Hi,
What is everyones opinion of the various 4WD systems Jeep offers? I'm
going to be upgrading from my 96 Laredo 2WD to a Laredo 4WD but I'm
trying to decide which 4WD option to get: Select Trac, Quadra-Trac I
or Quadra-Trac II. Right now I'm leaning toward the Quadra-Trac II. Is
anyone better than the other.
I don't plan on doing any off roading, but since I live in Fairbanks,
Alaska 4WD is almost a must, though I've gotten by with my 2WD and
snow tires for 2 years without problems so far.
Thanks,
Mike
ICQ 160154674
AOL AIM: Jon Ne Reb
United States Navy 1979-1982
Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class
VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner)
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TJim - 29 Jul 2003 12:29 GMT
I don't know about any one else's opinion, but I think that it would be
cheaper, easier, and quicker to sell your 2wd Laredo and buy a 4wd version.
JMHO.
> Hi,
>
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>
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Thomas W. - 29 Jul 2003 14:16 GMT
That's what he's doing.
> I don't know about any one else's opinion, but I think that it would be
> cheaper, easier, and quicker to sell your 2wd Laredo and buy a 4wd version.
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>>Alaska 4WD is almost a must, though I've gotten by with my 2WD and
>>snow tires for 2 years without problems so far.

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TJim - 29 Jul 2003 14:59 GMT
Oh, sorry. I read the OP as wanting to upgrade the vehicle from 2wd to 4wd.
I guess I have to read more carefully! :)
> That's what he's doing.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> >>Alaska 4WD is almost a must, though I've gotten by with my 2WD and
> >>snow tires for 2 years without problems so far.
Larry Greenwood - 29 Jul 2003 14:40 GMT
I would look at a small v8 engine (4.7 l) mated with five speed automatic
(quad II) for the best fuel economy without sacrificing performance. From
my experience that combination gets better mileage than the 6 cylinder.
Other than that, I guess it comes down personal preferences.
Larry
> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
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Mike - 30 Jul 2003 07:11 GMT
> I would look at a small v8 engine (4.7 l) mated with five speed automatic
> (quad II) for the best fuel economy without sacrificing performance. From
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Larry
That's the plan I had. 2003 Laredo 4WD Garnet Red (for the wife) with
4.7L V8. The only problem is the dealer in the lower 48 that I'm buying
from, no longer has any 2003's that I like. And most dealers have very
few 2003's. I've searched other inventories, no luck. So I'm going to
have to go 2004, but the basic Laredo's no longer are offered in the
color (garnet red) and the V8 as an option.
I don't like the bumper and side molding to be the body color, I like
the dark gray, I think it looks better, and the only 2004 model that has
Gray molding and my alternate color choice (Midnight Blue) is the
FREEDOM EDITION.
So I'm looking at the FREEDOM EDITION. It has most of the options I
like/want. The thing is, other than the 4.0 I-6, Jeep only offers the
4.7L HO V8 as a engine option. Only the 2004 SPECIAL EDITION and the
LIMITED offer the 4.7L V8 as an option. I was disappointed in this but I
don't like the exterior one color look of the SE/L editions.
My wife and I both would like a V8 so I guess with that much power, I'll
be able to pull others out of the snow as a sideline. :)

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ICQ 160154674
AOL AIM: Jon Ne Reb
United States Navy 1979-1982
Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class
VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner)
ATCS Fairbanks AFSS
Earle Horton - 29 Jul 2003 16:05 GMT
If you have gotten by with 2wd and snow tires for 2 years, then you already
know how to handle yourself in snow and slippery road conditions. In my
opinion all you really need is the Selec Trac system then. For bad snow,
put it into part time four wheel drive mode. For slippery roads, full time
mode. For a nice summer's day, save wear and tear on the transfer box by
using two wheel drive mode. Quadra-Trac II is probably "better," but it is
more complicated, prone to failure, and needs more maintenance. Selec Trac,
on the other hand, is a purely mechanical system with no friction clutches
and practically bullet proof in comparison. "Simpler is better" is what I
say.
Earle
> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
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Mike - 31 Jul 2003 09:12 GMT
>If you have gotten by with 2wd and snow tires for 2 years, then you already
>know how to handle yourself in snow and slippery road conditions. In my
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>and practically bullet proof in comparison. "Simpler is better" is what I
>say.
The city and the state are pretty good at keeping the main roads and
highways clear of snow. They lay down gravel in parking lots,
intersections, where ice (mostly from idiling cars) and snow tend to
accumulate. Neighborhood streets and side streets are plowed and
graveled but you still have up 10 or more inch layer of snow and ice
which get compacted by driving as they don't plow those very often.
The snow here is very dry and doesn't stay on the highways long. It's
blown away by traffic and wind. It's so dry you can't make snowballs,
it's just powder.
I've been thinking I'll probably go with Select Trac for just the
reasons you say.
Mike
ICQ 160154674
AOL AIM: Jon Ne Reb
United States Navy 1979-1982
Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class
VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner)
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