ExplorerTom
Explorer
Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't all 4x4s with a 2 speed transfer case have a center diff lock in 4lo? In my experience, in 4lo you will get power to at least one front and one rear wheel at all times.
Advice on finding the right adventure vehicle sub $5000
- Thread starter datsun72
- Start date
Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't all 4x4s with a 2 speed transfer case have a center diff lock in 4lo? In my experience, in 4lo you will get power to at least one front and one rear wheel at all times.
BEG
Adventurer
Having a center diff lock requires a center differential, which part time cases lack. True, the net effect of a part time case in 4H or 4L is the same as a locked center diff: at least one front and one rear will turn. But vehicles with center diffs have the added feature of full-time 4WD for slippery on-road conditions, where all wheels can get torque and all diffs are open.
East Coast Overland
Adventurer
I browsed through this thread and didn't see the R50 Pathfinder suggested yet.
You will likely pay no more than $3K, most likely less, and get a 4x4 with all the bells and whistles (LE) while having a reliable engine, cheap parts, 4 doors, lockable rear solid axle (aftermarket). Comes in 3.3 or 3.5 V6. People will often tell you that these things will go anywhere, even without modifying. Once you lift and add all sorts of stuff, they are pretty fun. Only real downside, not much aftermarket support. But that didn't stop me!
Sent from my Pathfinder
You will likely pay no more than $3K, most likely less, and get a 4x4 with all the bells and whistles (LE) while having a reliable engine, cheap parts, 4 doors, lockable rear solid axle (aftermarket). Comes in 3.3 or 3.5 V6. People will often tell you that these things will go anywhere, even without modifying. Once you lift and add all sorts of stuff, they are pretty fun. Only real downside, not much aftermarket support. But that didn't stop me!
Sent from my Pathfinder
XJLI
Adventurer
My $.02...
Figure out what you want the truck for. Within your budget (being that I'm also in NY and what you can get for $5k) I see two, maybe three "genre" choices:
Just a 4x4 to tow and get you out of the snow? You want a Tahoe. A small lift and good 32-33" tires with the V8 will get you out of almost any snow. Reliability is great, and replacement parts are CHEAP.
Something to tow with, and get into offroading and maybe build up: You want a Jeep. WJ/WK with the V8. Won't tow as well as a full-size but can work. Aftermarket is essentially limitless. V8 Jeeps aren't the most reliable things on the road either (not bad, but not older straight six Jeep reliable), and most are getting up in mileage at this price point.
$5k will get you into a 3rd gen 4Runner with mileage in the mid-high 100s. Better deals show up every now and then.
You're over-thinking the open diff thing, and (honestly) don't seem to have the best grasp of what actually goes on in 4x4 systems.
read this: http://oppositelock.kinja.com/a-4-wd-what-is-awd-4wd-and-how-does-it-work-1650386909
WilliamKElliott
Confused
BEG
Adventurer
Yup, the NP242 is a full time 4wd case. Most jeep guys seem to get rid of their 242 for a 231 or similar part time case which is a downgrade for overland, IMO.
Late year grand wagoneer hits everything except rear locker. They could be had with a trac-lok (limited slip) rear from the factory, but not a locker. However, given they had dana 44's front and rear, there is every manner of limited slip or selectable locker available you can think of. Tow rating is 5000lbs with 750lbs tongue weight and can seat up to 9 in a pinch if you buy a rear facing seat for the cargo area. If well maintained, mechanically they are pretty much bullet proof due to the simplicity and heavy duty components (727 trans, np229 transfer case and d44's front and rear). The np229 is an awd case designed so it can be run full time, but is locked in 4 low.
Electronics can be an issue but it's usually ground/connection (read: moisture) or PO related (see below), not inherent issues in the electronics.
I was in a similar quandary and that's what I landed on. I do have a lot experience with Jeeps and have learned one very important thing regarding reliability and buying one - if you buy one that has been modified, you will have reliability issues. Luckily the GW's are usually ruined far less often than their CJ and wrangler cousins, but beware. I also have a YJ wrangler that is bone stock (you know how hard that is to find now?) except for the exhaust and a warn winch that I installed. In the year+ I've had it, guess what the only thing that went wrong on it was? You guessed it, the aftermarket exhaust...Specifically the exhaust was not aligned properly with the mounts and it put enough stress on it that it cracked the muffler case. If you buy anything modified, be prepared to live with the PO's sins and a less than reliable vehicle.
Electronics can be an issue but it's usually ground/connection (read: moisture) or PO related (see below), not inherent issues in the electronics.
I was in a similar quandary and that's what I landed on. I do have a lot experience with Jeeps and have learned one very important thing regarding reliability and buying one - if you buy one that has been modified, you will have reliability issues. Luckily the GW's are usually ruined far less often than their CJ and wrangler cousins, but beware. I also have a YJ wrangler that is bone stock (you know how hard that is to find now?) except for the exhaust and a warn winch that I installed. In the year+ I've had it, guess what the only thing that went wrong on it was? You guessed it, the aftermarket exhaust...Specifically the exhaust was not aligned properly with the mounts and it put enough stress on it that it cracked the muffler case. If you buy anything modified, be prepared to live with the PO's sins and a less than reliable vehicle.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
Oh, and my 01 trooper meets all those needs if you consider a G80 limited slip a locker. (I know, I know, it's not, but it's honestly very effective and transparent on the street)
-Plus it has A/C, leather, heated seats, folding side mirrors, 60/40 rear seat, low range, and lots of ARB aftermarket support.
I'm happy. Just beat the snot out of it this weekend in the desert and it never flinched.Ducky's Dad
Explorer
"G80" is a GM options code that indicates either an auto locker or a limited slip, depending on the vehicle. My GM truck has the G80 locker and my GM SUV has the G80 limited slip, but both have the G80 code on the build sheet in the glove box. Clearly the same code on both but not the same diff. Did Isuzu actually use GM differentials?
AdventureHare
Outfitting for Adv
Actually, "G80" is the Eaton designation, and it has appeared in GM, Volvo, Kia, Isuzu, Dana, etc. axles.
Ducky's Dad
Explorer
Probably true, but GM uses that designation as an option code on their vehicles, and some of their G80s are apparently Eaton lockers, while others of their G80s are just clutch-pack limited slip units. Is Eaton making the LSDs for GM or just the lockers?
BigSwede
The Credible Hulk
A Honda Passport is a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. An Acura SLX is a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. Neither had factory lockers available, but many had a rear LSD. Look for a G80 code on the firewall option plate.