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  • Dec. 31, 2008 12:35 p.m. Ian_F New Reader

    "push-button" refers to how the 4WD system is engaged vs. a simple lever on the floor/console (usually with 2Hi-4Hi-N-4Lo positins). All truck-based 4x4's have a transfer case, which is located behind the main transmission and splits the drive power to the front and rear axles. Car-based SUV's have a transfer case as well, but it's typically integrated into the main transmission.

    SUV's with AWD generally won't have any lever or buttons for the 4WD mechanism - it's generally controlled by a computer. Additionally, I've never heard of an AWD system that had a Lo range. Sometimes, there will be a "4-lock" button that will lock the transfer case so that power is always equally split to both axles.

    I think Cherokee's were available in either 4WD or AWD trim. If there's no buttons or lever for the 4WD, then it's AWD.

  • phillyj

    Dec. 31, 2008 6:16 p.m. phillyj Reader

    I was looking at cars.com just to see whats out there and most 4x4 don't have the second shifter. Should I assume they are either full time awd or pushbotton? We're looking for something reliable so this is a minor thing? Out of curiosity, can you gearheads name some of the transfercase suvs, please?

  • ignorant

    Dec. 31, 2008 10:48 p.m. ignorant SuperDork

    Lets back up the truck. Here...

    people are steering the OP to something more hardcore of a 4x4 than I believe this guy needs. Stop being internet super n3rds that reccomend only the most hardcore... go back to 4chan. same damn mentality that said unibody cherokees were no good when they came out..

    Phillyj... what is the use of the vehicle? towing? How much will you use 4x4? How rugged of a vehicle do you need?

  • ReverendDexter

    Dec. 31, 2008 11:51 p.m. ReverendDexter Reader

    Appleseed wrote:

    What about a Subaru Forrester?

    Speak not such evil!

  • ReverendDexter

    Dec. 31, 2008 11:54 p.m. ReverendDexter Reader

    ignorant wrote: people are steering the OP to something more hardcore of a 4x4 than I believe this guy needs. Stop being internet super n3rds that reccomend only the most hardcore

    My suggestion towards a shift-lever transfercase and manual locking hubs has nothing to do with being hardcore, and everything to do with sheer reliability of the drivetrain.

    Pushbuttons fail. Sticks don't. Autolocking hubs fail. Manual ones... very rarely.

    I would really hate for the OG poster to be in a situation requiring 4WD, and push the button only to find that a $2 switch has failed, leaving them stranded/in need of a tow.

    Better to just get what you know is gonna work.

  • ignorant

    Jan. 1, 2009 8:55 a.m. ignorant SuperDork

    toyotas dont have hubs but the ADD system is considered weak by hardcore folks Gm's don't have hubs but that stupid thermal actuator on the front end arrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhh early wrangler vac actuated front axle disconnects.. arrrrrrrggggggggghhh again

    autolocking hubs in the traditional sense haven't been used since the 80's/early 90's. The only ones I can remember that are close in "modern" times are the vacuum actuated hubs on 98-99 for explorer/rangers.

    I just want to know the guys usage before we recommend a tractor to do the work of a minivan.

    to the OP all 4x4 vehicles have a transfer case even awd ones.

    For example. I owned many jeeps some with manual hubs and a transfer case lever, jeeps with no hubs and a lever, a toyota with manual hubs and a lever, and a ranger with dial and the HORRID BAD BAD BAD vac locking hubs.... The ranger was by far the most shaky design(the vac act. hubs are made of some very thin plastic) and it never failed to engage. 160k miles on it and no failures even though I lived in some of the north easts worst snow country.

  • Datsun1500

    Jan. 1, 2009 9:04 a.m. Datsun1500 HalfDork

    The original poster had a rear wheel drive, 4x4 that got wrecked. He posted that he is looking for a 4x4 SUV. I think many of us are suggesting trucks that are closer to what he had than a FWD or AWD wagon (Honda Pilot)

  • ignorant

    Jan. 1, 2009 9:28 a.m. ignorant SuperDork

    Datsun1500 wrote:

    The original poster had a rear wheel drive, 4x4 that got wrecked. He posted that he is looking for a 4x4 SUV. I think many of us are suggesting trucks that are closer to what he had than a FWD or AWD wagon (Honda Pilot)

    it was also unibody... OMG its going to break. better buy something with a manual transmission, manual locking hubs, locking diffs, and no electronics for reliabilities sake....

    good thing these guys are still in business.

    sarcasm included.

