Re: Automatic VS manual hubs!
I long ago found out (the hard way) that a 4 wheel drive is an expensive option that will just get me another 50' before I get stuck. With auto dealers @ $110 per hour labor, I don't cherish having problems in front electric hubs, front drive shafts (CV's), front differentials, or especially $1,000 transfer cases.
I bought my diesel crew cab truck in two wheel drive, and I can pay for 75 wrecker tows and break even. There again, I live in the South where we seldom see snow more than 1x per year.
Now, back to hubs and tow vehicles: Most serious off roaders like the simplicity of manual hubs on vehicles like Jeep Wranglers and older off road, jacked up pickup trucks--with their crash box manual transfer cases. You cannot kill'em. The old Dana running gear was also used in the 70-80's Dodges and Ford 4x4's.
But, most modern 4x4 truck owners seldom use their vehicles in seriously demanding conditions. Newer 4x4 trucks are mostly very nice vehicles, and they're better off with electric front hubs and electrically operated transfer cases.
I've always shied away from full time AWD/4x4 found in older GM trucks/SUV's, Mercury Mountaineers and Jeep Wagoneers--too much fuel usage and mechanical wear and tear. Both front wheel and rear wheel power often has to go through a big, wide chain in the transfer case to get to the driveshafts. Remember, $110 per hour labor.
Modern AWD cars are increasingly popular in the far north, some of which are masquerading as SUV's. These are generally front wheel drive vehicles that transfer part of their power to the rear axles when the front wheels spin. Their running gear is very weak, as is their suspension. They're good in snow, but really shouldn't be used as serious tow vehicles.
There's just no replacement for a full size pickup truck as a vehicle to tow your boat--2wd or 4wd. The most recent changes are in the usage of 6 cylinder engines, instead of 8 cylinders. 6 cylinder non-turbo engines are pushing 300 horsepower, and should run great. Ford's turbo 6 cylinder is actually stronger through a wider power band than the Coyote V-8 also used in the Mustang GT.
In everyday driving, the turbo 6 really gets about the same fuel mileage as the V-8. On the open highway, it gets a little better fuel mileage--but it is a $1,000 option.
That's my experience after 24 years' working for a major U.S. auto manufacturer.
I long ago found out (the hard way) that a 4 wheel drive is an expensive option that will just get me another 50' before I get stuck. With auto dealers @ $110 per hour labor, I don't cherish having problems in front electric hubs, front drive shafts (CV's), front differentials, or especially $1,000 transfer cases.
I bought my diesel crew cab truck in two wheel drive, and I can pay for 75 wrecker tows and break even. There again, I live in the South where we seldom see snow more than 1x per year.
Now, back to hubs and tow vehicles: Most serious off roaders like the simplicity of manual hubs on vehicles like Jeep Wranglers and older off road, jacked up pickup trucks--with their crash box manual transfer cases. You cannot kill'em. The old Dana running gear was also used in the 70-80's Dodges and Ford 4x4's.
But, most modern 4x4 truck owners seldom use their vehicles in seriously demanding conditions. Newer 4x4 trucks are mostly very nice vehicles, and they're better off with electric front hubs and electrically operated transfer cases.
I've always shied away from full time AWD/4x4 found in older GM trucks/SUV's, Mercury Mountaineers and Jeep Wagoneers--too much fuel usage and mechanical wear and tear. Both front wheel and rear wheel power often has to go through a big, wide chain in the transfer case to get to the driveshafts. Remember, $110 per hour labor.
Modern AWD cars are increasingly popular in the far north, some of which are masquerading as SUV's. These are generally front wheel drive vehicles that transfer part of their power to the rear axles when the front wheels spin. Their running gear is very weak, as is their suspension. They're good in snow, but really shouldn't be used as serious tow vehicles.
There's just no replacement for a full size pickup truck as a vehicle to tow your boat--2wd or 4wd. The most recent changes are in the usage of 6 cylinder engines, instead of 8 cylinders. 6 cylinder non-turbo engines are pushing 300 horsepower, and should run great. Ford's turbo 6 cylinder is actually stronger through a wider power band than the Coyote V-8 also used in the Mustang GT.
In everyday driving, the turbo 6 really gets about the same fuel mileage as the V-8. On the open highway, it gets a little better fuel mileage--but it is a $1,000 option.
That's my experience after 24 years' working for a major U.S. auto manufacturer.
Of course we are both hijacking the O/P's thread at this point