That's all I had found! Not awful bad, but I've never like extended cabs. The little stubby 4dr they first offered would be cool in a stripped version.
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Anybody else want a small USEABLE 4X4?
- Thread starter 6gun
- Start date
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04Ram2500Hemi
Observer
My daily driver is a 2012 Ram Power Wagon, so whenever I get in my wife’s ZR2 I feel like I’m in a “small” pickup truck. The wife’s truck is a gasser, and it’s pretty fun to drive around town (it could use an extra 100hp, but that might just be me), and I feel like I can park it almost anywhere. To me the ZR2 is the definition of a usable smaller 4x4.
85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
The ironic thing about topics like this is that there is no “right” answer. I what’s usable for one guy may not be for another.
vintageracer
To Infinity and Beyond!
1984-1989 Toyota 4runner.
Toyota reliability and build quality, 4WD and very capable, parts available the world over when needed, smaller overall size in width length and height for better trail access, removable hardtop and soft top options, affordable to purchase and build, large aftermarket for support/upgrades, many affordable engine swap alternatives available if the original Toyota 22RE I4 or 3.0 V6 is not enough power for you, solid front axle stock in 84-85 models IRS front in 86-89 models, long enough in length to sleep within along with room for your junque, vintage kool, currently appreciating in value, easy to repair on the trail IF you have the parts with you, lighter in weight for better fuel economy and less trail impact, you can register these with "antique" plates due to age, you can purchase "Agreed Value" insurance for these trucks and on and on!
WOW!
There's a lot to like about the first generation 84-89 4runners.
I guess that's why I have 2 of em!
Toyota reliability and build quality, 4WD and very capable, parts available the world over when needed, smaller overall size in width length and height for better trail access, removable hardtop and soft top options, affordable to purchase and build, large aftermarket for support/upgrades, many affordable engine swap alternatives available if the original Toyota 22RE I4 or 3.0 V6 is not enough power for you, solid front axle stock in 84-85 models IRS front in 86-89 models, long enough in length to sleep within along with room for your junque, vintage kool, currently appreciating in value, easy to repair on the trail IF you have the parts with you, lighter in weight for better fuel economy and less trail impact, you can register these with "antique" plates due to age, you can purchase "Agreed Value" insurance for these trucks and on and on!
WOW!
There's a lot to like about the first generation 84-89 4runners.
I guess that's why I have 2 of em!
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85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
You can put whatever brand you want in there, that is why I like that era. They are simple enough that it isn’t that hard to build them to be whatever you want them to be.
nickw
Adventurer
I want good dealer support network which means a common vehicle that is sold in large numbers....to me that outweighs outright reliability. I'm personally happy with the base vehicle options that exist right now, I'd just love some some more OPTIONS. I love heated seats + steering wheel, I don't need Nav, I want offroad package, I don't wanna be upsold on a bunch of other stuff I don't need. I'm a huge fan of the blind spot monitoring, but of course that means you need to spend another $2k to get it...along with a bunch of other stuff too.
The prev gen Tacoma came close, but you couldn't get some of the cold weather package stuff and the safety tech was a bit lacking. I think the current Ranger hits a good middle ground, although I really wish it came with a manual Trans. Fancy turbo engines are def not needed, but really help when it comes time to tow and get good mileage.
I friend of mine had a FJ45 he swapped a Cummins 3.3 into, I though for sure it was what I wanted, reliable, simple, bulletproof....after riding in it, there was no way in hell I could drive that thing on a regular basis.
The prev gen Tacoma came close, but you couldn't get some of the cold weather package stuff and the safety tech was a bit lacking. I think the current Ranger hits a good middle ground, although I really wish it came with a manual Trans. Fancy turbo engines are def not needed, but really help when it comes time to tow and get good mileage.
I friend of mine had a FJ45 he swapped a Cummins 3.3 into, I though for sure it was what I wanted, reliable, simple, bulletproof....after riding in it, there was no way in hell I could drive that thing on a regular basis.
