Best Jeep platform for builing and expo rig on a budget

[scottrist]

Hi everyone, I've been a long time lurker on the site, and finally feel that I am ready to take the plunge into buying vehicle.

Which jeeps do you think would be best. I guess the one an only would be an XJ, but do you have any other ideas for JEEPS. Also how have you built them? Would you feel comfortable living out of them for 3-4 months?

So the magic number right now is below $2500, and I am figuring another 2500 in the next six months in upgrades. I figure that will give me plenty of time to slowly collect good parts for good deals. I am only 24, and work is SSSSLLLLOOOWWW!

Anyways, we will be living out of the vehicle so must have ample space. I grew up running the Rubicon, but this vehicle does not have to be anything extreme. Just mild trails, Baja, forest roads, and Highways.


Have fun coming up with ideas, I know I will!

Thanks,
Scott

[WFTW]

Tip #1: Don't do what I did. hahahaha!
Tip #2: Since you'll have a g/f and dog with you, and you'll be living out of the vehicle, I'd suggest staying away from a Wrangler (any model). Might want to look at a used XJ...those things are very capable off-road and have a good bit of space. To make more room, take out the rear seats. You can turn the very back into your sleeping area and the dog can have the area behind the front seats. For storage, make use of the large roof you'll have over your heads.

Enjoy your trip and if you're around any of the WFTW events (taking place all over the country between April and September), try to attend one. www.wheelersforthewounded.org

[scottrist]

Thanks a lot guys keep the ideas coming. I am basically going to make a pros and cons list for each vehicle in my price range.

Just remember 2500 for the base!

[mountainpete]

Scott,

First welcome to ExPo!

You have 5 threads on the same subject - that's a bit uncool. I've deleted the other 4 and will keep this one since it has the most replies so far.

Pete

[troy]

I see you posted in all the major forums on this board. You'll definately get varied responses based on brand preferences, but the best expo rig for your budget woudl be a Jeep XJ in my opinion.

- cheap base vehicle. I'd get the best available condition for your budget.
- huge aftermarket
- mechanical replacement parts are probably the cheapest for any vehicle on the road.
- 4.0, AW4 or most 5spd are are great and reliable combo with decent mileage.
- likely can get it fixed anywhere in the U.S. with parts from the local parts store.
- Can sleep two adults with the rear seat folded down.


I bought an '98 XJ after owning many wranglers, for the wife to drive as a winter vehicle. It was cheap, because it needed a fuel pump ($1,650) and had 150K on it. 3 years later it has 211K and has been one of the best vehicles I've owned. I've built it up with used parts from local jeepers as they upgrade. Even at 211K I wouldn't hesitate to drive cross-country in it.

My quick opinion on what you'll get in responses:

Jeep - most responses will say XJ, YJ and TJ are too small for an extended trip. I did two 3 month stints on the road with my YJ and one with a TJ. Not being able to lock up much stuff can be limiting on the road. I was in my mid twenties. I'm not sure I could do it again. ZJ & WJ are good choices too, but not for your $2,500 budget, and the aftermarket is a lot smaller.

Land Rover - be wary of the cheap land rover, parts costs are much higher and harder to come by than a jeep or toyota. I like these too, but maintenance and parts costs are what keep me from buying.

Toyota - I'm currently shopping for a toyota landcruiser, but I don't think your budget will get you very far. Possibly an older 4-runner or pickup may be a good choice. Landcruisers are very nice, but not one for $2,500.

Congrats on planning the trip. You and your girlfriend will be very intimate after 3-4 months on the road. Once your married with bills, it gets harder to get away for that lenght of time.

[DaveInDenver]

Man, for $2500 + $2500 in upgrades a late 1980s or early 1990s mini truck is hard to beat IMO. You can get a pretty decent 1989-1994 Toyota for example and spend $1000 on new BFG A/Ts, a tune up and once over on the front end. That will get you 20 MPG, reliability and darn good capability.

Upgrades would be pretty minimal. Probably all I would consider is a better transfer case cross member for the Toyota (other brands I dunno as much) and belly skid plate and a better rear bumper (with a receiver or recovery points). Maybe sliders for piece of mind. I wouldn't go crazy.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983121549.html (1988 for $1850)
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/961772563.html (1991 XtraCab for $2100)

Add a camper shell, maybe.

