I need a new jeep/truck, recomendations?

[Recurve-Elk]

Hey guys!  I need to get myself a 4x4.  My budget is unfortunately pretty low, Ive got about 3500 for a rig.  That leaves me with a little over 1000 for a small lift (3inches), and some cheaper all terrains.  I am not scared of getting a ride that has up to 180 thousand miles on it.  I have access to a shop and can swap engines and do mechanical work if the ride has issues down the line.  However, I would like to get a rig that can take at least another 20-30k miles before any major work needs to be done (I realize this may be a gamble), I hate frame and body rust, and the interior needs to be in relatively good shape. 

Any ideas of relatively capable 4x4's that would fit my needs?  What should I steer clear of? 

I want the rig to be pretty capable off the beaten path, but it doesn't need to be a crawler by any means.  Just a solid hunting rig that can get me where I need to go up in the hills. 

Right now I am leaning towards a Jeep cherokee (XJ).  They look tough, are tough, and are easy to work on and mod.  Anyone got one for sale?

[Yankee]

Meh, if you want reliable, pick up an old toyota, early 90's with the 4 cylinder 22RE engine.  Will be IFS, but unless you're planning on a lot of hardcore wheeling should be fine, decent gas mileage as well.

[high country]

Just can't beat a 4 runner. I have had two and together they have accounted for 700,000 trouble free miles. At least 250,000 miles were off pavement and some of them were down right mean to the rigs....but they took it like a champ. My current 91' has 320k on the clock.

[jackelope]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

[Recurve-Elk]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

Good call, I'm trying to find a 95 or newer.  Got a few bookmarked so far!  Do you know anything on the grand Cherokees?

Been looking at the Toyotas too! 

[Thehowler]

No complaints at all with the Cherokee's. 4.0's are bullet proof as long as you change the oil.

[Wazukie]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

 

Owned a lot of early XJ's and own a 90 now with 276000 miles on it and never have I had a problem with FI systems.  Now the newer ones, think it was 92, when Chrysler took them over, I've had problem with those 

[coachcw]

a 4.0 cherokee is the best bet for the buget you in , freash clucth and service the diffs and you will be solid. toyotas are spendy .stay away from the 4.7s

[bobcat]

I did a little research a while back. Get a Cherokee made in the last three years that they made them. I think that would be 1999-2001. Or is it 1998-2000? Can't remember for sure but the last three years are suppose to have the best of everything- good motor, good transmission, good 4x4 system, etc.

[Wazukie]

The only advantage the newer XJ had was the chrysler 8.25 rear end and that is only if you didn't have the dana 44.  The new 2000-2001 had a low pinion dana 30 front axel.  84-99 had high pinion dana 30

If an XJ is what you want, look for one that has a factory tow package.  It will more than likely have the Dana 44 rear(87-90) and have 4.56 gears in it.

[Alchase]

The only advantage the newer XJ had was the chrysler 8.25 rear end and that is only if you didn't have the dana 44.  The new 2000-2001 had a low pinion dana 30 front axel.  84-99 had high pinion dana 30

If an XJ is what you want, look for one that has a factory tow package.  It will more than likely have the Dana 44 rear(87-90) and have 4.56 gears in it.

I never saw a XJ with stock 4.56 gears, stock they came with 3.55s.
If you got an early (87 - 89) and got lucky with a Dana 44, they had 4.10s.
You can tell by the tag on the front diff, it will say 355 somewhere in the number sequence.

I ran 4.10 in all mine, running 4.56s you would have a top speed of about 50 mph, but you could climb a verticle wall, LOL.

I had a few XJs and a 87 MJ (Comanche)


The post 92 Xjs had allot of the minor problems fixed:
Blowing oil out the vacumn
wiper linkage
Cooling system
window motors
fan clutch assembly
5 speed manual, (very hard to find with the 4.0) throwout bearing seals failing inside the bell housing.
etc...

I would look for 2003 or 2004 Limited, already had the towing package they will have the NP 242 transfer (Select Trac) case. The NP 242 gives you the "AWD/full time" option along with "Part Time" that the Command trac NP231 has.

Though you can't go wrong with the NP231 (Command Trac) either.
Get a lift kit that articulates well (no blocks) and add some lockers.

[THINK_N_ELK]

There is a 93 Toyota PU on the state auction web site listed at $1270 right now.  In the description it states this truck was WDFW seized - runs okay. Needs clutch work. Comes with tool box and winch

Auction ends on the 23rd of this month.


http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/all,wa/auction/view?auc=896350

[Thehowler]

I have never heard of  or seen an 87-89 Dana 44 for a Cherokee or Comanche, that came stock with 4:10 gears. 3:07 for a manual and 3:54 for auto.

