there never has been a solid axled explorer or ranger. if you look at the old twin trac beam from the front, it looks like a solid axle with its pumpkin off to the side, but get under it. what you see is really just a big skidplate/cover for the real axle behind it. since '83 or whenever the ranger came out, until '97 it had this setup. '98 went to the sla arms.
keep up with the jones'. hehe no, i honestly don't know. i think the torsion bar explorer rode better with this setup, so what the explorer gets, the ranger gets. you'd be surprised at how many parts these two vehicles share. that's why the explorer is so solid. rear axle setup is completely different though, with the leafs under the axle on the explorer. but that can be converted in about two hours so ive read.
The '91 thru '94 Explorers had that Dana 35 TTB front axle design too. Basically a tougher version of IFS compared to the torsion bar setup. (which sucks IMO) Those rigs were great off-roaders even in stock form, and the number of available aftermarket goodies for them is probably only rivaled by Jeep. Fortunately for the Ranger, Ford decided to leave its rear-axle setup alone while making the Explorers look like a pregnant guppy with all the junk that hangs below the axle.
By the way, further to my last post regarding Rangers being an afterthought for Ford Motor Company, have you noticed their latest pick up truck commercials with the "Built Ford Tough" theme. I like the commercials, but you Ranger fans should sit up and take notice that the Ranger is not shown in any portion of those commercials showing the "Tough" Ford pick up trucks. Perhaps Ford knows (like the rest of us) that portraying a Ranger as "Tough" would be less than truthful. I think I'm on to something here Take care.......Steelman.
Can someone explain exactly to me what the difference is between the Limited Slip Differential on the Rangers and the Locking rear end on the Tacomas. I have read that the Locking rear end is better for off-road. Does someone know how they work. Thanks
On my 98 Tacoma 4x4 I had to lock the hubs on the front end, but I have noticed that newer ones especially TRD's don't have a place to lock the hubs. Are they auto locking hubs on all new Tacomas?
Part Time Locker--->Locks the rear axle so both wheels want to turn at the same rate. Good for rock climbing traction when one or the other wheel can loose traction or contact with ground.
Limited Slip--->Uses clutches full time to transfer torque to the wheel that is not slipping. Wheels can still turn at whatever rate they want to, but if one wheel is spinning faster, the torque / power gets transferred to the other wheel.
Lockers are great for traction, off-roading etc, but not good for turning. When not engaged, you running driving with one wheel.
Limited Slips are good for everyday use, but do not offer the same performance off-road. You still generally drive off one wheel, until that wheel starts to spin, then the clutches catch, and divert power. Just think rainy twisty dark country road.
issisteelman--->Liar, Liar, pants on fire! :P Maybe you were watching the commercial about SUV's? But you are wrong about the Ranger in your post #658.
Rangers dominate the market; hence less ad money/time spent. F series is in a fight for their lives as far as sales which translates to more aggressive ad campaigns.
I realize being in the woods could cloud ones thought process but when one equates ad slogans to the quality of a vehicle.......nevermind.
Maybe there's more to the ad coverage that meets the eye (I don't know what it is), but, for example, you'll not find a Tacoma commercial on tv nowdays. There were maybe 3 different ads that ran on tv in the last year, that was it. Toyota certainly does not spend any money on tv advertising of Taco, yet it sells (I guess magazines are to thank for that, in part).
As for slogans==quality of a vehicle.....good luck to anyone who buys anything based on ad slogans. Actually, it is illegal for companies to provide "misleading" information in their ads. But unfortunately, there's a fine line between whats true and whats false on TV. Example: lets use Ford commercials (no knocking on Ford, but I need a catchy slogan) You can certainly show ordinary blue-collar Joe HardWorker loading up his F150 to the limit and driving off in 30 seconds, and say "Built Ford Tough", but of course, there's more there than meets the eye: how will that F150 perform 5 years from now after abuse like that, etc. So "Built Ford Tough" could apply to that when its new, it's "Built Ford Tough", but 5 years down the road it's "Built Ford Grandpa".
that's why there are so many old ford trucks on the road as compared to zilch old toyotas, cuz they're NOT built ford tough. concerning the hardly ever seen old toyota truck, either they're all rusted out, or their crappy 4-cyl. engines crapped out. lets not forget about the blown head gaskets that make them set out of service, or even maybe the sludge problems they're just now uncovering in toyota engines, or maybe that most of them were destroyed when involved in a wreck since their doors and frames are thin as an oak leaf. and you guys drive them inside those doors. y'all should apply for fear factor. obviously you have none driving them cans
From memory I've seen as many taco ads as Ranger, and IMHO the toy ads say NOTHING. One that comes to mind is the ice fishing commericial where the moron in the taco pulls right up to the guy peacefully fishing, uses a power tool to cut open the ice, dives in and throws fish in the bed.
The other IGNORANT taco ad is when the campers get the bear to chase 'em back to their 4 door taco.
By a certain toy owners own warped sense of ad importance, the toys must be the weakest trucks around....no mention of "toughness" anywhere. Don't even want to get into the gnome/tundra nonsense.