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/962091733.html (fiberglass for $250)

Then get a Hi-Lift, a couple of good straps, a shovel, shackles, a way to carry 10 gallons of water, a couple of Rubbermaid Action Packers, 20 rolls of film and an atlas. Spend the rest on beer, gas, food (in that order) and a National Parks pass.

In the end, it doesn't matter what you get, the experience is the point. Search Craigslist with your $2500 as a firm upper limit and get a Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, whatever seems like it's in good condition and be happy.

Personally my list of candidates that should fit the price bill would be:
1989-1995 Toyota XtraCab pickup
1986-1989 Toyota 4Runner

Other things I would look for (might or might not hit the $2500 mark):
Jeep XJ
Nissan Hardbody
Nissan Pathfinder
Ford Ranger
Ford Explorer
1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner
1995-1999 Toyota Tacoma

[scottrist]

Thanks a lot Troy great response. I have definitly noticed that Xj are very cheap. How are they towing? I was thinking of doing a tent trailer off road convertion of about 1200-1500lbs.

I have looked at a few fj60's and they seem to be in my price range just usually more of a project than I am looking for. Usually do to smog issues and i do not want to get into that. I have seen to many wallets emptied trying to smog a vehicle.

[troy]

Towing is not a problem with an XJ. I regulary tow a single trailer with a snowmobile or utility-Quad. Most expedition style trailers should not be a problem.

Two quality builds, that are built with expo travel in mind. '97 is when Jeep did the major restyle of the XJ. All XJs are good in my opinion, condition is the most important.

Good example of '97 and newer:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=945

Good example of '96 and older:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16097

More than could ever want to know about XJs:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/

[scottrist]

I have thought of the toyota route before. My Rubicon rig was an 84 pickup. Great truck. Currently I am driving a 2wd standard cab with a 22re and love it. A few things I am worried about are comfort in that small cab for long drives, a very weak motor (especially if I wanted to a tow a tent trailer), and IFS.

I have never driven a 2nd gen ex. cab to see about the comfort level, but I might test drive on to see. It is def. not out of the picture, but a little more power sounds really nice. And don't get me started on the 3.0.

Have u towed with a 22re Dave?

[ChuckB]

Not trying to sway you away from a jeep, but I bought my FJ60 for $2500 and had it for 4 years. Only replaced the tires (my choice) and the fan belt broke the last month I had it. It was no garage queen as far as cosmetic condition but it got me around. More than enough room for all your stuff.

[DaveInDenver]

I have thought of the toyota route before. My Rubicon rig was an 84 pickup. Great truck. Currently I am driving a 2wd standard cab with a 22re and love it. A few things I am worried about are comfort in that small cab for long drives, a very weak motor (especially if I wanted to a tow a tent trailer), and IFS.

I have never driven a 2nd gen ex. cab to see about the comfort level, but I might test drive on to see. It is def. not out of the picture, but a little more power sounds really nice. And don't get me started on the 3.0.

Have u towed with a 22re Dave?
Towing is not going to be much fun with a 22R-E. Weak is not the right word, it's a reliable motor. It's just not powerful, but they'll take a flogging. If you are taking a trailer, yeah a 22R will be slow. FWIW, I would not shy away from a 3.0L if the price is good. They're not a major improvement over the 22R in power, but their reputation is worse than reality. A friend of mine in the Rising Sun has something ridiculous like 275K on his 1989 with just oil changes.

The rest, that's really the crux of the decision, isn't it?

I drive a XtraCab and I think it has plenty of space. I do agree that a regular cab would be tight for 3 months with another person and the 2nd gen XtraCab is an improvement over a regular cab. The 3rd gen XtraCab works well for us (took out the back seats), but naturally at the expense of 120" wheelbase. But for me having a little elbow room is fine and having a pickup is more useful than a wagon. Totally a personal preference, that's for sure.

