View Full Version : Dream Planning my next truck
TheOtherSide
12-29-2009, 10:27 PM
So lots has been decided in the last 2 weeks.... and one of the major items is that we're not going to be selling our place for various reasons. So Jeremy will still be a stones throw away at his new place. :D
So this has gotten me thinking more about my next truck. I think I'll be able to start putting some $$ away come the new year to build up a fund to purchase the new beast.... and then work on finding parts to build it up. At least if I have the truck, I can join in on some runs while it's still stockish.
The Plan:
Buy a cheaper truck (as this will only be a trail & to-from trail machine. No daily driving at all. So if the body isn't 100%, a little personal body work will do fine. I don't want something that looks like junk or is embarrassing to drive and put OLC sticks on of course, I just don't want to buy a cherry ride and not have some good clean fun with it. I'd have time to fix engine problems, transmission issues etc... and build up a nice lift etc... but not going to try and sink myself in this one. Yeah right.
The Rig:
Going with the cheaper theme... and considering I have 2 of my sons wanting to come along and the 3rd in 2+ years from now... I need a 4 seater for sure. My wife likely will not be joining in very often if at all. She says she wants to come join her boys out having fun, but I'm not really sure she knows what she's getting into (I remember her calling out "Get me out of here NOW!!!" on the V-rock at Sunrise lake.). I want to put min of 33's and max of 35's on it as a side note.
Jeep Cherokee XJ
Pros: Good price, lots around, HUGE aftermarket support, easy to work on
Cons: Size on the inside... space for camping gear etc.
Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
Pros: Good price, 8 cylinder option (which I like), coil springs all around, interior size, had one before and love it.
Cons: Rather heavy compared to the XJ, Weak transmissions, poor aftermarket support
Jeep YJ
Pros: Get a lift for cheap, more aftermarket support than you can think of, short wheelbase, can put bigger tires under it with less lift, fun truck to drive.
Cons: Not too much interior space... well, nothing really, manual transmission (I really want an auto)
Suzuki Sidekick 4dr
Pros: weights next to nothing, can do a VW diesel swap
Cons: a bit small, IFS (which really isn't that bad), won't be able to put 33's on it without opening up my wallet in mods
Don't think I'm going to entertain any full sized machines. All the nice Land Cruisers are way too much $$ for me... Jeeps are cheap... and that works for me.
Hoping by spring to be able to buy up a truck... see how things go as the new year starts.
Anyhow... check it out and don't forget to vote!!!!
You know what I voted. That being said I think a ZJ would be fine, the YJ and Sidekick are going to be big challenge's if you want to do any overnight trips with 2+ kids.
The only complaint I might have for my XJ is what you mentioned, not enough interior space. That being said I don't have a rear tire carrier or roof rack, so it can't be all that bad.
A co-worker recently picked up a 97 Xj for less than $2k (it may of been $1500) in decent shape, he didn't have to put much into it. And it came with the 8.25 rear axle that is good for 33"-35" tires.
Just keep your eyes out...
AxelR
12-29-2009, 10:50 PM
The 96 to 02 4runners have come way down in price. You're not gonna get one for $2000 though. If you're strickly jeep though I'd probably go with the XJ as well for your needs.
bcghosttowns
12-29-2009, 10:53 PM
I just sold my wifes sidekick.It had 33's on it and it was a budget build.Body lift $125 and the longer coils from the 4 door and that was all i needed to get the 33's.Si since yours would be the 4 door i would think a small coil spacer would do the trick with the body lift and voila,33's on a cheap capable trail truck.
BigWhiteFord
12-29-2009, 11:06 PM
XJ, cuz Steve and I have them, and you need to be cool like us. :puke:
If you need more room, grab a cheap utility trailer off craigslist and lift it a few inches.
Lazerus
12-29-2009, 11:48 PM
XJ is the best from that list that fits your needs. I owned an 89 till my teens grew out of the back seat. I'd stay away from airbag equipped if your kids are in boosters. Your not going to get 2 boosters and an infant seat in the back of an XJ.
