What should I do?

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

I have a 95 Tahoe. I am wanting to put a solid axle swap front and rear to make it super tough. At the same time this thing is really nice with the leather and nice interior. here is the link to some of the pics in the gallery.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/index.php?cat=10041

I already have the axles, but to get all the brackets, drive shafts tires, etc. Will cost close to $5500. I have been debating and praying and trying to figure out should I get rid of it for a early bronco or mid 80's K blazer with diesel. I used to have a old bronco but it was needing alot more than I had. I just wonder what yall think? Any ideas? Does anyone know where I might could get one of these other vehicles I am talking about or someone wanting a Tahoe. I am really scattered right now and enjoy going offroad. It is where I can get some peace. I just not able to do it while worring about messing up my Tahoe. I thank yall for your time and any advice yall can give me.

[Jeep07]

The Tahoe is nice but heavy, and it would be a good amount of work to put the axles under it. If this is your DD I would be afraid that a SAS would remove alot of your ride quality and would probably mess with your ABS etc. unless you find axles that have the sensors etc.

I guess the years you listed for the bronco correspond to the early broncos (EB's). I've seen some of these that are really nice trail rigs. I would try the EB route out of those vehicles.

However there is no denying a Jeep for its capability and simplicity so I wouldn't rull that out as an option.

What type of Axles do you have for the Tahoe? With $5500 + Axles you could probably build a good trail rig outa something.

[TiredIronGRB]

Not enough options...

The H1 is useless offroad...

Get an Toyota FJ80 with factory lockers ('93-'97) and your ready to wheel.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

My daily drier is a 98 Jetta GT. I have a brand new Dana 60 front axle with oversize disc. I have a brand new corporate 14 rear with a detriot locker 4.56 gears and 14in disc. Everyone goes the jeep route. I like them but I do not like how they are everywhere. Plus I want something a little bigger. I am 6'4" and never been fully comforatable behind the steering wheel of a jeep. I am bypassing the ABS with these larger axles with larger brakes, they should give me plenty of stop without the fear of locking up. Plus ABS offroad sucks.

[Monstero]

Plus ABS offroad stinks.
My ABS make me go,..... not stop offroad....love it....hehehehe :wink:

I like them but I do not like how they are everywhere
Would have to second that. They are good but they are too common....go with a unique build that you are happy with IMO.

[1-tonmudder]

Is your front 60 a DSD or PSD???

The Tahoe's are nice SA'd but the NP241 case won't hold up to much abuse and you are pretty much stuck with it as long as you run a DSD axle.

The H1's I think would'nt be a good choice,if for no other reason than parts availability.

The EB's are good trail vehicles,but if your 6'4 you probably wont be real comfortable in one,and unless your willing to spend big money it will be hard to find one that's not a basket case.

The blazer might be the way to go if your front 60 is PSD.The axles would bolt right in,and you would have plenty of room.You would probably want to ditch the 6.2 diesel though.Im know a guy that has one so I might be a little biased.

Something else you might want to consider is a 84-85 Toyota 4-runner.

I personally wouldnt want anything with IFS,but there are people who do quite well with it and it holds up for them(Vince).

Build a hy-brid/cab truck.I would if I could find something three people could get in.

[Rtaylor]

1-tonmudder said

The EB's are good trail vehicles,but if your 6'4 you probably wont be real comfortable in one,and unless your willing to spend big money it will be hard to find one that's not a basket case.


Early Broncos are cool and can be built to work great off-road. They will cost you a fortune to build though... They get rust everywhere.

The rear shock mounts are inverted V's that hold water and mud. After all those years the rust finally got the best of my frame at the shock mount. Also, the gas tank traps moisture against the iside of the frame rails, 'cause mine was paper thin...

If you buy an Early Bronco do your homework first, and be sure you know what to look for. I learned the hard way.

[Gubni]

The H1 is too big and slow. It can take on 5 foot of water and you can ride the mower under it, but no lockers (factory), no flex, and way too big. Trust me, I had one.

The blazer is a chevy. That rules it out. Ok - you want more? It's too big. I drive a 78 Bronco which is about the same size. I went on a trail ride today and bashed in several spots. It can be avoided, but you spend so much time worrying that you don't have as much fun.

The tahoe - well maybe. It's mid size, right? D44 or 10bolt and 14 bolt rear would be ok. If your pockets are deep go for a 60, but it's over kill for most people. If it's newish you might be afraid to hurt it.

The old Bronco is an easy choice. You can pick one up for 2k that's in drivable shape. Every mod you can imagine is available as a bolt on kit. It comes with solid axles and a small block engine.

[1-tonmudder]

The blazer is a chevy. That rules it out. Ok - you want more? It's too big.

Leave it to you to run one brand down,thats how I feel about Ford's but I was trying to stay open minded for converstaion's sake.


The tahoe - well maybe. It's mid size, right? D44 or 10bolt and 14 bolt rear would be ok

It's fullsize look at his pics.

If your pockets are deep go for a 60,

Reread his post he already has a 60

[Gubni]

Well if you already have the axles that will determine what you get PSD or DSD.

