Best Jeep platform for builing and expo rig on a budget

[scottrist]

Hi everyone, I've been a long time lurker on the site, and finally feel that I am ready to take the plunge into buying vehicle.

Which jeeps do you think would be best. I guess the one an only would be an XJ, but do you have any other ideas for JEEPS. Also how have you built them? Would you feel comfortable living out of them for 3-4 months?

So the magic number right now is below $2500, and I am figuring another 2500 in the next six months in upgrades. I figure that will give me plenty of time to slowly collect good parts for good deals. I am only 24, and work is SSSSLLLLOOOWWW!

Anyways, we will be living out of the vehicle so must have ample space. I grew up running the Rubicon, but this vehicle does not have to be anything extreme. Just mild trails, Baja, forest roads, and Highways.


Have fun coming up with ideas, I know I will!

Thanks,
Scott

 

[WFTW]

Tip #1: Don't do what I did. hahahaha!
Tip #2: Since you'll have a g/f and dog with you, and you'll be living out of the vehicle, I'd suggest staying away from a Wrangler (any model). Might want to look at a used XJ...those things are very capable off-road and have a good bit of space. To make more room, take out the rear seats. You can turn the very back into your sleeping area and the dog can have the area behind the front seats. For storage, make use of the large roof you'll have over your heads.

Enjoy your trip and if you're around any of the WFTW events (taking place all over the country between April and September), try to attend one. www.wheelersforthewounded.org

 

[scottrist]

Thanks a lot guys keep the ideas coming. I am basically going to make a pros and cons list for each vehicle in my price range.

Just remember 2500 for the base!

 

[mountainpete]

Scott,

First welcome to ExPo!

You have 5 threads on the same subject - that's a bit uncool. I've deleted the other 4 and will keep this one since it has the most replies so far.

Pete

 

[troy]

I see you posted in all the major forums on this board. You'll definately get varied responses based on brand preferences, but the best expo rig for your budget woudl be a Jeep XJ in my opinion.

- cheap base vehicle. I'd get the best available condition for your budget.
- huge aftermarket
- mechanical replacement parts are probably the cheapest for any vehicle on the road.
- 4.0, AW4 or most 5spd are are great and reliable combo with decent mileage.
- likely can get it fixed anywhere in the U.S. with parts from the local parts store.
- Can sleep two adults with the rear seat folded down.


I bought an '98 XJ after owning many wranglers, for the wife to drive as a winter vehicle. It was cheap, because it needed a fuel pump ($1,650) and had 150K on it. 3 years later it has 211K and has been one of the best vehicles I've owned. I've built it up with used parts from local jeepers as they upgrade. Even at 211K I wouldn't hesitate to drive cross-country in it.

My quick opinion on what you'll get in responses:

Jeep - most responses will say XJ, YJ and TJ are too small for an extended trip. I did two 3 month stints on the road with my YJ and one with a TJ. Not being able to lock up much stuff can be limiting on the road. I was in my mid twenties. I'm not sure I could do it again. ZJ & WJ are good choices too, but not for your $2,500 budget, and the aftermarket is a lot smaller.

Land Rover - be wary of the cheap land rover, parts costs are much higher and harder to come by than a jeep or toyota. I like these too, but maintenance and parts costs are what keep me from buying.

Toyota - I'm currently shopping for a toyota landcruiser, but I don't think your budget will get you very far. Possibly an older 4-runner or pickup may be a good choice. Landcruisers are very nice, but not one for $2,500.

Congrats on planning the trip. You and your girlfriend will be very intimate after 3-4 months on the road. Once your married with bills, it gets harder to get away for that lenght of time.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Man, for $2500 + $2500 in upgrades a late 1980s or early 1990s mini truck is hard to beat IMO. You can get a pretty decent 1989-1994 Toyota for example and spend $1000 on new BFG A/Ts, a tune up and once over on the front end. That will get you 20 MPG, reliability and darn good capability.

Upgrades would be pretty minimal. Probably all I would consider is a better transfer case cross member for the Toyota (other brands I dunno as much) and belly skid plate and a better rear bumper (with a receiver or recovery points). Maybe sliders for piece of mind. I wouldn't go crazy.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/983121549.html (1988 for $1850)
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/961772563.html (1991 XtraCab for $2100)

Add a camper shell, maybe.

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/962091733.html (fiberglass for $250)

Then get a Hi-Lift, a couple of good straps, a shovel, shackles, a way to carry 10 gallons of water, a couple of Rubbermaid Action Packers, 20 rolls of film and an atlas. Spend the rest on beer, gas, food (in that order) and a National Parks pass.

In the end, it doesn't matter what you get, the experience is the point. Search Craigslist with your $2500 as a firm upper limit and get a Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, whatever seems like it's in good condition and be happy.