Do get 91 or newer, 90 and older had craptastic engine managment systems.
offroadaction
12-30-2009, 02:18 PM
I have been pondering the same thing lately, since I am moving back to BC mid to late 2010.
I kind of have it narrowed down to the following. What I purchase I guess will be determined by what is available at the time:
XJ Cherokee: You have it all right in your post. Great aftermarket support, cheap to fix,
Grand Cherokee: sold my lifted 1994 Grand a few years ago. I loved the thing but it was finally starting to fall apart after 540,000kms. The engine was still running strong, though.
97-02 4Runner: Overall a great vehicle. Typical Toyota quality, but can be expensive to repair. This is one of my top 2 choices because I do not want to driving a %^T^G% Jeep like everyone else. Plus I think they are better looking. These trucks look awesome lifted with an ARB style bumper on the front! Modifications can be expensive, though.
80-96 Ford Bronco: I know you said no fullsize, but you can pick them up and repair them cheap. The Bronco's have tons of aftermarket stuff available. Downfalls are they are wider on the trails and may use more gas. However, I could haul a boat trailer, camping trailer, race car trailer, etc.
Personally, I am looking most seriously at the 97-02 4Runner or a nice 92-96 Bronco.
gotink
12-30-2009, 03:52 PM
97-02 4Runner: Overall a great vehicle. Typical Toyota quality, but can be expensive to repair. This is one of my top 2 choices because I do not want to driving a %^T^G% Jeep like everyone else. Plus I think they are better looking. These trucks look awesome lifted with an ARB style bumper on the front! Modifications can be expensive, though.
my thoughts also, they just keep going and going cost more to fix, but break way less you can find some really well built ones for $5000 to $7500 mark
thinking off this myself for a trail only rig.Cruise the trails
Poopy
12-30-2009, 05:52 PM
If I could find one for cheap enough the 97-02 runner is definitely the way to go. You get a bullet proof 3.4L v6, no rust problems, and a sweet looking SUV.
ChrisR
12-30-2009, 07:09 PM
Go XJ. We need more jeeps on the forum :) Okay. Kidding aside I think the XJ would be a great choice. Really you are looking for something affordable and wheelable too. $1500 to $2000 gets you a decent platform to start with. Parts are real easy to get and the 4.0l is a great motor. I wish my Jeep still had a 4.0l in it. Lift won't cost you much on one either.
AxelR
12-30-2009, 07:33 PM
Wow! I just did a quick comparison on Craigslist and Jeeps are half the price of Toyota's!
Go with the jeep if it's trail only.
TheOtherSide
12-30-2009, 07:48 PM
Go XJ. We need more jeeps on the forum :) Okay. Kidding aside I think the XJ would be a great choice. Really you are looking for something affordable and wheelable too. $1500 to $2000 gets you a decent platform to start with. Parts are real easy to get and the 4.0l is a great motor. I wish my Jeep still had a 4.0l in it. Lift won't cost you much on one either.
Agreed... lift parts are also much cheaper with the XJ rather than the ZJ as the rear has leafs. Having coild all around gets very costly.
Wow! I just did a quick comparison on Craigslist and Jeeps are half the price of Toyota's!
Go with the jeep if it's trail only.
Yep... quite a difference. I like planning...
Your not going to get 2 boosters and an infant seat in the back of an XJ.
I haven't done it, but I'm 99% sure I can get 3 car seats in the back of my XJ. I've had 2 car seats and an adult passenger back there, tight but very doable.
Wow! I just did a quick comparison on Craigslist and Jeeps are half the price of Toyota's!
Go with the jeep if it's trail only.
And with the Jeep.. no SAS required..
Lazerus
12-31-2009, 01:38 AM
I haven't done it, but I'm 99% sure I can get 3 car seats in the back of my XJ. I've had 2 car seats and an adult passenger back there, tight but very doable.
And with the Jeep.. no SAS required..
