ssangyong REXTON.... anyone got one?

[SiKiD_01]

Hi all,

just wondering if anyone on here has anything to do with one? like, as in own one, or has anything to do with one.

4wd monthly were supposed to do a write up on them, but i guess they've been lazy.

thanks

[Pete30]

I own a Ssangyong Rexton Xdi 270 Limited. It is a nice compromise between a luxury car and a 4WD. I have owned and driven many 4WDs, but nothing like the Rexton. Mechanically it is great, the only thing stopping it from being a really capable 4WD is ground clearance. The actual 4x4 mechanics are more advanced than a lot 4WDs as it has full time 4x4 with Torque on Demand system, ESP (which can be switched off), ABS.

Many luxury car features are standard, which makes it a great daily driver and good weekender with modest 4WD ability.

[SiKiD_01]

Torque on Demand system, ESP (which can be switched off)

is this only in the limited? i was led to believe that you were not able to turn it off? (or maybe only when in Low range, it turns itself off?)

have you looked into getting a lift kit for your rexton?

rear has a 5 link set up, with a big a$$ sway bar, and with out the swaybar on, you can get a descent amount of flex out the back. front suspension is similar to prado and new hilux.

i like the soft spring rates that the rexton has now, and so when lifting, i'd like to keep the spring rates as close as possible. i'm thinking of a 2-3" lift.

and turbo lag is rediculous too. but other than that, its the clearance, and i'm not sure if you can fit 15" rims on because of the front brakes and suspension. 16" wheels are good anyway, just need to wear out the roadies and chuck some meaties on.

[runnin4life]

though about putting coil spacers in

would keep the same spring rates

[SiKiD_01]

yeah, coil spacer would be the go on the back with some longer shocks, but the front isnt as easy.

its a coil over ont he front, so i was thinking about making up a steel spacer to put in between the coilover and the mount on the chassis.

[DamTriton]

yeah, coil spacer would be the go on the back with some longer shocks, but the front isnt as easy.

its a coil over ont he front, so i was thinking about making up a steel spacer to put in between the coilover and the mount on the chassis.

That's the way it's usually done. Be aware that there is a leverage effect depending on where the strut intersects between the lower wishbone chassis mount and the ball joint, so you will not have to space that assy by as much to match the rear. Usually two plates and a piece of 4" tube. Can also be designed to be a bit offset to clear the steering/cv/any other mechanicals. This was how we used to do the old 1980's Subarus.

[SiKiD_01]

here are some pics.





i'm quite disappointed with the Rexton's 4wd system. not too good at all. there's no rear LSD, and the centre diff does not lock fully, allowing a rear tyre to turn, and then a front to turn after. there is a lot of shock loading through the drive train, and i thought being an auto, it would be heaps smoother than a manual would be, wrong. its like the drive train winds up and realeases, i didnt like it much at all.

i wonder if the centre diff is actually lockable, and if it could be locked, maybe you could find the wire(s) to the ecu and hook a switch up. something like a toque converter lock up switch. then you could lock and unlock as you need, or hook it up to the 4LO button.

getting it into 4LO was a bit of muching around, but not nearly as much as trying to get it out of 4LO. after the button was disengaged, the transfer would still be in 4 LO, i put it in reverse, then into drive, and then finally into nuetral, and it still wouldn't unlock, so a tap on the accelerator in Nuetral pulled it out of 4LO with a clunk and a half.

the front end has a mega heavy duty sway bar, and the one on the back is not much better. it seems quite easy to put some sway bar disconnectors up back, as it is easy to get to.

ground clearance is ok, but a couple of inches lift wouldnt go astray.

[SiKiD_01]

can anyone tell me where the oil filter is on this thing?

thanks

[Vineboy]

Hey SiKiD_01,
What made you get a Rexton? My wife is after a 7 seater and Rexton, Kluger and Territory are on our list of what we can afford. Off road is not really a concern just country dirt roads.
Cheers,
Andrew

[DamTriton]

Hey SiKiD_01,
What made you get a Rexton? My wife is after a 7 seater and Rexton, Kluger and Territory are on our list of what we can afford. Off road is not really a concern just country dirt roads.
Cheers,
Andrew

Why not Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or other people mover, as distinct from a 4WD/AWD? Kluger/Territory are not all that competent as 4WD's and the Rexton is a bit of an iffy proposition. The added weight and complexity of the AWD systems is not really warranted whan compared with their actual ability over a 2WD vehicle. If you are going to slip on a greasy dirt track it really doesn't matter how many wheels are driving, it is the person that is driving that is more important.

People used to do just fine with 2WD on country dirt roads 15 yrs ago....

[manzzook]

Ive gotta work on these things, there nice enough I spose but have crazy lag and stuff all power once they get going. I mean they wont even spin a wheel punching it on gravel up a hill.

[SiKiD_01]

Hey SiKiD_01,
What made you get a Rexton? My wife is after a 7 seater and Rexton, Kluger and Territory are on our list of what we can afford. Off road is not really a concern just country dirt roads.
Cheers,
Andrew

it was down to price. originally we were going to get the new hilux SR5 dual cab, but we couldn't see where the extra $16,000 was.

the rexton is comfy enough for long drives, although the suspension is a bit on the soft side. i am looking at getting some HD raised coils for it, as the ground clearance isnt all that good either. at least with the HD coils in, it might ride a little better and handle a bit better. it has a fair bit of body roll now, but its not a racing car. we also use it for towing as well, so the HD coils will be good.

and yes it lags pretty bad, but it tows pretty good with a load on. no sweat over taking or so on. and it has a good cruising gear ratios.

also the other thing was, it is only a 2.7L 5cyl diesel. so by rights, it shouldn't use as much fuel as other diesels in similar classes with similar power outputs.

we haven't had any problems with ours yet.