IFS, much ado about nothing IMVVHO. Did Rubicon this past June in my truck and you know what broke? Rear leafs... :-/ If you want to be sure, add a truss to the rear control arm mounts (I have a Sonoran Steel). Yeah, IFS lacks articulation, but it's just fine for regular duty stuff. I mean, are you building a rock crawler or an exploration truck? If it's a rock crawler, then maybe an IFS doesn't makes sense. If you're doing mild trails with lots of miles between, the stock IFS is a major improvement over the stock solid axle in ride comfort. I had a 1984, any stock 1986+ blows the stock 1985 and older trucks away on pavement and dirt roads. It's all equalized with better springs and shocks, but that's money you don't need to spend on a stock IFS truck. It's all about value in my mind.

[scottrist]

Moderator asked me to change the title.

[mountainpete]

That would be me. There were 5 posts on the same topic, now down to 2. One here that focuses just on Jeep, another in Fireside that focuses on everything else.

Sorry for the confusion.

Pete

[Root Moose]

Are you planning on leaving North America?

If you are, have a real hard look at a Land Cruiser instead of an XJ. FZJ80 or a FJ62 would be my short list. We can get diesel versions of both here in Canada either native or JDM import. I'd consider that as well.

Otherwise I don't think you can go wrong with any Jeep station wagon. I'm partial to XJs, WJs, and FSJs myself.

[scottrist]

I have am considering an fj60/62, but all that I have looked at in my price range are far bigger of a project than I am looking for, plus the MPG issue, also they are a bit more rare than most vehicles.

[Hilldweller]

First thing that popped into my head was an old Toyota pickup, contractor's rack, and a fabbed-up fold-open plywood semi-top on of that. The line of the plywood below the roof top for fuel economy --- fold it open and get a self-supporting (the air pole tents come to mind) tent to set on top; rig a ladder for support.
Bam. Self-contained. A little bit Jed Clampett, but simple and elegant.

[SGV]

Thanks a lot Troy great response. I have definitly noticed that Xj are very cheap. How are they towing? I was thinking of doing a tent trailer off road convertion of about 1200-1500lbs.


Should not have any problems towing with the XJ. I towed a Uhaul laden with a 500 lb motorcycle, couch, coffee table; well, all of my belongings at the time, the cab was filled, two 185 lb adults, from Normal, Il to Rhode Island and it still had "almost" head snapping acceleration up hill. It drove almost like there was no trailer back there. It was a great truck and I regret getting rid of it.

[98dango]

Well I have owned toyot's chevy's ford's jeep's. For what u have said your after. I would buy an XJ. If you find a YJ for 2500 its gonna need 2500 in repairs. A 2nd or 3rd gen toyota p/u will run you 3500 for one you can drive with out issues and then the lift tiers and the cab is still small (reason i sold mine). You could look at 4 runners but there pricey. The FJ series is nice and every thing costs a lot a lot a lot.

I just picked up a YJ becous i love them. If i where to buy a purchas a nother rig for just dd back country rig. I would buy a zj xj or a fj60-80. For low budget id half to go Xj tho it will tow. Easy to buy cheep parts and big after market.

[scottrist]

Thanks Dango I think I am really beginning to be swayed to an XJ more and more. I just read i cool book at Borders about building an XJ. Very informative.

So I have been looking a lot and I want to get a 91 or newer.

How many miles do you guys feel is same. Most are at least 140k. Sounds like a lot to me. How many miles is well maintained 4.0 good for.

[DaveInDenver]

You could look at 4 runners but there pricey.
Here's some 1st and 2nd gen 4Runners from $1200 to $2500.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/984287511.html (1993)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/982393463.html (1991)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/982020562.html (1993)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/981495758.html (1992)
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/981410230.html (1988)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/978925296.html (1987)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/976353138.html (1988)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/971144556.html (1990)

They won't be pristine, but they'll be functional and will still have lots of miles to give. You'll have to hold your nose on account of the IFS and maybe a 3.0L V6, though. :rolleyes:

[98dango]

Thanks Dango I think I am really beginning to be swayed to an XJ more and more. I just read i cool book at Borders about building an XJ. Very informative.

So I have been looking a lot and I want to get a 91 or newer.

