Family wheeler, 4runner vs S10 Blazer vs Exploder vs Cherokee??

idahoyj

idahoyj

Well-Known Member
Location
Twin Falls Idaho
A little background-
I used to wheel a lot, first a CJ5 with a 360 V8 and 33s, then a YJ (mechanically stock) on 37 with a 4cyl, manual. In 2008 I thought that my YJ was too pretty to cut up and make into a "rock crawler" like I wanted, so I sold it and started another YJ project. The new YJ has been a project ever since..... It has locked 3/4 ton axles, 5.3l V8, 4l60 trans, and until recently had 40" tires with only about 2" lift springs. But, since 2008, life has happened and I have 2 more kids (3 total) and a larger house payment, all on an economically decreased income. Less money + more bills + more work + time with kids = never gonna get the YJ done.....

Lately I have been trying to figure out a way to get the YJ done, at least enough to just get my family out into the dirt, but I'm starting to realize that the YJ isn't the rig for my family any more. We cant really all fit, and it's going to take more time and money to finish than I will have over the next several years. I'm currently considering selling off all of my YJ parts and finding a running/driving rig that can run 33" to 35" tires and be fairly dependable for family trail ride type stuff. I would prefer to have 4 doors and a V8 engine (6cyl is more likely with the rigs I am considering) with automatic trans and select-able transfer case. My budget would be about $4000 to no more than $6000. I would prefer to stay closer to the low end if the rig needs upgrades, and higher based on upgraded equipment/tires etc.

I like 4runners, (3rd gen and 2nd) but they all have tons of miles on them, and seem to be more expensive than other comparable SUVs, because they are "cooler". But they have good aftermarket support, and there is an enormous amount of information available on cheap upgrades. Factory rear locker in some.
S10 Blazer would be nice since they are cheap, comfortable, and already come with 4.3l V6,auto trans, etc. Not as much aftermarket support, but its a Chevy and there are tons of options for other rigs with the same power train etc.
Exploders are cheaper to get into, but I am afraid of the maintenance costs and there isnt a ton of aftermarket support. I think some came with V8 power tho....
Cherokee and Grand Cherokee would be good because of the huge aftermarket support and my previous knowledge of Jeeps and their power trains, etc. Some have V8 option. SOLID FRONT AXLE! But for some reason I cant get over the fact that they don't have a frame.......


I haven't decided to abandon my YJ project yet, but I think if I figure out what type of rig I want next, it will help make the decision.

SO, this whole long story boils down to- WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AND WHY?

Thanks!
Josh
 
I have a YJ and my wife has an 04 Grand Cherokee. I dont know much about grands yet but when looking into lifting hers it seems like you need you hack away alot of fender and put on much more lift than i like in order to fit tires in the 35" range. You also run into issues with the tires hitting the washer bottle and such. Plus i guess i was spoiled with my YJ in finding a new front bumper for 150 and a new rear bumper with a tire carrier for 400 shipped, because on the grand im looking into paying more for one bumper then i did on both of the YJs. That could indicate its expensive to do upgrades on grands(not a grand guy so not 100% on that)

We were also looking into 4 runners as well but my wife liked the plush anemeties that the Grands had over the toyotas(heated seats, leather, etc...). They also can still be found with lower miles in your price range, ours had 90,000. Thats about all the experience i have, and some of it could be incorrect so hopefully some Grand guys chime in.

As for your rig if you do decide to part it out i may be interested in your drivetrain. My 4.0 is on its way out so an engine swap is in the future for me.
 
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First on the 4runner as you said more expensive and usually have a ton of miles - Great option I owned a 3rd gen 4runner and sometimes regret selling it. The 3.4 is a great motor and will easily see 250K before issues start to show up, it also has decent power I would pull my 6x10 enclosed trailer with it loaded with dirt bikes and gear. Not a speed demon with the trailer but would hold 65 going up parleys. Tons great after market parts, i'm not sure how old your kids are, but with 3 they really don't have a ton of room. With me my lady and the dog we pretty much filled it up when we went on our trips.

XJ's are great, can usually find them cheap maybe not as reliable as the 4runner in the higher mileage range, but much cheaper to fix. Same problem as the 4runner though. With 3 kids and the wife that thing is going to be packed, and the back seats atleast in the last one I sat in which was a 97 I think are even smaller than the 4runner.

