The expeditions IRS means we are getting stuck far before the Denali despite the higher clearance. Our control arms hang up long before they do.
Did I miss something or don't both the Denali and the Expedition have independent FRONT suspensions, which, if one is driving forward, is going to get hung up long before the rear suspension gets hung up. But, again, on the Denali, in order to get hung up on the under carriage, you'll have to get past the lower ground clearance and 15.3 degree approach angle. (Yes, the Land Cruiser, is the clear winner here, but we've been comparing the GM and Ford offerings.) And don't get me started on what happens when you drag that Denali's oil pan over something....
As far as the 4WD it's not really neutured but lamed down for one reason, it's all optional now.
So it's neutered because a buyer could be too lazy to check the correct box on the order sheet or to make sure the dealer finds what you really want?(!) Seriously? If we're going to play that game, then the Armada has the best towing capability because you have to check the right box to get a trailer brake controller on the Fords and the GMs.
If you order 4x4 you do not even get low range until you get HD tow, And a 4x4 High range isn't even available. When mine was ordered 4WD Drive meant 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L modes and functionality.
Again, with the "well, you gotta make sure you ask for what you want" I hate the new McDonalds, too. It was way better when the only question you had to answer was whether or not you wanted cheese on that hamburger.
Our systems use braking bias and send power to the wheel with traction anyway, basically eliminating the weaknesses of open diffs (Using AdvanceTrac). Factory Lockers are meh, use them in the super duties all the time they are ok. They can't do much more than a standard 4WD truck, when the truck hits its limit 4 wheels often aren't enough at that point.
So, the 4th Gen really DOES have a more capable 4x4 system, it's just not more capable enough to matter in the real world? I mean this whole thread reads like you and 07xln really, really want to dislike the 4th Gen Expy and are just casting about for whatever might help you reach the conclusion you want.