline News" regarding Ford and GM's contributions to the relief and recovery efforts in New York City and Washington, DC, I was prompted to see what the other automotive companies were contributing. It is important to know which companies are there for us in a crisis.

    I went to (the news, press release and philanthropic areas of)each of the companies' web sites. If the company had several sites, I tried to visit them all. Additionally, I visited the leading news and automotive sites.

    This is what I have found:

    Aston Martin - Nothing.

    Audi - Nothing. Audi's web site states "Audi News: Always up to the minute."

    BMW - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since 09/11/01. Last
    updated 09/13/01.

    Daewoo International - Nothing.

    Daimler Chrysler (includes Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and Plymouth) $10 million to support the children and victims in addition to other donations from their employees, dealers and suppliers.

    Fiat - Nothing.

    Ford Motor Company (includes Jaguar, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo) $1 million to the American Red Cross, matching employee contributions to the American Red Cross and 10 Excursions to the New York Fire Department.The
    company has also offered emergency response team services and office space to displaced government employees.

    General Motors (includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn) -- $1 million to the American Red Cross, matching employee contributions and a fleet of vans, trucks and SUVs.

    Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles - Donated one million dollars and 30 new motorcycles to the NYPD to assist in relief efforts and replace motor
    cycles lost in the attack. Harley-Davidson's own employees drove the cycles to NY in a day and a half and turned over the keys personally to the NYC Motor Division. Check out their website at www.harleydavidson.com for info and pictures of their generosity.

    Honda (includes Acura) - Nothing.

    "The latest news on Honda can always be found right here?" No press releases/postings since 9/04/01 when the release boasted "American Honda
    Motor Co., Inc. recorded its second best sales month ever in August." My search included: hondamotorcycle.com [other press releases posted
    on this site since 9/11/01), honda.com, honda2001.com,
    world.honda.com,acura.com and honda.co.jp.

    Hyundai Motors Group (includes Kia) -- $300,000 to the American Red Cross.

    Isuzu - Nothing.

    Mitsubishi Motors - Nothing.

    Mitsubishi-motors.co.jp site states, "The latest news about Mitsubishi Motors." I also searched mitsubishimotors.com.

    Nissan - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since 09/11/01.

    Porsche - Nothing. Press release with condolences posted on the Porsche web site on 09/12/01, but no contribution.

    Subaru - Nothing. Despite other press releases/postings since 09/11/01.

    Suzuki - Nothing.

    Toyota (includes Lexus) -Nothing. Press release with condolences posted on the Toyota web site on 09/14/01, but no contribution, despite earlier press releases boasting that Toyota had high sales in July and August.

    Volkswagen - The employees and management created a Foundation, funded initially with $2 million, to assist the children and victims with
    humanitarian help including medical and psychological assistance, rehabilitation and scholarships.


    We have the freedom to choose which companies we make purchases from and I, for one, will make my purchases from and give my money to the companies
    that are giving their money to America at this time of need. I hope that you will, too. We can only hope that it is an oversight by the companies that have not made a contribution and that they will join the relief efforts.

    Remember this the next time you make that move to buy your next car...New or Used..... Who gave what to help OUR Beautiful United States of America

    Regards,

    Hank Llewellyn
    Correspondent/SABER
    1st Cav Div. Assoc.

    1st Cavalry Division Association
    A nonpolitical, nonsectarian, nonprofit soldiers and veterans fraternity.
  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    http://www.toyota.com/html/about/news/archive/press_release/finance/docs/2001/20010928_splash.jsp
  • hdriderhdrider Member Posts: 49
    http://www.toyota.com/html/about/news/archive/press_release/finance/docs/2001/20010928_splash.jsp
  • hdriderhdrider Member Posts: 49
    I never said I did the research. Just got the newsletter. The guy who did the research listed all sites he checked. It is likely he missed some info.
  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    He must have re-posted what I posted in the chevy forum when they wanted to bring this into the Toy vs. Ranger forum. People wonder why we get flame wars going??? Just take sometime to research before you make blatant blanket statements. PLEASE
  • hdriderhdrider Member Posts: 49
    True, but I wasn't going to check ALL of those manufacturer's websites to verify. Just providing information I received, maybe giving somebody impetus to do some research prior to giving somebody their money.
  • tbundertbunder Member Posts: 580
    toyota- nothing. maybe that huge sales increase just made it to the [non-permissible content removed], eh?
    or better yet, maybe they're taking that money to develop a special engine to put in their next tacoma that will actually make more horsepower and torque than the mighty SOHC 4.0. LOL
  • hdriderhdrider Member Posts: 49
    Like I said, to be fair, Toyota has since contributed (as per a news release on 25 Sept) leading me to believe the newsletter was probably produced prior to that. I imagine you will find many of those companies have since donated. The newsletter was just food for thought; not meant to start a fight. Be careful who you give your money to...
  • tbundertbunder Member Posts: 580
    what are you talking about? the FX4 COMES WITH BFG 31'S, AND BILSTEINS! im talking about an off-road equipped ranger with the goodyear wranglers and stock ford shocks. once you put 265/70/16 BFG (like i have) and some bilstein shocks, you're still under tacoma trd msrp, and you have around $1500 to boot. the FX4 is that high because it has everything included, plus it is an exclusive package, like the cobra or lightning. a REGULAR ranger 4x4 is NOT what im talking about, im talking an off-road pkg. equipped ranger, not FX4, with tires, and dude, trust me, it will go anywhere a trd will and more, cuz the trd's stock tires aren't as good as BFG's all-terrain plus the ranger has nearly 20 more horses and more torque. the trd's BFG rugged trails are just aggressive street tires.

