what would you drive

[Houndoc]

My question would be why limit the choice to those two?

Depending on level of off-road, there are tons of other choices out there. And many of them can be modified (although with fewer parts options) into about anything you want.

 

[Spork]

If we are talking the same years cherokee vs 4-runner then the 4-runner. If you're talking a 80's runner vs a 2000's cherocar then the cherokee.

 

[1\4elliptic toy]

Okay... I claim to be a Toyota fan, but if push came to shove this is the reason I would buy the Cherokee over the 4runner.

Get out!

 

[spork40]

ok so here are a few i am looking at

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=13214944&cat=&lpid=&search=95 4 runner

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=12607333&cat=&lpid=&search=cherokee 89

which would you choose? i am looking for something i can do trails from hells revenge to pritchet. which one and what should i look for and watch out for with each one?

 

[rondo]

I think yota all the way. I managed a fleet of XJs when i was stationed at Ft. Bliss and all of them broke down at one time or another. Makes me question their overall reliability. I enjoyed commuting in mine as it got 20mpg consistently. However i pulled off into the gravel once just to chat with a buddy and the motor mount broke. Lots of torque in the 4L. But the fact is you have to lift them way too high to fit a 33 and they don't look comfortable to me with that much lift. Especially on Pritchett. I think if Pritchett is your lit test then you need something better than a dana 30 front and unibody.
My pals have always owned yotas and they were completely happy. The one with the SAS already done is the one i'd look at. A full frame that makes future mods easy, along with a doubler tcase that is easy to do would help (my) decision at least if it were mine to make.

 

[iamsparticus]

Man i would totally get the 4runner. It looks like it has had a lot less problems and you will be able to modifie it a lot easier, plus it has stronger axles, locked front and rear, with 35's. All you need is low gears in the transfer case and you will conquer moab. Just my opinion

 

[Bart]

The Runner is definitely more built. You've got to wonder how street legal and road worthy it is.

 

[mbryson]

..... But the fact is you have to lift them way too high to fit a 33 and they don't look comfortable to me with that much lift. Especially on Pritchett. I think if Pritchett is your lit test then you need something better than a dana 30 front and unibody.
....

????????

Seems like most Toyotas are lifted WAY higher than you'd have to lift a Jeep. I ran 35" tires on a 5.5"-6" lift. I liked that quite a bit. Low enough center of gravity to keep you comfortable, but good ground clearance with the D30 and D44.

 

[OrvisKrawler]

good luck with inspection if you get the 4 runner, it looks to me like it needs quite a bit of work, and why is part of the drive shaft hanging off the yoke?
the cherokoee is ready to go, you could probably register that one tomorrow if you bought it and drive it, so my vote is for the cherokee

 

[I Lean]

That 4runner throws up red flags for me...for one thing, he wants to trade for a Cherokee. For another thing, he mentions a 12 bolt front axle, which doesn't exist unless it's a custom deal--so it's probably a 10 bolt. (nothing horribly wrong with that, it's essentially the strength of a D44...but if he doesn't know what it is.....)

Honestly, out of the two of those, I'd keep looking. Both are too tall, the 4runner is suspect, and the XJ is a pre-1991 so it has the crappier cooling system and a bit less power.

 

[Gravy]

I agree with Carl on those two choices.

My decision is based upon how fast either vehicle (with 35's) will drive up Parley's Canyon.

Good luck hitting the speed limit with a 22re or 3.slow.

I just depends on how much you want to modify, both the XJ and 4runner have their pros and cons.

 

[DOSS]

Heck if you want to spend 4K on a XJ just buy mine its an 01 PM me HEHE

in reality if it is between the 2 you posted.. I would just keep looking.. as everyone has said each has their pros and cons and it really depends on what you are going to do with it as to what will work best for you

 

[Marsh99]

I would go for a 85 4runner..
Pros: stock straight axle, has frame, 22re motor is amazing, Cheap and easy mods to make a awsome wheeler, but still streetable, removable top, Plus chicks dig toyotas...

 

[I Lean]

I would go for a 85 4runner..
Pros: stock straight axle, has frame, 22re motor is amazing, Cheap and easy mods to make a awsome wheeler, but still streetable, removable top, Plus chicks dig toyotas...

If you did want to go that route, I've been kicking around the idea of selling my '85 4runner. I'd like in the $4K range for it. It's built mostly like a Toyota, dual 'cases, Budbuilt crossmember, 5.29's, Detroit rear Lockright front, Longfields, hydro assist steering, traction bars F+R, tube bumpers/sliders, 35" radial Trepadors on brand-new Pro Comp alloy rims.

 

[iamsparticus]

I would second the keep looking or take I leans. As far as lifting, i have a 4 inch lift on my 4runner and i run 35's with a little trimming and it works great

 

[OrvisKrawler]

I would second the keep looking or take I leans.

What? you told him to get the 4 runner... make up your mind sparticus19

Man i would totally get the 4runner. It looks like it has had a lot less problems and you will be able to modifie it a lot easier, plus it has stronger axles, locked front and rear, with 35's. All you need is low gears in the transfer case and you will conquer moab. Just my opinion

 

[N-Smooth]

i went through this same battle 2 years ago and the xj just works better for me. that being said, that xj is overpriced for sure and the 4runner guy wants to trade for an xj

my buddy just bought a 98 xj with a 3" lift and 31's and it is cleeeaaaan for $3,500. it has the "better" chryco 8.25 in the rear too. deals like these are out there, you just have to look.

how anyone could ever say xj's are more tippy than 4runners is beyond me and that it takes more lift to run bigger tires...? that's crazy talk. i run 33x12.50's on less than 3" of lift and it's ridiculously stable. a lot of guys run 35's on 5" like mbryson said. it doesn't take crazy cutting either. also xj's have way better ground clearance because the yota's the t-case hangs down really low. obviously you can modify these things as you please and every case may be different, i am just saying in general.

i still wouldn't rule out the 4runner idea, find what is best for you. honestly you might end up going a different way completely. if you are looking at rigs like the examples you posted it could go either way for sure. i've always preferred buying stock (or close to it) and building stuff myself but that's not for everyone.

 

[Houndoc]

I'd certainly wonder why the 4runner guys is willing to trade for 'anything 4 wheel drive'. Sounds like he has some reason to want to bail on his own rig.

 

[N-Smooth]

I'd certainly wonder why the 4runner guys is willing to trade for 'anything 4 wheel drive'. Sounds like he has some reason to want to bail on his own rig.

probably because he got it done and realized it doesn't fit his needs. the tires stick out so far it can't be legal and having a big ol' crawler that's locked f/r for a mulitpurpose rig isn't ideal for everyone. it's easy to get caught up in building a rig and thinking it will be great for more than just wheeling and when you get it done you're like "what was i thinking?"

 

[turbohaulic]

Ya deff not that 4 runner. I Lean's sounds like a good one to get thou.