Nissan All Mode 4x4 vs Jeep Quadra Trac II

[avoorhees1]

I just settled with Nissan on the strut recall and now need a new vehicle. My old Pathfinder(my third) worked well for our small farm. I do not need to climb over boulders but I do need to get feed to my animals in all kinds of weather.
My old Pathfinder had a manually engaged transfer case and a locking differential.
Does anyone have experience with the new electronic units or will I have to change vendors? The x-terra does not suit my hauling needs and I am just not a truck gal.
Thanks,
Sharon

[Jesda]

I strongly favor the Wrangler Unlimited. What's your budget?

[Kompresshun]

We have a Jeep Commander with the Quadratrac in it and I love it personally. I wish it had the Quadratrac II, because it's a really nice system. If you're looking at something similar size to the Pathfinder, I'd look at the Liberty or the Dodge Nitro(same vehicle). If you need more power, I love the Commander personally. I find it odd that an Xterra does not compare to an older Pathfinder in hauling capabilities, but that's another one I would suggest as well.

These are just some suggestions, but if you give us an idea on your budget, maybe we can give you some more.

[avoorhees1]

I looked at the Overland and it was very nice at $53,000. I also looked at a Sequoia and a 4 Runner. The budget I hope to maintain is around $42! I have not looked at an Armada yet but understand there is a $4,000 Nissan rebate. I also read that Nissan is offering an additional rebate to strut folk to keep us in the fold which might make that model an option.
My BIG CONCERN is if these electronic 4x4 systems can do the job?
Thanks,
Sharon

[Kompresshun]

Well it sounds if budget isn't too big of a problem here. If you're looking for something new, have you considered a current Pathfinder? We looked at one when we traded in our QX4 and the only reason we didn't buy it is because they wouldn't get right on the price. The Armada is really nice, but is a lot of SUV, so I don't prefer it personally.

You should be able to find a Commander at a pretty good deal, since they discontinued them, just be careful with your selection on them because some models had issues. I assume you're looking at a new Grand Cherokee though? I'm not familiar with them, but they are unibody, so they're not going to be like your traditional truck based SUV, which are becoming less common sadly.

I have no major issues with the electronic 4x4 systems so far, but I do prefer something that I can at least control by a switch. As long as I have a low range though, I think they're perfectly fine.

[Bubba1]

FWIW, I've had very good luck with my 4 Runner, though it is an older one. No lockout hubs, and it's shift on the fly. I rarely engage 4WD in mine, but it works like a charm when I want it and has a low range available. The best part for me besides its nice ground clearance, and great reliability, is that its part time AWD, so in RWD mode, it's easy on gas.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

+1 for current gen Pathfinder or Armada.
I personally hate chrysler with a passion and would never buy anything even remotely affiliated with them... but that's just me.

I'm the frame, suspension, chassis, and engine manufacturing Engineer for the Armada (among other things). The only issue I know of for 4WD on the Titan/Armada is 1 "infant mortality" issue on a 4-lo system in the past 2 years. Obviously it was covered under warranty. In my attempt to re-create the issue, I was tasked to beat the living crap out of one of our scrapped units. I could not kill the 4wd system on it. It never skipped a beat.

That being said, I'd probably opt out of the auto-leveling suspension system if you can. I'm not a fan of it (and never was, before working for Nissan and everything). They seem to blow the compressors more often than I'd like... but it is nice to be able to adjust your ride height should you feel so inclined (not really a factory "option" per say, but I can tell you how to do it).

[Jesda]

Cool things you can do with an Armada:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKtNclgHdyI[/youtube]

[PapaSmurf2k3]

^That is quite possibly the most annoying video I've seen in years. There is no way I could watch the whole thing. I skipped to the end to see if there was any destruction to the Armada (maybe he redeemed himself and took it off a sweet jump or something), but no. That whole video sucked. I hate you.

[Jesda]

[Bubba1]

Quite a video Jesda. Seemed like a combination of Jerry Lewis and Nala's next strategy for failing to pickup women.

[avoorhees1]

PapaSmurf2k3, Do the Pathfinder and Armada share the same 4x drive hardware or is the Armada more robust?

[Kompresshun]

PapaSmurf2k3, Do the Pathfinder and Armada share the same 4x drive hardware or is the Armada more robust?

The Pathfinder is based on the Frontier, so it should have similar hardware to it. Then the Armada is based on larger Titan.

Both are very capable vehicles. I'm not sure how much capacity you're looking for, but I think either vehicle would suit your needs.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

PapaSmurf2k3, Do the Pathfinder and Armada share the same 4x drive hardware or is the Armada more robust?

I'm not 100% familiar with the pathfinder's 4 wheel drive hardware, but I know there are definitely some differences. As Chris mentioned one is based on the smaller Frontier/Xterra platform, the other is essentially a Titan SUV with independent rear suspension.
I recently visited the plant that builds the Pathfinder (Smyrna, TN) and noticed that some rear differentials come decked out with heat-dissipating fins... an option you don't get with the Armada (although I've never heard of an Armada burning up the rear diff either... Titans did their first few years in production before getting a finned diff cover, but that's another story).
All that being said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pathfinder got some smaller hardware than the Armada. I would suggest test driving both to see what suits you better.

[avoorhees1]

Thank you both. I did not realize the Frontier/Pathfinder connection. As soon as I get my settlement check I will do some testing. I do know that the Ram 4x4 they rented for me to use is a piece of crap in this snow and mud!
Sharon

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Yeah Frontier and Xterra are pretty much the same platform with a few minor differences (leaf springs are mounted differently, etc). Pathfinder is related to those 2 as well, but has a lot less in common. Independent rear suspension being a big one.