S10 would be cool to been seen built since there really aren't a ton of built ones out there, but at the same time it's probably going to be a lot more expensive and not perform as well due to the limited amount of aftermarket parts

Explorer same argument as the S10

With 3 back on the trophy rack I would maybe explore an older excursion/expedition or tahoe/yukon, possibly even a 1 gen Tundra. Give you more room for the little ones, and a lot more space for all the gear i'm assuming you would bring. Also V8's available for all

And if you truly want a solid front axle go this route LINK With a Tahoe or Yukon
 
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I agree. I guess i missed the 3 kids part. My brother has a cherokee right now and even with just 2 kids he already has gone out and purchased an expedition due to being too cramped in the cherokee. It now has become the "Toy" vehicle as its not practical for him to go on family trips with it. The grands do have a little more room, but unless your kids are still younger(small) then 3 in that back seat is still going to be problematic on long rides.
 
If the YJ is a "toy", I'd stretch it for another rear seat and get it mobile. Maybe sell some of the "bling" type stuff (not sure what you have--coilovers or full hydro or something is what I'm thinking) to get necessary stuff to get it mobile? I know my "YJ" isn't really the best fab out there, but it's been able to get out of the garage for the past 7 years or so. I'd like it nicer, but it's worth the crappy fab to have it out and running around. It's got some trail miles under it and I've continued to massage it as I get time. It's still lacking in some of the things I'd like but is a great trail machine.

If you're looking for a driver/crawler, any of the options you've indicated are solid options, but there really isn't any better solutions out there that work well. An FSJ might fit the bill if you're willing to put up with an older rig? They're pretty solid rigs, they like fuel and have "character" (good or bad, depends on how you look at it)
 
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idahoyj said:
family trail ride type stuff
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i need a definition of the above statement to be able to help. is it going to be on DD duty as well as offroading? just dirt road kind of wheeling? camping trips? any particular trails you have in mind? etc etc etc

also, how big are the kiddos?
 
xj_nate said:
i need a definition of the above statement to be able to help. is it going to be on DD duty as well as offroading? just dirt road kind of wheeling? camping trips? any particular trails you have in mind? etc etc etc

also, how big are the kiddos?
Click to expand...


good point. a family rig to do prichett canyon is different then one to do dirt roads!


i know they suck and have issues .. but.


i bought a 96 land rover for 1000 bucks.. can do 85mph down the free way, heater, a/c, and made it to forestlake in the snow last sunday :)
 
The coolest 4 door yj passed me yesterday in highland, still maybe a tad small for 3 kids wife dog etc. Got me to dreaming about a mega cab cj8 on a crew cab chevy frame. 6.0 liter motor with vette upgrades mechanical throttle headers etc. Maybe twin turbos. four speed atlas cement truck axles. Michelin 46 s for the street 54 inch claws for weekends custom fenders to keep it down low like that cool cruiser project on ksl semi truck steering box for street manors. If I only had to build cool jeeps with my time and gas were a buck a gallon like when I first got my licence. yep gettin pretty old to remember that. In a perfect world with no lift laws and every DOT officer was a big truck fan. Thats ok were having a pretty good time just about the way things are now. Still sometimes its so tempting to drive the buggy to get a burger maybe someday ill find a way to make it street legal in the meantime its pretty fun to see the looks on the kids faces at the steel days car show cruise and the highland fling parade. that will do for now. Good luck hope you find a good rig that meets your needs.
 
Team1k said:
I have a YJ and my wife has an 04 Grand Cherokee. I dont know much about grands yet but when looking into lifting hers it seems like you need you hack away alot of fender and put on much more lift than i like in order to fit tires in the 35" range. You also run into issues with the tires hitting the washer bottle and such. Plus i guess i was spoiled with my YJ in finding a new front bumper for 150 and a new rear bumper with a tire carrier for 400 shipped, because on the grand im looking into paying more for one bumper then i did on both of the YJs. That could indicate its expensive to do upgrades on grands(not a grand guy so not 100% on that)

We were also looking into 4 runners as well but my wife liked the plush anemeties that the Grands had over the toyotas(heated seats, leather, etc...). They also can still be found with lower miles in your price range, ours had 90,000. Thats about all the experience i have, and some of it could be incorrect so hopefully some Grand guys chime in.