    smgilles- stress fractures? you're jumping wrong. replaced truck each year? well, if you're jumping your tacoma, probably. those spot welds behind your cab will eventually probably tear away. but since ford bolts along with spot welds their beds to the frame, i doubt the truck will fall apart as quick as the tacoma. oh, i forgot, your bed will just rust away before anything. LOL
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    I couldn't have said it better myself. LOL is right. I mean really -- what does this prove? Would they really admit it if a "foreign" country gave any money to this cause? No. And I am not saying that Toyota is any more foreign than ford, but the people that compiled this data are surely as biased, and close-minded on that issue as you Ford guys. A retired US soldier - got all the respect in the world for em - but they would never admit it if the "[non-permissible content removed]" gave a penny. There are more legit points (and points of view) claimed everyday that are discredited because of where they came from. This is certainly one of them.

    And about the FX4, I knew I would not be able to explain my point. Maybe it wasn't that good anyway. At any rate, you can't compare the prices of the TRD and regular off-road Ranger when the Rangers competition to the TRD is the FX4. Its like saying that Fords reg cab is cheaper than Toyotas ext cab. Of course. The FX4 should be compared pricewise with the TRD. Oh and the first paragraph was not pointed at you, sorry.
  • smgillessmgilles Member Posts: 252
    If you read my post html you will see Toyota das donated well over 2 million to the cause. Like hdrider said, maybe that didn't donate until after his article came about. Either way, I don't think Toyota's $2 million is worth sneezing at.

    Tbunder: Next time when you are going out to jump your Ranger let me know. I will drive the two hours just to watch! I can make it to Ankeny or wherever around DesMoines you live in no time. Especially with a S/C:)
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    Sorry about what I wrote about the contributions. Andy I'll drive many miles to see a flying Ranger. I gotta believe that's a one of a kind -- as in the only ONE that does it.
  • modvptnlmodvptnl Member Posts: 1,352
    LSD vs locker.........again!!! Yes, a locker is a better system than a LSD for extreme type off roading. But in the stock configs. from toy and Ford the LSD is a better system for SOME types of off roading. The stock toy limits the speed that it can be engaged(not a bad thing for inexperienced drivers). The scenario that the LSD will excel depends on how you off road. A high speed run through deep sand or mud will easily get the one wheeled toy stuck. By the time you slow enough to engage your locker it could be too late. The LSD will engage both wheels during these higher speed runs when one tire loses traction(this is of course unless you have pluto's magic locker that has LSD when not locked, LOL!!)

    Tbunder, the Ranger does NOT bolt and spot weld the bed to the frame.
  • saddaddysaddaddy Member Posts: 566
    ... but, I would believe that when it comes to the off-road packages that both manufacturers love so much, the best off-road configuration would be the natural thing to use. LSD is not the best for off-road. I can engage my locker b4 i get to those sticky situation and drive as fast as I want, that always seemed like the smartest thing to do. Anyway, thats the extent of my argument and will not post anymore on this subject -- its a no go for both sides and all points, I feel, have been made. Im out.
  • sc0rpi0sc0rpi0 Member Posts: 897
    Uh uh.....looks like your challenge is about to be met in real life. Just make sure your Ranger doesnt fall apart conviniently right before it, after one too many jumps.
    You might want to check for bent frame and other problems, trucks arent made to jump. Then again, you might be jumping it anyway, since you are about to get....what? DC wasnt good enough, Nissan then? Or F150? I'm sure your resale value will be sky-high once a mechanic takes a look at your truck and sees frame bent in the middle so that the bed is knocking on the cabin.
  • sc0rpi0sc0rpi0 Member Posts: 897
    The "no, no mods" arguement is not ours, but yours. Have you forgotten so fast?

