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Expert: - 10/17/2004


Question
I currently drive a 2001 Ford Expedition.  I am considering trading it for an SUV that is considered to have better workmanship than the Ford.

Are there any Japanese models that you would recommend...my husband likes Nissans.

Carolyn

Answer
Carolyn,

I really hesitate to recommend any particular vehicle to anyone.  The reason for this, is that, when it comes to vehicles, everyone has their own preferences.  You can ask 10 people which one is best, and get 10 answers.  What you need to look at in an SUV, is what do you really want, and for what purpose.  If you do not plan on going off-road, any model will work for you.  If you plan on doing some minor trails, you need to look at something that has some ground clearance.  If you plan on 4-wheeling on some tougher trails, then you need to look at a true 4-wheel drive with a low/high range transfer case.

Nissans are well built vehicles, and seem to hold up quite well.  What I would suggest, is to test drive several models/brands, and find one that fits your needs.  

What you need to look for, is: 1) Will it do what you expect, 2) Is it comfortable to drive, 3) Does it have the power you expect, 4) Does it have the room/cargo space that you need, and 5) Does it handle well enough for your type of driving.

Whether it be a Ford, Chevy, Nissan, or other brands, you can find good ones, and lemons in them all.

I'm sorry if I couldn't be of more help, but this can be, somewhat controversial depending on who you talk to.

Good luck, and whatever you get, just enjoy, and have fun with it.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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