Your point about working an F150 and how tough it'll be down the road is moot because nobody really works a toy so there is nothing to compare to.
good post mod. it is true though. the only thing that gets worked concerning any toyota, is the buyer's pocketbook and social perception on how good the c/s is going to be. and then when one needs that "awesome powertrain warranty", toyota tells you to take a hike and it's all your fault. then the buyer's phone gets worked calling anyone you can to get help, and then the buyer's computer, emailing toyota and everyone else they can find that cam empathize with them, or even experienced the same problem. that's obviously what happened, since toyota is now finally admitting some fault. i also think it's hilarious that some people refer to their trucks as just larger camrys. hilarious.
The premise (as stupid as it is) behind the Taco ad is if that you "tough" enough to dive in freezing water or chase a bear you are tough enough to drive a Taco. Yes, it is moronic, no debating that, but evidently Toyota expects you to infer what is meant by "tough". Obviously you missed that, but that's okay you drive a Ford. I wouldn't have expected you too understand it.
I think they should show some of those pavement pounding fx4's with the exploding axles resting at the mall parking lot. That would surely help with sales. Better yet they could show Exploders blowing tires going down the interstate and rolling a few times. Maybe they could show Ford dumping Mecury switches in our drinking water. Please Tbunder tell me again how great Ford is. I love to laugh everytime you type your worthless verbatim. How can one be so quixotic over a car make?
True, there arent many older than 1995.5 Tacos out there. I've only seen 2 so far. Both were going offroading with us in San Antonio. I've seen some old 4Runners, and spoke to one of the owners. He's had it for years, and has had only one small repair done to it, everything else was regular maintenance. So there's the counterexample to your "They ALL either rusted out or their engines gave out". Not all of them did. Some are still running happily.
As for admitting fault: your beloved Ford is not innocent either. Remember the "We recommend inflating your tires to 26psi"? Everybody resists a little before admitting fault.
Well, perhaps I'm wrong. I don't watch TV too often, but I haven't been seeing any Tacoma commercials lately. Oh the other hand, nearly every other commercial break starts with "Billy Ford, the CEO of Ford Co.". The point of Taco commercials was "Are you tough enough to drive a Tacoma?" It implies that the truck itself is tough already, and you, the buyer, have to be tough enough to even consider driving it. It's simply shifting the emphasis from the truck itself onto the driver.
The guys being chased by the bears looked like pu$$ys to me.......NOW I GET IT, THANX!!!!
Of course you missed the original point that I was disputing there are no taco ads out there.
Scorp, EZ target. I would bet the farm that a HIGH percentage of the population drives around with under inflated tires, the only ones that blew were firestones. Even with that shameful debacle, it has been PROVEN that because of the sheer numbers, the Explorer roll over rate was actually LOWER than many SUV's.
Don't know about ANYBODY else, but I've always inflated my tires based on the # embossed on the tire - 5 pounds or so unless I am running a full load. Bet a lot of people don't even know that sticker is even in the door jamb.
To be honest, I don't even understand why that sticker is there. If you change brands/sizes it all moot anyway.
No doubt trying to stop the bleeding and regain the public's trust. I like the footage of the Model T(?) offroading. The text is a little sappy I admit.
Ever see. MR. MOM with Michael Keaton(sp?). The "Schooner Tuna" ads from that movie remind me of the Ford ads.
speaking of "edumcation", where'd you get yours? the word "too" is used to explain a lot of something or an overabudance. perhaps you meant to type "to", but hey, while we're all taking cheap shots here.......
scorpio....how many times do i have to tell you, inside every explorer door, is a build tag that tells the buyer to inflate all 4 tires to 30 lbs. stop making stuff up again.
like "nobody really works a Toy", are completely bogus. Come on man! How incredibly stupid and invalid is that statement. We don't have time for crap like that.
Why in the hell do you guys think Yotas, Tacos in particular are such softies. You nor nobody else here has any basis for such a comment. The only reason Tundras aren't worked as much is cuz they are smaller. Not to mention this widespread idea that Yotas can't hack it.
"Working" doesn't mean hauling around jackhammers and plywood. There are lots of other ways to work a truck. Now if you wanna say that more Fords get "worked" that Yotas, that's a point we can debate. But if you just wanna say that no one works with Yotas, keep that crap to yourself, cuz its a complete falsehood.
If we wanna debate over manufacturer c/s and quality, its kinda risky for the Ford groups. Biggest car quality fiasco in the history of the universe hit home pretty hard a couple of years ago. And until another friend of mine is killed in a wreck from engine sludge, I don't wanna hear another word. I fail to see how Ford fans have to upper hand in that arena.
"Better yet they could show Exploders blowing tires going down the interstate and rolling a few times. Maybe they could show Ford dumping Mecury switches in our drinking water. "
What a load of bull &#&5.
"Obviously you missed that, but that's okay you drive a Ford. I wouldn't have expected you too understand it."
It's this kind of rhetoric that makes me realise how most of your claims are based on personal ownership. Since you own a Toyota, anything to do with Ford (or Chevy, or Dodge) comes second place to your own loyalty.