How many miles do you guys feel is same. Most are at least 140k. Sounds like a lot to me. How many miles is well maintained 4.0 good for.


there is a poorly maintaned 4.0 in my back yard with 286 k 3 girls drove it threw high school

[98dango]

Here's some 1st and 2nd gen 4Runners from $1200 to $2500.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/984287511.html (1993)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/982393463.html (1991)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/982020562.html (1993)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/981495758.html (1992)
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/981410230.html (1988)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/978925296.html (1987)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/976353138.html (1988)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/971144556.html (1990)

They won't be pristine, but they'll be functional and will still have lots of miles to give. You'll have to hold your nose on account of the IFS and maybe a 3.0L V6, though. :rolleyes:


i can stand the the ifs you ever had to replace head gaskets on a 3.0. Not my favrite saterday afternnon

also every one has rust wich i know comes with the area but If im goign to spend money id rather start with a nice rig.

[98dango]

if i had to get a 4runner id look at the 89 and older runners 22re 5spd

youd still get farther with a xj there much cheeper to own insure and fix

and my 3rd gen p/u 3500 purchas 14k later
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p55/crleo2003/DSCF1707.jpg



here is my old 4 runner's

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p55/crleo2003/richies/CIMG0087.jpg




second 4runner well 2500 to start and lots after
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p55/crleo2003/work018.jpg\


first 4 runner paid 1300 300 for a tranny 200 for clutch

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p55/crleo2003/P6180157.jpg

[DaveInDenver]

rather start with a nice rig.
You do get a lot of truck for your $2500 with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/986050332.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/984254872.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983904600.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983526724.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983191449.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/982135991.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983126177.html (slightly built 1989 for $1500, seriously this looks like a real steal!)

[98dango]

You do get a lot of truck for your $2500 with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/986050332.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/984254872.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983904600.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983526724.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983191449.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/982135991.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983126177.html (slightly built 1989 for $1500, seriously this looks like a real steal!)



id buy the last one in a heart beat

no you dont but stock for stock your looking at an avrage of 60 k less miles per rig with a jeep

you also can lift a xj for 300 1200 for a ifs toy and i have broken way tomaney ifs axels all i know is i can change an ifs axel in 12 minuets from damn to go

[DaveInDenver]

id buy the last one in a heart beat

no you dont but stock for stock your looking at an avrage of 60 k less miles per rig with a jeep

you also can lift a xj for 300 1200 for a ifs toy and i have broken way tomaney ifs axels all i know is i can change an ifs axel in 12 minuets from damn to go
You can fit 33x10.50 or 33x9.50 tires on a IFS truck for way less than $1200.

Budget 1.5" lift is:
IFS Truss: $100
Downey Idler Truss: $50
22mm socket: $8
Crank torsion bars.

If you have more budget, a nice 1.5" lift is:
IFS Truss: $100
SODRI Ball Joint Spacers: $100
Downey Idler Truss: $50
You gain 1.5" of travel this way and don't need to crank torsion bars at all.

Now 33x12.50 and 35"+ tires are a problem, no easy way to get them on an IFS truck without a bracket lift (which suck no matter), but I would say that a XJ is going to have problems fitting 35" tires on a 3" lift, too. In all cases, 35"+ tires are a major step up and you will be breaking lots of junk on any mini truck or Cherokee. The 7.5" IFS, 8" Toyota and the Dana 35 and Dana 44 are only so strong and these trucks came with 235/75R15 tires.

[4Rescue]

Honestly. In terms of living out of it for 3-4 nmonths you're looking at some interesting compromises. You're either going want a rig like the Comander (or and older Grand Cherokee or Wagoneer)for the room to live out of or something like a Wrangler if you want trail performance. But you're really not going to find both unless you went with a ZJ or an older Wagoneer. The Wagoneer with a Diesel swap would be a great Expo platform IMO.

OF all the Jeeps out there, and for my load/people carrying needs (or lack there of) the LJ (2 Dr. LWB unlimited) Rubicon would be the best IMO. Perfect wheel base, more room to carry things, solid axles, lockers etc. But it's not too big and honestly I'd be hesitant to "live" out of it for many months on end. It is however very capable off road and with the added WB rides quite well on the hwy. too.

On the other hand, out of Jeeps new vehicles, the Comander seem the most promising in the gear hauling venue. That said, it's nowhere near as trail worthy as the LJ. So there are trade off's. There IS one SWEET Comander here on the board that seems to make a good case for their off-road ability... However it is the exception, not the rule ;) It is one cool exception though eh.