I haven't needed the three seats but two girls 13/15 and one in a car seat. Langley to TSF and back. Was told that no way in hell would the girls ever do it again. We had to take the pickup or 78 bronco or they weren't going. From what I remember the girls had to put their seat belts on before closing the doors.
offroadaction
12-31-2009, 10:34 AM
And with the Jeep.. no SAS required..
Ah...to branch off to another subject...I think that SAS is not needed for most people. I guess it really depends on what you are doing. If you are into the hardcore rock crawling, then definatly. If you are into the average wheeling like most of us (some rough stuff, lots of forestry roads, a good bit of highway), then there is no need to do the SAS. Having said that, it can be expensive to lift IFS vehicles and I did like the ride of my lifted Grand with the RE superflex kit.
I haven't needed the three seats but two girls 13/15 and one in a car seat. Langley to TSF and back. Was told that no way in hell would the girls ever do it again. We had to take the pickup or 78 bronco or they weren't going. From what I remember the girls had to put their seat belts on before closing the doors.
It's for sure not roomy in the back of an XJ, with the car seat the results will vary. We have 4 seats, 2 are your typical bulky plastic ones, 2 are compact aluminum alloy framed that are very stout but will fit in the smallest of seats. I could easily fit 2 of the aluminum seats and a plastic one in the XJ. I often have a plastic and alum and still have room for an adult. 3 plastic ones is not going to happen, no way.
Either way, it dooable.
Ah...to branch off to another subject...I think that SAS is not needed for most people. I guess it really depends on what you are doing. If you are into the hardcore rock crawling, then definitely. If you are into the average wheeling like most of us (some rough stuff, lots of forestry roads, a good bit of highway), then there is no need to do the SAS. Having said that, it can be expensive to lift IFS vehicles and I did like the ride of my lifted Grand with the RE superflex kit.
I agree but I think the size of tires has a bigger role in that. 31 tires are probably fine for most stock suspension set-ups but 33 on a truck thats rated less than half ton is going to wear out IFS prematurely no matter what type of trails you do. Washboard, potholed forestry roads are typical and are not easy on suspension.
Kelly is stated that he would like 33 min, 35 max, IMO a truck with a solid front axle is the best bet.
Just had a quick peek on CL, a ton more zj's than xj's.
This one looks nice
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/cto/1511990068.html
I guess the problem with the V8 zj is that you usually have the AWD TC, LP front axle and undesirable rear axles. With the XJ you can avoid most if not all those issues.
Jeremy
01-02-2010, 05:08 PM
I voted XJ, trail only and cost are hard to beat with them. Plus if there is a problem I know were I guy parks his XJ all the time :D
Kelly dose not need to worry about the back seat room as he is a wee little guy and has the seat all the way forward :lol:
I think for what you want and cost I would get the XJ, and got straight to the 35's last time as soon as you got the 33's you were talking about 35's.
Go with the jeep if it's trail only.
I voted XJ, trail only and cost are hard to beat with them.
What's this trail only business if it's a Jeep!! :tongue: :D
I think for what you want and cost I would get the XJ, and got straight to the 35's last time as soon as you got the 33's you were talking about 35's.
I agree, do it right the first time! 4.88's, this (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X5CPK) lift, fender trimming, 35"s and maybe a locker then worry about the rest later.
That's what I would do anyway. As a matter of fact those long arms are probably what I'm going to do sooner or later.:4x4:
TheOtherSide
01-02-2010, 07:16 PM
Looks like XJ is the biggest vote... and likely the way I'd be going by the looks of it. I like the light weight concept over the ZJ.... my ZJ always seemed like it weighed tons more than Sero's XJ.
Also agree... picking one set of tires and not going to go part way or anything. 35's right off the top (likely the TrXus MT's....) and long arms. No point in playing around with short arms when I'd be wanting to change eventually. That was the big thing with my ZJ... $500 here, $500 there, $1100 here and there and if you did it all right the first time, it would have cost you 1/2.
That's a nice long arm kit Steve... I'll be looking into their stuff a bit more and doing some good comparisons.
