I have both….well not a power wagon but a diesel ram 2500 on thuren suspension and 37’s. It’s funny it hear everyone talking about the quality of the LC/LX. My ram has been way more trouble free than my LX. With the addition of the thuren it rides almost just as good and has way more power and get better mileage. If you Tow more get the wagon, or find a 2500 Cummins and add thuren or carli and it’s an amazing rig. If you are in tight trails go for the LC/LC or find a good rubicon.
LC200 vs Power Wagon
- Thread starter Jonesdx
- Start date
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My experiences with my PW and 3500 CTD vs. all of my Toyota's and Lexus vehicles couldn't be more different than yours. My father had a PW as well and he had the same issues. Now, none of them left us stranded or in Lemon Law territory, but they certainly weren't on the same level as our Toyota products. I am happy to hear that your's has been good to you.
Okay so first trip was a success. Definitely a whole different beast. First thing I noticed how heavy and long this mofo is. I will be ordering air bags and a new rear track bar. It sways a gross amount on the highway. The power was absolutely amazing compared to my 200. Cruising down the highway is way more enjoyable then the 200. All while doing 15.4 mpg. Off roading my 200 would have blow away this truck. Granted I had my 200 completely built out. These factory 33s HAVE TO GO. I was scraping everywhere once I put some 37s on here I feel this will completely change the off roading game. But for stock it did good. So far I’m definitely happy I made the change I truly don’t regret it. Having all this room is awesome.
37's will certainly help with clearance off-road but you'll kiss that 15.5mpg goodbye. 10-12mpg will be your new standard on 37's, occasionally you might touch 13mpg if the stars align. The other big detriment to it off-road is it's turning radius, three-point turns often became 17- point turns lol. They are extremely capable when they have the room to perform. Love the green.
Better then my land cruiser is was 8-10mpg. Or worst. That thing DRANK GAS. The turning wasn’t awful. Just had to mindful. So far the east coast has been better then I thought for these big things.
Been away from the forums for a bit, excited to see how many within the LC community also have an interest in Power Wagons. I knew about @Tex68w experience from other threads and am also aware he had a few quality issues with his.
I currently have a 2006 LC100 (LX470) purchased a few years ago from another board member, as well as a 2017 Power Wagon fully loaded for that model year. So, I feel like I have had the benefit of "best of both worlds". *Note* My PW is stock with 37" KO2s.
I've been very lucky with my RAM reliability experience, over 100K miles on the PW and the only non-maintenance related item I had to address was for an Evap sensor code, ~$225 at the dealer for a gasket and install. Knock on wood I stayed on top of routine maintenance and fluid changes, as I do with all my vehicles, and no other issues yet.
The LC100 feels much smaller and more maneuverable. To me the feel is supremely capable + comfy SUV. Behind the wheel of the PW the tank/truck feel dominates, but as several others have noted its size becomes an issue on certain trails. I live exploring along the HWY 392 in California, and sometimes the shelf road driving gets sketchy in a way that diminishes the enjoyment -- never had that issue in the LC. However, in more open areas ... I did a PW trip visiting trails in states like Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, NM -- the Power Wagon felt like it could drive through or over anything.
Drivability around town LC > PW, on the highway they are both very comfy no complaints, but I'd rather take the PW because of high seating position/view AND I've noticed other motorists tend to move out of the way much quicker.
My biggest dilemma with the Power Wagon right now is do I try to cash in on inflated (but shrinking) used car prices and trade-up to a 2019+? My 2017 has the 66RFE 6-Speed transmission. I've had zero issues with it, but many folks complain about its reliability -- so right or wrong I worry about it in the back of my mind. The 2019+ trucks have the more highly acclaimed ZF 8-Speed (variants of which are in everything from Dodger Chargers to Aston Martins).
I currently have a 2006 LC100 (LX470) purchased a few years ago from another board member, as well as a 2017 Power Wagon fully loaded for that model year. So, I feel like I have had the benefit of "best of both worlds". *Note* My PW is stock with 37" KO2s.
I've been very lucky with my RAM reliability experience, over 100K miles on the PW and the only non-maintenance related item I had to address was for an Evap sensor code, ~$225 at the dealer for a gasket and install. Knock on wood I stayed on top of routine maintenance and fluid changes, as I do with all my vehicles, and no other issues yet.
The LC100 feels much smaller and more maneuverable. To me the feel is supremely capable + comfy SUV. Behind the wheel of the PW the tank/truck feel dominates, but as several others have noted its size becomes an issue on certain trails. I live exploring along the HWY 392 in California, and sometimes the shelf road driving gets sketchy in a way that diminishes the enjoyment -- never had that issue in the LC. However, in more open areas ... I did a PW trip visiting trails in states like Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, NM -- the Power Wagon felt like it could drive through or over anything.
Drivability around town LC > PW, on the highway they are both very comfy no complaints, but I'd rather take the PW because of high seating position/view AND I've noticed other motorists tend to move out of the way much quicker.
My biggest dilemma with the Power Wagon right now is do I try to cash in on inflated (but shrinking) used car prices and trade-up to a 2019+? My 2017 has the 66RFE 6-Speed transmission. I've had zero issues with it, but many folks complain about its reliability -- so right or wrong I worry about it in the back of my mind. The 2019+ trucks have the more highly acclaimed ZF 8-Speed (variants of which are in everything from Dodger Chargers to Aston Martins).