85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
I used a little $50 refurb Garmin on our last trip and I am now addicted to it. So nice to have a HUD for what is going on around me when on the road and what the speed limit is which can vary a lot especially out east. If I get a newer DD truck that stupid little Garmin cost me a lot of money because it will be hard to pass up a factory setup. Never been around one but I think the newer factory ones can run nav apps off your phone that would be more offroad friendly than a straight up "street" GPS.
For example instead of constantly asking wifey "how long until we get to Indiana" I just plug in a town near the border and observe:
As far as old vs new... it is something that is hard to explain and even harder to sell someone on.
I have had my Ranger for 19 years, to me it feels like home and I like it more than I like most people let alone anything else with wheels.
For example instead of constantly asking wifey "how long until we get to Indiana" I just plug in a town near the border and observe:
As far as old vs new... it is something that is hard to explain and even harder to sell someone on.
I have had my Ranger for 19 years, to me it feels like home and I like it more than I like most people let alone anything else with wheels.
shade
Well-known member
I had to check the date on your post.I used a little $50 refurb Garmin on our last trip and I am now addicted to it. So nice to have a HUD for what is going on around me when on the road and what the speed limit is which can vary a lot especially out east. If I get a newer DD truck that stupid little Garmin cost me a lot of money because it will be hard to pass up a factory setup. Never been around one but I think the newer factory ones can run nav apps off your phone that would be more offroad friendly than a straight up "street" GPS.
For example instead of constantly asking wifey "how long until we get to Indiana" I just plug in a town near the border and observe:
As far as old vs new... it is something that is hard to explain and even harder to sell someone on.
I have had my Ranger for 19 years, to me it feels like home and I like it more than I like most people let alone anything else with wheels.
If you end up shopping, my advice with regard to navigation is to avoid any in-dash option unless it employs a phone mirroring scheme, like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. From what I've seen, the limitations of anything else make them not worth the trouble or expense.
85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
I had to check the date on your post.
If you end up shopping, my advice with regard to navigation is to avoid any in-dash option unless it employs a phone mirroring scheme, like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. From what I've seen, the limitations of anything else make them not worth the trouble or expense.
Yeah, that was from my Ohio trip last fall...
I know the new Ranger does it and right now that is my top contender for a new truck. Its runner up, the F-150 would be similar.
shade
Well-known member
I meant that it was from this decade. Good standalone road GPS units have been around for awhile. I still prefer mine to a modern in-dash unit, even with Android Auto.
The new Ranger is interesting. If I was shopping, I'd definitely take a hard look at it.
When I lived in SoCal, we tried to buy one. The guy at the dealership laughed at us. We bought a Colorado instead. They had to ship it in from New Mexico as it was the closest one. Those kinds of trucks are not even stocked on the west coast. Still super happy with the Colorado.
85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
Yup, this year even:
The Little Green Truck's Big Adventure
A little over year ago another forum I frequent announced they were going to celebrate their 20th anniversary in Eastern Ohio. I had some big plans in store for my truck but the wheels got to turning how cool it would be to take it out there. I live in western Iowa so it is a pretty good haul...
www.expeditionportal.com
nickw
Adventurer
You could certainly order one here in Oregon at the time....none on the lots of course, since everybody wanted the fancy ones.
nickw
Adventurer
My last two cars I got without Nav for this reason...I just got a widow mount for my phone. When I ordered my last Audi the dealer was so confused...they make em without nav for a reason...give me one!
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
I had to check the date on your post.
If you end up shopping, my advice with regard to navigation is to avoid any in-dash option unless it employs a phone mirroring scheme, like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. From what I've seen, the limitations of anything else make them not worth the trouble or expense.
I love Android Auto! My truck uses it instead of a "GPS" and its far more accurate than the built in navigation in my wife's car. What's nice is I can use Waze so I can get directions as well as traffic and nasty weather info.