KeepExploring
Observer
It has been quite some time since I have posted so I figured I would actually take some time tonight and get things updated. Since I come to Expedition Portal 100 times a day for endless reasons, I figured I would do my best to help anyone out in return. I will start out by saying that my vehicle choices have definitely changed rapidly over the last couple of years. When I was first stumbled upon Expedition Portal, I was training at Goodfellow Air Force Base after military boot camp and would search this site all day on the weekends. At the time, I had a 1986 Toyota 4x4 waiting at home for me that I had done some work to previously. The planning started in my head and upon arrival back home, the tools came out. I ended up keeping this truck for another 4 months or so before I moved into something with a little more room. It was surely a great truck, never left me stranded and always performed.
After determining that I needed more space, it was now time to decide which 4x4 would be right for me. Due to the low cost of upgrades, tons of aftermarket support, and cool factor, I went with a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Again, this was a bone stock platform that was surprisingly clean and low miles. Additions included Goodyear Wrangler M/T's 31", Rubicon Express superflex 3.5" lift kit with Bilstein shocks all around, and a cb radio. Must say that I loved this Jeep and it was a very fun vehicle to drive. After 4 months or so, I was already missing the Toyota and felt like I was being pulled back. I was becoming more "expedition" minded and less "crawler" minded if you get what I mean.
Wanting to keep the same space, reliability, and more off road performance, I was looking at the well known 3rd Gen 4Runner platform. I was set on what I wanted and I knew it had to include the E locker, leather seats, Limited package. So after weeks of searching I found a 1998 Limited 4x4 in black exterior/tan interior with 176,000 miles flawless condition. The previous owner was single, never had anyone ride in the car, and only put highway commuting miles on this gem. I was happy to be back in the Toyota. The list of upgrades is long and continuously getting longer, but I feel like I am headed in the right direction.
Accomplished:
- ARB front winch bumper
- 265/75/16 BFG All Terrains
- Trail Gear rock sliders
- Rear bumper with custom swing out tire carrier
- Cargo storage sliding drawer system
- CB radio install
- Hella offroad lights
- Grill modification
- Samsung Galaxy tab for off road nav
Future:
- Roof rack
- Roof top tent
- Fridge or high quality cooler
- Dual batteries
- LED light bar
- Skid plates
- Compressor
- Onboard hot water shower
- Many more...
The Beginning
After determining that I needed more space, it was now time to decide which 4x4 would be right for me. Due to the low cost of upgrades, tons of aftermarket support, and cool factor, I went with a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Again, this was a bone stock platform that was surprisingly clean and low miles. Additions included Goodyear Wrangler M/T's 31", Rubicon Express superflex 3.5" lift kit with Bilstein shocks all around, and a cb radio. Must say that I loved this Jeep and it was a very fun vehicle to drive. After 4 months or so, I was already missing the Toyota and felt like I was being pulled back. I was becoming more "expedition" minded and less "crawler" minded if you get what I mean.
Wanting to keep the same space, reliability, and more off road performance, I was looking at the well known 3rd Gen 4Runner platform. I was set on what I wanted and I knew it had to include the E locker, leather seats, Limited package. So after weeks of searching I found a 1998 Limited 4x4 in black exterior/tan interior with 176,000 miles flawless condition. The previous owner was single, never had anyone ride in the car, and only put highway commuting miles on this gem. I was happy to be back in the Toyota. The list of upgrades is long and continuously getting longer, but I feel like I am headed in the right direction.
Accomplished:
- ARB front winch bumper
- 265/75/16 BFG All Terrains
- Trail Gear rock sliders
- Rear bumper with custom swing out tire carrier
- Cargo storage sliding drawer system
- CB radio install
- Hella offroad lights
- Grill modification
- Samsung Galaxy tab for off road nav
Future:
- Roof rack
- Roof top tent
- Fridge or high quality cooler
- Dual batteries
- LED light bar
- Skid plates
- Compressor
- Onboard hot water shower
- Many more...
The Beginning
