Need some Guidance Please

Slick50 · 04-24-2004, 10:05 AM

I have decided on a Titan Crew LE, have negotiated price below invoice, but will not commit until early next week. However, I am still confused as to needs and benefits of some of the options.

(1) I do want the 4x4, but I drive about 99% of the time on paved roads--would the off-road package add any benefits, or would it actually make for a "harsher" ride?

(2) I want the side airbag package, but need to get the Big Tow option to get it (I don't plan on towing at this time, but could later on). Does the rear axel gearing change that comes with the Big Tow cause decreased gas milage?

(3) Are there any prep issues on the truck that I should have the dealer perform regarding any of the issues/problems mentioned in the forum (e.g., re-torque lug nuts to prevent rotor warp, or others as mentioned) before I take it off the lot?

I have other questions, but I don't want to burden the forum with my angst.

Thank you in advance.
slick50

TIGHTIN · 04-24-2004, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick50

I have decided on a Titan Crew LE, have negotiated price below invoice, but will not commit until early next week. However, I am still confused as to needs and benefits of some of the options.

(1) I do want the 4x4, but I drive about 99% of the time on paved roads--would the off-road package add any benefits, or would it actually make for a "harsher" ride?

(2) I want the side airbag package, but need to get the Big Tow option to get it (I don't plan on towing at this time, but could later on). Does the rear axel gearing change that comes with the Big Tow cause decreased gas milage?

(3) Are there any prep issues on the truck that I should have the dealer perform regarding any of the issues/problems mentioned in the forum (e.g., re-torque lug nuts to prevent rotor warp, or others as mentioned) before I take it off the lot?

I have other questions, but I don't want to burden the forum with my angst.

Thank you in advance.
slick50

hey there,

from what I have gathered here, these a few answers:

1. The rancho shocks that come with the off road package do make the ride a bit harsher, but thats just what i have gathered. one member has actually re-installed the shocks that normally come with the truck.

2. I do not believe that the axle raito with decrease much, if at all. but I MAY BE WRONG!!

3. Here is a link for pre-delivery check list. but I would also add the lugnuts to it. Problem Checklist

Hope this helped, and if I was wrong about anything, no flaming!

Colin

Slick50 · 04-24-2004, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the assistance. I am more concerned with as good a ride quality as I can get on the highway with the Titan, since that is where I will be mostly driving.

Thank you for the initial pre-inspection checklist--it will come in handy.

slick50

nytflyt · 04-24-2004, 09:17 PM

You will get better gas mileage without the Big Tow because of the different gear ratio. I think the ride is much harsher with the off road package and didn’t get it for that reason.

Earl

militia_man · 04-25-2004, 12:42 AM

I just picked up my LE Crew two days ago. I have since logged 250 miles and I love the ride and handling. I was concerned about the ride quality with the Off-road package but my concerns were over nothing. My truck rides great and the ride is not harsh at all. It rides like the truck that it is but it is a nice smooth ride even with the off-road package.

smoketitan · 04-25-2004, 04:47 AM

I have the off road package and it does not differ that much from the non off road in my opinion. The difference I appreciate is the fact with the sturdier shocks--you receive almost no body roll around corners for such a large vehicle--which I also think improves safety. wifey who has a smoooth I say smoooth buick doesnt mind the off road feel either. I like the added height for better line of sight also--just my two cents good luck

FRD ETR · 04-25-2004, 10:06 AM

I bought my 4x4 without the tow package because 99% of my travel is highway miles. There was a thread a while back about the difference in speed at 2,000 RPM, if I remeber correctly it seems like the big tow was at 70 mph and the NON big tow trucks were right around 80...my truck set at 81-82 mph at 2,000 rpm. The dealer will be install the hitch and other goodies for me tomorrow. I figure it will still tow everything I need it to.

Edit: someone on that thread felt it made 2.6 mpg difference

JetWrench · 04-25-2004, 10:28 AM

When we were looking, we test drove the off/non off road models and decided against the off road model because it felt a little stiffer. Now it doesnt feel bad at all, everything rides smooth, and like mentioned already, no body roll. Im still at issues with the gas mileage big tow-versus non big tow issue, but I have not driven enough normal mileage to tell yet. Good luck!

bestatchess · 04-25-2004, 08:25 PM

(1) Rancho shocks are a bit stiffer, but I don't find the ride harsh at all. Probably the main difference in the off-road package highway ride results from the tires. Test drive with and without the off-road package and see what you like best. You won't get full use out of the Rancho shocks until you get seriously off-road. For light-duty off-road stuff, the stock shocks will give a smoother ride. Actually, SUVs with four wheel independent suspension (e.g. Armada) will have a smoother ride on the moderately rough stuff. That being said, the Titan with off-road is very capable. I went up some very rough, steep, rocky trails to fish some high lakes in Wyoming this weekend and was very impressed, particularly by the frame stiffness. The gearing could be quite a bit lower, though, as you have to stay on the brakes even in 4x4 Lo to hold it back on steep downhills. I would have liked to see a much lower gearing in 4-Lo.

(2) Yes, from the posts on this forum, the Big Tow probably costs you 1 to 2 MPG on the highway. The Big Tow package, IMHO, represents a very good value, if you do end up doing any towing. You can't come close to the $ if you try to add these items later.

(3) Are there any prep issues on the truck that I should have the dealer perform regarding any of the issues/problems mentioned in the forum (e.g., re-torque lug nuts to prevent rotor warp, or others as mentioned) before I take it off the lot?

There is a check list in the FAQ section

bvstone1 · 04-26-2004, 07:24 AM

I chose not to get the off road package because I wanted the 18" wheels as compared to the 17"ers on the off road package.

I chose to get the big tow package because it comes with a lot of extra goodies for a great price... and you can brag about being able to pull 9500 lbs.

As for the lower gear ratio its affect on milage is minimal. And you're buy a truck. that's like asking how much insurance is on a ferrari. If you have to ask, you can't afford the car or the coverage.