The bottom line on this story is this was somewhat of an impulse buy...I really thought I wanted to replace the Jeep with a Chevy Colorado ZR2...at some point in a random thread
@Dave made a comment about the shocks being vulnerable to trail damage. The ZR2 is essentially high clearance front bumper and the shock package. I was still leaning towards the Colorado over the Ranger just because I'm still old school enough that I'm stuck on the "no replacement for displacement" theory of engine power. The V6 in the Colorado has proven to be a reliable engine in my experience at a GMC dealership. I was a little out to lunch on the 2.3L. EcoBoost engine in the Ranger (the ONLY engine choice). I've only been at a Ford dealership for 9 months or so but I haven't seen any inherent issues with that engine in other platforms. Talking with my lead tech that has been there since carburetors (pre -fuel injection for you youngsters, Google it
), the engine has been reliable.
It has adequate power/acceleration for my needs, I haven't really pushed it yet, I want to get some break in mile on it, change the oil again and then find out what it's really made of.
I haven't been a fan of the newer multi speed transmission in any product, the 10 speed auto is the only automatic transmission choice, there is a weird little shudder on take off from a stop that seems to be inherent, hopefully there will be a fix for that soon.
First mod... only the "Lariat" trim package has an engine cover, I didn't think much about it (although I must say that the engine bay isn't really a pretty sight). We have a Lariat on display in the showroom at the dealership, I popped the hood and looked at the engine cover, didn't think much about it as far as cosmetic appearance. I knocked my knuckles on it expecting it to be hard plastic, I was surprised to find out that it is made of a thick foam. I'm assuming it's to dampen the ticking noise from the injectors firing. I checked my price, less than $75 for the cover studs and nuts...what the hell, you only live once, so I ordered it. Thinking about this as I type, it almost sounds stupid in my head...in addition to being old/fat (my Dr's opinion, I like my dogs veterinarians medical opinions better)..anyway, I'm also getting hard of hearing (or better at ignoring), the odds of me noticing a difference in the cab is probably minimal.
On another news front, I've been authorized by the CFO to investigate the addition of rock rails and a spray in bed liner. I use Rhino and Line-X at work, I'll beat one of them into submission for a good deal. Rockrail search is under way.
@Dave mentioned the plastic oil pan...I stuck my head under the truck and took a good look at things for the first time (back to the impulse buy). I have factory steel skid plates that look to provide decent front differential protection, the "structural" plastic oil pan isn't even visible. The fuel tank also has a "structural" plastic skid plate that will be stupid simple for an aftermarket upgrade. The driveshaft is 2 piece, so most of it is protected. The transfer case is completely exposed and looking for shelter.
Happily, it does have an auto stop/start over ride button. I'm going to do a fuel economy test with it on and disabled just to find out how "valuable" such a feature is.
Machelle made a 70 mile round trip to see her sister today, she was thrilled with the truck, felt comfortable in it right away. I do have the gadgets turned off right now, (Lane Keep Assist, Cross Traffic Alert), but left the blind spot alert on. I'm going to give them a shot when I drive it, it will help with my job (Service Writer at a Ford dealership for those that don't know me...I'm right up there with your tax attorney and dentist as far as people to like). I can take all of the on line training that Ford whats me to take...I require seat of the pants, push buttons and see what happens training.
...more to follow.
). It's pretty much loaded with everything except leather.
I'm actually looking forward to seeing it in person.
"...OK, I just made that up...I'm sure the aftermarket will or does have a remedy.
