BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
Excellent writeup...thanks for all the work posting pics...what beautiful surroundings!
Question on expo and full size
- Thread starter WickedZJ
- Start date
Excellent writeup...thanks for all the work posting pics...what beautiful surroundings!
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
Not quite a full-size, but what about an FJ80? Its bigger than your XJ, toyota quality, great factory option packages, affordable, etc.
They also have the 3rd row seating option for when you want to take more people.
I'm not a huge fan of the typical expedition built fj80s. I think something simple and as light as practical would be the way to go. I wouldn't hesitate to press the 80 into some pretty difficult wheeling with just a 2-3" lift and some 315s.
They also have the 3rd row seating option for when you want to take more people.
I'm not a huge fan of the typical expedition built fj80s. I think something simple and as light as practical would be the way to go. I wouldn't hesitate to press the 80 into some pretty difficult wheeling with just a 2-3" lift and some 315s.
I have thought about the FJ80 but need that third row pretty much all the time. I think that I have decided to go with a burb at this point. It gives me a good solid platform that I can make a good expo rig with and get some good entertainment setup on the inside for the kids.
Now the next question is whats the best year to look for? I would prefer fuel injected but really want to get the best most reliable engine I can. The best mileage I can too LOL I know mileage and burbs don't go together. The only downfall is no diesel. The wife is actually allergic to something in diesel smoke so I can't have one.
Now the next question is whats the best year to look for? I would prefer fuel injected but really want to get the best most reliable engine I can. The best mileage I can too LOL I know mileage and burbs don't go together. The only downfall is no diesel. The wife is actually allergic to something in diesel smoke so I can't have one.
roostercruiser
Adventurer
ill throw pics of my burb tommaro when i get home and get on my computer. its nice in my opinion .
RocKrawler
Supporting Sponsor
The only downfall is no diesel. The wife is actually allergic to something in diesel smoke so I can't have one.
Time for a new wife... or run WVO in it, is she allergic to the smell of french fries?
RocKrawler
Supporting Sponsor
I have 2 places willing to give me all of theirs because they currently have to pay a company to pick it up whereas I'll take it for free, but renting now I cant keep the tanks and setup at my house. I have a buddy that does the setup at home, ends up just under $1 a gallon from the added chemicals to make it.
TreeTopFlyer
Adventurer
LOL
Is she allergic to the new ULSD? I can hardly smell the exhaust burning the new stuff. I would try and find something fuel injected. Usually I am all for simplicity, but altitude and carbs don't mix unless you know to rejet. I ran into the problem up in Colorado this past week with the CJ. I knew we should re-jet but rolled the dice. We made it but barely. The first two days of the trip were wet. Air was dense, we made it. But after that the days were hot and dry, the engine was stalling out at 12,100ft.
You could always get an older boxy burb and put one of the FI kits on it.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
I'm biased. '91 is the very last year of the live front axle. They got a TBI 350 and the 1/2t's got the 700R4 OD trans. If I used mine more than I do I'd be keeping it. Unfortunately it sits for longer than is good for it. Shameless plug for my 8 lug converted 1/2t:Now the next question is whats the best year to look for? I would prefer fuel injected but really want to get the best most reliable engine I can. The best mileage I can too LOL I know mileage and burbs don't go together. The only downfall is no diesel. The wife is actually allergic to something in diesel smoke so I can't have one.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15439
ShortBusGeek
Adventurer
I'm kind of partial to the Excursion, though we just purchased ours yesterday. I was looking for another vehicle to run B100 biodiesel in, and didn't see too many other diesel SUVs out there, if any. We have a 500 gallon tank at the house and the local biodiesel distributor delivers it 300 to 500 gallons at a time as we need it. I never go to a filling station anymore... I just pull around to the back of the house. (Granted, this probably isn't an ideal setup if you're in a small neighborhood on 1/2 an acre or less.)
We don't even have any kids yet, but for an extra vehicle around the organic farm and hauling stuff various places, and still be something comfortable to go camping / trail riding in, it looked to be the best choice for us. Everyone has their own requirements when looking for a vehicle, so to each their own. We'd certainly recommend an Excursion though if you can work around the diesel allergies.
We don't even have any kids yet, but for an extra vehicle around the organic farm and hauling stuff various places, and still be something comfortable to go camping / trail riding in, it looked to be the best choice for us. Everyone has their own requirements when looking for a vehicle, so to each their own. We'd certainly recommend an Excursion though if you can work around the diesel allergies.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I have to dissagree a bit. I'd recommend NOT getting the 350tbi and NOT getting the 700r4. I had both crap out on me twice. I've actually got a buddy who has an 89 blazer which as we speak will not get out of 1st, which was the same problem I had. I don't know if 700r4's have "valve/fluid gallery" etc issues or not. I know you can build them up, but I like beef from the get-go.
I'd say if there was a config. of the '91 3/4 ton, with the live axle mentioned above, with a 454 V8, and the Th400, thats what I'd go for...
I've even heard you can find SM465 manual tranny's up to 91 in 3/4 ton and 1ton. 454BB/sm465 would be a good combo, IMO.
RocKrawler
Supporting Sponsor
While I'd agree the 3/4t is a better starting point, the 350 is as bulletproof power plant as any out there in a gas offering- I firmly believe you somehow got a lemon, there are far too many people who have had good experiences with the small block Chevy to not consider it a good choice. While the 700R4 is adequate for daily transportation, its a relatively cheap and easy build to a world class tranny behind a 350. I'd be way more inclined to discourage anyone from a 6.2 or 6.5L GM diesel personally.
redthies
Renaissance Redneck
BINGO!!!! My 89 was great. 350 tbi with 700R4. Ambulance doors are better than the tailgate too...