Quote
The Isuzu and Mitsu are Proven wheelers that see service around the world. The Ford is a bit of a super market crusier...

Excellent. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
Go to some rugged corner of the world and see what the locals drive...you'll see Landcruisers, Patrols, Troopers, Monteros, etc.
I view/treat the Explorer as basically a 4WD, higher-clearance Taurus. It'll haul a lot of Christmas presents from the mall, and it'll comfortably get us up to Tahoe for some skiing. But, for anything truly off-road the Trooper is the obvious choice and a Monty is, for all practical purposes, its fraternal twin. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Aftermarket goodies are pretty scarce for Monties, though. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />