T4R 4wd vs. Jeep GC 4x4

[jambone]

I love my 4Runner and find it superior to the Grand Cherokee I used to drive in almost every way. But, it seems that my GC was more sure-footed on wet or icy roads. I could jam on the gas (rolling or from a stop) in the GC on a wet road and the tires would not slip. In my 4Runner, I do feel the wheels slip occasionally. Does anyone have similar experiences? Suggestions? I know my tires aren't great (cheap off-brand tires that were on it when I bought it used), but they have plenty of tread.

FWIW, here are some specifics of the two:
2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5, 4wd, V8 (4.7L)
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4x4 (Selec-Trac), V8 (4.7L)

Thanks

 

[JBecker]

I'd say it's the tires and not the truck.

 

[progress4m]

I'd say it's the tires and not the truck.

I agree!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The tires make a huge difference, a decent quality winter tire is going to be far better than a cheap "all-season" tire and a dedicated snow tire is going to be even more superior than the above.

 

[blackfc3s]

I love my 4Runner and find it superior to the Grand Cherokee I used to drive in almost every way. But, it seems that my GC was more sure-footed on wet or icy roads. I could jam on the gas (rolling or from a stop) in the GC on a wet road and the tires would not slip. In my 4Runner, I do feel the wheels slip occasionally. Does anyone have similar experiences? Suggestions? I know my tires aren't great (cheap off-brand tires that were on it when I bought it used), but they have plenty of tread.

FWIW, here are some specifics of the two:
2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5, 4wd, V8 (4.7L)
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4x4 (Selec-Trac), V8 (4.7L)

Thanks

you had a select trac V8 and you sold it? Those are incredibly sought after.

 

[jambone]

Never knew they were sought after - I didn't have any trouble finding mine. It was a love/hate relationship... when everything was working, it was a great vehicle. But, it had its weaknesses. When the tranny gave up, it had to go.

 

[jambone]

Just a follow-up... replaced the crappy tires with Michelin LTX M/S2's and it is MUCH better.

 

[T.Rock]

I just switched from a 4th gen 4Runner to a brand new Grand Cherokee. The Jeep is surprisingly good in low traction situations. One of the major reasons I went with a Jeep instead of a new 4Runner is because I didn't want to give up the ability to run full-time 4wd with a lockable center diff like I had in my 4th gen. Unfortunately, the only way to get that in a 4Runner these days is to buy a Limited model, which is not what I wanted at all.

Anyway, another difference I noticed right away is that the Jeep's traction control system is far less intrusive than the ATRAC in the 4Runner. And I see that as a good thing because it still works really well without kicking in at the slightest hint of slip.

 

[DCGweez]

Jeeps under warranty are excellent vehicles. (Provided the dealer will give you a loaner for warranty work)

 

[T.Rock]

Jeeps under warranty are excellent vehicles. (Provided the dealer will give you a loaner for warranty work)

Exactly. There's no way in hell I'm keeping mine when the warranty is expired. But that's okay, because by then the 6th gen 4Runner will be out and I'll be getting one as long as Toyota makes them good looking again.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

Just a follow-up... replaced the crappy tires with Michelin LTX M/S2's and it is MUCH better.

funny you mention those tires. i have them as do a bunch of other people here, and there was one guy who said he hated them and they were awful in the snow, ice, and wet

 

[jambone]

Yeah, I saw that thread too. This is not my first set of these tires, and all I can say is that my experience has been very different than his - I love these tires.

 

[CookieRoe]

I also have LTX M/S2s on mine. I love them. Plenty of traction on the wet and white stuff. Highway ride and noise are excellent. I recently had some dry rotting on them and reported it to Michelin. Long story short: Mine were replaced after having them 4 years. I only had to pay something like $250 for a set of new 4 tires. Old ones had PLENTY of tread on them, but new tires are that price are an absolute steal. They made good. Great customer service as well. Eh, at least my experience with them is great.