Local PD switching to Ford from Dodge

[earlyre]

Originally Posted By: ShotGun429
... the crossover SUV, which is basically an Explorer body on a Taurus chassis...


not exactly. the Current Gen Explorer is basically the "Taurus Wagon" if you will. they are built on the same platform, in the same factory. it's Fully unibody, there is no difference between the between the "body", or the "Chassis". we are past the Body on Frame days. (unfortunately for the fleet maintenance types)

also, one other fun fact about the Fords he didn't mention. They have a special X-Brace in the back,(bolts into the same locations the 3rd row seat in the Civilian Model) that when coupled with the Spare tire, makes the passenger Cell rated to withstand a 70mph rear impact.

 

[LoneRanger]

Forgot to mention, our PD's K9 unit is going to the new Explorer Interceptor, have 4 of them online so far but more planned.

 

[BISCUT]

Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Hmmm... your PD also having front end issues. What is the weak point in their front ends that is breaking or is it just an overall weak design?

Originally Posted By: BISCUT
My job is small, about 60 patrol cars. We had some Dodge Chargers and they are now being phased out. We had 6 and the Hemi 8's. Both had substantial front end issues (not meant for this abuse) and the Hemi's had engine issues while the 6's we had, engine wise held up. The field of view out the rear with a cage in it was just a nightmare.

We still have a few of the older model Explorer's....they are horrid and just not meant for police abuse. BUT the newer, designed for police model is a dream. We also have about 8 new model Taurus and they have been holding up very well, even the AWD. I am a supervisor and share an Explorer with another boss who is on midnight tour. We have 45k or so on it and it hasnt had an issue yet. The ones in general patrol have been solid so far.


Our mechanics actually like working on them but say they are spending way to much time on them. The front end issues are the big plague. It's constant repairs involving multiple points on the front ends. Not like a single link that keeps breaking. AND this is a big one, if the original OEM parts were not robust enough, chances are the Chinese replacement parts won't last either.