I'm just playin with ya Steve. I don't have anything against (cough, chevy, cough), but I'm not happy with my fullsize trucks in the mountain trails around here.

[Monstero]

"To each his own" my opinion is as long as YOU are happy driving it and enjoy it then thats all that matters....... :grin: :lol:

[r1ng3l78]

"To each his own" my opinion is as long as YOU are happy driving it and enjoy it then thats all that matters....... :grin: :lol:

montero driver

[Monstero]

"To each his own" my opinion is as long as YOU are happy driving it and enjoy it then thats all that matters....... :grin: :lol:

montero driver

Jeep driver.....oh thats right....you didnt drive today you rode shotgun....hehehehe :wink: ...lol.... :lol:

[Gubni]

"To each his own" my opinion is as long as YOU are happy driving it and enjoy it then thats all that matters....... :grin: :lol:

montero driver

Jeep driver.....oh thats right....you didnt drive today you rode shotgun....hehehehe :wink: ...lol.... :lol:

x2


Well the poll is obvious -- the majority say EB.

[NC_James]

Build the tahoe :wink:

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

I found what I am looking for on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Blazer-Chevrolet-Blazer-Diesel-Military-converted-to-SVO_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6154QQihZ020QQitemZ 300069990292QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I just wish I had the money for it. I just posted th picture of my Dana 60. Which now I think I will be selling.

[duke_lover_13]

sorry for the hijack... but How much would a H1 cost??

[TiredIronGRB]

I've sold them from $15K to $55K depends on the model and condition.

[SamuraiGuyTN]

This may sound weird but I have always wanted to see a toyota Rav 4 built with solid axles. That and maybe a Honda CRV. Now that would be unique. There just so weird.

[Monstero]

Nahh you want wierd get a Pontiac Aztec and SAS it front and rear and that I think would top the Rav4/CRV idea....it would be fun to do if ya had that spare parts around just to see peoples faces wrinkle up....
THey got to be bout the ugliest vehicle ever put into production imo......

[Gordon]

Nahh you want wierd get a Pontiac Aztec and SAS it front and rear and that I think would top the Rav4/CRV idea....it would be fun to do if ya had that spare parts around just to see peoples faces wrinkle up....
THey got to be bout the ugliest vehicle ever put into production imo......

X2, but ya can camp in it. :grin:

[Bluegill]

I like Thumpz idea: put a VW bus body on his J-10 frame :shock:

[SurferSami]

You forgot to look into a Scout II. If you get one with the 345 v8 they rock. They come on D44's and are great off road. The other option would be a new 4dr wrangler rubicon, They are sweet! (<- this from a Samurai owner.) I'm 6'3" and fit in my samurai pretty good. Needs 2" in the seat though. Off road and for build expense it's hard to beat the Suzuki.

[1-tonmudder]

I like a scout also,but it's hard to find one that's not rusted out bad.

[HARDBODY630]

Somebody mentioned older style Yotas. Now build those things right and they will go. didnt the older ones come SFA from the factory? and the parts for them are not to expensive either.

[Hokie_YJ]

Somebody mentioned older style Yotas. Now build those things right and they will go. didnt the older ones come SFA from the factory? and the parts for them are not to expensive either.

'85 and down were SFA.

[TiredIronGRB]

FJ80s are solid axle and the '93 to '97 had front and rear lockers as an option.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

I think my Tahoe is on its way out and a Military blazer coming in. I stil have not found anyone interested in my Tahoe, but I found my Blazer. Thanks yall for your advice. There is several Blazer out there but when I am done it will be nice but different. We just have to see if I get the blazer this weekend.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

THis is a bout the saddiest thing that could happen. THe night before going to look at the blazer I am wanting it gets sold. Now I am back where I started with me and the Tahoe.

[SamuraiGuyTN]

sorry to hear that. I had that happen to me with a parts car I wanted. I missed it by two days.

[Gubni]

Sell the Tahoe. When you have cash in hand let me know and I'll find you a military blazer.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

Do you deal in military surplus? I notice your hummer rims ad. If you do what all do you have? There is a military vehicle surplus not to far from where I live, but he seem to be a little shadyI have a brand new set from Fort Jackson SC. I was going to get the run flat tires and run it on either the Tahoe or the CUCV.

[Gubni]

Mostly I deal in tires and wheels. I try to make enough to support the hobby. I do run across deals on other stuff, but you gotta be able to act quick or they get gone. PM me when you want to get one.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

I am a bit stunned. God work in some amazing ways. I have known this my whole life, but I never put all my hopes into one thing so if it does nto come true it does not hurt much. The night that the Blazer I was wanting was sold I found a military hummer perfect. Talking to this guy now it seems I am going to be getting it way cheaper than anyone I have seen. All because he is moving and needs to get rid of it. I have always wanted one since I was in High School, and now it looks like I will have one. Once again God is amazing and he says seek him and he will give you the desires of your heart. I never thought I would have one so I just left it as a dream and was ok with the idea I would never have one especially since hummer is quiting to make them. I am just in aww ad silly as it may seem. Just wanted to let yall know.

[Want2Wheel]

cool. I am glad it worked out for you.