V8 Explorer for trailing? ( plus some trailing pics for those who want to see )

[452films]

I'm picking up a new vehicle this spring and I know I want a V8 SUV. Im looking into smaller SUV's so that put the Expedition I want out of question with its nice 10-14mpg ( Figure its about the same as the toy hauler f150 I have ). So now I'm looking into an explorer. I liked how my 99' 4.0 SOHC did in the trails. Pulled itself around where it needed to with stock size all terrains on it.

I occasionally run a little brush over ( will be getting a brush guard ). The 4.0 explorer went almost anywhere I needed it to without ever locking it into 4wd ( just letting the control trac take care of it wherever ). Is the AWD with the torque of the 5.0 going to be fine for what I need it to do?

I had blown out CV joints in my Durango and it got me around this much with 265/75's on it, and also weighed 6300lbs.

Little 245/70's next to my friends Jeep with 32's.

And while I'm posting up a few pics:
Durango and Explorer ( and an SVO Cobra to the left, and V6 mustang to the right )

 

[BrianDye]

I cant say im an offroader, but I hit a few fields a week or so back when the weather was all warm, and the AWD pulled me through some thick mid wheel high mud just dandy.

I do miss having 2WD with the 4lo option, but thats what the 4406 swap is for

 

[little x]

The AWD isn't a very solid true 4x4 system. But, neither is keeping the 4.0 in Auto 4x4. If you are planning on driving the v-8 in the same manner you drove the 4.0 then the shoe fits. But if you plan on building a dedicated off road rig you'll want a real transfer case.

 

[BrianDye]

^Fully agree with what he said^

If your control trac did the job, then AWD will do the job. If you were wanting to lift it and throw mudboggers on there for serious offroading, I would say get a 4x4, or do the 4406 swap.

I have a set of Firestone Destination A/T's on mine, and LOVE them. They are great on the road, snow, water, and mud too.