'Wheeling in an Escape?

jg09 · 11-19-2008, 12:10 PM

Has anyone actually taken a Ford Escape off roading? I'm looking around at my options for replacing my Outback. I've looked at other Explorers, B2s, and now the Escape as potential options. I know that H&R makes lift springs for the Escape, and I know of a guy who makes Subaru lift kits and could most likely make a 4-6" lift for an Escape, too (check out his work at sjrlift.com). It'll be my daily driver, but since I'm often forced to drive in way-less-than-ideal driving conditions without warning (logging does this to you), I'd like some off-road capability in my daily driver. Sooooo....anyone know anything about 'wheeling an Escape?

*Mbrooks420* · 11-19-2008, 01:07 PM

Was is on here I heard about the off road team running the Escapes in a stock suspension class with 33's on them? They were allowed to cut the wheel wells up, but all suspension had to be factory, and they held up relatively well. I'm thinking maybe they even squeezed 35's under them, but that seems unlikely to me. I think with mud tires, and a moddest lift an Escape would be logging road capable, unless it was really rutted, and muddy.

Crunchy · 11-19-2008, 02:03 PM

Have you ever seen the size of the axles on an escape....they are the size of my baby finger.

jg09 · 11-19-2008, 02:40 PM

Axle strength is definitely one of my major concerns with the Escape, but I'm also wondering about suspension integrity (which seems to be good if what Mbrooks420 says is indeed correct). I'm thinking of possibly cutting the actual shaft itself off the CV joint and rewelding on a much thicker diameter shaft. How about the V6 motor/auto trans? Keep in mind that I wouldn't be doing real hard core off road, just negotiating trails that would make someone in a half-ton pickup work a little at it.

*Mbrooks420* · 11-19-2008, 02:42 PM

From what I recall they never DNF'ed the Escape, and never broke anything suspension wise in the races. I assume the life span of the components are way down.

jg09 · 11-19-2008, 03:11 PM

A 31.5" tire and light-duty use should be fine then, I'd say. It might stress things a little more than stock, but not too badly.

*Mbrooks420* · 11-19-2008, 03:23 PM

Does the Escape have low range? I think the t case might be a single speed.

jg09 · 11-19-2008, 03:34 PM

Either "auto", where it's an on-demand system that stays in FWD until wheel spin is detected, or "on", which is basically 4Hi. The center diff is locked and it should not be run on pavement/hard packed, high friction surfaces.

*Mbrooks420* · 11-19-2008, 03:41 PM

I prefer front drive as the main, with supplemental read drive

jg09 · 11-19-2008, 03:56 PM

For everyday driving, it is best, but for more performance driving, not as much.

*Mbrooks420* · 11-19-2008, 04:51 PM

What's the performance disadvantage to primary front drive?

GJarrett · 11-19-2008, 06:57 PM

FYI:
One thing about the Escape that you won't be able to get around is the fact that they designed the engine with a low mount alternator. If you ever anticipate doing any stream crossings at all - even shallow ones - be aware that you'll be submerging the alternator and toast the electrical system.

*Mbrooks420* · 11-19-2008, 07:37 PM

Is it shielded at all so flinging mud wouldn't cake it?

*Premier* · 11-19-2008, 07:46 PM

my mom had an escape limited, it was nice. dont think it would wheel well though

igiveup · 11-19-2008, 08:34 PM

Hello

My wife had one 6 years ago when we met. I took it off roading (light duty) and thats all its good for. It was fun to follow the bikes but it took a shit kicking. Power stearing hose are very low on the 2004. I like it as a DD and a 2 person camper. A little tight but more fun.

igiveup

jg09 · 11-20-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrooks420

What's the performance disadvantage to primary front drive?

Understeer, mostly. Even when a system switches to AWD, if it's primary front, then the torque bias will be toward the front still. Any system that can switch to AWD on the fly is going to be hard to drive just because you never truly know when the AWD will kick in at certain times.

