Help Deciding: Full Size SUV or small/mid-size?

[Sock Puppet]

I posted this over in the Full-size forum as well, but want as much feedback as possible.

So I've been driving myself crazy thinking of a future build. Historically I've added larger tires and mostly left my vehicles stock, and I've been relatively satisfied. That won't be the case with my next purpose-built ride.

I currently own a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4-door long bed, 5-speed with V-8, leveling kit and a few other goodies. I absolutely love it, and it fits most of my needs perfectly (family camping trips with the camper, kid stuff, bicycles, kayaks, etc.) But...it's just too damned long for real off-road fun. I can't help but miss my old '92 Montero. Sure, it was underpowered and had been around the block a few times, but it was loads of fun in the boonies.

I'd like your advise on which way to go. The leading contenders right now are full-size Blazers (older style with solid front axle,) full-size Bronco, Ramcharger, Jeep Cherokee (boxy style,) Trooper, and....? I'll be buying on the cheep, so the full size wagons will be from the 70's to the early 90's, while the mid size units will be 80's to early 90's.

I lean toward the smaller 4-doors because I have 2 kids, but I'm not sold on them. Back in the day I owned a mid-80's Bazer with a diesel, and my folks have had an old Ramcharger around forever. It seems like the Ramcharger was top heavy, but it's been a long time since I've driven one.

What models am I overlooking? Can you guys offer some personal insight into the advantages/disadvantages to the models above and full vs. mid-size? My wife stays home with the kids, and isn't totally wild about my new project idea, so it has to be somewhat on the cheap. I can do most of the work myself, but aftermarket support/parts and junkyard availability is a consideration.

I live in the high desert of New Mexico close to the 4-Corners. This ride will see use in all 4 states, elevations from 4K - 11K feet. I appreciate all feedback!

 

[Metcalf]

depending on how involved you want to get....

1978-79 fullsize bronco? Its only two door but they are pretty dang big inside. You can get a manual part time 4wd one with the np435 transmission, np205 transfer case, high pinion D44 front, and a 9" rear axle.

All the pickup parts carry over so there are TONS of spare parts.

I have always wanted to toss a 4bt cummins in one. I think that would make a GREAT rig. With the cummins you could leave the stock 3.54 gears and push some 35-37" tires pretty easy.

The 73-79 fords also lend themselves very well to fender trimming. You can fit a 35-37 with just trimming and some leveling springs in front.

Wheelbase is about 104". Tuck the rear bumper for a good departure angle. They have a good sized fuel tank stock. Very simple to work on, Very reliable.

 

[winkosmosis]

I can give you input on the XJ. They're CHEAP because most people don't appreciate them at all. In 2008 I managed to get a great condition 1999 for $3500. That's probably true about the Trooper also.

Also, it seems like the only vehicle with more aftermarket support is the Wrangler.

 

[Root Moose]

Short list in order of size (smallest to largest):

- Cherokee (XJ, 1987-2001 - avoid the 1984-1986 ones with the GM V6 engines)
- Grand Cherokee (ZJ, 1993-1998)
- Grand Cherokee (WJ, 1999-2004)
- Grand Wagoneer (FSJ, 1963-1991)

There's also the Commander and the latest Grand Cherokee but I'm guessing they are out of your budget.

In your climate I'm guessing you could find any of these Jeeps in really good condition in spite of age - if you are patient.

XJ is a great Jeep but the rear bench is tight.

Only non-Jeep vehicles I'd consider are Land Cruisers / Lexus:

- FJ60/FJ62 (?? 1980-1990)
- FZJ80/LX450 (?? 1993-1998 - I intentionally left out the 1991-1992 FJ80 with the 3FE engine)
- UZJ100/LX470 (?? 1999 - 200?)

I'm not sure of the exact dates. Check wikipedia.

At your altitude the V8s in the Grands and the Wagoneer would be nice I'd guess.

Full size Bronos and Blazers are cool - I think I'd rather stick with your Dodge at that point (four doors).

$0.02

 

[86cj]

The most cost effective would be a XJ Jeep. I have a LJ and always like to see a nice XJ, the support is awsome...

I wish they still made a 2dr Tahoe, I say the last K-5 Blazer with a staight axle and a TB EFI 350,(one of the best 350's ever) 1987- 1991?.. In NM rust should not be an issue, those years are a sweet spot for the model.

I used to be a Surveyor and we beat those trucks off road all day long, the Bronco had TTB front axle/trans issues and the doors fell off the Ramchargers, but they were the fastest.

 

[Amauri]

Get a Grand Cherokee!! Slightly bigger than the XJ you can get them with a V8 just as cheap!!. Limited models are nice and plush and they will do anything you want them to.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Get a Grand Cherokee!! Slightly bigger than the XJ you can get them with a V8 just as cheap!!. Limited models are nice and plush and they will do anything you want them to.

I was under the impression that modifications (specifically suspension) were considerably more expensive than the XJ. True? My other concern is cost of repairs. I'm somewhat confident I can handle most of the repairs on older XJs, Broncos, Blazers and Ramchargers, but I'm not so sure about the Grand Cherokees. I would really be interested in feedback on this.

 

[Root Moose]

Not really. If you compare junk to the high end stuff you can find all kinds of monetary differences.

Good quality parts cost money. A lot of it depends on what you are doing to you Jeep. FWIW, I have ~$2k in suspension into my XJ. If I was to do the same with a Grand it would cost roughly the same +/-$500.

That said, you don't need to spend $2k on a suspension for either Jeep. Define your goals before shopping. A budget boost and 31s is plenty of suspension for an overlanding vehicle. From there you look at drop brackets and/or long arms.

Grand Cherokee is just a bigger XJ with a swoopy body. There is nothing high tech about these machines (relative a XJ).

 

[LilKJ]

Diesel Liberty!!!

Just sayin...:ylsmoke:

 

[davis38]

Before I decided to sell my Grand Cherokee, I was seriously considering making it into a more capable machine. Compared to my GF's XJ, the Grand was much more spacious, from the driver's seat to the cargo area. Power was plentiful with 5.2 V8, and it seemed to lend itself well to exploring. However, it does seem suspension systems are a bit more expensive, but I think that is in part due to demand. Seems more guys are using XJs and overlooking the ZJs. ZJs use the full time 4wd, while they still have a two speed transfer case. I'd say keep the Grand Cherokee on your list for sure!

 

[getlost4x4]

i just picked up a 1978 wagoneer for $500.

they come with

401 V8 or 360 V8
D44 front and back (1980's and up have a Model 20 out back)
Leaf springs
Not to big
lots of easy upgrades for them as well.

i also have a 2006 Jeep commander. its a little more expensive to purchase. but they do work pretty well with simple suspension upgrades. Unfortunately there are not to many parts out there. I have a custom built front bumper with a winch, rocker armor, diff guards, upgrade springs (OME HD springs) Bilstien Shocks. Commanders are very comfortable and capable once they are upgraded. Just don't think you will make a rockcrawler out of one.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Thanks again for all of the input!

I'll have to spend a little more time researching the Grand Cherokee. Sadly, the Commander and Liberty diesel are out of my price range. Unless I can talk the wife into using it for her daily driver, I'm going to have to pass; (I have a company car, or I'd use it for my daily driver.)

getlost4X4: Thanks for reminding me of the older Wagoneers. They don't pop up that often, but it would solve the 4-door issue without getting into Suburban land.