It's all just stupid commercials. You are a sheep if you follow them. Anybody with a mind can ignore them. At best the commercials should only remind you to take a look. It's the visit to the dealer and the experience with the vehicle that makes the sale. Only a fool buys a product because of what they see on TV.
saddaddy-->"Why in the hell do you guys think Yotas, Tacos in particular are such softies. You nor nobody else here has any basis for such a comment. The only reason Tundras aren't worked as much is cuz they are smaller. Not to mention this widespread idea that Yotas can't hack it."
And any Ranger/Ford owner is supposed to accept the same treatment? (see above)
You gotta spread the love before you get it back in return.
"for example, you'll not find a Tacoma commercial on tv nowdays"
Can't get more general(and false) than that!!!
The "death" statement is uncalled for. I hope you're not one of those bleeding heart liberals that blames guns for deaths too.
Besides,(Oby will remember this story) The faulty toy head gaskets have caused many deaths from leaving anti-freeze over the nations freeways. They've never been able to pin it on toy because like the "bear" commericial, toy owners tend to run off...........j/k guys, I couldn't resist.
Stang: I think you missed my point altogether. You guys constantly comment on the weakness of Yotas and for what reason? I am just trying to find even the slightest little bit of valid data to back that completely screwed up comment, and you guys can't give one - no one can - b/c such data does not exist. Its like a Porsche owner saying Ferraris are slow. At least say Fords are better workers, we can debate on that. Hell, if I wanted a truck for construction or towing tractors, the SD would be my first choice.
Mod -- liberal, LOL, not at all. I am the proud owner of many guns, or will be in a couple years. I understand this debate is about Rangers and Tacos. But I was entitled to bring in the entire manufacturers when the general comments were made earlier. For myself, I can't say that the Firestone problem would keep me from buying a Ford truck. However, I see nothing "uncalled for" about the death comment. I won't bring into this debate how the tire problem affected me, personally, but it will suffice to say that it did - deeply. When it comes time to buy a vehicle for my family, though, I will never buy a Ford, for that reason. I love them enough to not risk it, even if my feelings about the whole thing is nothing buy a sour taste left in my mouth. When it comes to the ones you love how can you just dismiss this. As for the antifreeze leak, I will not call you a liar, but I think that pales in comparison to the tire deal. What do you think?
Some of em are kinda queer. Haha. I really like the one where the guy jumps in the water and pulls out the fish. I have swum in an ice covered pond. AND, I handgrab for catfish. Anyone ever heard of that - oh yeah, Im hardcore.
These last 15 to 20 posts are some of the most amusing I've seen in a long time. Thanks for the laughs everyone. I guess I really touched a nerve regarding advertising. I was only kidding with my original post. Advertising means nothing and we all know it. I just thought it was funny that I don't remember seeing a Ranger in one of the new "Built Ford Tough" pick up ads on TV. And, although I'm in the woods and probably don't have nearly the intelligence and education of you City Slicker Ranger fans, I am smart enough to know that Rangers cannot take the abuse of Tacomas. Do you know why? Because, I live in the woods and I've seen the results of woods use on both vehicles and the Tacomas take the abuse much better. Rangers just fall apart, literally. And, I am fortunate enough to have sold enough moon shine over the past few years to be able to afford the extra cost of a Tacoma. Thank God, because my stills are so far in the woods that a Ranger would only have made it through one summer. Take care and I'll see you at the moon shine still......Steelman.
I have seen the icefishing and bear-chasing Tacoma ads, but compared to the number of Ranger ads the ratio has to be at least 50:1 in favor of Ranger. (at least where I live)
-mod- "The "death" statement is uncalled for. I hope you're not one of those bleeding heart liberals that blames guns for deaths too"
-no, it can't be the guns. I blame the alignment of the moon.
Find one comment that wasn't tongue in cheek where I've knocked toys. They're good trucks, they're just not "all that" They've had their probs and have their probs.
It's usually the chicken or the egg thing. I want to believe my comments are usually after some toy BS is slung.
As far as toothless woods goers and toys. I can make the same "general" statement about desert racing. Yup(grab my crotch and spit) them toys just fall apart in dat der desert. Dem Fords stay together much beter,,,,,Buuuuuurp!!
Not at all man, I understand that your comments were not meant in that way. In fact, we were messing with each other, tongue-in-cheek, in the other thread, so I understand you intents. No worries, man. Sorry if I came acros too harsh. Thats what sux about not being able to argue face to face - that and all this dam typing. As long as we all keep an open mind and don't get bent out of shape too fast, this whole thing'll stay cool. Do you do much desert running? I gots me a prerunner, and there aint much sand here in MS. I'd like to do some of what it was made for.
Stang: I was making blatant broad generalizations for a purpose. (to sound like Tbunder) No, I am not branded by loyalty, I will drive a Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, any non-American made vehicle any time. Cars are such a bad investment I hate to dump into something that gives a me much higher probability of getting a lemon.