[Southpole]

1999-2001 Jeep Cherokee xj. They are also in your price range for a fairly decent one. Great engines. Stay away from the Grand Cherokees, they have a laundry list of issues.

[Thehowler]

Many problems with the heads on the 2000's. They had cracking issues between the 2'nd and 3'd cylinder. Some sort of casting flaw.

[Bmcox86]

I recently picked up a 91 Toyota up v6 4wd for 3k, had 220k on it but the engine runs great and no rust, I've seen a few similar around in the same range

[demontang]

Had a 2000 Cherokee with the 4.0 and it was a ok rig. Best all around rig ive had was a 94 bronco with a high pinion 44 put in and a gt40 5.0. That thing would flat go where it was point with out lockers and I managed 16-17mpg which was close to my old xj.

[Arnbo]

Meh, if you want reliable, pick up an old toyota, early 90's with the 4 cylinder 22RE engine.  Will be IFS, but unless you're planning on a lot of hardcore wheeling should be fine, decent gas mileage as well.

22RE in a 94 FourRunner with a solid axle in front.FlowMaster Exhaust
 Bingo ........"..

[Mudman]

Stay away from the late 80's early 90's XJ's due to problematic fuel injection. I don't remember the specifics as far as what years but '89 and 90 are definitely a couple of them.

I think 89 was the Puegot model!  I had one for awhile and it was fine but ya issues I have heard.  It had Dana:s.  Dont remember gears.  It was loaded in good shape and 800$.  A inline fuse inside harness loom behind glove box was only allowing 8 volts thru which was stopping trans from shifting.  1.50 fix.  Thanks to my former Fatherinlaw for this great deal!  Ex got it in divorce, but I liked the rig.  Stock it got around pretty well.  18mpg average.

[Alchase]

I have never heard of  or seen an 87-89 Dana 44 for a Cherokee or Comanche, that came stock with 4:10 gears. 3:07 for a manual and 3:54 for auto.

You are correct, I should have said 3.73s

Available with Dana 44
3.07 (manual)
3.55 (auto)
3.73 (tow package)

[pianoman9701]

I bought a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with 110K miles almost three years ago. I have 130K on it now. I paid $7500 for it and have since paid about $9000 in repair bills, which include:
rebuilt engine
Window actuators
brakes, front and rear with front brakes locking up again
water pump
Heater core
Leaks in the differentials and transmission
water leaks
constant light and bulb problems

Either the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the biggest piece of crap on the road or I'm the unluckiest guy in the world.

[NWBREW]

Meh, if you want reliable, pick up an old toyota, early 90's with the 4 cylinder 22RE engine.  Will be IFS, but unless you're planning on a lot of hardcore wheeling should be fine, decent gas mileage as well.

  That's what I bought for my hunting rig. Paid 3,100 for it and 550 for new tires. Easy to work on but the only draw back is lack of room but I knew that when I bought it. I love that hunting rig.

[92xj]

92xj or newer for the 4.0HO motor.  I went through 4 motors on mine, but I abused mine harder in the the few miles it had on it more than you will in your life time, I bet.  No frame. have to buy a lift to run 31s unless you do some cutting.  I would get the 231 case 92 or newer, will have 23 spline instead of 21.  A little stronger but still chain driven, gear driven better, stronger, will last.

84 Toyotas will have a solid front axle.  Can run 33x1050s with out a lift.  Has a frame. Good motor with the 22re, strong tranny. If need be, find a turbo 22re and use its tranny.  Strong drivetrain than the Xjs. 

Both can be modded to be the best, but if youre looking for stock options and starting off closer to a quality finished product I would pick the toyota base 10 out of 10 times over the jeep. 

[Arnbo]

92xj or newer for the 4.0HO motor.  I went through 4 motors on mine, but I abused mine harder in the the few miles it had on it more than you will in your life time, I bet.  No frame. have to buy a lift to run 31s unless you do some cutting.  I would get the 231 case 92 or newer, will have 23 spline instead of 21.  A little stronger but still chain driven, gear driven better, stronger, will last.

84 Toyotas will have a solid front axle.  Can run 33x1050s with out a lift.  Has a frame. Good motor with the 22re, strong tranny. If need be, find a turbo 22re and use its tranny.  Strong drivetrain than the Xjs. 

