Post by: Recurve-Elk on April 18, 2013, 05:18:20 PM
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? :chuckle:
Post by: Yankee on April 18, 2013, 05:29:08 PM
Post by: high country on April 18, 2013, 05:30:11 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 18, 2013, 05:33:12 PM
Post by: Recurve-Elk on April 18, 2013, 05:51:14 PM
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!
Post by: Thehowler on April 18, 2013, 07:39:18 PM
Post by: Wazukie on April 18, 2013, 07:42:51 PM
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 :dunno:
Post by: coachcw on April 18, 2013, 07:46:30 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 18, 2013, 08:01:49 PM
Post by: Wazukie on April 18, 2013, 08:22:45 PM
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.
Post by: Alchase on April 19, 2013, 12:51:49 PM
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.
Post by: THINK_N_ELK on April 19, 2013, 03:51:13 PM
Auction ends on the 23rd of this month.
http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/all,wa/auction/view?auc=896350 (http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/all,wa/auction/view?auc=896350)
Post by: Thehowler on April 19, 2013, 03:52:50 PM
Post by: Southpole on April 19, 2013, 03:59:40 PM
Post by: Thehowler on April 19, 2013, 07:20:24 PM
Post by: Bmcox86 on April 19, 2013, 07:23:51 PM
Post by: demontang on April 20, 2013, 02:24:31 AM
Post by: Arnbo on April 20, 2013, 06:58:59 AM
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 ........"..
Post by: Mudman on April 20, 2013, 07:33:34 AM
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.
Post by: Alchase on April 22, 2013, 08:11:20 AM
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. :dunno:
You are correct, I should have said 3.73s
Available with Dana 44
3.07 (manual)
3.55 (auto)
3.73 (tow package)
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 22, 2013, 08:17:09 AM
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.
Post by: NWBREW on April 22, 2013, 08:23:25 AM
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.
:yeah: 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.
Post by: 92xj on April 22, 2013, 08:26:19 AM
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.
Post by: Arnbo on April 22, 2013, 08:55:10 AM
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.
Post by: jrebel on April 22, 2013, 06:33:44 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on April 22, 2013, 06:43:04 PM
Post by: Recurve-Elk on April 22, 2013, 09:53:28 PM
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. :twocents:
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.
Post by: jrebel on April 22, 2013, 09:57:45 PM
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. :twocents:
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.
Post by: Elkbow33 on May 30, 2013, 08:17:58 AM
Post by: hillbilli on May 31, 2013, 08:34:47 AM
Post by: bobcat on May 31, 2013, 09:21:30 AM
Post by: Sneaky on May 31, 2013, 09:29:50 AM
Post by: hillbilli on May 31, 2013, 11:39:41 AM
Post by: Gamehunter034 on June 03, 2013, 11:33:58 PM
Here ya go, this thing would be awesome for the woods! :tup: 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.
Post by: fish vacuum on June 04, 2013, 02:08:30 AM
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.
Post by: firefighter4607 on June 04, 2013, 03:01:34 AM
I could get his contact info if you wanted me to.
Post by: Thefisherman83 on June 04, 2013, 07:44:54 AM