Thinking about a new rig for exploring

[OpenTrackRacer]

Greetings all. I currently have a '89 Jeep Cherokee that my friends and I use for exploring in the desert. It's built up for rock crawling (6" lift, 33" tires, cut fenders, lockers, etc.) and my intention was always to tow it from place to place. However, lately we've been driving it around and although it works, it's not very comfortable and I tend to break things every once in a while (like the rear suspension last weekend).

I'm thinking about getting something a little newer and more comfortable but I still need excellent off-road capability. Some of the areas we explore have very rough roads... really just piles or rocks. I originally chose the Cherokee so I'd have room for four people and gear and I still need that capability.

So, I'm looking for suggestions on a suitable replacement. A Wrangler would be nice but I'd need one of the newer four door versions and I'd rather not spend that kind of money for a vehicle I'll only use every once in a while (and that will be abused to boot).

There are a good number of Ford Broncos out there along with two door Chevy Tahoes. Many of these already have big lifts and tires and are available cheaply. They're wider than I'd like but they'll also carry all our gear with ease. I'd love to hear everyone's opinions on these. I'd also be open to any other vehicles you might suggest.

Thanks!

 

[cheepin]

Why not just upgrade the parts your breaking?Cheaper then starting over.

 

[OpenTrackRacer]

Repairing things like the power windows and seats is expensive. I'd rather not continue sinking money into it. There gets to be a point where it's simply not worth it anymore. It's also not the most comfortable vehicle to drive long distances.

 

[turbohaulic]

I like the cherokee for an exploring rig. And like mentioned it might be cheaper to just up grade what you have. BUT my dad also had an 88 cherokee that was great and similar to yours with a 5" lift, 33's, geared and lock'd front and rear. It got to the point he wanted somthing newer and didn't wanna work on it anymore, like you, due to the fact it was getting old and just normal wear and tear. I guess it all depends on how much you want to spend on a rig and the parts you'll need to get it how you want. What's your budget like? (sorry for the novel)

 

[OpenTrackRacer]

It's great for exploring. Small enough to get into most places but big enough to carry people and their gear. That's why I think a four door Wrangler would be nice.

I could spend the money for a recent four door Wrangler. However, I have to decide if it's worth it because my wife will make me sell my Corvette if I spend that much!

One big question I'm trying to answer is what type of Wrangler should I am for? I can hold out (and pay more) for a Rubicon or just by a Sahara or Sport and upgrade the suspension and gears (even though I'll still have the weaker axles).

I'm open to other vehicles though. Anything of reasonable size is open game.

 

[Coreshot]

I think I would look towards something in a TRD 4 door Tacoma. Plenty of room for four adults, and a bed for all your gear. It wouldn't need much help to make it a capable trail rig.

 

[OpenTrackRacer]

I thought about a Tacoma but I'm worried about the length. It's 38" longer than the Cherokee. Width is about the same though. I was also thinking about a second generation 4Runner. I guess I should research lifts and gears. Are the factory axles stout?

 

[Coreshot]

I thought about a Tacoma but I'm worried about the length. It's 38" longer than the Cherokee. Width is about the same though. I was also thinking about a second generation 4Runner. I guess I should research lifts and gears. Are the factory axles stout?

The rears are great, front is IFS. I was thinking of the previous generation Taco with the double cab and the 3-4 foot bed. I don't know the wheeelbase of those, but I don' think they would be 38 inches longer than a Cherocar.

 

[turbohaulic]

I'm not a big fan of the jeeps and the wheel base accept for the unlimited or JK's. Jeeps seem, to me, to cost more to build up unless you can find one already done. The 4 dr taco would be my vehicle of choice for anything. Great for all around everything! I don't know if you've look'd at Lewis's 4 dr but damn! Awesome rig.

 

[mierdota]

my dad has a 4 door jk that he might want to sell its pretty built up let me know if your interested and ill talk to him

 

[Houndoc]

My Montero Sport is much more comfortable to drive than my Cherokee was, so I can see your point on long drives.

Depending on just who built of a rig you need, think out of the box (i.e. past Jeep and Toyota.) The Montero Sport can feet 33s with 2" lift and although is IFS, axles are well built and front and rear ARB air lockers are available.

