MaverickTRD
Adventurer
Good evening Gents,
I've been a member of the board for a short time now, never post...But I am CONSTANTLY on here reading build threads, trip reports, comparisons etc. trying to grasp new knowledge of this lifestyle and hobby for some.
I currently live in Idaho, active duty Air Force and am looking to pick up a kind of do it all vehicle. I already have a daily driver, so this will be more of a weekend ride.
The main goals I am trying to obtain with it are to be; extended camping trips, midrange expeditions (I'd like to go through Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah wihtout using much pavement...likely separate trips, one being the oregon/washington/idaho and the other being Montana/Wyoming/Utah.), some possible local trails, nothing too extreme, a Moab trip would be awesome! I have 4 people in the family, wife and 2 toddlers. So retaining the back seat is going to be a must.
Vehicle would also double as a BOV in the event it was warranted.
Here's what I've gathered so far. Both are fairly reliable and straight forward to work on, minimal electronics. Both fit 33s with ease, both have leafs and SFA, the FJ has 2 more doors, but the GM being a fullsize may still have adequate cargo room. I like that the GM is a diesel (i've heard the debates before on the 6.2 reliability) If I got the GM i would do a manual tranny swap, and if I got an FJ i'd likely want to plan to do a diesel swap in the distant future.
I need something that isn't going to break down constantly, i don't mind maintenence but I don't want to be stranded. I need it to be somewhat comfortable so the family doesn't hate it, and if it does break I need to be able to find parts without selling a kidney. I know that Chevy parts can be found anywhere, I'm hoping I can have as much luck with a LC.
Both have their rust problems, I'm from Arizona and have family down there so I'm going to begin my search down in the SW to hopefully avoid the rust as much as possible. I'm hoping to stay under 3500 as an initial purchase price. I understand I will need to put money into whatever I get to obtain the goal I desire.
No matter what it will be fitted with a RTT, rear cargo drawers, XL gas tank, jerry cans in rear, a swing out tire carrier, hi lift, and other odds and ends required for traditional camping trips as well as some tools.
Sorry my initial post is so drawn out, I tried to research to my best. I saw a similar thread that was a few years old with debating the same vehicles, but it quickly went from a comparo to a debate on the 6.2's longevity. I love the site and has provided a ton of info for me. I'm on here, I8hmud, and jeepforum pretty regularly. I previously was set on a WJ but am thinking something from the mid 80s would be a better fit for me right now...I might consider an XJ but not sure if it would be too small inside?
Thanks
I've been a member of the board for a short time now, never post...But I am CONSTANTLY on here reading build threads, trip reports, comparisons etc. trying to grasp new knowledge of this lifestyle and hobby for some.
I currently live in Idaho, active duty Air Force and am looking to pick up a kind of do it all vehicle. I already have a daily driver, so this will be more of a weekend ride.
The main goals I am trying to obtain with it are to be; extended camping trips, midrange expeditions (I'd like to go through Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah wihtout using much pavement...likely separate trips, one being the oregon/washington/idaho and the other being Montana/Wyoming/Utah.), some possible local trails, nothing too extreme, a Moab trip would be awesome! I have 4 people in the family, wife and 2 toddlers. So retaining the back seat is going to be a must.
Vehicle would also double as a BOV in the event it was warranted.
Here's what I've gathered so far. Both are fairly reliable and straight forward to work on, minimal electronics. Both fit 33s with ease, both have leafs and SFA, the FJ has 2 more doors, but the GM being a fullsize may still have adequate cargo room. I like that the GM is a diesel (i've heard the debates before on the 6.2 reliability) If I got the GM i would do a manual tranny swap, and if I got an FJ i'd likely want to plan to do a diesel swap in the distant future.
I need something that isn't going to break down constantly, i don't mind maintenence but I don't want to be stranded. I need it to be somewhat comfortable so the family doesn't hate it, and if it does break I need to be able to find parts without selling a kidney. I know that Chevy parts can be found anywhere, I'm hoping I can have as much luck with a LC.
Both have their rust problems, I'm from Arizona and have family down there so I'm going to begin my search down in the SW to hopefully avoid the rust as much as possible. I'm hoping to stay under 3500 as an initial purchase price. I understand I will need to put money into whatever I get to obtain the goal I desire.
No matter what it will be fitted with a RTT, rear cargo drawers, XL gas tank, jerry cans in rear, a swing out tire carrier, hi lift, and other odds and ends required for traditional camping trips as well as some tools.
Sorry my initial post is so drawn out, I tried to research to my best. I saw a similar thread that was a few years old with debating the same vehicles, but it quickly went from a comparo to a debate on the 6.2's longevity. I love the site and has provided a ton of info for me. I'm on here, I8hmud, and jeepforum pretty regularly. I previously was set on a WJ but am thinking something from the mid 80s would be a better fit for me right now...I might consider an XJ but not sure if it would be too small inside?
Thanks
Last edited:
