Which Jeep...or dodge

[Rosco862003]

Hey all I've been a lurker for some time now and have high hopes for making a doit-all vehicle capable of delivering 20mpg while cruising at 80mph, and a vehicle capable of driving on dirt roads for several days at a time. My question is what would you the reader choose and why. Im between a CRD liberty due to my love for diesels and economy. I do not know too much about the libby's however and hear you can't lift them much over 2.5" which impedes on my 33" tire requirement (Anyone with a CRD libby feel free to add $.02). My other choice is a 97-99 Cherokee with the 4.0/AW4/combo. I have had an 88 cherokee before with those specs and absolutely loved it. I know that they will last forever if taken care of properly, and maybe even throw on some rubicon axles f/r. My last choice is a pre 98.5 Ram 2500 Diesel with the NV4500. I love these trucks for their simplicity, bulletproof drivetrain, and ability to deliver up to 20mpg. Hell I wouldn't even have to put a lift on for 33's. To expand upon and help further you guys help me choose a vehicle, my plans for said truck are as follows:

-Will be on pavement about 80%
-Most off road travel will include exploring backcountry, driving on old mine roads and crosscountry expo, whereas a small portion of it will include driving it like a stole it..still like a challenge every now and then.
-Be able to hold camping, recovery gear, hold four passengers, on board air, and I plan on storing the winch inside as will have a hitch point front and rear so I can mount the winch depending on where I need it most.
-Biggest requirement is RELIABILITY!
I know its a small list but those are basics and hope to hear som good advice thanks for lookin!

 

[winkosmosis]

The XJs with the manual trans seem to get much better gas mileage based on what I've read on forums... like mid 20s instead of high teens. I have no scientific data to back that up though.

 

[Rosco862003]

Also is it worth the still over $10000+ asking price for a used one with over 100k miles for the Ram in anyones opinion?

 

[99wj]

having 33's on your rig will definitly impede your goal of 20+ mpg...

 

[logos]

I know the owner of a hot shot freight company that uses the Ram Cummins 3500 to tow 18,000 Lb. loads regularly. They put 300,000 + miles on them before overhaul.

 

[Spur]

Also is it worth the still over $10000+ asking price for a used one with over 100k miles for the Ram in anyones opinion?

10k + ??

I routinely see 2nd gen Dodges in good shape selling for 5-8k. Maybe it's because I'm in Texas and they are plentiful down here. Where are you located?

 

[HarryT]

All terrain tires instead of mud tires will get you a couple of more miles per gallon. Don't store anything on the roof and don't drive 80 MPH.
Saving fuel and saving money are two different things. Just because a diesel gets better mileage doesn't mean you are saving money over a gasoline powered vehicle.

 

[JChatary]

don't drive 80 MPH.

^ This.

 

[Root Moose]

The XJs with the manual trans seem to get much better gas mileage based on what I've read on forums... like mid 20s instead of high teens. I have no scientific data to back that up though.

I must be an anomaly then. When stock I regularly saw ~20-22 mpg (US gal.).

Don't drive 80 MPH.

^ This.

^ Yep

 

[winkosmosis]

I must be an anomaly then. When stock I regularly saw ~20-22 mpg (US gal.).

25 highway I mean. Did you get 20-22 mixed? I get 16 or 17 mixed with my AW4 and 31" all terrains.

 

[Rosco862003]

I live in Charlotte,NC and If i do see any Ram CTD for 5-8 they have over 200k miles and I'm not too sure if I want a vehicle with that many miles. Also good point about driving 80mph lol, just gotta heavy right foot!:smiley_drive:

 

[Root Moose]

25 highway I mean. Did you get 20-22 mixed? I get 16 or 17 mixed with my AW4 and 31" all terrains.

My commute was ~85% highway on secondary roads and very little stop and go for the remaining 15% in the city.

 

[frumpy]

Coming from someone who owns a liberty, don't get one. I like mine but it is a dd/pavement pounder only. 2.5" is pretty much the max lift and it is expensive and you are limited to 31s max (with a little trimming) and they will definatly not be able to driven like they are stolen. I have seen one liberty on 33s, it also had a solid axle and coil overs giving it 8" of lift.

As for the Ram vs XJ they are quite different vehicles. Personally I would go with the XJ, shorter wheelbase, seats 4 people decently, decent room in the back, tons of aftermarket support, etc.

 

[Rosco862003]

Thanks for everyones input, It will be a slow build and probably won't start until next year sometime...bootcamp has a way of delaying plans!

 

[maximumrob]

Have you thought about a V6 half-ton? Given that you'd be doing 20% off-road (that's a LOT), you'd be low speed where the loss of torque and HP over a V8 won't be noticed. Plus, a V6 sips less fuel when idling than a big V8.