Owning a Ford truck or SUV automatically qualifies you for maximum adventure. Suddenly, you're equipped to take on challenges you've never dreamed possible. Here are the primary features that help turn "wouldn't-that-be-cool" into reality.

4x4 Systems

Want to see where that mountain trail leads? Need surer footing in severe winter weather? 4WD capability enables you to venture into places other vehicle owners can only wonder about as they zoom past on the freeway. Ford trucks and SUVs offer several different 4WD systems.

Intelligent 4WD System (Escape, Explorer) -- It's always on and always working. So no button, dial or lever is needed. This available system monitors traction (200 times per second - much faster than any person could) and automatically adjusts torque distribution as necessary. So relax and have fun - let the Intelligent 4WD System do all the work for you.

Electric Shift-on-the-Fly (Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition, F-150, Super Duty, Ranger) -- Features an easy-to-reach control, which means you can lock in the power of 4-wheel drive from the comfort of the driver's seat.

Control-Trac^TM (Expedition) -- Rain? Mud? Snow? Sand? No problem. Choose from 4x4 High, 4x4 Low or 4x4 Auto settings to handle a variety of driving conditions.

Suspension

Your vehicle's suspension determines how well it tackles the bumps in the road-or how smoothly it handles the pavement.

Independent Rear Suspension (Expedition) -- offers smoother on-road ride.

Independent SLA Front Suspension (Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition, Ranger, F-150) -- allows each front wheel to travel over bumps individually with little effect on the opposite wheel.

Four-wheel Independent Suspension (Escape, Explorer) -- allows each wheel to absorb road bumps independently with little effect on the opposing wheel. Other benefits include optimized steering feel and performance, responsive handling and maneuverability.

Non-independent Rear Leaf Suspension (Ranger, F-150) -- offers excellent load-handling capability.

Independent Twin I-Beam Front Suspension (Super Duty) -- Computer-designed and geometrically correct for excellent ride and handling.

2-Stage Rear Leaf Spring Suspension (Explorer Sport Trac) -- Offers rugged durability and smooth handling.

Twin-coil Monobeam Front Suspension and Solid-axle Leaf Springs Rear Suspension
(Super Duty) -- delivers the optimum combination of ride, handling and load carrying ability.

Dimensions
Your vehicle's dimensions of approach, departure and breakover help determine how nimbly it can handle rough terrain and obstacles in your path. The more generous the dimensions, the wider your choices for terrain.

Angle of approach -- The steepest angle you can approach and drive up an obstacle or incline without scraping the front bumper or other lower components. This angle is particularly important, for example, when climbing steep hills or crawling over rocks.

Angle of departure -- The steepest angle you can descend without striking the rear bumper or other lower components. Important when the vehicle is coming down off an obstacle.

Breakover angle -- This measures the sharpest angle a vehicle can straddle without hitting the underside. You see the benefits of this clearance when cresting a small hill, dune or boulder.

See Also:
Buying Your First New Car
Choosing the Ford Vehicle that's Right for You
Heavy Hauling and Towing
Ford Vehicles and the Environment
Safety