Dropping the intercooler 2 3/8” and extending the front facia down to cover it is a big concern. If you snag a rock on your facia it’s going to plow your intercooler. The only increased clearance is from the tires. Going from a 28” tire to a 30.5” is a 1.25 inch lift.
What a great comparison. If I had the long wait for a trail and then learned this I’d be a little disappointed. Seems like Ford went for a nice image (flares and 3 lights in grill but the suspension and exhaust leave me wondering what they were thinking.
Shoot. Looks like someone at Ford didn’t do their homework. Hard to believe with all the delays they couldn’t do better. Especially since they make products like the Raptor versions of multiple models. But if you want to compare recalls-I’ve had 12 on my 2019 Sprinter 4x4. 2 minor mechanical, one for a fire hazard fuse and the rest have been software updates.
Great video!! 👏Really appreciate the education and information. Many of us laypeople don't really understand the ins and outs of customization details like this, so in thinking about vans and build ideas there's not really any practical frame of reference for considering pros and cons of different options. Videos like this one really help in that regard. Nicely done!! 👍
Really well done, I haven’t seen or read anything that details how Ford has “lifted” (or is it lowered) the Transit Trail any better. With that, I do have questions: 1. Does the Quigley option have a tire rub problem like the Transit Trail has (recall 24S21/24V226)? If not, why not? 2. If the remedy by Ford is to install 235/65R16C tires (“stock” Transit tires), and there are rumblings that this may be what Ford does, wouldn’t that put the Transit Trail at a lower ground clearance than the “stock” Transit (axles, exhaust, rear lower shock mount, differentials, engine case, etc)?
I'm definitely feeling more drawn to the standard Transit with a Qlift versus the more superficial Trail. So many Trail owners unhappy (in the FB groups I'm seeing)
Both lifts are essential the same they keep all the driveline angles stock. This is actually a good thing because the passenger side axle shaft is very short. The Trail lift is actually better because they are dropping everything lower not just the front diff like the Q-lift. I guessing the tire rub is happening due to the offset of the wheels. Some fender trimming would fix this issue.
The smarter consumers would know where to get a better lift than from Ford's version, it's basically a body lift with no increase in driveline clearance than the regular Transit. Other than the lift provided by the 30.5" tires. But oh wait, they're back-paddling and putting the regular tires back on. I'm happy with my RWD unit with just the 30.5" tires. I "modified" the pinch welds in 10 minutes. Same overall ground clearance effect as the trail other than the rear departure angle. I wish I have AWD but I'd gladly keep the cost difference. Maybe in the future.
Smart consumers want AWD, ECO Boost, Adaptive Cruise, Sync 4.0, blind spot safety etc. Plus some want that ruggedized look. Good buy for those who don't need more clearance. Think of all the loaded Truck buyers who rarely ever camp or put lumber, drywall, dirt/rock, firewood, etc. in their short bed. But they sure "look" the part, going down the highway on their commute... smart purchase? Its the U.S., where bold and bigger is badddder for the insecure overcompensating types. Just my opinion, i could be wrong.
You should be able to remove the drop bracket on the muffler and modify the hanger on the exhaust pipe. Any exhaust shop should be able to do this for you.
Awesome video! I'm wondering if you can just take the Trail down to a muffler shop to have them fit it closer to the body? Did you just get this Trail? Are they shipping them out now or is there a wait?
Shawn, I was able to see my van in the video, which now has flarespace flares on it. In the video it still had the rear windows in it, so I suspect this side by side comparison video was shot a few months back. I believe that Vandoit may have purchased 10-15 Transit Trails. I am not sure how many they actually were able to upfit and deliver before the tire rub recall happened. Currently all Transit Trails are in a "no sale" hold until the remedy is announced and performed. Of course private party owners are allowed to sell their vans. Vandoit is a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier, so warranties and everything stay intact, thus they also have to abide by the vehicle 'no sale" status. So right now, even people who's van is at the dealership cannot take delivery. As far as a wait for a Trail once ordered, I am not sure.
The "Trail" lift is actually the better designed lift kit. By dropping everything (engine, trans and front differential) you keep all the factory driveline angles. The Q-lift splits the difference by dropping front suspension subframe at an angle to keep the front diff driveshaft from the transfer case/transmission within an acceptable angle. It's still not like the factory stock one or the Trail but I guess it works well enough. If a "Trail" owner wanted their exhaust higher they could just remove the drop brackets. This is the first real comparison I've seen between them. Thank you for putting this together.
Wow! So basically apart from larger tires, the trail does not increase clearance, it only increases the center of gravity (and a bit of approach/departure angles)! What a scam!
Put a deposit on a trail that I was told I would have to wait for recall from tires hitting wheel wells . Went home and read up about it . Next day bought a Mercedes . Trail is a disaster since the lift is designed for small tires and even they dont fit . Ford really dropped the ball on this trying to fake an off road capable van that is just really smoke and mirrors