  • Datsun1500

    Jan. 1, 2009 10:04 a.m. Datsun1500 HalfDork

    I am not saying the Pilot is bad. If you look at the original poster he says

    The pathfinder was a 4x2 with ability to shift into a 4x4 mode. What suvs out there have that ability.

    The Pilot does not have that ability, we are suggesting actual 4x4 vehicles because that is what he asked for.

    If he asked for convertible recommendations and we suggested motorcycles it would be just as dumb as recommending a Pilot as a 4x4.

  • B02S4

    Jan. 1, 2009 10:18 a.m. B02S4 Reader

    If the OP's vehicle was an 02 LE then it had an electronically controlled 2-range transfer case with an electronically controlled locking center diff. IMO that system is much more flexible & effective than the prior generation mechanical lever system that it replaced.

    I don't understand why someone would recommend a "hardcore mechanical transfer case" 4x4 & in the same post recommend a Forester.

  • phillyj

    Jan. 1, 2009 2:26 p.m. phillyj Reader

    ok guys, calm down. I should have posted how this vehicle was to be used. Sorry. My dad bought the nissan after the dd vw jetta couldn't make it through some flooded roads. Also, the commute to the job was about 20 miles one way. The route is through the county and in the winter, if it snows, no one clears the road, at least not umtil the next morning. My dad drives back home is the middle of the night between 12 to 2 AM. Winter conditions are from late November to February and even March. The rest of the year is no problem and 4x2 is ok then. No off roading, or related things. My dad is 6ft 2 and needs quiet a bit of space. For comparision, the Jeep grand Cherokee is not in his liking due to size. And 40 mi is a long drive so comfiness is a plus. Has to reliable and repairs not too expensive

  • ReverendDexter

    Jan. 1, 2009 4:25 p.m. ReverendDexter Reader

    phillyj wrote:

    ok guys, calm down. I should have posted how this vehicle was to be used. Sorry. My dad bought the nissan after the dd vw jetta couldn't make it through some flooded roads. Also, the commute to the job was about 20 miles one way. The route is through the county and in the winter, if it snows, no one clears the road, at least not umtil the next morning. My dad drives back home is the middle of the night between 12 to 2 AM. Winter conditions are from late November to February and even March. The rest of the year is no problem and 4x2 is ok then. No off roading, or related things. My dad is 6ft 2 and needs quiet a bit of space. For comparision, the Jeep grand Cherokee is not in his liking due to size. And 40 mi is a long drive so comfiness is a plus. Has to reliable and repairs not too expensive

    Have him test drive an Outback. I'm just an RCH under 6', and there's room to spare for me. 2.5L cars easily get better than 26mpg with an automatic, 3.0L cars have a LOT more punch, but mpg comes down to ~22 and they need premium.

  • irish44j

    Jan. 1, 2009 10:38 p.m. irish44j New Reader

    4Runner. Love ours. You could pick up an '05 probably for that price.

  • thatsnowinnebago

    Jan. 2, 2009 3:22 a.m. thatsnowinnebago Reader

    Outback/Forester sounds to me like the best choice here. You don't need a 4x4 SUV unless you're towing or using it offroad. THe outback will get better milage, be more comfortable, and the Forester can be had with a turbo

  • phillyj

    Jan. 2, 2009 9:59 a.m. phillyj Reader

    I think it will be hard to convince my dad to get a Subaru although i find the Forrester appealing. The 4runner seems to be a good option. Many of them seem to be the v8 sr5. About how much mileage can you get on the v6, 20/18?

  • jrw1621

    Jan. 2, 2009 10:31 a.m. jrw1621 Reader

    Head to www.fueleconomy.gov to compare fuel economy of all vehicles sold in the US since 1985

  • ignorant

    Jan. 2, 2009 4:24 p.m. ignorant SuperDork

    I'll bet he'll be better off with a subaru in the snow.. but hey to each his own.

  • aussiesmg

    Jan. 2, 2009 11:11 p.m. aussiesmg HalfDork

    Gotta say, from my limited AWD experience I loved my Subie

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