My only worry is 4.88's with 35's on that D30... that's a small pinion with the 35's.... but I"m not a lead-footed driver, so I"m sure it will be fine. Also, if the XJ has a 8.25, you can only go to 4.56's... so we'll see what all I end up with.
Still dreaming.....
My only worry is 4.88's with 35's on that D30... that's a small pinion with the 35's.... but I"m not a lead-footed driver, so I"m sure it will be fine. Also, if the XJ has a 8.25, you can only go to 4.56's... so we'll see what all I end up with.
Still dreaming.....
Just truss it and use a good stiif front cover. Stiffing up the axle helps keep the gears in proper mesh under heavy load, other wise they spread away from each other and run on the tips of the gear teeth and break. Apparently that's what happens to the D30 anyway.
4.88's are avail for the 8.25 Clicky Clicky (http://www.justdifferentials.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_33_103&products_id=2684)
Jeremy
01-04-2010, 12:16 AM
With the kind of stuff we do I can not see you having a problem with the D30, just truss it and finesse not force to get over and through things. If you build it right then you will have a cheap reliable (for a Jeep :poke:) and fun truck. Do not forget a selectable locker of some sort for the rear as well. It will make a bigger difference than the 35's will.
Cant wait to see it and maybe come and help as I am about 4 blocks away in the new place and no $$ to work on mine.
Jeremy
TheOtherSide
01-04-2010, 06:32 AM
With the kind of stuff we do I can not see you having a problem with the D30, just truss it and finesse not force to get over and through things. If you build it right then you will have a cheap reliable (for a Jeep :poke:) and fun truck. Do not forget a selectable locker of some sort for the rear as well. It will make a bigger difference than the 35's will.
Cant wait to see it and maybe come and help as I am about 4 blocks away in the new place and no $$ to work on mine.
Jeremy
I still don't have the $$ to even start mine yet... hahahaha...
:D
I still don't have the $$ to even start mine yet... hahahaha...
:D
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/1540403447.html
This looks good
Jeremy
01-07-2010, 04:28 PM
I thought you wanted to get 92 and newer as there were some engine or electrical problems with the older ones.
TheOtherSide
01-07-2010, 04:31 PM
Too old and too expensive. One thing about me... somehow I always find a good cheap vehicle!! :D
Not 100% ready yet... need to finalize a few things and we'll be moving forward.
91 is the first year with the HO engine and that came with the Chysler electronics/electrical. There's not much difference between 91-95 other than trim options.
If it's clean, that's a decent price for a 91.
Jeremy
01-07-2010, 09:04 PM
91 is the first year with the HO engine and that came with the Chysler electronics/electrical. There's not much difference between 91-95 other than trim options.
If it's clean, that's a decent price for a 91.
That's what it was, I knew there was something about the 91-92+ that made it the ones to look for. Before I had my 4Runner I looked at a few 95-98's and did quite a bit of research on them nice trucks.
Here's another:
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/1537850858.html
Here's another:
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/1537850858.html
Some basic XJ info.
http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html
turnandburn
01-15-2010, 08:05 PM
I voted other. Is an 84 or 85 4runner to old? Very capable rig right off the hop. Very cheap to lift going with the rear leafs up front and 63" chevy leafs in the rear, very flexy and good lift. Throw a locker in the rear and your set. Its got rear seats, removable roof over cargo area, and good room for camping gear too. Just a thought. And hey mine is for sale, but im in AB and hoping its goes tomorrow:headspin:
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww44/turn2andburn2/IMG00231-20090609-2124.jpg
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww44/turn2andburn2/truck015.jpg
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww44/turn2andburn2/loganandtruck023.jpg
Kinda beat up, but you can wheel it right away while you save for the good lift/gears etc. that plus you don't need to do any axle swaps...
http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?t=150591
:confused::confused:You never know
ChrisR
01-19-2010, 10:33 PM
X2 That looks pretty nice Kelly.