Honestly Unless you're ABSOLUTELY non-flexible on brand's and simply MUST have a Jeep:I'd simply suggest that there are better makes of vehicles in terms of both the ability to haul gear, handle trail duties, and ultimately (and most importantly) last longer.

Cheers

Dave :safari-rig:

EDit: Honestly... Be wary of "built" Cherokees I say this having owned quite a few, and if abused the uni-body just doesn't hold up in my experience (and experiences vary eh). Plus IMO, and this is just me being non-trusting of people in general, when someone says "built" I just start imagining all of the things the PO did wrong... personaly I'd be looking for something with a good old frame underneath it. PLus in my experience the XJ, as wide and stable as it is, is really cramped inside. It may look like a decent sized truck, but let's just say your back passengers if you have any will hate it after more than a few hours. Some people fit in them very well and comfortably... At 5'11 190lbs (as in not a big and tell person by any means) I foud them, all of them, to be very uncomfortable ergonomicaly... Even more so now that I'm driving the 4Runner.

[98dango]

I am sorry if I have made this a jeep vs toyota thred at this point.

I know all the reason bolth ways


i agree you can run 33 with less on a toyota

but in going off his 2500 and then 2500 my opinion would it will go farther with a jeep xj over a toyota

if i had say 5k and then 2500 id totaly go with a fj80

[scottrist]

Thanks for all the info guys. Dave that last XJ looks very nice. The winch alone is worth a 1/3 of the price. Anyways I am not against yotas either. And I am not soley a jeep guy never even owned one. Toyotas my whole life. But I am on a budget. I believe my tent trailer idea will work great for living out of. Look up euro.love trailer build. He did a great job. Me and my buddy can do something like that no sweat.

Also after seeing a lot of XJ's in action they can do a lot with 31's and a rear locker. I've seen them make it through the rubicon. Which is very impressive. As far the unibody I have been doing a lot of reading about helping support the structure so I am not too worried about it. Nor will this thing be getting battered on any hardcore trails any time soon.

I just wanted to hear from the jeep guys here cause I know an XJ is a good platform for my budget. I have a posting in fireside chat about ANY vehicle. The mod asked me to write up there. Feel free to chime in.

[4Rescue]

I am sorry if I have made this a jeep vs toyota thred at this point.

I know all the reason bolth ways


i agree you can run 33 with less on a toyota

but in going off his 2500 and then 2500 my opinion would it will go farther with a jeep xj over a toyota

if i had say 5k and then 2500 id totaly go with a fj80Well... Wich would you rather pay for, higher quality, less maint. required for a haigher buy in, or a lower entry cost with a far higher potential for neding repairs and eventualy sinking more money into it in the long run???

Sometimes you just want to get a truck for cheap and go, and in that respect I'd say yeah an XJ will get you out and about for alot less money. And while they last, XJ's a gret trail rigs...

That said, I'd bewilling to bet that within 2 years of ownership that you'll have the same money in the Jeep if not more than you would just buying the Toyota right out. But then you also have that time to accumulate the money for repairs over time instead of a big hit all at once. Not everyone can afford to just go to the top of the heap and buy whatever.

I would point out though that for 2500 you can get a pretty good 2nd Gen 4Runner these days. With Toyotas, because of the higher re-sale value, you just need to be patient and look around for a steal. They are out there.

The lift/tire fitment issue is a big difference between the two Trucks. Toyota's will fit 33x1.50's or narower on the right BS'd wheels with 0 lift. You need at LEAST 4 if not 6" to fit the same tires on an XJ, and you can't do a body lift... So right there you're looking at a whole new suspension just to get a good sized tire on. We all know how I lean. Had lots of Jeeps, had ONE Toyota (here in the states) and I'm never going back (although a Diesel CJ8/6 or LJ would be pretty damn sweet in my book) to a Uni-body rig.

Cheers

Dave

[4Rescue]

Thanks for all the info guys. Dave that last XJ looks very nice. The winch alone is worth a 1/3 of the price. Anyways I am not against yotas either. And I am not soley a jeep guy never even owned one. Toyotas my whole life. But I am on a budget. I believe my tent trailer idea will work great for living out of. Look up euro.love trailer build. He did a great job. Me and my buddy can do something like that no sweat.