And thanks for the heads up about the alternator, that's very useful. I wonder if there's a way to get it up out of the way, or at least seal it from the elements.

*Mbrooks420* · 11-20-2008, 11:55 AM

My Subaru is more stable in slick high speed turns, (of course it is due to weight, and low center of gravity) The Mounty is much easier to break loose on a turn, and slide the whole truck. The Subaru just pulls. The Escape isn't really AWD though.

jg09 · 11-20-2008, 01:36 PM

If the Subaru has the 4AT in it, then it can split torque up to 90/10 (f/r) in the "D" position, whereas 50/50 at all times with the 5MT. In 3,2, and 1 auto shifter positions, it's a 50/50 torque split. When cornering fast in 3, my Outback likes to rotate and get the rear end kicked out. In D, my front tires break traction and nothing happens. I don't really lose much turning ability since the rear tires are still pushing along with the front tires trying to pull a little faster.

11-19-2008, 12:10 PM	#1
jg09 Wannabe Elite Explorer Everson, WA '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	'Wheeling in an Escape? Has anyone actually taken a Ford Escape off roading? I'm looking around at my options for replacing my Outback. I've looked at other Explorers, B2s, and now the Escape as potential options. I know that H&R makes lift springs for the Escape, and I know of a guy who makes Subaru lift kits and could most likely make a 4-6" lift for an Escape, too (check out his work at sjrlift.com). It'll be my daily driver, but since I'm often forced to drive in way-less-than-ideal driving conditions without warning (logging does this to you), I'd like some off-road capability in my daily driver. Sooooo....anyone know anything about 'wheeling an Escape? __________________ 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (daily driver) 1962 Chevy C20 flatbed pickup (project rig)

11-19-2008, 01:07 PM	#2
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	Was is on here I heard about the off road team running the Escapes in a stock suspension class with 33's on them? They were allowed to cut the wheel wells up, but all suspension had to be factory, and they held up relatively well. I'm thinking maybe they even squeezed 35's under them, but that seems unlikely to me. I think with mud tires, and a moddest lift an Escape would be logging road capable, unless it was really rutted, and muddy. __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-19-2008, 02:40 PM	#4
jg09 Wannabe Elite Explorer Everson, WA '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Axle strength is definitely one of my major concerns with the Escape, but I'm also wondering about suspension integrity (which seems to be good if what Mbrooks420 says is indeed correct). I'm thinking of possibly cutting the actual shaft itself off the CV joint and rewelding on a much thicker diameter shaft. How about the V6 motor/auto trans? Keep in mind that I wouldn't be doing real hard core off road, just negotiating trails that would make someone in a half-ton pickup work a little at it. __________________ 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (daily driver) 1962 Chevy C20 flatbed pickup (project rig)

11-19-2008, 02:42 PM	#5
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	From what I recall they never DNF'ed the Escape, and never broke anything suspension wise in the races. I assume the life span of the components are way down. __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-19-2008, 03:11 PM	#6
jg09 Wannabe Elite Explorer Everson, WA '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	A 31.5" tire and light-duty use should be fine then, I'd say. It might stress things a little more than stock, but not too badly. __________________ 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (daily driver) 1962 Chevy C20 flatbed pickup (project rig)

11-19-2008, 02:03 PM	#3
Crunchy Wannabe Elite Explorer Ottawa, Ontario Ranger 03 XLT 4L SOHC 2wd Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 84 Vehicle Specs	Have you ever seen the size of the axles on an escape....they are the size of my baby finger.

