Full Size What??

[TheOtherSide]

Hey folks....

Been thinking... (and just thinking, so don't jump on me here)... that maybe it's time to sell the ZJ and move to a full sized ride. Considering we have our 3rd kiddo on the way, and I can just see full family camping/wheeling coming in the future (my wife assures me she'll be joining us), we're running out of room quick enough. Doesn't help that I over pack :D. I think jamming 3 kids across the back seat of the ZJ is a bit much... so was thinking of the following:

Jeep Grand Wagoneer - Not really a full size, and maybe not that much of an increase in size.

Suburban, likely a mid 90's style with independant front suspension as you typically wont' be taking a burb into tight and crazy trails due to it's wheelbase and the amount of rear overhang. Space is HUGE... and can do 90% of the trails we do now... and maybe would end up riding shotgun with someone else if we would do Whipsaw etc. (the older square burbs are rusty and not so comfy inside)

Full Size Blazer/Jimmy - They're basically a 2 door version of the Burb... would be a bit of a pain to put kids in the back seat etc... but with the shorter wheelbase etc, would get a solid axle in front and be able to go lots of places still. Would increase big time in space over the ZJ.

Full Size Yukon/Tahoe - Maybe a bit pricey still for what I'd use it for... and the independant front suspension would suck as it would be short enough to take into the smaller trails still. Can get them in 4 door which is nice. Size space would be great still.

Full Size Bronco - Good size, but 2 door. And the front split beam suspension would need to go to a solid axle... so maybe the older Blazer would be better etc.

What do you think? Feedback would be cool... and remember that I'm thinking not selling my Jeep yet... although, when I make up my mind I usually put the gears in motion right away.

:popcorn:

[TheOtherSide]

Here are some pics of some....

Full Sized Blazers/Jimmys....
http://z.about.com/d/4wheeldrive/1/0/b/J/1/Jeff_OR_89Blazer_1RR.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/4wheeldrive/1/0/3/Z/ChadG_WA_83ChevK5Blaz_2RR.jpg
http://www.coventrycruisers.co.uk/custom/blazer%20web%20pic.JPG
http://www.linexfortworthtexas.com/Blazer9.jpg




Grand Wagoneer's
http://www.jeepexpeditions.org/members_rigs/the_beast.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/717/4481/26792240009_large.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll31/overland_YJ/1990%20Grand%20Wagoneer/9687m24_20.jpg
^ Overland YJ's new GW...


Full Size Blazer/Yukon/Tahoe
http://images04.olx.com/ui/2/57/76/f_17425176_1.jpeg
http://www.off-road.com/offroad/data/articlestandard/offroad/042006/285716/rear.jpg
^dorky license plate though... :)


Full Size Bronco
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h256/sausagemit/post-377-1108506713.jpg?t=1241667385
http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/bronco_pose_001.jpg
http://image.automotive.com/f/featuredvehicles/9286886+pheader/010large+1984_ford_bronco+rear_view.jpg
http://www.cosmiccolor.ca/Gallery%20Images/79%20Bronco/062.jpg


Or maybe a few different styles of Burbs
http://www.reid.org/%7Edreid/89suburban/road_trip_july_2008/suburban_monument_valley.jpg
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200611/bio-diesel-suburban-_460x0w.jpg
http://www.shack41.com/suburban13.jpg
http://image.automotive.com/f/images/9801419+pheader/129_0507_01_z+1989_chevrolet_suburban_v2500.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n317/jasonlcable/the%20suburban/04-29-06_1233.jpg?t=1241667979
http://z.about.com/d/4wheeldrive/1/0/h/Q/1/David_SC_97ChevSub_1RR.jpg


Anyhow... just some ideas and photos... some are just for fun, but some are nice.

[Sero]

Your not going to gain a whole lot of room with a 2 dr model of any type, just some width. A burb will be limited in the trails due to the size, probably the same limits as your ZJ with an off-road camping trailer.

Keep the ZJ, bye 3 new car seats that fit acroos the back of it (Like the ones we have, they will fit) and buy a trailer for the extra cargo space/sleeping cpacity. Then you can still un-hook the trailer and do the more challenging trails with the ZJ.

[Sero]

Oh...for the record, your just getting scared because that's the longest you've owned a single vehicle and your just scraping to find a reason to get rid of the ZJ.....give it up...keep it.:slap:

:tongue:

[JaredS]

I like Steves idea...keep the ZJ and get a trailer....but then you need a place for the trailer...might have to leave it somewhere...etc,etc,etc,

Do not get a 2 door, most likely will regret it the second time you have take the kids in and out(Roxanne would have to get out, then you could get to the kids, would be a pain)

You know the best option is not a Ford:lol: so you should for sure get a version of the Suburban (just my 2 cents) The black one is the best one by far or the purple one.

Wagoneer would be sweet but not too many left around for parts, etc

Get r' done!!!:pipe:
Your ZJ is pretty sweet though....:cheers:

[JaredS]

Had another thought....keep the ZJ, buy a car trailer and tow it behind the big family suburban you want.....

[myles.artus]

i would think a trailer is your best bet... why dont you have some fun with a military trailer build... you have the guidlines on OLC! do it the way that makes it work for ya... you could even have a rooftop tent on it if you wanted... thats where i would put the funds :D you have a sweet rig it would take a lot of mulah to get another vihicle that functional...