Also after seeing a lot of XJ's in action they can do a lot with 31's and a rear locker. I've seen them make it through the rubicon. Which is very impressive. As far the unibody I have been doing a lot of reading about helping support the structure so I am not too worried about it. Nor will this thing be getting battered on any hardcore trails any time soon.

I just wanted to hear from the jeep guys here cause I know an XJ is a good platform for my budget. I have a posting in fireside chat about ANY vehicle. The mod asked me to write up there. Feel free to chime in.I unfortunatly can't look at the ad's here at work but if the Winch is really nice and like you say, worth half the asking price, might be worth it.

Something I will say about the XJ: The 4.0L is a GREAT 4x4 motor, it's got ALOT of torque down low and it likes to just idle up obstacles. I find that they (XJ's) ride pretty comfy too. I didn't like the view out or the seating position, but they were never uncomfirtable ride wise.

Cheers

Dave

[DaveInDenver]

Also after seeing a lot of XJ's in action they can do a lot with 31's and a rear locker. I've seen them make it through the rubicon. Which is very impressive. ... Nor will this thing be getting battered on any hardcore trails any time soon.
You are kinda all over here. If you use the Rubicon as a test, then a stock IFS Jeep Liberty can make it through, my truck made it through (IFS and all). It's driver skill and the rig, sure, but mostly patience and spotting. Nope, don't get to take the big boy lines, but capability is practice and confidence more than the right punchlist of modifications. But anyway, then you say it's not getting battered, so the Rubicon is getting into more dedicated trails and I assume then that is not a litmus test.

I honestly think a Jeep XJ would be fine, so would a 4Runner, a VW microbus, an XtraCab, a 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser or a 1982 Civic Wagon. You're over thinking this. I'd buy as nice a 4Runner as I could find for $2500, do a fluid change, new tires if it needs it, fill the tank and head out without any second thought. An XJ probably would be OK, too, but I just know what I know from friends who have Cherokees and friends who have Toyotas. There really is no comparison, on average old Toyotas are more reliable.

[scottrist]

Dude I am still all about toyotas as well. I am looking at them both. Just found an 89 (3rd gen) excab with allpro solid axle convertion, 5.29's, rear arb, and armor for 3900. Wasnt really looking for quite that built but I would take it if in ran well and passed smog. I am totally keeping my options open. The only thing in Norcal is early toyota 4x4's especially solid axles have really high resale value and most people know it.

As far as the XJ going through the rubicon statement I just thought that was preaty cool. Not trying to get in an argument about it. Just looking for a reliable driver that I can still have a blast with off road.

[98dango]

there bolth good if u compair in good running order stock to stock your dead heat. As i have said i owned bolth tell 3 weeks ago i had bolth in my yard. I am in no way leaning one way or the outher.

if u find a good deal you find a good deal

a sas conversion is good if u trust the work

the best rig is the one you feal comfortabel with

[4Rescue]

there bolth good if u compair in good running order stock to stock your dead heat. As i have said i owned bolth tell 3 weeks ago i had bolth in my yard. I am in no way leaning one way or the outher.

if u find a good deal you find a good deal

a sas conversion is good if u trust the work

the best rig is the one you feal comfortabel with
I gotta dissagree with ya there. A solid front axle and better articulation can hardly make the XJ the "EQUAL" of a 4Runner. Outside of the lack of a SFA (on the newer Toyotas) and being a little down on power (in older 22RE/3VZ trucks) the Toyota is better in every single way.

Cheers

Dave

[troy]

I gotta dissagree with ya there. A solid front axle and better articulation can hardly make the XJ the "EQUAL" of a 4Runner. Outside of the lack of a SFA (on the newer Toyotas) and being a little down on power (in older 22RE/3VZ trucks) the Toyota is better in every single way.

Cheers

Dave


The AW4 auto tranny in the cherokee is an Aisin unit. Probably the best tranny Jeep ever used, and coincidentally used in many toyotas That is why I think the cherokee is a good buy, along with the proven 4.0. I agree that Toyotas have higher fit finish and reliability, but the XJ is a great budget package and most problems are minor and easily (cheaply) repairable.

Both are great options and it comes down to the deal and condition of the unit being purchased. Keep your options open and the right rig will appear.

