Observations at 73,000miles

[dwulffusa]

Just been on a 600mile return trip and have the following observations:

Travelling at 10-15 over (mostly 80ish) got 20-21mpg true (22indicated). That I think is damn good considering the weight, all terrain tires and at that speed incl some headwind.

Stability - Its really getting pretty bad, slightest cross wind makes it dance all over and you really have to concentrate to keep it in in the lane, specially an issue when traffic gets thick. Also nose dives alot on braking.
Is it even possible to put a higher grade of shock on to improve on road stability, or is the Xreas set up all connected and complex, so unless that is removed this is a no go?

Transmission - when climbing quickly and hard on the gas when in 5th o/d the transmission hesitates then thumps violently into 4th. Is this normal because of the aggressive throttle input to get going?

Brakes - Shudder is back during light braking after rotating discs and replacing pads at about 44,000. I know I brake pretty hard around town, but considering my mileage is mostly interstate, I expect better life than this.

Its all nitpicking, and if all that were perfect this is all the car you'd ever need for all purposes. Hasnt missed beat ever, and still lookes great.

 

[banker1]

Transmission - when climbing quickly and hard on the gas when in 5th o/d the transmission hesitates then thumps violently into 4th. Is this normal because of the aggressive throttle input to get going?

This is normal when you mash down on the pedal, the computer is trying to match what you're inputting (acceleration/ vehicle speed) through the pedal. A suggestion would be to shift from D to 4 when going up hills instead of letting the computer downshift 2 gears for you...

Brakes - Shudder is back during light braking after rotating discs and replacing pads at about 44,000. I know I brake pretty hard around town, but considering my mileage is mostly interstate, I expect better life than this.

You can drive as many highway miles as you wish, if you're hard on the brakes locally there is no way to get away from brake shudder over time. Also consider you have approx. 30,000 miles on this set of pads/ rotors, not all that bad for a 4,000 lb SUV.

Prior to my T4R I drove an Acura TSX and prior to that an 8 cyl Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep ate pads and rotors all the time, I turned in my Acura at lease end (42,000 miles) with the original pads an rotors, I also drove the Acura considerably more aggresive. I'm sure part of the difference was manual vs. automatic transmissions (downshift to slow down instead of relying entirely on brakes) but vehicle weight plays a major roll as well.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Stability - Its really getting pretty bad, slightest cross wind makes it dance all over and you really have to concentrate to keep it in in the lane, specially an issue when traffic gets thick. Also nose dives alot on braking.
Is it even possible to put a higher grade of shock on to improve on road stability, or is the Xreas set up all connected and complex, so unless that is removed this is a no go?

Just curious, how many miles on the Revo's and what pressure do you run? As far as the XREAS goes lots of guys take it off when they go for a lift. I don't see why you couldn't just buy some HD replacement Bilsteins, KYBs or something and disable the XREAS.

Transmission - when climbing quickly and hard on the gas when in 5th o/d the transmission hesitates then thumps violently into 4th. Is this normal because of the aggressive throttle input to get going?

My 2 cents is change the trans fluid. I don't give a crap what they say about "lifetime" fluid. I am sure that will help to some degree. I also agree with Banker1's suggestion. His suggestion would probably make the most difference but I was trying to work in a pitch for a fluid change If it was mine and I never towed, 4wheeled or sat in traffic I'd still do it at 60-75k. Just my 2cents


Overall that's a pretty good report:bigok:

:cheers:

 

[dwulffusa]

Just curious, how many miles on the Revo's and what pressure do you run? As far as the XREAS goes lots of guys take it off when they go for a lift. I don't see why you couldn't just buy some HD replacement Bilsteins, KYBs or something and disable the XREAS.

Done about 30,000, recently rotated and allignment done. Run at recommended unladen pressures.



My 2 cents is change the trans fluid. I don't give a crap what they say about "lifetime" fluid. I am sure that will help to some degree. I also agree with Banker1's suggestion. His suggestion would probably make the most difference but I was trying to work in a pitch for a fluid change If it was mine and I never towed, 4wheeled or sat in traffic I'd still do it at 60-75k. Just my 2cents.

I am pretty sure tranny fluid was replaced at 60,000 when they did the full scheduled maintenance service (all fluids, filters, plugs, ac refresh etc). Thinking about it some more, its only in those instances where you may have accelerated some then lifted off, and suddenly have to get over and take another gap so you drop it about 7/8 throttle, I think it just gets confused and tries to get to third as quick as possible.
More unusual though is that from new 1st to 2nd on moderate throttle has always had a noticable but gentle thump on engagement, while all the other gear changes are imperceptibly smooth. Now if I tip in the throttle very gently from pull away and get on it 1/3 as soon as its rolling then 1st to 2nd is smooth. I can only put this down to the adaptive gearchange electronic side trying to distinguish in how much of a hurry I am and how quickly it needs to change.




Overall that's a pretty good report:bigok:

:cheers:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't doubt that your shocks are getting a little softer. As far as the stability issue goes verify your Revos have the 44psi max inflation. If they do try running 38-39psi cold. Falls has the Revos and I think he runs 38 or 39. I had Revos on my old Titan. At the recommended pressure my Titan would wander, blow and track. At 39psi cold it was a dream, stable, good ride and better mpg. (I settled on 42psi on my Titan, I was willing to sacrifice a bit of ride for handling and mpg.) Filling the tires won't fix the shocks but it should help a bit and perhaps keep you satisfied for a while which will allow your Georgian stocks to recover a bit

:cheers: