2000 V8 AWD Questions

[dmasini]

I'm looking at getting a 2000 AWD V8 and I got a couple questions.

How good are these things off-road? Does the AWD really make a difference in off-road performance?

Are there as many problems with the 5.0 as there are with the 4.0 SOHC?

How about the tranny's and t-cases?

Are the rims on a 2000 17in. or 15in.? And does it work well with over-sized tires?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[jssong]

if you want to do serious off roading, the awd isnt as good as the control trac 4wd the sohc comes with. I have the awd, but dont do any offroading, and i love it for rain andsnow. in rain, i cant spin my tires even when turning. in snow, i can do stationary donuts.

the 5.0 is bulletproof. no problems
Tranny is strong and the transfercase i believe is all mechanical, and i dont think anyone has has problems with it.
Rims are 15 for the xlt, and 16 for xlt sport, sport, eb, and ltd.

if you want to get bigger tires, get the 15s for more sidewall. you can always get some cheap rockcrawlers in 15s and put some 31's or up to watever you want.

 

[section525]

I've had 32's on mine for 1.5 years now with no problems. And I can tell you AWDs do A LOT better off road than 2WDs do!

 

[dmasini]

Thanks guys, I'm glad to know that the XLT has 15's! I want to be able to switch the 31's I have over so that's great news!

I figured the 5.0 would be a solid engine as well. I don't do heavy off-roading. The trails at GWNF and the beaches in the Outer Banks are mostly what my truck see's now.

Section, what sort of a lift do you have on yours? I know you couldn't fit those 32's under stock conditions... [EDIT] just read your signature... I'm a smart one.