[w_b]

...PLus in my experience the XJ, as wide and stable as it is, is really cramped inside. It may look like a decent sized truck, but let's just say your back passengers if you have any will hate it after more than a few hours. Some people fit in them very well and comfortably... At 5'11 190lbs (as in not a big and tell person by any means) I foud them, all of them, to be very uncomfortable ergonomicaly... Even more so now that I'm driving the 4Runner.I commuted 130 miles a day (over two hours a day) in my XJ in a car pool that included two guys over 6'2" and over 250lbs, along with another person and a child in a car seat. No one complained. I get that it's not a Grand Marquis, but it is doable and it doesn't sound like you're concerned with a back seat anyway. I had an '80 Toyota pickup -- now that's a small cab, with less comfort and more noisy than the '92 XJ.

The XJ is good and reliable for what it is, especially for the money. But, if you're a Toyota guy and have had them in the past, I'd encourage you to go with the Toyota. It's what you know. You'll save a lot of time not having to research and learn about a new vehicle.

But it sounds like you haven't even decided whether a pickup would suit you better or an SUV. What's better for the type of traveling that you'll be doing? With a 22R, you may not want to tow anything but you'll have the bed of the pickup and you'll have better fuel mileage. That's something to think about especially if you're on a budget -- how much fuel are you going to burn while you're living out of this vehicle for three months. Do a comparison for a three month trip or for a year of driving the vehicle. That would help me make up my mind. If I didn't already have the XJ, I'd take a long hard look at other rigs that are more inexpensive to set-up for expedition-like travel and rigs that get better gas mileage.

[luk4mud]

As a Jeep TJ owner I might be qualified to chime in. I like my Jeep, but if Toyota or Honda made something comparable, I would have bought it at the time just from a reliability standpoint. My admittedly abused 7 year old rig has never let me down in the middle of nowhere, but that may be more because I am proactive about fixing little things when they pop up and neurotic about preventative maintenance.

The "check engine" light game, electrical gremlins, exhaust issues, cabin water leaks, radiator leaks etc with the Jeep are known issues that affect many TJs that you know you just have to deal with if you own one.

If my interest in taking more challenging trails wanes at some point, I would not hesitate to switch over to a Toyota FJ Cruiser.

[scottrist]

Well as long as it passes smog I bought and got an insane deal for an fj60 tonight. I will be with the guy tomorrow morning smogging it. Wish me luck! This think is amazing.

Thanks guys

[98dango]

good chois on the 60

[98dango]

I gotta dissagree with ya there. A solid front axle and better articulation can hardly make the XJ the "EQUAL" of a 4Runner. Outside of the lack of a SFA (on the newer Toyotas) and being a little down on power (in older 22RE/3VZ trucks) the Toyota is better in every single way.

Cheers

Dave


dave i usualy agree with u but not on this one

toyota un less u get a 95+ thay are down on hp and there is no tq un less u look at the inline 6 in the fj series

but to each there own


=

[nwoods]

Well as long as it passes smog I bought and got an insane deal for an fj60 tonight. I will be with the guy tomorrow morning smogging it. Wish me luck! This think is amazing.

Thanks guys

Let's see it!

[scottrist]

The smog place is closed on the weekend. It passed 4 months ago when he registered it so it should have no problem. Probably the nicest 60 I have ever been in/driven. You guys are going to lose your minds when I tell you how much I am paying for it. Lets just say I have a lot left over for mods.

[w_b]

The smog place is closed on the weekend. It passed 4 months ago when he registered it so it should have no problem. Probably the nicest 60 I have ever been in/driven. You guys are going to lose your minds when I tell you how much I am paying for it. Lets just say I have a lot left over for mods.
Indeed it sounds like a good find.

Now let's see a pic. :D

[cnskate]

Congrats on the FJ60. I love my XJ but I often lust after FJ 60s and 80s. When gas was $4.50 they were getting pretty darn cheap around here.

[scottrist]

Picking it up tommorrow. As long as the guy didn't change his mind over the weekend.

[4Rescue]

Well as long as it passes smog I bought and got an insane deal for an fj60 tonight. I will be with the guy tomorrow morning smogging it. Wish me luck! This think is amazing.

Thanks guys
Wow... Nice find, can't wait to see it after it passes. I've found myself drooling over alot of 60's lately. Great trucks for sure.

Cheers

Dave