Tbunder: I am not even going to get into some ignorant education race with you. You know what they say, "Never get into a battle of wits with someone who is only half armed." Oh well, I will anyway. I have a BS in bio and chem. from U. of Iowa, I have a MS in Epidemiology from U. of Iowa, I am currently a M2 in medical school at the U. of Iowa. Now you know why my English sucks, because I am only good at Science. I can't wait until the day you have to come to the UIHC for a procedure. I will look forward to getting to do some work for you:) Also, if you ever need a good lawyer my wife will finish her law degree in a year from the U. of Iowa and she got her undergrad. from Simpson so you can trust her!
Mod: You are correct about the Mr. MOM stuff it does remind me of Billy Ford telling us to buy his JUNK and fatten up his wallet.
Thanks for the laughs and the breaks from the books. Please keep it coming.
Come to a civilized place like California and you'll see lots of old Toyotas. You rarely see old Rangers here though.
Tbunder-You're spreading a myth about sludge in a Tacoma with Toyota refusing to repair the engine. There has never been a documented case of that happening on a Tacoma that I've ever seen.
I don't comment on the weaknesses of the Tacoma, unless you count the cost/value contention.
I do comment on what I don't like about the Tacoma, and why I don't see myself in one.
I do comment mostly on my experience with Rangers (and Fords) that I don't see myself needing to pay more.
I think I am becoming a bit of a cavalier, whenever I see someone make broad, over generalized or generally untrue statements. Sort of how you feel when someone berates a Tacoma.
But we all are on the same side, Truck lovers of one breed or the other.
IssiMan--->You do know about the 21st Amendment, right? If you were "only kidding" then why did you first say that the Ranger was an afterthought and that the new commercials backed that up?
Now we have a paradox!!!! Toys in 3rd world countries and the civilized land of fruits and nuts!!! (BTW, ex-cali native here)
Daddy, Desert running is all we do. The BEST runner I've had was my '96 F150 with some suspension work. The TTB front is very supple and gives good travel. My early Bronco is a continuous project. Aprox. 320 HP EFI, 4 speed auto, 4 wheel discs, ARB front locker, LSD rear(for now) 5" wild horses coils and 11 leaf spring pack.........I don't feel as comfortable at high speeds with the shorter wheelbase of the Bronco but it's very tossable and can go ANYWHERE.
Hey man, who're you calling uncivilized!?! Austin is like an oasis in Sahara desert.....during the dotcom boom it was predicted to become the second Silicon Valley (good thing that did not happen). The 2 198x Toyota PUs that I've 4-wheeled with were nice....part of it was the owners did not care for body damage, so they just took teh trucks anywhere they wanted to. What does an "older" 1980s Ranger look like?
I guess alot of what I was mad about is really more bountiful in another thread. I really can't think of any specific instances where you just outright said that Yotas can't do what a truck is supposed to. Thanx for not as closed-minded as some others here at Edmunds.
Mod- sounds awesome man. So you do running over whoops and stuff like that? Any jumps with those brutes? There are a couple of guys in TTORA that have fully modified prerunners with long travel suspension setups. External res. shocks, shock hoops up into the beds and lots of other cool stuff, fiberglass all over, etc. Man I just drool over em. Where I wheel, 4x is pretty necessary, and since I ain't got it, I got to hit the holes with pretty good speed. Oh well, just a few more years.
The main Ranger commercial that I see all the time (and is actually a really good commercial) is the one where the young married couple is test driving a ranger. the wife is driving and they do some major mudding and bring the truck back totally covered in mud. The dealer says, " so whattya think?" and she goes, "we'll take....THAT one." and points to a clean ranger on the lot. There a couple of other Ranger ads I see from time to time too. I bet I see at least 1 Ranger ad per day, and 1 tacoma ad every couple of months. In fact, whenever I do see a tacoma ad I usually turn up the volume and tell everyone else in the room to shut up 'cause it's such a rarity. Maybe it's because I live 8 miles from the Ranger plant so they really push them in this market, I don't know. As for the gun thing, forget about it. It's probably safe to assume that I'm on the opposite side of that argument from yourself but it's not worth arguing about. (and no, I don't have anything against people who hunt)
I remember that one now!!! It depicts some toughness IMHO. You're right, region has a lot to do with it I'd bet.
What's funny is I don't like or dislike guns. I just get upset when this country tries to take away rights of the innocent because of the few scumbags out there. Do you honestly believe (as it is with illegal narcotics) that more gun control will keep the guns (or drugs) out of the scum who wants 'em???
I cheaped out on the shocks..... for now!! I had good luck with Rancho 9000's on my 150 and I'm using 'em on the Bronco. I do want to go to a piggyback FOX or Bilstein(real one, not the mass-produced toy monotube stuff) or King.
