How much and how hard?
- Thread starter gooseboy
- Start date
The BN Guy
Expedition Leader
Welcome to ExPo!
Depends on rig, toys you want, toys you need, where you go, etc. List what you have and what you want to do. That'll give better insight. Additionally do you have any skills like welding that would allow you to possibly build some of your own equipment.
Depends on rig, toys you want, toys you need, where you go, etc. List what you have and what you want to do. That'll give better insight. Additionally do you have any skills like welding that would allow you to possibly build some of your own equipment.
Ehh not really.. Sophomore in high school.. 
Technically as of now i have nothing.. Im still working to get some money..
Pretty much what i want to do is have a dailey driver (even if its an ugly one) that i can go offroading in. I was thinking maybe like a Cherokee, or Tacoma? Not really sure. Like i said im completely new to all of this but i do quite a bit of offroading during hunting season with 4 wheelers.
Technically as of now i have nothing.. Im still working to get some money..
Pretty much what i want to do is have a dailey driver (even if its an ugly one) that i can go offroading in. I was thinking maybe like a Cherokee, or Tacoma? Not really sure. Like i said im completely new to all of this but i do quite a bit of offroading during hunting season with 4 wheelers.
Aside from the cost of acquisition of whatever you choose to drive, and unless already built to some degree for off road use when you buy it, figure tires, winch, and tow points. Good tires, around $600; winch $800 to $1,200 new; tow points probably require some fabrication, but perhaps $100. So, under $2,000 for basic needs. If you can find used parts, then the cost comes down. After that, it is all up to you. Sometimes it is cheaper to find one already built, since off road rigs don't hold value well. Although very popular with the boys, a lift is generally not needed just to go off road. Most capable cars will take 30 or 31 inch tires without lift or suspension changes and will function without gearing changes as well, and if you have a winch, tow points, and patience, you can go just about anywhere with 31 inch tires than the guys with 40 inchers can go. Size makes it easier, but does not make it possible.
IronSmiles
Observer
gooseboy said:Ehh not really.. Sophomore in high school..
Technically as of now i have nothing.. Im still working to get some money..
Pretty much what i want to do is have a dailey driver (even if its an ugly one) that i can go offroading in. I was thinking maybe like a Cherokee, or Tacoma? Not really sure. Like i said im completely new to all of this but i do quite a bit of offroading during hunting season with 4 wheelers.
Well you are starting early, which is good. I would say (and yes I'm being prejudice, haha) A 97+ Cherokee 4x4 would be a good bet. Make sure it has the high pinion Dana 30 front and the Chrysler 8.25 rear axles and not the rear Dana 35 (that has a round bottom to it, while the 8.25 is flat) You should be able to pick one up for a few thousand in pretty good condition overall. The 4x4 ones with the I6 engines are pretty good stock and don't require much modification to really be very formidable offroad vehicles.. Plus due to all the aftermarket support there really is no limit to how much you can build on it. I will say however I do know a lot of toyota guys and those vehicles are pretty tough and well rounded, so either will do you justice. Just keep asking questions, learn everything you can and have fun along the way! :safari-rig:
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
I dunno....Andrew (Hltopper) showed up to the ExTrophy in a $1500 toyota pickup...
Lockers, winch, roll cage, etc are all optional. Solid tow points and good tires are not (IMO). So, find the rig of your choice, add the tow points (may already have them), a good set of tires, and go enjoy it.
Lockers, winch, roll cage, etc are all optional. Solid tow points and good tires are not (IMO). So, find the rig of your choice, add the tow points (may already have them), a good set of tires, and go enjoy it.
outsidr
Adventurer
Hey there, both would be good choices, the Toyota will cost more upfront but will have a tendency to hold its value over a longer period of time. The Cherokee will have more storage, cheaper parts, and more suspension options.
My first off road rig (first vehicle actually) was a red 1993 Jeep Cherokee. It took lots of abuse and was very easy to work on. Welcome to the portal....
Its never too late to start building your first truck :av-7:
My first off road rig (first vehicle actually) was a red 1993 Jeep Cherokee. It took lots of abuse and was very easy to work on. Welcome to the portal....