Both can be modded to be the best, but if youre looking for stock options and starting off closer to a quality finished product I would pick the toyota base 10 out of 10 times over the jeep.

  Yep the last year for straight axle was 85 Took a little work to put one in
 My FourRunner,But she is rock solid Lockers front and back.

[jrebel]

If you have 3500 and 1000 for a lift and tires....why not just buy a better rig for 4500 and worry about a lift later.  My stock wrangler will take you places that are down right scary.    

[Bean Counter]

Another vote for Toyota. Be careful about some of those. Older 4runners though. I read in consumer reports that some of the older models didn't have the best engines.

[Recurve-Elk]

If you have 3500 and 1000 for a lift and tires....why not just buy a better rig for 4500 and worry about a lift later.  My stock wrangler will take you places that are down right scary.   

I would have no issues getting a wrangler.  Problem is I can't seem to find one in my price range with an airbag lol.  Plus I need it to have at least some speakers and comforts etc, this rig needs to be daily driver capable as that will be its main purpose.  I want to have fun out it in the hills, but still have some comforts. 

I am liking the toyota idea.  I might, just might be able to score my grandpas 1990 toyota tacoma when he sells his farm if he puts it up for sale (hopefully not anytime soon, I love that farm to death!)  Its got under 100k and was bought by him and maintained like it was his son.  I won't even ask him if he would sell it, but if he says anything ill be the first offer. 

[jrebel]

If you have 3500 and 1000 for a lift and tires....why not just buy a better rig for 4500 and worry about a lift later.  My stock wrangler will take you places that are down right scary.   

I would have no issues getting a wranger.  Problem is I can't seem to find one in my price range with an airbag lol.  This rig needs to be daily driver capable as that will be its main purpose.

I use the rangler as an example, but my stock 98 toyota woudl take me anywhere as well.  I would not worry about a lift in the price range you are looking at.  I would spend all 4500 on a solid driver and worry about a lift in a year or two after saving up a little more money.  Not to mention if you lift it and put bigger tires on it, you will loose fuel economy and endure more wear and tear on your vehicle. 

[Elkbow33]

I'm getting ready to sell my 86 cj7 with winch and a lift and 33 buckshots for 6000 obo. 

[hillbilli]

You might consider the little Nissan trucks and pathfinders, they dont ususally command quite the prices that the toyota's and wranglers do, but I've seen a buttload of them over the years with 200k still rolling down the road.. My default would be an 80-96 f-150 or bronco, preferably with a 300 (4.9), or even a 5.0.. but thats just because they are what I've always had..   

[bobcat]

Only problem with those Nissans is they get terrible gas mileage. I never understood how a small truck like that can't get any better gas mileage than my full size, extended cab, 4 wheel drive Silverado.

[Sneaky]

For that price range I would be looking at a 98-2001ish cherokee with the 4.0l I6. Those motors are bulletproof and you should be able to find a pretty low miles one for that price. I have known those engines to go 275-300k with no problems and get 17city 21 hwy

[hillbilli]

the other option would be a full size chevy/gm.. with the most common motor (350).. post 1988 or so for fuel injection, as the carb'ed 350's got about 11 mpg.. lot of them on the road, lots of parts available, lots of parts commonality.. I've always been a ford guy, but there are a lot of chevy 4x4's on the road, and if you look around you can probably find one that doesnt have 200+ on it.. The little toyotas are great, but so often when you find one it already has 220k on it.. if you can find a chevy with 150K... you have a lot of options, just do the research on what problems each has before you decide..

[Gamehunter034]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3841771829.html

Here ya go, this thing would be awesome for the woods!    I have a 73 dodge power wagon W100, need to get a few things squared away and plan on using it as my primary hunting rig (hopefully). Older trucks are nice and from my experience pretty easy to fix.

[fish vacuum]

You might consider the little Nissan trucks and pathfinders, they dont ususally command quite the prices that the toyota's and wranglers do

The early 90's Nissan V6 engines had a horrible habit of warping exhaust manifolds and having chronic exhaust leaks.
And, as mentioned, they get crappy mpg.

[firefighter4607]

There is a guy on one of my Facebook groups that is selling a 1993 Toyota Regular cab 4x4 with the manual trans and the 22 motor he says it has 70k miles. But he is located in Pasco, and is asking retail price at 2,800.
I could get his contact info if you wanted me to.

[Thefisherman83]

I had a little 94 Pathfinder that had 350,000 on the clock before the auto tranny finally gave out.  That thing handled whatever I threw at it and kept on ticking.  Might be another option to check out.