My back yard is a few miles from the old Mint400 course and I goof off there as much as I can.
well, i flew to uofi in '96 by copter. brain swelling, broken back, broken ribs, raccoon eyes, amnesia. motorcycle wreck. a shoei helmet saved me. some permanent nerve damage, but mostly normal. so suffice to say, i spent nearly two weeks in that place. a good place to be unless you have heart problems, then des moines is the only place to be.
btw, if i need a good lawyer, my bro in law graduated from u of i law school, and works for a firm in ames. also under-grad from iowa athletic training program.
my sister has bs from u of i in psychology. also obtained Masters and Psyd from minnesota professional school of psychology (you are chosen to a group of only 15 out of thousands just to get into the school). so like you, im surrounded by pretty intelligent people as well. i know how to take care of myself however. and im always armed my main man. some of the best "armed" gear one can have is common sense, and id be willing to bet you're all wet on that subject.
oh yeah, i just got a piddly ba in cj from simpson. just named a #1 pick in colleges from the midwest by us news and world report. [non-permissible content removed] laude
but hey, not to get off subject. but i will anyways. im seriously considering a new jeep liberty sport. four-wheeler hailed their off-roading abilities. these little rigs are trick as hell and they will fit my two little angels (think its a girl right now) in back.
armed with common sense machine guns and truth grenades. Do you get to talk to actual full-time professors (not the monkey that hands out their notes) when you go to nightschool?
Believe it or not, even in the middle of the woods we do know about the Constitution of the United States. So yes, I have heard about the 1st amendment. Oh, maybe I was too stupid to realize that your question was rhetorical. Wow, come to think of it, how could a dumb woods boy like myself even know what a word like rhetorical means. Did you folks ever consider that perhaps even back woods hicks get post secondary educations? Oh well, I digress.
But to answer your question, I do believe that Ford Rangers are not what Ford Motor Company focuses on. I honestly believe (in my own, humble, ignorant opinion) that Ford's strength lies in its full size trucks, not in the Ranger. In fact, I have nothing bad to say about Ford's full size trucks. I think they are kind of nice and would certainly consider purchasing one if I could afford a full size truck (which was my first choice before I purchased a compact due to the cost difference). However, I also believe (again, in my own ignorant, toothless opinion) that Ford Ranger's aren't a good choice when it comes to compact pick up trucks. In fact, I think the only reason a lot of people buy them is because they are so darn cheap. And, when I was shopping, that is one of the reasons that I chose the Tacoma.
In case you didn't understand my last post, please let me clarify. I was only kidding about the correlation between leaving the Ranger out of the commercial and it being an afterthought by Ford Motor Company. We all know that advertising means nothing. I mean, just because Bill Ford pleads for me to buy his product on his commercials doesn't mean I'm going to jump out of my recliner and drive 600 miles to the nearest dealer (did I say I lived in the woods?) to buy a Ford. I was just trying to stir up the action a little (I think you city folk cyber junkies call that flaming) with an amusing obseveration.
Now, please don't get upset if I proclaim my opinion (under the protective cover of the 1st amendment) and tell you that I think the Ranger is junk. And, feel free to call the Tacoma junk if you like (again, under the protective cover of the good ole 1st amendment). This difference of opinion is what stirs this debate and I truly find it amusing. Keep up the fun and I'll see you after I visit the outhouse. Boy, I hope my electrical generator doesn't crap out before I finish this post. Take care......Steelman.
I said twenty first amendment, not the first. The 21st amendment appeals the 18th amendmend that prohibits the sale, use, or transport of alcohol. Just wondering why you're selling shine, but hey it is a free country, until you get caught.
Everything you are saying about the Ranger vs F-150, can definitely be applied to the Tacoma vs Tundra.
You have just stumbled upon the reason for offering a compact truck. It is smaller than full size, but can still do many of the things it's larger sibling can. You ca not haul as much, or expect to fit as much inside the cab or bed, but that is what compact truck means. This also means it will be cheaper, because of less materials and smaller drivetrain. But like you said, it is only your opinion that the Ranger "aren't a good choice" or "are pure junk". That is your opinion, just like it is your opinion that I am just a silly city slicker and you are the in the woods. Maybe the Tacoma is better suited for the rough outdoors. If so, I guess the general public lucks out because they spend most of their time on them cement roads. But another possibility is that you are comparing Rangers that get beaten to a pulp out there, while you take relatively good care of your Tacoma. I don't know, but I don't care as your opinion or observation is not exactly a scientific methodology.
So feel free to think you are stirring me up, I'm just telling you where you are wrong. 1st amendment and all...
This discussion made it into the top 10 hot discussions. Im real proud of you guys. And just think, all cuz us stupid Toy guys say so many stupid things that the Ford fellas have to correct. Haha, congrats to all.
Don't give yourself that much credit, tbunder. You are right, though, without you we'd not be discussing Ranger bed being welded to the frame, or how Ranger is 600 lbs heavier because it's made of real steel.
Oops, maybe I should read your posts a little more carefully next time. Again, I was just kidding about the moonshine business. I'm actually gainfully employed in a legitimate business. There are still a few "good" jobs out here in the sticks.
Now, if we could only get indoor plumbing out here then life would really be great Take care........Steelman
When you are at the Town Hall screen, where you pick to look at pickup discussions, sedan discussions, etc. There is a list of the hot topics on the bottom left.
