which way do i go?

[4Xthelord]

Well, after spending most of the day scouring the website i feel comfortable in asking the first head-scratching question of the year. Before i ask though i must admit my vehicle background has been fullsize rigs - 2 Blazers, 2 Jimmys and four P/U. i subscribe to just about every mag (4X4 that is) out there and have stayed up with the equipment advances. A lot of good stuff out there!

With you guys (gals) knowing the majority of trails around here, is the money on my next project better spend on something sleek and smaller or full size and brutal?

i expect this to open some interesting points and counter points.
i am not a LOTTO winner so cost is definitely a factor ...

[Dino1967]

most of the time smaller is better for the trails but can be done in a full size
are you going to have any passengers or haul alot of equipment on the trails
lots of different factor to take in
everybody has there own preferances as to what they want
how about sleek, small, and brutal
i have done research for years now and change my mind all the time as to what i want to do to my rig i think i have my mind made up now
go to project and check out different rigs to see what would suit your needs
some rigs it cost more to build than others

[TiredIronGRB]

You'll get a million opinions and it will mostly be that the fullsize guys will say fullsize and the smaller rig guys will say smaller rig. I think it depends on what you want to do (i.e. moderate trail riding, mudding or rock crawling.

If you don't wannt to spend a lot of money an XJ makes a nice rig and is a good size.

[Hokie_YJ]

In your intro post you mentioned taking your kids with you, if that's the case I 'd go for a XJ or a 4-Runner. There's good aftermarket support for both of them, and they can be had relatively cheap.

[4Xthelord]

i am thinking the XJ would be a good fit. i can find one fairly cost effective, aftermarket parts are widely available and it would make a suitible family-safari mobile...

[Hokie_YJ]

http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34205
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34871
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34891
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35089
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34930
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34745

Just a few ideas of what's out there.

[AMSting]

I originally was going to use my full size 1980 Cherokee Chief as my offroad vehicle, but after riding Stoney, I decided that for me, smaller was better. I use a CJ7 that has Wagoneer axles under it. The shorter wheelbase makes turning a little easier, and the width of the FSJ axles makes it stable, even with 5-6 inches of lift. Of course, I only have two seats, and I am usually fully loaded for a ride.

But let me emphasize, this is for me. As much as I like driving my FSJ on the road, I feel more comfortable with the CJ off road.

As for what works on the trails around here, my somewhat limited knowledge says that if you want to go somewhere, you will find a way through, over, or around. If not, you'll fix what broke and figure it out the next time. :twisted:

[Derrickalda]

theres a 96 land rover discovery with a rear detroit for sale on here for 3k

[JC]

is the money on my next project better spend on something sleek and smaller or full size and brutal?

IMO, sleek and smaller with LOW gearing and large tires.

[Hokie_YJ]

theres a 96 land rover discovery with a rear detroit for sale on here for 3k

I believe greenrover bought that one.

[Hokie_YJ]

IMO, sleek and smaller with LOW gearing and large tires.

I'm with John on this one.

[4Xthelord]

thanx for the input. me thinx an little stock XJ will make the killer platform. :roll:

[Marty G]

the needle in a hay stack vehicle would be a 85 4 runner with fuel injection get the strength of the toyota live axels with a fuel injected engine just bring the rear leaf springs up frunt and put 63 in chevys in the rear look at the frame good on these though some are rotted out some are perfect

only thing to an xj is thea have no frame there unibodys but i have seen some amasing things out of them and thea hold up well

[Gordon]

XJ's :wink:

[Jeep07]

kia sportage. :grin: :lol:

[Adurbin]

kia sportage. :grin: :lol:

I dont care who ya are, thats funny right there.

[Marty G]

and lord he apoligises for saying kia on a real 4wd forum and be with the dead jeeps down there in the junk yard

sorry could not resist

[Adurbin]

and lord he apoligises for saying kia on a real 4wd forum and be with the dead jeeps down there in the junk yard

sorry could not resist

ROFL!!!!

[Alex_J's_TJ]

My jeep in the For Sale Forum!! 8)

[NC_James]

1985 Toyota 4runner... strong start. good motor. solid axle.... very easy too build... and easy too find with parts. also has back seat... and if you want the removable hardtop

[BillM]

I loved that one Derrick had with the can-back top. R.I.P.