    About charger: why not? 50K miles is not that much, and Toyota owners sort of like to keep their trucks for long time, you know, they don't fall apart or deprecate in value too fast. Why get rid of a perfectly good 3-4 yo truck when you maybe just finished paying for it? I'm paying off mine in 3 years, and keeping it at least for another 2-3 years: I have a drivetrain warranty for 5 years, and chances are, I'll get few trouble-free years more. Unlike my Blazer, which required a $500 payment every time I went to a mechanic, usually at 3 month periods.

    The 2003 Taco will be a total redesign. it'll be bigger in dimensions, with new engine. So people might just not like the new design, or simply won't buy it until some obvious bugs are worked out (hopefully, nothing like 5 recalls on Escape).
    Talk about first-gen new models (technically, 2003 is a 3rd gen Taco, but it's a complete redesign), look at Jeep Liberty. Hyped up, but still rolls over during tests. Or your Escape with 5 recalls.

    Unfortunately, you have not answered my questions (since you have been so pushy in "Why doesnt anyone respond to my statements about 4 doors, foot operated brake..."), so let me ask you again:
    what excuse are you going to use in 2003 when Tacoma gets the new 3.7L? It'll definitely be stronger than 210hp that your Ranger produces (hopefully not the gas guzzler that Trailblazer's I6 is). Or is your Ranger going to get a V8, as someone (I think you) claimed. I guess the 4L isnt any good. Ford and Toyota seem to be employing two different philosophies here: Toyota makes one good engine, and keeps it going for number of years (if it aint broke, don't fix it), whereas Ford makes one engine after another, hoping for a break? Why else would there all of a sudden be a V8, seeing how a 4L just made its appearance in Ranger?
  • tbundertbunder Member Posts: 580
    uh, sorry to say, but the 4.0L as you put it, has been available since '89 in rangers. and the SOHC has been employed since fall of '96 in explorers (when did toyota come out with the 3.4?, same time?). why put it in the ranger when ranger doesn't need it (still outsold every other compact easily, and could tow as much as any other with the old 4.0)? even with the new sohc 4.0 as compared to the older pushrod 4.0, the ranger only pulls 600 more lbs. with it. you're forgetting that the old pushrod 4.0 even had more torque than your 3.4 engine does in current trim. as someone once said, in pickups, torque is more important than horsepower. yes, the SOHC puts out more torque than the older 4.0, but only 15 more lbs, at 240. so your post really contradicts toyotas own thinking on bringing out an all new V8 next year. why? isn't the 3.4 good enough as you put it? yes, the new ranger is going to be larger and probably need more power because it will be heavier. the cool thing is, it will have a V8, whereas the new chevy colorado will still have that inline 6, and the new tacoma getting a new V8 ill believe when i see it. jeep liberty? rollover? duh. its an suv. ANY suv will rollover. toyotas wont? is that what you're saying? jeep liberty just came in second in you toyota guys' beloved four wheeler of the year award. who got first? grand cherokee. the new liberty is supposed to be a pretty good off-roader. yeah, i don't really like jeeps, but i don't see any toyota finishing this high. and to be honest with you, my kbb is higher with my options than a comparably equipped trd. check it out if you dont believe. www.kbb.com.

    you guys seem to be getting the wrong picture. i do not jump my truck over building as someone insinuated with the dukes of hazzard statements. im talking coming out of ditches, ruts, what have you. not extreme stuff like im thinking you guys think. is this so wrong? i mean, we're talking boxed frame all suspension trucks with large wheels and competent drivetrains. isn't this what a truck is supposed to take? abuse? as ive stated once, my little ZR2 took a pounding one time after another, nothing wrong with it except for a cracked steering column. replaced under warranty. whatever. id love to wheel with some of you guys. that'd be kinda fun. but it will have to be soon, cuz come january, im putting my ranger up for sale to buy a full size F.

    and last time i checked, my ranger's bed was bolted and welded to frame. im not gonna yank my bedliner out, but im sure i saw the bolts there before it went in. the full-size trucks do too. what makes you think they aren't welded and bolted?

    saddaddy- you must remember, the only thing the FX4 has over my off-road ranger, is bilstein shocks and a "Torsen" rear lsd. i have fords. i got free BFG all terrains with the firestone recall. it also has a special interior and a manual t/c, which the tacoma doesn't even have. along with an MP3 player, it is just a flashy package with a lot of potential, but not really that much different than a regular off-road equipped ranger, just tires and shocks really.
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    So what you're saying in post #3050 is that Ford is taking advantage of people by charging a whopping $7,000 - $8,000 for better tires and shocks on the FX4. If you were right it would be pathetic, however, since you have no idea what you're talking about again, it doesn't mean much of anything.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Somebody post a link with specs for the supercharger for the taco?
This discussion has been closed.

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