Heh. Is this your permanent nerve damage talking? No, I'm not being laid off. Things are very well at the company. All our competitors had to lay off workers last year, and we picked up a bunch of experienced analog hardware engineers. How are the criminals treating you these days? Have you busted up any laid off hightech workers, who, as you said, are almost all criminals now?
Comments
no, i honestly don't know. i think the torsion bar explorer rode better with this setup, so what the explorer gets, the ranger gets. you'd be surprised at how many parts these two vehicles share. that's why the explorer is so solid. rear axle setup is completely different though, with the leafs under the axle on the explorer. but that can be converted in about two hours so ive read.
Limited Slip--->Uses clutches full time to transfer torque to the wheel that is not slipping. Wheels can still turn at whatever rate they want to, but if one wheel is spinning faster, the torque / power gets transferred to the other wheel.
Lockers are great for traction, off-roading etc, but not good for turning. When not engaged, you running driving with one wheel.
Limited Slips are good for everyday use, but do not offer the same performance off-road. You still generally drive off one wheel, until that wheel starts to spin, then the clutches catch, and divert power. Just think rainy twisty dark country road.
issisteelman--->Liar, Liar, pants on fire! :P Maybe you were watching the commercial about SUV's? But you are wrong about the Ranger in your post #658.
Built Ford Tough Video
I realize being in the woods could cloud ones thought process but when one equates ad slogans to the quality of a vehicle.......nevermind.
As for slogans==quality of a vehicle.....good luck to anyone who buys anything based on ad slogans.
Actually, it is illegal for companies to provide "misleading" information in their ads. But unfortunately, there's a fine line between whats true and whats false on TV.
Example: lets use Ford commercials (no knocking on Ford, but I need a catchy slogan)
You can certainly show ordinary blue-collar Joe HardWorker loading up his F150 to the limit and driving off in 30 seconds, and say "Built Ford Tough", but of course, there's more there than meets the eye: how will that F150 perform 5 years from now after abuse like that, etc.
So "Built Ford Tough" could apply to that when its new, it's "Built Ford Tough", but 5 years down the road it's "Built Ford Grandpa".
The other IGNORANT taco ad is when the campers get the bear to chase 'em back to their 4 door taco.
By a certain toy owners own warped sense of ad importance, the toys must be the weakest trucks around....no mention of "toughness" anywhere. Don't even want to get into the gnome/tundra nonsense.
Your point about working an F150 and how tough it'll be down the road is moot because nobody really works a toy so there is nothing to compare to.
The premise (as stupid as it is) behind the Taco ad is if that you "tough" enough to dive in freezing water or chase a bear you are tough enough to drive a Taco. Yes, it is moronic, no debating that, but evidently Toyota expects you to infer what is meant by "tough". Obviously you missed that, but that's okay you drive a Ford. I wouldn't have expected you too understand it.
I think they should show some of those pavement pounding fx4's with the exploding axles resting at the mall parking lot. That would surely help with sales. Better yet they could show Exploders blowing tires going down the interstate and rolling a few times. Maybe they could show Ford dumping Mecury switches in our drinking water. Please Tbunder tell me again how great Ford is. I love to laugh everytime you type your worthless verbatim. How can one be so quixotic over a car make?
So there's the counterexample to your "They ALL either rusted out or their engines gave out". Not all of them did. Some are still running happily.
As for admitting fault: your beloved Ford is not innocent either. Remember the "We recommend inflating your tires to 26psi"? Everybody resists a little before admitting fault.
The point of Taco commercials was "Are you tough enough to drive a Tacoma?" It implies that the truck itself is tough already, and you, the buyer, have to be tough enough to even consider driving it. It's simply shifting the emphasis from the truck itself onto the driver.
Of course you missed the original point that I was disputing there are no taco ads out there.
Scorp, EZ target. I would bet the farm that a HIGH percentage of the population drives around with under inflated tires, the only ones that blew were firestones. Even with that shameful debacle, it has been PROVEN that because of the sheer numbers, the Explorer roll over rate was actually LOWER than many SUV's.
Don't know about ANYBODY else, but I've always inflated my tires based on the # embossed on the tire - 5 pounds or so unless I am running a full load. Bet a lot of people don't even know that sticker is even in the door jamb.
To be honest, I don't even understand why that sticker is there. If you change brands/sizes it all moot anyway.
Ever see. MR. MOM with Michael Keaton(sp?). The "Schooner Tuna" ads from that movie remind me of the Ford ads.
scorpio....how many times do i have to tell you, inside every explorer door, is a build tag that tells the buyer to inflate all 4 tires to 30 lbs. stop making stuff up again.
Why in the hell do you guys think Yotas, Tacos in particular are such softies. You nor nobody else here has any basis for such a comment. The only reason Tundras aren't worked as much is cuz they are smaller. Not to mention this widespread idea that Yotas can't hack it.
"Working" doesn't mean hauling around jackhammers and plywood. There are lots of other ways to work a truck. Now if you wanna say that more Fords get "worked" that Yotas, that's a point we can debate. But if you just wanna say that no one works with Yotas, keep that crap to yourself, cuz its a complete falsehood.
