My next trail rig...

Yeah it looks pretty good. If I don't have a new rig by the time the quarterly training rolls around, I think I wi drive up with this one.
 
A day late and a dollar short to this thread, and I'm sure my opinion will not be popular (skimmed the thread didn't see this suggested).. If I were in the same position I'd be looking at Grand Cherokees. To me an expedition rig means long trips, up and down steep mountains, etc. A V8 Grand has enough power and comfort to make getting there and back pleasant. You can find them in the $2k to $6k range, and may even be able to pick one up that's already lifted. Personally I'd try to find a V8 WJ (99-04), but that may stretch the budget to $4k-$5k.
 
Thanks for the suggestion on the WJ, I've never really given those vehicles a second thought. For some reason I guess I've just never really considered them as a vehicle I'd wheel or even drive in. I think at this point I'm pretty set on the idea of getting into a 3rd gen 4Runner though :)

Scotty, That's a nice looking 4Runner, but like you said that is kind of a trip to get there lol, interested in a halfway meet up? lol I'm looking at a few local ones to get an idea of how they ride right now.
 
So far the best idea is to sell them both and get something else. I love waggys, but you have a bad year. If you built a FSJ I would look for a 77-79 with a manual trans. A 70s chief would be even better. The best FSJ platform in my opinion. I love my J10 honcho. It is dead reliable and goes everywhere. 300k miles and it can drive Pritchett canyon.

For what you are looking for though I would go with a newer gen runner or pickup or a Cherokee or grand Cherokee.
 
Maldito X said:
Thanks for the suggestion on the WJ, I've never really given those vehicles a second thought. For some reason I guess I've just never really considered them as a vehicle I'd wheel or even drive in. I think at this point I'm pretty set on the idea of getting into a 3rd gen 4Runner though :)
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Nothing wrong with a 4Runner, and I've never owned a WJ myself. I HAVE owned and wheeled a ZJ (1st model Grand Cherokee) and a Cherokee. I wouldn't try talking you out of a 4Runner, but if you are out and about looking at used cars and happen across a WJ on a lot you should give one a test drive. You might be pleasantly surprised, or decide you don't like them.
 
Maldito X said:
Scotty, That's a nice looking 4Runner, but like you said that is kind of a trip to get there lol, interested in a halfway meet up? lol I'm looking at a few local ones to get an idea of how they ride right now.
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Well, it actually sold tonight anyway(Well I received a deposit for it). Took all of 24 hours.

FWIW, 3rd gen 4runners sell really quick. Especially when they are taken care of.

I "could" have brought it through Salt Lake on my way to the Rubicon on the 23rd. But, it looks like its sold at this point.
 
Thanks guys for the feedback and input on all the rig options, I've got a few 4Runners lined up that I will be looking at over the next day or two. If the price is right I may jump on one because like Scotty said, they sell fast lol. And then I'll just recover my funds as I sell off my current vehicles. But as long as the purchase feels right I'll be updating this thread or making a build thread within the coming days :)
 
don't be too rushed. Drive as many as you can. Some are great, some are not. The more vehicles you can drive, the more the good ones will stand out. I'm really excited for you.

If the 4runners don't do it for you, a WJ is a good option too, although I've heard of tranny issues with a lot of those.
 
i had a 78 Waggy. It was a cool truck. I still kind of miss it. I paid $350 for it. I sold the 401 it had for $750. I bought and rebuilt a 360 for $500. I did the work myself. I also put in an RV cam and had a custom exhaust system built. I also put in a suburban 40 gallon fuel tank on the back. I threw some 31" tires on it and rocked it. It was cool. it was a bit expensive to fill up though.

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I drove one yesterday that just felt like a dog, it wasnt really what I was expecting out of if. So I'll be trying to test out a few more to kind of compare differences and get a feel for them like you said. Will the autos be sluggish no matter what? Maybe I'll get a chance to ride with Kevin and see how that one feels to get an idea.
 
That's a nice looking waggy, did the suburban tank fit pretty good in there? I imagine there's plenty of space for one in the back.
 
Kevin's is especially sluggish with the bigger tires. I've had 3 4runners. 1 was not sluggish at all, and the other 2 were dogs. Drive as many as you can, you'll find one that isn't slow.
 
Maldito X said:
I drove one yesterday that just felt like a dog, it wasnt really what I was expecting out of if. So I'll be trying to test out a few more to kind of compare differences and get a feel for them like you said. Will the autos be sluggish no matter what? Maybe I'll get a chance to ride with Kevin and see how that one feels to get an idea.
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sixstringsteve said:
Kevin's is especially sluggish with the bigger tires. I've had 3 4runners. 1 was not sluggish at all, and the other 2 were dogs. Drive as many as you can, you'll find one that isn't slow.
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Between the automatic transmission and the 285/75 tires with stock gears, it's a little sluggish. I wonder if the throttle and kickdown cables are adjusted right too, because I think it ought to be quicker to downshift. I think my '85 would beat it in a 1/4mile, and the Grey Bastard definitely gets better mileage.

You'll see when you drive it. It isn't horrible, but with the current setup it doesn't feel like a V6 should either. These KM2s are about worn out anyway, and I think we'll go down to a 265/75 or maybe a 235/85 next.
 
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