Which model is the better off-roader?

[jzweedyk]

Every vehicle has a weak link. Whenever you change something (ie bigger tires) you cause something else to be stressed. Having built many Jeeps I know this to be true. Ford can't just stick on bigger tires without testing and improving other things that might fail. It just depends on how you will use the mods. If it is a mall crawler you can do just about anything. The biggest reason things get changed on a production vehicle is because the factory had to replace a faulty part/design under warranty, and they don't want to keep on doing it. They would rather put a heavier duty part on in the first place than have to replace a part under warranty. Do they make more money on upgraded vehicles, yes. But usually the consumer gets a better deal than taking a cheaper/lighter vehicle, throwing away parts you want to upgrade and then spending money on the upgraded parts. No warranty and not tested like the factory would do.

 

[FordPerf Addict]

This is interesting also because the 35 has one more inch of travel. And the 35 would also most likely be more nimble and agile then the 37. Would a Baja racer prefer an extra inch of travel or an extra 2 inches of sidewall? Maybe the extra 2 inches of sidewall acts like 2 inches of suspension travel??? I honestly have no clue. I did read somewhere with a sinple google search that Ford said the 35 is better for high speed Offroad… but this is one article that hasn’t been repeated but was from a legitimate car review company.

Does anyone know a ford engineer and know exactly which is better in stock form for this type of diving? Why haven’t these journalists asked more of these questions ? Will anyone ever do a side by side review in the rough stuff?

 

[BlacknTan]

The difference is one inch of sidewall between the two, hence the loss of one inch of travel on the 37 trucks. So the question is does the benefit of one inch of sidewall, and one inch of ground clearance on the 37 out weigh the more responsive, lighter rolling mass 35 with an additional inch wheel travel in the environment you use your truck. It’s ok to say “I like the 37s because they look cool” . The comparison to trophy trucks with bigger tires is moot for the most part; they aren’t giving up wheel travel for bigger tire size, they’re designing the truck optimized for both.

 

[Jakenbake]

As has been said before Just get a 35 and put 37’s on it.

 

[FordPerf Addict]

As has been said before Just get a 35 and put 37’s on it.

Yes anyone can do that but I think the point of the thread is comparing the 2 Offroad stock for stock. i think its a question many people have before they make a purchase this big

 

[Jakenbake]

Yes anyone can do that but I think the point of the thread is comparing the 2 Offroad stock for stock. i think its a question many people have before they make a purchase this big

In that case there probably isn’t a right answer. It would come down to personal preference.

Just for perspective, ever seen the bug class in the baja 1000? I’m not referring to the bugs that show up on terra crew videos either. The bug class guys look like they are having some of the most fun of all racers.

I have not ridden in or drove a gen 3 yet, but I imagine both configuration are very capable. If someone likes one version better than the other, I’m not sure I would let 13” vs 14” of travel or 1” of side wall height change my decision.

 

[Badgertits]

I can tell you living in New England the type of off-roading you’d do here - rutted logging roads, choppy grass fields w/ hidden stones/roots, gravel type wash out country roads w/ crater type potholes etc- the extra sidewall cushion of the 37” package & “stronger” shocks >>>>> the extra travel of the 35”