But at the end of the year I need to buy a used SUV as a daily driver.

I can't be fooling around with "cute-ute' because I need the ability to pull a Class III trailer and I drive in some pretty sever winter conditions. A LOT.

I've narrowed my search to strictly american vehicles because I need to be concerned with long term maintenence costs.

So I'm looking at the Fords too. Full sized ones. Like the traditional bronco and I suppose the expedition as well, because that's the current F150 based SUV.

But I really don't know anything about the.

For instance, I'm not thrilled about the Tahoe's 4wd setup after they went to IFS because of the way it actuates. Apparently it has "issues" with cold weather.

I like a traditional setup with manually locking hubs and mechanical 4wd actuation.

But I don't know anything about Ford's systems

I was hoping you guys could fill me in on:
The 4wd system(s) on FS Ford SUVs.
What year Ford switched from the FS Bronco to the expedition.
What years are good to look at and what years to avoid.
Particular issues.
etc.

Thanks in advance.

I had a 97 f150 for about a year and the 4wd system on it was not a problem in the winter in Elko Nv and it can be as extreme as anywhere. So i would have to beleive that the expedition would be the same.

Originally posted by nakona
I like a traditional setup with manually locking hubs and mechanical 4wd actuation.

But I don't know anything about Ford's systems

I was hoping you guys could fill me in on:
The 4wd system(s) on FS Ford SUVs.
What year Ford switched from the FS Bronco to the expedition.
What years are good to look at and what years to avoid.
Particular issues.
etc.

Expeditions were introduced in 1996 to replace the F/S Bronco. As far as I know, they never came with lockout hubs or manual 4wd engagement. They used the live axle IFS setup with a push button shift-on-the-fly system. I believe that the '96-'97 year Expeditions had a problem with head gaskets, but I'm not positive about that.

The problem with the new Expeditions and Explorers is their open differential. Since you will be driving in a lot of snow and ice situations, you might want to consider locking differentials.

Or look into buying a '96 or older Bronco 4x4. I believe the engine choices were the 300cid L6, or the 302cid V-8. Transmissions were the Mazda 5spd, or the E4OD (I think thats what it was) If they didn't come with manual hubs, you can easliy convert them. Some models also came with a posi-trac system which is a limited-slip differential system. If you are looking for a Bronco with that setup, look on the rear diff for the tag. On it should be some numbers and the letter "L" L is for limited slip. The 4x4 system was Twin Traction Beam with a Borg-Warner 13-56 transfer case. There were two options for this T-case, one being a manual shift, and the other being a pushbutton shift. The pushbutton shift mechanism was known for shorting out, and most people replaced the electronic case with a manual shifting case.

I hope this helps, and if I'm wrong about any of that info, someone please let me know.

Helps a lot. Thanks.

Full size Bronco, They also came with the 351W. Switch the Auto hubs to Warn premiums and forget about it. The also came with both the electric switch on the Dash to activate the T-case or a good old floor shifter. Good solid rig capable of using that class III hitch.



Eric

If your planning on pulling stay away from the 302. My opinion and those of others I've talked to. They don't have the power to pull heavy loads very well.

I've never pulled with one before but know some that have. and myt current 93 Bronco with a 302 can't get outta it's on way sometimes on hills.