Some Thoughts on Raptor 4WD System - Page 2 - Ford Forums

T3man · 07-12-2002, 00:02

Biggest problem I see with "hard" 4WDrives is that there are less and less places for us to use them - National Parks is seeing to that!!!

The vehicle manufacturers are recognizing this fact as more of them are going "soft". The public are voting the same way with more ppl trading down to these softer 4WDs.

The 6 speed idea is the way to go - most of todays engines have such a good torque curve they can easily cope with much wider spacing through the gears than what we are being dished up currently. One low gear about 6:1, four wide ratios for normal use 3.5, 2.1, 1.4, 1.0 and an overdrive of 0.75. Offer several different diff ratios to suit either the softer or harder end models - 2.92 through 3.9

Aussie Pete · 07-12-2002, 14:35

6 speed? Ha!!! I'll put money on Ford only offering Raptor in automatic. Try getting any SUV in the Ford range in a manual. No Explorers, no Expeditions, no Excursions. And I don't think Escape does either (I can't be bothered looking that up).

As for FWD vs RWD bias, I was just trying to get some people thinking. I agree people probably don't care as can be seen with CRV (sh!tebox) and the fact that in many markets CRV/Escape/Tribute are sold in FWD only.

RPO83 · 07-13-2002, 06:48

You never know, it could be Ford's new Traction Drive Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which can use a ratio range of 7:1.

This would improve fuel economy considerably as well as eliminating large steps between gears of a conventional auto box (tests have found that CVT can shift from lowest to highest gear in six engine revolutions).

HO HO HO! · 07-13-2002, 17:07

When Wheels featured the R7 they said the base models would get a six cylinder and RWD only.

nothin suss · 07-13-2002, 22:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie Pete

I guess that's why there's smart people working in product development!

Ha Ha Ha.... Thats a fair statment....
But i guess i am only a poor little 3rd year ;-)

RAPTOR · 07-14-2002, 01:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie Pete
6 speed? Ha!!! I'll put money on Ford only offering Raptor in automatic. Try getting any SUV in the Ford range in a manual

Fine by me. Make it a 5-speed with a selectable extra-low.
Pete, you know manuals are superceded technology don't you? Like carbies

There not meant to be race cars!

Quote:

Originally posted by RPO83
You never know, it could be Ford's new Traction Drive Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).....

Even better, but I think I'd rather see the technology proven in something else first.

Aussie Pete · 07-15-2002, 14:54

Quote:

Originally posted by RAPTOR
Fine by me. Make it a 5-speed with a selectable extra-low.
Pete, you know manuals are superceded technology don't you? Like carbies There not meant to be race cars!

Even better, but I think I'd rather see the technology proven in something else first.

You poke me with stick you get:

(You) (Me)

(ha ha ha ha ha ha)