 

[Cody]

I agree with the 1st gen 4 door tacoma....

otherwise, a grand cherokee can be built for moderate off-road and expedition type adventures. 2002-2004 WJ, v8, 4.5" lift, 33's etc would make a very comfortable rig that wouldn't completely destroy your pocket book.

 

[turbohaulic]

My Montero Sport is much more comfortable to drive than my Cherokee was, so I can see your point on long drives.

Depending on just who built of a rig you need, think out of the box (i.e. past Jeep and Toyota.) The Montero Sport can feet 33s with 2" lift and although is IFS, axles are well built and front and rear ARB air lockers are available.

True, there are alot of good options for a good rig and a comfortable ride

 

[BSalty]

Don't dismiss this outright but a Trail Blazer. Still has AC and heated leather seats if you want. Look for the right options and it comes with a factory locker in the rear. It suprises a lot of people on the trails.

Of course you will get laughed at first by almost everyone. You get used to it.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I think I would look towards something in a TRD 4 door Tacoma. Plenty of room for four adults, and a bed for all your gear. It wouldn't need much help to make it a capable trail rig.

x2 I miss my old one every day.

 

[spencevans]

My Montero Sport is much more comfortable to drive than my Cherokee was, so I can see your point on long drives.

Depending on just who built of a rig you need, think out of the box (i.e. past Jeep and Toyota.) The Montero Sport can feet 33s with 2" lift and although is IFS, axles are well built and front and rear ARB air lockers are available.

I have to agree about the Montero, they are by far the most underated rigs ever built. The Montero won the Dakar rally 7 years in a row. They are extremely durable even though they have IFS. If I were you I would recommend a 1995-1996 Montero RS because they have the H.O. 3.5 engine, automatic Aisin transmission and factory rear locker.

Over the past few years more and more wheelers are turning to these rigs because they have discovered how easy it is to create a doubler Tcase or swap in an NP231/241 for the stock case. It's just a bolt in application. The Montero,s are also great because all the little features like suspensions seats and choice of 2wd, 4H, 4L and AWD modes.

While the aftermarket is poor for the Montero, you can still get lifts, lockers, bumpers, roof racks, etc from ARB, Ironman, TJM and a few other companies.

You can get a really nice 1995-1996 Montero RS with under 100k miles for under $5000 and that would include auto tranny, Active-Trac T-case, leather seats, inclinometer, power sunroof, suspension seat, rear locker, fenders flares, etc.

Another rig you may want to consider is a 1995-1997 Toyota FJ80. I have had two of them and they are very reliable and well built rigs. Look for one with front and rear lockers, and expect to pay a premium for a nice specimen.

Personally I have owned both Montero's and FJ80's and used them for expedition use. While I loved my FJ80's, The Montero is alot more bang for the buck and it is even more reliable which is saying something, because the FJ80's are known for their reliability.

 

[JL Rockies]

I'd recommend the KJ CRD but I acknowledge that they're only for the serious enthusiast.

 

[nrspence]

I would go with the 1st gen 4 door tacoma. I've owned two jeep TJ's and i've liked my toyotes more. So far i love my 09 4 door tacoma. Just put in some 4.88 gears and a detroit locker from my other tacoma. With the auto tranny i don't even know the detroit is even there. I'm really impressed with tacomas.

 

[spencevans]

I'd recommend the KJ CRD but I acknowledge that they're only for the serious enthusiast.

I had a '05 CRD that was built up, with a Frankenlift, TJM front bumper, winch RL rear bumper, RL sliders and many other offroad goodies and it was an OK vehicle. These little Liberty's are not in the same league as the FJ80 or the Montero. While it got good fuel milage (22 city/ 27 highway) build quality was very cheap. The seats were hard and thin, the trim was cheap and the rubber molding on the rear door was retarded. Not bad vehicles, but I would never, ever buy another one because there are better options available.

I do have say, my wife rolled our CRD Liberty 3 times doing 80mph by Plymouth, Utah and everyone walked away. Neither she or my two kids even received a scratch or went to the hospital.

 

[nrspence]

Wow, your family is dang lucky to walk away from that rollover.
Nate