Just pondering....

[Storz]

Next spring I am going to be ditching the CTS for a truck/SUV again and I've sort of started poking around for ideas. My travels don't really ever include rock crawling, just dirt roads and forest roads for camping. Daily life is 100% pavement.

I think something AWD would suit my needs just fine vs true 4wd with lo range, though I have not totally ruled out the latter.

Here is my hairbrained idea

Trailblazer SS awd - ditch the 20" wheels for some 17" wheels with AT tires, have a 'prerunner' style bumper fabbed up to protect the front end and have a little better clearance/approach angle. And thats basically it

The AWD system is a true mechanical system that sends 66% rear 33% front all the time.

Crazy? Pointless? Awesome?

Thoughts...

[tombodad]

Other things to shop for if you are looking for performance suv's (kinda an oxymoron)

Grand Cherokee SRT8
BMW x5 - many big engine choices
Dodge Ram SRT10 - Ram with a viper engine... because why not?
Range Rover Sport
Porsche Cayenne Turbo *based on VS Touareg. Actually very offroad capable
Mercedes G class, M class AMG

lots of options.. how deep are your pockets?

[Storz]

lots of options.. how deep are your pockets?

Not very lol

The TBSS, X5, and Touareg are on the radar. I've had great luck with BMWs in the past, and actually VWs as well... but the complexity of the Touareg drive train and suspension is a little worrisome for me. I am also considering an Envoy Denali as it has the 5.3 V8 with a true 4wd Hi/Lo transfer case

The TBSS is pretty simple, big V8, mechanical AWD

[tombodad]

That's true, I hear negative things about the air suspension in touaregs/cayennes. There are probably spring conversions available, but $$.
GM platforms have the advantage of a lot of part interchangeability.

[BCHauler]

If you want to run smaller wheels on the SS, I would check that they fit first. The SS might use bigger brakes and make smaller rim fitment impossible.

[Storz]

Yeah I did. 17 is the smallest that will fit, its what a lot of folks are running g for winter tires.

Also thinking about a 2wd Silverado with some upgrades.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

[Jimmeh]

Not sure how the forest service maintains their roads in your area, but seeing how they do around here would lead me far away from any rig that isn't at least capable of pushing a button for four wheel drive (IE: don't get a 2WD silvy if they suck at road maintenance). I've had a hard enough time hunting in the winter time with very little snow on the ground in four wheel drive around here, let alone what would happen if I couldn't move that stick back.

I'd love an AWD TB. I say go for it.

[4BT]

There is also the Silverado SS and Sierra Denali AWD.

My next GM truck will be an 05-07c regular cab short bed Z71 with an AWD transfer case swap.

Hard to argue with an awd BMW X5 with the 4.6 V8. Uncle had one and it was a beast on the highway.

[skyfree]

I've had both an Envoy Denali 5.4 4X4 (2006) and a VW Touareg TDI (2012). The Touareg has WAY more ground clearance (stock) and WAY better power and brakes. The brakes in the GMC are seriously lacking. The VW does not have a low range transfer case any more (since 2010), but it is an 8-speed trans with a low 1st gear. Still neither one is particularly suited to off road stuff stock.

[Rovertrader]

I had one of the V-10 diesel Touaregs, loved it, and zero issues. The newer Tdis can be had with coils i think, and close to 30mpg as well.