[BigWhiteFord]

I guess it comes down to what sort of trails you want to be able to drive on. There are guys who wheel full-size vehicle quite happily (the guy on bc4x4 with the big blue Bronco comes to mind, as do all the boys on Pirate4x4 with full-size pickups). Theres pros and cons to it. I love how much gear I can haul in the back of my truck, and comfortably seat 6 large people in the cab (and I've only got a supercab, not a crew-cab). That being said, everyone knows that when a trip is being planned I'm the guy who now has to ask if the trail is wide enough to get my truck through. This wouldn't be as much of an issue if I were to build it more with 4wheeling in mind than doing double-duty as a work truck and commuting vehicle. Softer springs and going back to Swampers would make it pretty good on trails, but I'd no longer be able to tow a 14,000 lb trailer for work.

I think a Suburban would be awesome. There's a nice one around here (Ladner/Tsawwassen) on 35's or 36's with about 4" of lift that looks pretty capable, and not really that bad as far as size goes.

http://image.off-roadweb.com/f/9399603/0712or_07_z+1987_k2500_chevrolet_suburban+biggest_ suv.jpg

This would be great for hauling gear and family, and steel be a good wheeler. Strong, simple motor and drivetrain, big axles. Good towing capacity.

http://image.off-roadweb.com/f/9399600/0712or_06_z+1987_k2500_chevrolet_suburban+camping_ central_arizona.jpg

http://image.automotive.com/f/features/9399585+pheader/0712or_01_z+1987_k2500_chevrolet_suburban+big_burb .jpg

[Sero]

What Mike says is all true...but notice the pics shown are all desert trails.:( Wheelbase is going to affect the limiting factor with our trails.

Broncos and Blazers would probably be fine for most of our trails, but there not going to offer much more room over the ZJ. Wheelbase is going to be comparable and width is going to be 10" or less.

BTW... I like that red burb.

[BigWhiteFord]

http://www.mautofied.com/adphotos/10094655_2008415134331.JPG

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/1991-3-4-ton-chevy-suburban-4x4-1.jpg

http://www.flacosautos.com/slide_28-enlarged.jpg

http://media.photobucket.com/image/lifted%20suburban/joshpettry/Car/North_America/Chevrolet/129_0504_24zChevrolet_SuburbanFront.jpg

http://www.memphisracingscene.com/pp/data/1238/medium/burban_2.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1872/2021/29678510020_large.jpg

[AxelR]

I guess the FZJ80 Landcruisers aren't that much bigger than your Jeep. Not sure as I'm not that familiar with the ZJ's. I think they are a bit bigger. Good thing is though you still get a solid front axle and front and rear factory lockers.

You would probably need a roof rack if you bring that much stuff though.
I like the Big Black Suburban. It wouldn't be getting around on too many of the trails around here though.

[Overland_YJ]

ok, first let me say I'm a Jeep guy through and through....but, i have always loved suburbans...then there is the blazers...oh wait 76 Bronco...hang on how about a....ok i'd have a hard time deciding too.

that being said i really think it sounds like you need 4 doors. the whole flip forward seat and climb in is a PITA. when your kids are small it's maybe ok but as they get bigger. how about a truck with the 3rd and 4th doors, not a crew cab but an extended cab. of course the covered rear of the Suburban types is nice.

then size, look at the wheelin you do now and get something that can still run those trails but can fit the ever growing family.

i have to pick up this GW on May 24th and then sometime in the week or two following that i need to come to vancouver for a new passport. if you wanted to meet up and go for a ride in the GW to check it's size you'd be welcome.

[TheOtherSide]

ok, first let me say I'm a Jeep guy through and through....but, i have always loved suburbans...then there is the blazers...oh wait 76 Bronco...hang on how about a....ok i'd have a hard time deciding too.

that being said i really think it sounds like you need 4 doors. the whole flip forward seat and climb in is a PITA. when your kids are small it's maybe ok but as they get bigger. how about a truck with the 3rd and 4th doors, not a crew cab but an extended cab. of course the covered rear of the Suburban types is nice.

then size, look at the wheelin you do now and get something that can still run those trails but can fit the ever growing family.

i have to pick up this GW on May 24th and then sometime in the week or two following that i need to come to vancouver for a new passport. if you wanted to meet up and go for a ride in the GW to check it's size you'd be welcome.

Lots to consider for sure.

Either way, I'd love to check out your GW for sure!!

[Squiggy]

If your only real concern is seating for the third little one, take a look at 80 series land cruiser. Ya Toyota. Third row seat, not much bigger than what you have now. Very wheelable with a slight lift and tires. If you find the right one you end up with stock electric locker. Just another suggestion.

Brad

[TheOtherSide]

Thx for the suggestions.... still contemplating what to do if anything...

Oh the decisions!!

[ChrisR]

Well if you want my oppinion, I would say go with the Burb. Burbs done up are cool, and people get out of you way when you are coming down the road. its kinda fun :) I had a buddy who had a mid 90's Burb with 4" lift and a 2" body lift with 35's. It was a little big, but man, it rode nice and plush which will be nice for new Kiddo. It was a bit big for some of the trails around, but you will find alternative places to go. Anyway that is my 2 cents worth. Chris