Personally my list of candidates that should fit the price bill would be:
1989-1995 Toyota XtraCab pickup
1986-1989 Toyota 4Runner

Other things I would look for (might or might not hit the $2500 mark):
Jeep XJ
Nissan Hardbody
Nissan Pathfinder
Ford Ranger
Ford Explorer
1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner
1995-1999 Toyota Tacoma

 

[scottrist]

Thanks a lot Troy great response. I have definitly noticed that Xj are very cheap. How are they towing? I was thinking of doing a tent trailer off road convertion of about 1200-1500lbs.

I have looked at a few fj60's and they seem to be in my price range just usually more of a project than I am looking for. Usually do to smog issues and i do not want to get into that. I have seen to many wallets emptied trying to smog a vehicle.

 

[troy]

Towing is not a problem with an XJ. I regulary tow a single trailer with a snowmobile or utility-Quad. Most expedition style trailers should not be a problem.

Two quality builds, that are built with expo travel in mind. '97 is when Jeep did the major restyle of the XJ. All XJs are good in my opinion, condition is the most important.

Good example of '97 and newer:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=945

Good example of '96 and older:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16097

More than could ever want to know about XJs:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/

 

[scottrist]

I have thought of the toyota route before. My Rubicon rig was an 84 pickup. Great truck. Currently I am driving a 2wd standard cab with a 22re and love it. A few things I am worried about are comfort in that small cab for long drives, a very weak motor (especially if I wanted to a tow a tent trailer), and IFS.

I have never driven a 2nd gen ex. cab to see about the comfort level, but I might test drive on to see. It is def. not out of the picture, but a little more power sounds really nice. And don't get me started on the 3.0.

Have u towed with a 22re Dave?

 

[ChuckB]

Not trying to sway you away from a jeep, but I bought my FJ60 for $2500 and had it for 4 years. Only replaced the tires (my choice) and the fan belt broke the last month I had it. It was no garage queen as far as cosmetic condition but it got me around. More than enough room for all your stuff.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I have thought of the toyota route before. My Rubicon rig was an 84 pickup. Great truck. Currently I am driving a 2wd standard cab with a 22re and love it. A few things I am worried about are comfort in that small cab for long drives, a very weak motor (especially if I wanted to a tow a tent trailer), and IFS.

I have never driven a 2nd gen ex. cab to see about the comfort level, but I might test drive on to see. It is def. not out of the picture, but a little more power sounds really nice. And don't get me started on the 3.0.

Have u towed with a 22re Dave?

Towing is not going to be much fun with a 22R-E. Weak is not the right word, it's a reliable motor. It's just not powerful, but they'll take a flogging. If you are taking a trailer, yeah a 22R will be slow. FWIW, I would not shy away from a 3.0L if the price is good. They're not a major improvement over the 22R in power, but their reputation is worse than reality. A friend of mine in the Rising Sun has something ridiculous like 275K on his 1989 with just oil changes.

The rest, that's really the crux of the decision, isn't it?

I drive a XtraCab and I think it has plenty of space. I do agree that a regular cab would be tight for 3 months with another person and the 2nd gen XtraCab is an improvement over a regular cab. The 3rd gen XtraCab works well for us (took out the back seats), but naturally at the expense of 120" wheelbase. But for me having a little elbow room is fine and having a pickup is more useful than a wagon. Totally a personal preference, that's for sure.

IFS, much ado about nothing IMVVHO. Did Rubicon this past June in my truck and you know what broke? Rear leafs... :-/ If you want to be sure, add a truss to the rear control arm mounts (I have a Sonoran Steel). Yeah, IFS lacks articulation, but it's just fine for regular duty stuff. I mean, are you building a rock crawler or an exploration truck? If it's a rock crawler, then maybe an IFS doesn't makes sense. If you're doing mild trails with lots of miles between, the stock IFS is a major improvement over the stock solid axle in ride comfort. I had a 1984, any stock 1986+ blows the stock 1985 and older trucks away on pavement and dirt roads. It's all equalized with better springs and shocks, but that's money you don't need to spend on a stock IFS truck. It's all about value in my mind.

 

[scottrist]

Moderator asked me to change the title.

 

[mountainpete]

That would be me. There were 5 posts on the same topic, now down to 2. One here that focuses just on Jeep, another in Fireside that focuses on everything else.

Sorry for the confusion.

Pete

 

[Root Moose]

Are you planning on leaving North America?

If you are, have a real hard look at a Land Cruiser instead of an XJ. FZJ80 or a FJ62 would be my short list. We can get diesel versions of both here in Canada either native or JDM import. I'd consider that as well.

Otherwise I don't think you can go wrong with any Jeep station wagon. I'm partial to XJs, WJs, and FSJs myself.

 

[scottrist]

I have am considering an fj60/62, but all that I have looked at in my price range are far bigger of a project than I am looking for, plus the MPG issue, also they are a bit more rare than most vehicles.