[4Xthelord]

hmmm, kia body, portals, alcohol fueled - sounds like a recipe for disasterous fun!!!!!!!! i could always put a mercedes logo on it...

[1-tonmudder]

I'm personally partial to a fullsize.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/1-tonmudder/Harlan%20Oct%2007/DSCN3317.jpg

That's mostly due to the fact that there's three of us and I carry alot of junk when I go. A SA fourrunner or XJ are/would be good candidate's.If it was just me going I'd have a cab truck or some sort of buggy.

[NC_James]

I loved that one Derrick had with the can-back top. R.I.P.

I bought it back. Just don't know what too do with it.

[Bluegill]

I loved that one Derrick had with the can-back top. R.I.P.

I bought it back. Just don't know what too do with it.

Straighten the frame & build a buggy out of it. :idea:

[NC_James]

I loved that one Derrick had with the can-back top. R.I.P.

I bought it back. Just don't know what too do with it.

Straighten the frame & build a buggy out of it. :idea:

Thought about it. I will have too build the whole front though the guy cut the frame where it was bent and rigged it up with some kind of tubing. But the motor is still good. And it also needs a sfa in the front cause the guy had one in it. But took it out when I grabbed it.

[SurferSami]

A 4 dr rubicon would be a good place to start, but I'm partial to my samurai. There just isn't any room for stuff bigger than my Hong Kong Fuey lunchbox behind the seat. :grin:

[4Xthelord]

that is why i hook up w/the drive thru :bounce:

[BroncoMike]

You seen what was sitting in my driveway. :grin: I love the FSB but the trails I have been on around here are a little tight for it. I have thought about selling and finding a cherokee but just can't do cause I really like my bronco. I just try to be careful and stay away from body damage if I can. It's scuffed up good and I can deal with that, just not krinkling the doors and fenders!!

[SamuraiGuyTN]

Im gonna say 4 runner. roughly the same size as the XJ but has a frame, better engine and you wouldn't have to replace the axles when you lift. Plus alot more are on the trail with those axles then whats under a stock XJ so if you busted an axle chances are you could bum a spare. Just my .02

[TNjeeper97]

XJ axles don't have to be replaced when lifted moderately with 33's. Go bigger tires than that and then axle swapping becomes more of an issue.

[NC_James]

XJ axles don't have to be replaced when lifted moderately with 33's. Go bigger tires than that and then axle swapping becomes more of an issue.

Still, i would not lock a d35. Buddy just tore his up... he was running 32's

[SamuraiGuyTN]

I agree. Look at Gordon's jeep. But as alot of us know. It never really stops with 33's. may as well save some money in the long run.

[4Xthelord]

checked on the SC XJ, they THINK is is a 6cyl. They THINK it will run, but what do you expect for $500, a working vehicle?

[sams_pf]

OK, where's all the NISSAN guys around here?? or are Nissans just for girls??? I'm kidding!!! I personally LOVE my pathfinder. I know I sure can't complain about it. (The people in front of me might some, when they have to give me a tug) :roll: She's got a little growing left to do, but she'll get there eventually. Sorry guys, had to throw the N word in there. 8)

[TNjeeper97]

I'm not trying to start anything here, but just remember that not all Cherokees came with a D35. Some came with the Chrysler 8.25. I'm not saying that is a super strong axle either, but it's not a D35.

[4Xthelord]

not start anything? why do think i asked for all this wealth of knowledge to come pouring in???? :lol:

[Jeep07]

OK, where's all the NISSAN guys around here?? or are Nissans just for girls??? I'm kidding!!! I personally LOVE my pathfinder. I know I sure can't complain about it. (The people in front of me might some, when they have to give me a tug) :roll: She's got a little growing left to do, but she'll get there eventually. Sorry guys, had to throw the N word in there. 8)

Nissan's do really well off road they just aren't the cheapest to upgrade and most of the big stuff has to be custom built.

Toyota's are budget wheelers and jeep stuff is usually more expensive.