11-19-2008, 03:23 PM	#7
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	Does the Escape have low range? I think the t case might be a single speed. __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-19-2008, 03:34 PM	#8
jg09 Wannabe Elite Explorer Everson, WA '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Either "auto", where it's an on-demand system that stays in FWD until wheel spin is detected, or "on", which is basically 4Hi. The center diff is locked and it should not be run on pavement/hard packed, high friction surfaces. __________________ 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (daily driver) 1962 Chevy C20 flatbed pickup (project rig)

11-19-2008, 03:41 PM	#9
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	I prefer front drive as the main, with supplemental read drive __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-19-2008, 03:56 PM	#10
jg09 Wannabe Elite Explorer Everson, WA '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	For everyday driving, it is best, but for more performance driving, not as much. __________________ 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (daily driver) 1962 Chevy C20 flatbed pickup (project rig)

11-19-2008, 04:51 PM	#11
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	What's the performance disadvantage to primary front drive? __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-19-2008, 06:57 PM	#12
GJarrett Moderator Emeritus Chief GPS'um and Still Lost Native Texan '99 EB 4x4 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 7,166 Vehicle Specs	FYI: One thing about the Escape that you won't be able to get around is the fact that they designed the engine with a low mount alternator. If you ever anticipate doing any stream crossings at all - even shallow ones - be aware that you'll be submerging the alternator and toast the electrical system. __________________ Ol' Krusty "Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk" Gerald's Truck The best things in life........ aren't things. God's aim looks like He's missing the mark because we're too nearsighted to see what He is aiming at.

11-19-2008, 07:37 PM	#13
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	Is it shielded at all so flinging mud wouldn't cake it? __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-19-2008, 07:46 PM	#14
Premier Panzerfaust™ Utah 96 sport Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 5,924 Vehicle Specs	my mom had an escape limited, it was nice. dont think it would wheel well though __________________ Rollover Posse Registry CV Death Toll: 4 33x12.50 ProComp Mud Terrains on 15x8.5 Centerline Rims 6" Suspension, Locked Front/Rear, 1354 Manual T-case ARB Snorkel, and Custom Pinstriping

11-19-2008, 08:34 PM	#15
igiveup Wannabe Elite Explorer Edmonton Alberta 85 Bronco2 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 178 Vehicle Specs	Hello My wife had one 6 years ago when we met. I took it off roading (light duty) and thats all its good for. It was fun to follow the bikes but it took a shit kicking. Power stearing hose are very low on the 2004. I like it as a DD and a 2 person camper. A little tight but more fun. igiveup __________________ 85 Bronco2 (Duraspark done) 3.8l carb installed and runs great ($1000 budget toy) 88 B2 for parts 06 F150 Quad cab 4X4 Tow rig 85 Honda 250 sx trike

11-20-2008, 11:55 AM	#17
Mbrooks420 High Voltage. Erie, Pennsylvania 1998 Mountaineer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5,088 Vehicle Specs	My Subaru is more stable in slick high speed turns, (of course it is due to weight, and low center of gravity) The Mounty is much easier to break loose on a turn, and slide the whole truck. The Subaru just pulls. The Escape isn't really AWD though. __________________ 1998 Mounty 5.0 AWD TT/Shackles/rear AirLift springs 31x10.5 Kelly TSR's 1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan RIP---Killed by an suicidal deer 1972 El Camino---Project Dirty Old Chevy---Fresh Marine Longblock .060 over, Forged crank RV Cam 454/th400 swap, Hooker Headers, fresh coat of white 1999 KTM 300exc RaceTech Suspension, Rekluse Slipper Clutch, single track killer

11-20-2008, 01:36 PM	#18
jg09 Wannabe Elite Explorer Everson, WA '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 352 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	If the Subaru has the 4AT in it, then it can split torque up to 90/10 (f/r) in the "D" position, whereas 50/50 at all times with the 5MT. In 3,2, and 1 auto shifter positions, it's a 50/50 torque split. When cornering fast in 3, my Outback likes to rotate and get the rear end kicked out. In D, my front tires break traction and nothing happens. I don't really lose much turning ability since the rear tires are still pushing along with the front tires trying to pull a little faster. __________________ 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 (daily driver) 1962 Chevy C20 flatbed pickup (project rig)