As for your rig if you do decide to part it out i may be interested in your drivetrain. My 4.0 is on its way out so an engine swap is in the future for me.
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Im not affrid to hack into body work etc to fit tires. I would likely build bumpers and things like that as time allowed, but at least I could wheel while the project was going on. A V8 Grand with 35s would be fun and comfortable. I will send you a PM about my drive train in the next few days to see what you think.
TRD270 said:
First on the 4runner as you said more expensive and usually have a ton of miles - Great option I owned a 3rd gen 4runner and sometimes regret selling it. The 3.4 is a great motor and will easily see 250K before issues start to show up, it also has decent power I would pull my 6x10 enclosed trailer with it loaded with dirt bikes and gear. Not a speed demon with the trailer but would hold 65 going up parleys. Tons great after market parts, i'm not sure how old your kids are, but with 3 they really don't have a ton of room. With me my lady and the dog we pretty much filled it up when we went on our trips.

XJ's are great, can usually find them cheap maybe not as reliable as the 4runner in the higher mileage range, but much cheaper to fix. Same problem as the 4runner though. With 3 kids and the wife that thing is going to be packed, and the back seats atleast in the last one I sat in which was a 97 I think are even smaller than the 4runner.

S10 would be cool to been seen built since there really aren't a ton of built ones out there, but at the same time it's probably going to be a lot more expensive and not perform as well due to the limited amount of aftermarket parts

Explorer same argument as the S10

With 3 back on the trophy rack I would maybe explore an older excursion/expedition or tahoe/yukon, possibly even a 1 gen Tundra. Give you more room for the little ones, and a lot more space for all the gear i'm assuming you would bring. Also V8's available for all

And if you truly want a solid front axle go this route LINK With a Tahoe or Yukon
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The kids are all small (For now) I need to see how they fit in one of these smaller SUVs.

Team1k said:
I agree. I guess i missed the 3 kids part. My brother has a cherokee right now and even with just 2 kids he already has gone out and purchased an expedition due to being too cramped in the cherokee. It now has become the "Toy" vehicle as its not practical for him to go on family trips with it. The grands do have a little more room, but unless your kids are still younger(small) then 3 in that back seat is still going to be problematic on long rides.
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mbryson said:
If the YJ is a "toy", I'd stretch it for another rear seat and get it mobile. Maybe sell some of the "bling" type stuff (not sure what you have--coilovers or full hydro or something is what I'm thinking) to get necessary stuff to get it mobile? I know my "YJ" isn't really the best fab out there, but it's been able to get out of the garage for the past 7 years or so. I'd like it nicer, but it's worth the crappy fab to have it out and running around. It's got some trail miles under it and I've continued to massage it as I get time. It's still lacking in some of the things I'd like but is a great trail machine.

If you're looking for a driver/crawler, any of the options you've indicated are solid options, but there really isn't any better solutions out there that work well. An FSJ might fit the bill if you're willing to put up with an older rig? They're pretty solid rigs, they like fuel and have "character" (good or bad, depends on how you look at it)
Click to expand...
The YJ is a "toy", I would love to stretch it out, but just enough for leg room in the back seat, like a TJ Unlimited. I'm pretty worried about the width between the wheel wells. I don't have coilovers or anything too blingly, I want it but never got that far into the project. Just 2" leaf springs, spring under, D60 rear with ARB, D44 HP front with lockright. I sold the 40s a while back thinking that I could use the cash to get the rig running and maybe get a bald set of tires to get by, but ended holding on to the money too long and spent it on back to school expenses for the kids..... I wouldnt mind a FSJ, but really want fuel injection an would prefer a smaller SUV. I do like "character" though.
xj_nate said:
i need a definition of the above statement to be able to help. is it going to be on DD duty as well as offroading? just dirt road kind of wheeling? camping trips? any particular trails you have in mind? etc etc etc

also, how big are the kiddos?
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Kids will turn 2yrs, 4yrs, and 6yrs old in the next 3 months. I dont plan to do daily driving, but can't afford a car trailer right now, so at least streetable is a must for now. Mostly thinking camping trips and general exploring for now. I would plan to be able to upgrade the rig as I go along to be able to do anything a stockish TJ on 33-35s could handle. I like snow wheeling and would like to have at least one locker.