If your not planning on rock crawling and are into trail riding then just get a 4x4 with some good tires and go (not saying you can't play in the rocks but just don't expect to scale boulders).

I think tires are the most deciding factor in a rig.. Good smaller tires are better than big bald tires that don't fit your rig (IMO). Also put a winch on it so you can get out of a stuck.

[Bluegill]

....but what do you expect for $500, a working vehicle?

You can get a RUNNING full size Jeep for that - or less $$$. :wink: Problem is they're usually rusty and need a good bit of tinkering. I love my FSJ, but it's just not a good "starter" rig. Driver skill becomes a bigger factor when wheeling a full size rig. As Mike said, most trails around here are tight for the big bodies, and trail rash is inevitable. But when you don't have much $$$ in the rig's body or paint - and you don't mind dents & scrapes, then.... :twisted: Whenever I beat the FSJ body to pieces, it's coming off & will be replaced with tubing. :wink:

IMO, 2 great candidates for (family-friendly) starter rigs are XJ's and first generation 4Runners. Later model XJ's are more expensive to buy, but they came with the Chrysler 8.25 rear axle. Early model XJ's are inexpensive but came with the Dana "turdy five" axle. A 4Runner's axle will hold up to wheeling 35" tires with lockers, but the IFS will limit off road capability somewhat (except for Vince :lol: ).

[Gordon]

..............(except for Vince :lol: ).

I heard that! :twisted:

[4Xthelord]

i would love to do me up a FSAnything. i grew up driving blazers and PU's. i am getting good info....

[1-tonmudder]

i would love to do me up a FSAnything. i grew up driving blazers and PU's. i am getting good info....
There's room on here for another one.A Blazer or pickup is about the easiest/cheapest to build,but the FSJ"s are usually cheaper to acquire.Just make sure the frame is good.

[4Xthelord]

well, i guess i should take height into consideration when i put the door in my garage, huh? hey 1-tonmudder you near stone dam? i am over there alot.

[1-tonmudder]

I'm about a 1/4 mile out of the city limit's on the Old Knoxville Hwy.

[4Xthelord]

down by the big Church of God?

[1-tonmudder]

I think your talking about the Newport Hwy.Im just off of 11-E like your going downtown.Im close to Don Smith's produce-if that means anything.

[Bluegill]

i would love to do me up a FSAnything. i grew up driving blazers and PU's. i am getting good info....

We have 2 members that picked up their FSJ's - in running condition - for less than $300. :shock: My brother-in-law just bought a non-running '81 Cherokee for $500 - but his frame & body are in 10 times better shape than mine is. ](*,) Now, understand that if you get one that cheap it will more than likely need work before being driven much. FSJ's are cheap & easy to lift (spring over in front and shackle flip in the rear - nets 7", kit costs under $300 minus shocks) and since that is using stock springs, the ride quality is awesome. Flex? Ask anyone who saw Thumpszilla's J-10 in the big rut at Bumpus or my Cherokee on the RTI ramp at George's. :smokin: They won't disappoint, trust me. And the stock axles can handle 35"-36" tires with lockers. 8)

Oh, here's a flex shot of Thump's ugly J-10 at the Bumpus rut (36" Iroks and stock springs):

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/thumpszilla/WHEELIN%20PICS/9-17-06%20Bumpus/z09-17-06Bumpus070.jpg

Here it is nose to nose with my FSJ (before I bought it):

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/thumpszilla/TRUCK%20BUILD%20UP/Group%20Pics/100_0884.jpg

[BroncoMike]

I've got this....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/75603/fullsize/1979-drivers-side.jpg

So you can build this.... :grin: :wink:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/589893/fullsize/4-wheelin-007.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/589894/fullsize/4-wheelin-009.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/590218/fullsize/4-wheelin-011.jpg

[4Xthelord]

the green machine, huh? well i am keeping notes. i may have to try my hand at welding...

[1-tonmudder]

Not intentionally stirring the pot,but the only problem I see with Ford's is interchangability.This trans will only work with that engine,is it a 351W,351C,or 351M/400.Not to mention changing out a front 44 for a 60.Other brands seem to be easier to mix and match.

BUT I do feel a 460 in stock form is a better engine than a stock 454.