SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2006 LIGHT TRUCKS

Motor,  Jan 2006  by Weissler, Paul

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The more powerful 4.6 V8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and that combination helps boost Explorer towing capacity from 7140 to 7300 lbs. There's available third-row seating, with surprising comfort for those of average size. The second-row seats tumble easily for good access to that third row, and both rows fold flat nicely for hauling cargo.

The Explorer gets a new frame, with crossmembers going through slots in the rails, where welds create super-rigid joints. The overall improvement in stiffness is about 44%, and the reduction in frame flex, when combined with the vehicle's independent front and rear suspension, yields ride and handling quality close to that of many sedans.

The Explorer Sport Trac, the edition with the short pickup bed (4.5-ft), is designated a 2007 model, and hits the market this month. The bed is all-plastic-one type for the exterior, a second (black) for the molded-in liner. This model also will get a heated windshield, made with micro-wiring embedded in the glass, a first for this vehicle segment.

The won't-go-away 4.0L single-overhead-cam V6 not only remains the base engine in the line, but Ford has managed to calibrate it to lower NOx emissions by 74%, so it can meet the federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions level, the same one as the hybrid Ford Escape. The 4.0 still is rated at 210 hp and 254 ft.-lbs. of torque. However, the 4.6L V8, long available on the regular Explorer, now is available on the Sport Trac, too. In addition, the Sport Trac chucks the rear leaf springs in favor of the independent rear suspension that's also been a standard feature of the regular Explorer.

A Harley-Davidson edition of the F-150 also will be built, and will have 22-in. wheels. (Remember when 20 in. was hu-u-uge?) If you haven't done it already, it's time to upgrade your tire service equipment to handle all these big wheels.

General Motors

Yes, there's a new HUMMER on the market for 2006-the H3-and most technicians will recognize it as a derivative of the GM compact pickups Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, including the 3.5L five-cylinder in-line engine. However, that doesn't mean it's just an SUV with a HUMMER grille.

It's got the electronically controlled 4WD system to provide the off-road capability necessary for it to be called a HUMMER. The powertrain sealing can tolerate the H3 fording up to 2 ft. of water at 5 mph. Tires? How about 32-in. Goodyear all-terrain or Bridgestone 33-in. off-road types.

The Chevy TrailBlazer midsize SUV has three all-aluminum engines for 2006. The long-used in-line DOHC 4.2L Six gets a performance boost from 270 to 291 hp. Compression ratio is up from 10.0:1 to 10.3:1 with a new piston crown profile. There also are larger valves and a redesigned camshaft for better breathing. One significant technical change is that speed density calibration is gone, replaced by a mass airflow sensor with an integrated air temperature sensor. You'll also notice that the ignition coil pack is smaller, a space- and weight-saving change adapted from other GM engines. Air injection ports are cast into the I-6 cylinder head, to improve flow.