Here is a link to my old build thread on Planet4x4. Reading through it reminded me that I actually didnt sell my old YJ in 2008, it was late spring of 2009. But still WAY too long to go without a wheeling rig!
 
zukijames said:
good point. a family rig to do prichett canyon is different then one to do dirt roads!


i know they suck and have issues .. but.


i bought a 96 land rover for 1000 bucks.. can do 85mph down the free way, heater, a/c, and made it to forestlake in the snow last sunday :)
Click to expand...
I've never been to Moab, but its deffinately on my bucket list! Our local club went down there a year or two ago and I would love to go next time, but they are all locked on 35-40" tires in YJs and TJs. I wouldn't really mind a rover, but the parts availability/reliability etc scares me.
 
I too have 3 kids and I love to go offroading. I currently own a Mercedes G500 and it is an absolute beast on and offroad, but it comes with a heavy price tag. From the rigs you have have listed it looks like you are looking in the 3k-8k price range. I think you can get a lot of 4x4 for that price. If I were you I would highly consider the Mitsubishi Montero. Not the smaller Montero Sport, but the fullsize, 7 passenger Montero. I have owned FJ80's, and I still think the Montero is a better offroad vehicle. The best offroaders ore the 1995-1999 Montero's because they have the body on frame construction, solid rear axle, and rear locker. The best part is the have an amazing transfercase that has 2hi, AWD, 4hi and 4lo. I consistantly saw 20 mpg with mixed driving and 24 mpg on the freeway on my Montero. The newer Montero's (2001-06) have a unibody construction like the Cheerokee, but they do not have the same issues that the Cheerokees suffer from. It is a very tight construction that has proven itself to be as tough as frame. The handle like a sport car and they can take corners at high speeds that other SUV's only dream of. If you do a lot of overlanding then I would look at getting the gen III Montero.

These Guys don't speak highly of every car they test, but I think they give amazingly accurate reviews.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gYJCNPYJTM
 
spencevans said:
I too have 3 kids and I love to go offroading. I currently own a Mercedes G500 and it is an absolute beast on and offroad, but it comes with a heavy price tag. From the rigs you have have listed it looks like you are looking in the 3k-8k price range. I think you can get a lot of 4x4 for that price. If I were you I would highly consider the Mitsubishi Montero. Not the smaller Montero Sport, but the fullsize, 7 passenger Montero. I have owned FJ80's, and I still think the Montero is a better offroad vehicle. The best offroaders ore the 1995-1999 Montero's because they have the body on frame construction, solid rear axle, and rear locker. The best part is the have an amazing transfercase that has 2hi, AWD, 4hi and 4lo. I consistantly saw 20 mpg with mixed driving and 24 mpg on the freeway on my Montero. The newer Montero's (2001-06) have a unibody construction like the Cheerokee, but they do not have the same issues that the Cheerokees suffer from. It is a very tight construction that has proven itself to be as tough as frame. The handle like a sport car and they can take corners at high speeds that other SUV's only dream of. If you do a lot of overlanding then I would look at getting the gen III Montero.

These Guys don't speak highly of every car they test, but I think they give amazingly accurate reviews.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gYJCNPYJTM
Click to expand...

Im more of a main stream rig kinda guy. I like the idea of having something outside of the normal box, but the last few years have taught me to simplify the construction process and just have fun wheeling. I think if I could find a rig that I could upgrade in stages and only have it down for a couple of weeks at a time, I would be better off.

I would love to have an old bronco, or even an early TJ, but I think 5 seatbelts will be tough in either of those too. Anybody have 3 belts in the back of their bronco or TJ? I saw a TJ with a front bench from a ranger and that was kinda cool. Anybody have experience with that?
 
i saw a yj with 8 maybe 9 seats the other day.. maybe only 7 .. i know there was a bench with 3 up front.. and then 2 more benches but cant remember how many seats per bench..

37's 1 tons, altas and a 6.0 pretty cool but its kinda a bus!
 
zukijames said:
i saw a yj with 8 maybe 9 seats the other day.. maybe only 7 .. i know there was a bench with 3 up front.. and then 2 more benches but cant remember how many seats per bench..

37's 1 tons, altas and a 6.0 pretty cool but its kinda a bus!
Click to expand...