TheOtherSide
01-20-2010, 06:44 AM
Pretty nice truck for the price that's for sure. Who's gonna spot me some cash?? :D
AxelR
01-20-2010, 08:46 AM
My recommendation would be to buy something as stock as possible. Build it up yourself the way you want it.
It's no fun buying someone's modified rig and then spending the next year or two discovering all the places they cut corners or neglected. Unless I knew the person personally and knew what kind of standards they had I'd stay away from anything that was wheeled as hard as that one appears to have been. You're wheeling this with your kids in it, right?
Probably end up costing you less in the long run as well. Just my $.02.:cheers:
TheOtherSide
01-20-2010, 09:16 AM
My recommendation would be to buy something as stock as possible. Build it up yourself the way you want it.
It's no fun buying someone's modified rig and then spending the next year or two discovering all the places they cut corners or neglected. Unless I knew the person personally and knew what kind of standards they had I'd stay away from anything that was wheeled as hard as that one appears to have been. You're wheeling this with your kids in it, right?
Probably end up costing you less in the long run as well. Just my $.02.:cheers:
I totally agree. Hard to describe the condition of truck I'm looking for... but something where the price will be low for what costs the average person lots to fix but not me kinda thing..... then I'll jump on the right vehicle if my wallet is fat enough at the time.
Starting from stock is way better....
My recommendation would be to buy something as stock as possible. Build it up yourself the way you want it.
It's no fun buying someone's modified rig and then spending the next year or two discovering all the places they cut corners or neglected. Unless I knew the person personally and knew what kind of standards they had I'd stay away from anything that was wheeled as hard as that one appears to have been. You're wheeling this with your kids in it, right?
Probably end up costing you less in the long run as well. Just my $.02.:cheers:
this is very good advice. a built vehicle might look very atractive at first but in the long term, you will end up paying more for less. building something from stock they way you like it, goes a long way.
as for exploring, have you considred a suburban like jordy's. they are very affortable to buy and come with fairly good drive train if you get the 3/4 ton. they have great room inside and have very nice drivaing manners.
AxelR
01-20-2010, 09:37 AM
I know your Jeep guy Kelly but have you considered Disco's? If it isn't going to be your daily driver then the gas mileage isn't a big deal (for me anyway) and they are RIDICULOUSLY cheap.
Big enough or the family and pretty capable out of the box. I think you know all this but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. If I wasn't married to Toyota I probably would have got one by now.
In the future when you feel the need to play with it you could do a diesel swap.
Jeremy
01-20-2010, 10:32 AM
I know your Jeep guy Kelly but have you considered Disco's? If it isn't going to be your daily driver then the gas mileage isn't a big deal (for me anyway) and they are RIDICULOUSLY cheap.
Big enough or the family and pretty capable out of the box. I think you know all this but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. If I wasn't married to Toyota I probably would have got one by now.
In the future when you feel the need to play with it you could do a diesel swap.
That is a really good alternative, plus Kelly you worked for Range Rover and know them well I'm sure. They are so cheap its mind boggling, plus they still have the solid axles to start and lots of aftermarket support.
I agree buying stock is a better way to go, but I'm sure Kelly could detirmine if that XJ was put together correctly/not beat on fairly quick with a good road test and inspection. It cost's nothing to check it out. Thie nice thing about that one is you can wheel it right away and do a little bit at a time. You could even easily run 35"s with those 4.10 gears.
I also agree a Disco would be a good alternative.
TheOtherSide
01-20-2010, 12:37 PM
this is very good advice. a built vehicle might look very atractive at first but in the long term, you will end up paying more for less. building something from stock they way you like it, goes a long way.
as for exploring, have you considred a suburban like jordy's. they are very affortable to buy and come with fairly good drive train if you get the 3/4 ton. they have great room inside and have very nice drivaing manners.
I just sold my 96 3/4 ton Burb in October... was a great truck, 7.4L monster, but as much as I loved it, I think a shorter wheelbase is in order or else I'd have to lift it way too high for me to enjoy. I still love the idea, but I think for my needs, I need to stay to mid sized vehicle.