If we wanna debate over manufacturer c/s and quality, its kinda risky for the Ford groups. Biggest car quality fiasco in the history of the universe hit home pretty hard a couple of years ago. And until another friend of mine is killed in a wreck from engine sludge, I don't wanna hear another word. I fail to see how Ford fans have to upper hand in that arena.
What a load of bull &#&5.
"Obviously you missed that, but that's okay you drive a Ford. I wouldn't have expected you too understand it."
It's this kind of rhetoric that makes me realise how most of your claims are based on personal ownership. Since you own a Toyota, anything to do with Ford (or Chevy, or Dodge) comes second place to your own loyalty.
It's all just stupid commercials. You are a sheep if you follow them. Anybody with a mind can ignore them. At best the commercials should only remind you to take a look. It's the visit to the dealer and the experience with the vehicle that makes the sale. Only a fool buys a product because of what they see on TV.
saddaddy-->"Why in the hell do you guys think Yotas, Tacos in particular are such softies. You nor nobody else here has any basis for such a comment. The only reason Tundras aren't worked as much is cuz they are smaller. Not to mention this widespread idea that Yotas can't hack it."
And any Ranger/Ford owner is supposed to accept the same treatment? (see above)
You gotta spread the love before you get it back in return.
Can't get more general(and false) than that!!!
The "death" statement is uncalled for. I hope you're not one of those bleeding heart liberals that blames guns for deaths too.
Besides,(Oby will remember this story) The faulty toy head gaskets have caused many deaths from leaving anti-freeze over the nations freeways. They've never been able to pin it on toy because like the "bear" commericial, toy owners tend to run off...........j/k guys, I couldn't resist.
Mod -- liberal, LOL, not at all. I am the proud owner of many guns, or will be in a couple years. I understand this debate is about Rangers and Tacos. But I was entitled to bring in the entire manufacturers when the general comments were made earlier. For myself, I can't say that the Firestone problem would keep me from buying a Ford truck. However, I see nothing "uncalled for" about the death comment. I won't bring into this debate how the tire problem affected me, personally, but it will suffice to say that it did - deeply. When it comes time to buy a vehicle for my family, though, I will never buy a Ford, for that reason. I love them enough to not risk it, even if my feelings about the whole thing is nothing buy a sour taste left in my mouth. When it comes to the ones you love how can you just dismiss this. As for the antifreeze leak, I will not call you a liar, but I think that pales in comparison to the tire deal. What do you think?
-mod-
"The "death" statement is uncalled for. I hope you're not one of those bleeding heart liberals that blames guns for deaths too"
-no, it can't be the guns. I blame the alignment of the moon.
It's usually the chicken or the egg thing. I want to believe my comments are usually after some toy BS is slung.
As far as toothless woods goers and toys. I can make the same "general" statement about desert racing. Yup(grab my crotch and spit) them toys just fall apart in dat der desert. Dem Fords stay together much beter,,,,,Buuuuuurp!!
Can't quite decipher your gun comment.
Tbunder: I am not even going to get into some ignorant education race with you. You know what they say, "Never get into a battle of wits with someone who is only half armed." Oh well, I will anyway. I have a BS in bio and chem. from U. of Iowa, I have a MS in Epidemiology from U. of Iowa, I am currently a M2 in medical school at the U. of Iowa. Now you know why my English sucks, because I am only good at Science. I can't wait until the day you have to come to the UIHC for a procedure. I will look forward to getting to do some work for you:) Also, if you ever need a good lawyer my wife will finish her law degree in a year from the U. of Iowa and she got her undergrad. from Simpson so you can trust her!
Mod: You are correct about the Mr. MOM stuff it does remind me of Billy Ford telling us to buy his JUNK and fatten up his wallet.
Thanks for the laughs and the breaks from the books. Please keep it coming.
Tbunder-You're spreading a myth about sludge in a Tacoma with Toyota refusing to repair the engine. There has never been a documented case of that happening on a Tacoma that I've ever seen.
I do comment on what I don't like about the Tacoma, and why I don't see myself in one.
I do comment mostly on my experience with Rangers (and Fords) that I don't see myself needing to pay more.
I think I am becoming a bit of a cavalier, whenever I see someone make broad, over generalized or generally untrue statements. Sort of how you feel when someone berates a Tacoma.
But we all are on the same side, Truck lovers of one breed or the other.
IssiMan--->You do know about the 21st Amendment, right? If you were "only kidding" then why did you first say that the Ranger was an afterthought and that the new commercials backed that up?
Isaacons?
Daddy, Desert running is all we do. The BEST runner I've had was my '96 F150 with some suspension work. The TTB front is very supple and gives good travel. My early Bronco is a continuous project. Aprox. 320 HP EFI, 4 speed auto, 4 wheel discs, ARB front locker, LSD rear(for now) 5" wild horses coils and 11 leaf spring pack.........I don't feel as comfortable at high speeds with the shorter wheelbase of the Bronco but it's very tossable and can go ANYWHERE.
For high speed desert work I also have my bike.
Austin is like an oasis in Sahara desert.....during the dotcom boom it was predicted to become the second Silicon Valley (good thing that did not happen).