That's a little long for me, but I might be able to make 5 seats work in a stock length YJ tub if I found something like a split 60/40 front bench from a Ranger or something similar. But the bottom line is, this would make my family fit in my Jeep, but it wouldn't get the project done and into the dirt. I just don't think I will be able to get the YJ done in the sorta near future.

Ideally I would be able to do something like the "Dirtco" build that someone posted in the thread that sixstringsteve was looking for another rig.
 
I think the rigs you've listed are really pushing it with three kids. I say that because 1 kid, 2 dogs and 2 adults are cramped in my 4runner for anything more than a day trip. If that's not the case you should buy my lifted/locked 3rd gen :D

Might be a little off the wall but have you considered an 87-91 TBI 3/4 ton Suburban? For the most part you loose the hardcore crawl-ability. But add a Detroit Locker to the 14 bolt rear, add a 2-4" lift and possibly a D60 front and you'd have a very capable rig. They're cheap, simple, solid, plenty of room for everyone plus parts are everywhere.

I'm no expert but I've found kids don't care what type of off-roading you're doing as long as you're out having fun together :cool:
 
4Runners are pimp, but you know that. I think if you get an Explorer you'd better be ready for a lot of fab - there is no out-of-the-box lift or SAS kit for the front end. Some guys adapt Ranger lift brackets, but that's a crap lift anyway. You can get the 5.0 V8, but only in AWD trim so you'd have to play with transfer case options (probably expensive ones!) or be willing to wheel without 4WD. Don't be afraid of the 4.0, mine has plenty of power for blasting down the freeway or climbing rough hills, and it has real 4WD with low range. It's been reliable too, though at 180k the little things are starting to build up.

I was going to agree with RotBox on all three counts - three kids will be cramped in a 5 passenger SUV, Burbs are cool, but if you're really stuck on a 5 passenger midsize you could do a lot worse than his 4Runner.
 
Rot Box said:
I think the rigs you've listed are really pushing it with three kids. I say that because 1 kid, 2 dogs and 2 adults are cramped in my 4runner for anything more than a day trip. If that's not the case you should buy my lifted/locked 3rd gen :D

Might be a little off the wall but have you considered an 87-91 TBI 3/4 ton Suburban? For the most part you loose the hardcore crawl-ability. But add a Detroit Locker to the 14 bolt rear, add a 2-4" lift and possibly a D60 front and you'd have a very capable rig. They're cheap, simple, solid, plenty of room for everyone plus parts are everywhere.

I'm no expert but I've found kids don't care what type of off-roading you're doing as long as you're out having fun together :cool:
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Suburbans are missing a certain cool factor that I might be secretly trying to maintain....
I have looked at the ad for your 4runner quite a few times. I would love to buy that thing, it is one of the rigs that is inspiring my change in vision of four wheeling. But I officially have $0 in my fun account until I sell my Jeep parts. And I doubt I can get up to your asking price, but you never know. I think I'm going to be lucky to get $5000 out of my Jeep parts but I haven't put numbers to all of the pieces yet. I just $5000 because that's roughly half of what I spent!

Could you or someone with a similar mid size SUV, measure the width between the passenger door arm rests? I want to compare the rear seating width to my wife's Honda Pilot for reference. Thanks in advance.
 
Kevin B. said:
4Runners are pimp, but you know that. I think if you get an Explorer you'd better be ready for a lot of fab - there is no out-of-the-box lift or SAS kit for the front end. Some guys adapt Ranger lift brackets, but that's a crap lift anyway. You can get the 5.0 V8, but only in AWD trim so you'd have to play with transfer case options (probably expensive ones!) or be willing to wheel without 4WD. Don't be afraid of the 4.0, mine has plenty of power for blasting down the freeway or climbing rough hills, and it has real 4WD with low range. It's been reliable too, though at 180k the little things are starting to build up.

I was going to agree with RotBox on all three counts - three kids will be cramped in a 5 passenger SUV, Burbs are cool, but if you're really stuck on a 5 passenger midsize you could do a lot worse than his 4Runner.
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I think the Fords are out of the equation for me at this point. Blazer might still be ok, just because of engine and trans. I looked at a lot of XJs and ZJs online tonight, and it looks like I can get a lot for my money with those options. Except for a frame!
 
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