I know your Jeep guy Kelly but have you considered Disco's? If it isn't going to be your daily driver then the gas mileage isn't a big deal (for me anyway) and they are RIDICULOUSLY cheap.
Big enough or the family and pretty capable out of the box. I think you know all this but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. If I wasn't married to Toyota I probably would have got one by now.
In the future when you feel the need to play with it you could do a diesel swap.
Good points... Axel. I'm not really a "Jeep" guy... but it's just a comfort thing. And Steve & I have the ball joint presses and a few other things that are Jeep only tools etc... which leans me towards getting a Jeep.
The Disco is a crazy nice truck overall... full floating axles, great t-case, tons of space.... just some oxygen sensor faults every once in a while. It's def something to consider.
That is a really good alternative, plus Kelly you worked for Range Rover and know them well I'm sure. They are so cheap its mind boggling, plus they still have the solid axles to start and lots of aftermarket support.
Yes, I've done more intake and head gasket replacements on 95-99 Disco's than you can shake a stick at. They really are a great truck. Lots of aftermarket support, but $$ at the same time for the aftermarket. I like the way you can remove the complete diff & carrier assembly with the truck still sitting on it's tires (rear much easier of course).
They also have a really LCG if it's stock... AND you can get the SE7 which has 2 rear jump seats too!!! Am I thinking Disco now?
:deal:
AxelR
01-20-2010, 02:46 PM
Axel. I'm not really a "Jeep" guy... but it's just a comfort thing. And Steve & I have the ball joint presses and a few other things that are Jeep only tools etc...
I know what you mean. It's one of the reasons I keep buying Toyota's. I have all the tools, done it before and know what to look for.
Wellllllll, since you're not a Jeep guy and you don't mind buying modified....how about this?
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/1553378076.html
Join the Dark side Kelly........
Jeremy
01-20-2010, 04:12 PM
Nice Rig and good price! Would get the same or a bit better millage than a Disco, and Toyota reliability. Its still Solid axle too and Full float, just needs a Winch and ARB lockers. Aftermarket support for them is fantastic too, cheaper than a Disco parts probably too.
TheOtherSide
01-20-2010, 07:24 PM
I know what you mean. It's one of the reasons I keep buying Toyota's. I have all the tools, done it before and know what to look for.
Wellllllll, since you're not a Jeep guy and you don't mind buying modified....how about this?
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/1553378076.html
Join the Dark side Kelly........
That sure is a nice truck. Oh the temptations are everywhere!!
I vote XJ, I loved mine. Cheap and easy to build will take a beating and keep on kicking.
But the idea of a Disco intrigues me.
Jeremy
01-21-2010, 12:00 PM
DO IT!!!! http://image.automotive.com/f/images/9741290+pheader/0605or_01_z+1996_land_rover_discovery_red_rover_re d_rover+red_exterior_front_view.jpg
One real advantage with them is there interior space, there huge!! Try and get one with the jump seats too so you can take your kids friends if they want to go on day trips.
ChrisR
01-21-2010, 12:12 PM
I say we have a new vote! I really like the Disco's as well.
We all know I love Jeep. No denying that :D
However if I had an opportunity to own one of those I think I would. I almost actually bought one back in 2000. There was one at a dealer in NorthVan and it only had 50,000km on it and it was only 23grand. V8 loaded. I still kinda regret not buying it. Would probably still have it today.
I see quite a few around here now. I think they are gaining popularity again.
We really aren't helping you much in the patience dept though are we :) I bet all this talk is making you squirm not to go out and buy one? Disco would be a nice choice.
TheOtherSide
01-21-2010, 04:56 PM
Yeah... that's the style I'd like to get into.... very nice.
ruff19
01-23-2010, 03:02 PM
i voted xj, but i am biased !:D i just traded my dime blazer off on a parts xj for my 94 xj...can't wait to tear into the xj and give it some much need love :wow:
but the reason i like xj:
cheap to lift
very capable
lots of aftermarket support
good multi purpose rig
::4x4:
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