Life_in_4Lo
Explorer
keeping the XJ sounds like a sensible and inexpensive route. I don't know anything about it except my friend used to have one and liked it a lot (he coincidentally now has a KJ Rubicon Unlimited).
I really like the 4 dr KJ. My second choice is the older Unlimited 2 dr just w/ a longer wheelbase (TJ?). Someone here just bought one and it looks really sharp. Both look awesome when built up. The longer wheelbase adds the climbing stability of a wagon but still a tight pkg.
What is it with the Jeep crowd? I get a bad taste nearly every time we come across them... admit that this alone is a pretty big deterrent to purchase but if I were buying new, the KJ Unlimited would be really tempting.
SFA, super flexible body (open air, hard top, build a cage, etc) and unlimited aftermarket.
TJ unlimited would maybe be #1 as the lower price (used) would allow more money for mods.
FJC is great, I have to take issue and say the frame is stout and haven't heard of problems here.
The body mount/tire clearance is a simple welding modification that allows larger tires to clear- and not really an issue unless you are going really big.
the body tears seem to have been limited to certain year but inconclusive and from all I've read, Toyota is taking care of afflicted owners.
Drivetrain/suspension is a wash to me as I've heard just as many things break, if not more, on Jeeps.
I really like the 4 dr KJ. My second choice is the older Unlimited 2 dr just w/ a longer wheelbase (TJ?). Someone here just bought one and it looks really sharp. Both look awesome when built up. The longer wheelbase adds the climbing stability of a wagon but still a tight pkg.
What is it with the Jeep crowd? I get a bad taste nearly every time we come across them... admit that this alone is a pretty big deterrent to purchase but if I were buying new, the KJ Unlimited would be really tempting.
SFA, super flexible body (open air, hard top, build a cage, etc) and unlimited aftermarket.
TJ unlimited would maybe be #1 as the lower price (used) would allow more money for mods.
FJC is great, I have to take issue and say the frame is stout and haven't heard of problems here.
The body mount/tire clearance is a simple welding modification that allows larger tires to clear- and not really an issue unless you are going really big.
the body tears seem to have been limited to certain year but inconclusive and from all I've read, Toyota is taking care of afflicted owners.
Drivetrain/suspension is a wash to me as I've heard just as many things break, if not more, on Jeeps.
But it does have to do with getting your truck back again. it will cost 4-5 grand to have your xj now AND back to the US. so Instead of 6 grand for mods you are looking at 4 maybe less, if shipping continues to get more expensive. That doesn't mean you need to buy a brand new truck. That seems like a loosing propisition. Find a decent used vehicle heck even another toyota p/u throw the stuff you already fabbed onto it, use it. take the stuff back off sell it when you leave. Take the extra 4 grand you didn't spend, put it in CD's and when you are back in the states surprise the better half with money for the down payment. WIN WIN WIN. I still like the land rover option, but again, that is just me.