Ford escape 4X4, off roading

[Phil Van V]

I plan on doing some safe off-roading with my '08 escape. I have found to places that sell the Bull bar, rear bumper and nerf bars. One locally in WA and the other is a internet store. i'm looking for pics or sites that provide the escape, any year with the exterior bull bumper, rear bumper. Or if you can provide any sites that sell the items listed above beside the "auto-anything 4X4" site
Also I've read some short reviews on this forum re: the Escape and off roading, and have found only article from a magazine. If any of you off-road I'd love to hear how the escape is holding up.
Thanks,
Phil

[jzuk]

I bought an 09 Escape for the new family car.

It replaced a 2000 2 door convertable Tracker (Suzuki Viatra) that I've started to off road. Other then Jeeps, the older Trackers and Sidekicks seem to be the next thing for small off road vehicals. The Sidekick is limited in suspension lift because of front independent suspension, so the Escape would be equally limited. The Escape also is Unibody, so no body lift. These will limit your tire size and ground clearence.

Not saying "dont do it". Just you'll have larger hurdles to over come (actually same hurdle, just smaller tires.)
Check out some off road sites for what others are doing and learn from there mistakes.
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading website in the world.
ZUKIWORLD online | Your Suzuki 4x4 Authority - Editorial and Forum

[Phil Van V]

I used to do a lot of novice off-roading in Corona and San Berdo with the toy and my buddy had an incredible Bronco. Here in WA I am only going to be going on open trails mainly beginner trails/sight seeing/land marks, etc.
I just finished making some nerf bars. I think I will put the largest tire I can use on the stock XLT and make a bull bar. Later if I like the Escape on the open trails maybe, maybe add some strength to the uniframe and purchase a new gas tank.
all depends on how I like it on the 13..

by the way that Pirate board is sweeeet!!!