The 2 198x Toyota PUs that I've 4-wheeled with were nice....part of it was the owners did not care for body damage, so they just took teh trucks anywhere they wanted to.
What does an "older" 1980s Ranger look like?
Mod- sounds awesome man. So you do running over whoops and stuff like that? Any jumps with those brutes? There are a couple of guys in TTORA that have fully modified prerunners with long travel suspension setups. External res. shocks, shock hoops up into the beds and lots of other cool stuff, fiberglass all over, etc. Man I just drool over em. Where I wheel, 4x is pretty necessary, and since I ain't got it, I got to hit the holes with pretty good speed. Oh well, just a few more years.
As for the gun thing, forget about it. It's probably safe to assume that I'm on the opposite side of that argument from yourself but it's not worth arguing about. (and no, I don't have anything against people who hunt)
What's funny is I don't like or dislike guns. I just get upset when this country tries to take away rights of the innocent because of the few scumbags out there. Do you honestly believe (as it is with illegal narcotics) that more gun control will keep the guns (or drugs) out of the scum who wants 'em???
My back yard is a few miles from the old Mint400 course and I goof off there as much as I can.
btw, if i need a good lawyer, my bro in law graduated from u of i law school, and works for a firm in ames. also under-grad from iowa athletic training program.
my sister has bs from u of i in psychology. also obtained Masters and Psyd from minnesota professional school of psychology (you are chosen to a group of only 15 out of thousands just to get into the school). so like you, im surrounded by pretty intelligent people as well. i know how to take care of myself however. and im always armed my main man. some of the best "armed" gear one can have is common sense, and id be willing to bet you're all wet on that subject.
oh yeah, i just got a piddly ba in cj from simpson. just named a #1 pick in colleges from the midwest by us news and world report. [non-permissible content removed] laude
but hey, not to get off subject. but i will anyways. im seriously considering a new jeep liberty sport. four-wheeler hailed their off-roading abilities. these little rigs are trick as hell and they will fit my two little angels (think its a girl right now) in back.
Do you get to talk to actual full-time professors (not the monkey that hands out their notes) when you go to nightschool?
But to answer your question, I do believe that Ford Rangers are not what Ford Motor Company focuses on. I honestly believe (in my own, humble, ignorant opinion) that Ford's strength lies in its full size trucks, not in the Ranger. In fact, I have nothing bad to say about Ford's full size trucks. I think they are kind of nice and would certainly consider purchasing one if I could afford a full size truck (which was my first choice before I purchased a compact due to the cost difference). However, I also believe (again, in my own ignorant, toothless opinion) that Ford Ranger's aren't a good choice when it comes to compact pick up trucks. In fact, I think the only reason a lot of people buy them is because they are so darn cheap. And, when I was shopping, that is one of the reasons that I chose the Tacoma.
In case you didn't understand my last post, please let me clarify. I was only kidding about the correlation between leaving the Ranger out of the commercial and it being an afterthought by Ford Motor Company. We all know that advertising means nothing. I mean, just because Bill Ford pleads for me to buy his product on his commercials doesn't mean I'm going to jump out of my recliner and drive 600 miles to the nearest dealer (did I say I lived in the woods?) to buy a Ford. I was just trying to stir up the action a little (I think you city folk cyber junkies call that flaming) with an amusing obseveration.
Now, please don't get upset if I proclaim my opinion (under the protective cover of the 1st amendment) and tell you that I think the Ranger is junk. And, feel free to call the Tacoma junk if you like (again, under the protective cover of the good ole 1st amendment). This difference of opinion is what stirs this debate and I truly find it amusing. Keep up the fun and I'll see you after I visit the outhouse. Boy, I hope my electrical generator doesn't crap out before I finish this post. Take care......Steelman.
Everything you are saying about the Ranger vs F-150, can definitely be applied to the Tacoma vs Tundra.
You have just stumbled upon the reason for offering a compact truck. It is smaller than full size, but can still do many of the things it's larger sibling can. You ca not haul as much, or expect to fit as much inside the cab or bed, but that is what compact truck means. This also means it will be cheaper, because of less materials and smaller drivetrain. But like you said, it is only your opinion that the Ranger "aren't a good choice" or "are pure junk". That is your opinion, just like it is your opinion that I am just a silly city slicker and you are the in the woods. Maybe the Tacoma is better suited for the rough outdoors. If so, I guess the general public lucks out because they spend most of their time on them cement roads. But another possibility is that you are comparing Rangers that get beaten to a pulp out there, while you take relatively good care of your Tacoma. I don't know, but I don't care as your opinion or observation is not exactly a scientific methodology.
So feel free to think you are stirring me up, I'm just telling you where you are wrong. 1st amendment and all...
Now, if we could only get indoor plumbing out here then life would really be great
No, I'm not being laid off. Things are very well at the company. All our competitors had to lay off workers last year, and we picked up a bunch of experienced analog hardware engineers.
How are the criminals treating you these days? Have you busted up any laid off hightech workers, who, as you said, are almost all criminals now?