Its never too late to start building your first truck :av-7:
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
The Cherokee is a good first 4x4. They are inexpensive to purchase and insure, parts are inexpensive and can be bought anywhere. The aftermarket is huge for them so you can modify it as little or as much as you want as your driving skills mature. Easy as dirt to work on too. Great suggestion that goodtimes provided, when just starting out some good recovery points and some good, not necessarily big and expensive, tires will get you a long way. Invest in quality recovery gear like straps, shackles, etc. Don't go cheap on this stuff as it can cause more damage in life and limb than you save.
Jason T.
Jason T.
viatierra
Explorer
16 years old?! What do you need storage for? A six-pack of Mountain Dew and a bag of Doritos? Go get a Jeep Wrangler as old as necessary to fit your budget. My first rig was a bone stock bottom of the line '93 Wrangler. For a daily driver, it would be totally impractical for the responsible adult that I am now. For you... PERFECT!
Pull the top down and go have a great time!
(Plus, chicks dig 'em)
unk03:
Pull the top down and go have a great time!
(Plus, chicks dig 'em)
unk03:
Overland Hadley
on a journey
gooseboy said:
Welcome to Expedition Portal!
What part of the country do you want to travel through in your vehicle?
viatierra said:16 years old?! What do you need storage for? A six-pack of Mountain Dew and a bag of Doritos? Go get a Jeep Wrangler as old as necessary to fit your budget. My first rig was a bone stock bottom of the line '93 Wrangler. For a daily driver, it would be totally impractical for the responsible adult that I am now. For you... PERFECT!
Pull the top down and go have a great time!
(Plus, chicks dig 'em)
I do quite a bit of hunting and fishing and some backpacking every now and then.. I dont know if anyone here is but im also a survival enthusiast and want storage for a good BOV.
Overland Harley like i said im new so im not really sure what i want to travel through but i kinda just want a vehicle that i can drive anywhere.
unk03:
Ursidae69
Traveller
viatierra said:16 years old?! What do you need storage for? A six-pack of Mountain Dew and a bag of Doritos? Go get a Jeep Wrangler as old as necessary to fit your budget. My first rig was a bone stock bottom of the line '93 Wrangler. For a daily driver, it would be totally impractical for the responsible adult that I am now. For you... PERFECT!
Pull the top down and go have a great time!
(Plus, chicks dig 'em)
My first vehicle was a CJ-5, so an early Wrangler would be a great choice and not too expensive. I love seeing younger folks getting into the OHV world and I encourage you to take some Tread Lightly training to go with your new vehicle. Good luck.
Joaquin Suave said:16 years old? I just turned 50. You would think that we had very little in common, the fact is that couldn't be the furthest from the truth...
I was 16 when I bought my first expedition vehicle (my first motorized vehicle to boot), a 109 Landrover. I fixed it up (especially after the Lucis wiring harness caught fire) and a few weeks before my 18th birthday...drove to Central America. I ended spending most of the next 5 years surfing & exploring the most awsome places LOOOOOONG before it was popular a thing to do.
You are at the threshold of being able to do the same thing...Just in a different place & with your own personal goals. I have no clue what those goals are, but here is a few things that I consider important when owning an expedition vehicle. You may have no personal reference to what I'm talking about, but it seems that your not shy about asking...Wa da ya mean????
Here we go...
Buy a full set of tools and don't be afraid to learn how to use them.
Find a local 4x4 shop & get a job there. Take they're abuse and learn.
Don't buy a vehicle that has complicated electrical / electronic systems (ie: electric windows, electric adjust seats, etc.) It would be great to say no ECU...But I afraid that is a whole other issue.
Save your money...Then look for a person that was building the dream RIG...Then got his girlfriend pregnent. (more about this later). There are people out there that come to the realization that the can't afford their dreams & have to turn and burn. Their loss is your gain!
Find the most simple 4x4 that you can sleep in. Learn to sew or talk your mom into making a complete set of "black-out" curtins...So that you can "sunggle-down" anywhere from a parking lot at a mall to off of Mex 1 along the beach in northern baja without being disturbed. make sure you have condoms so that your not the one that has to sell they're adventure rig. You laugh!...Give a girl a place to "get snuggley" and you'd be amazed what happens.
Don't hold any emotional attraction to the vehicle (this is by far the hardest goal). DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLD IT!!!!!!
If you want to REALLY want to be an adventure person...This vehicle will the first of possibly DOZENS of vehicles that you'll own. BUT! The first one is where you'll make the most mistakes...Its cool! we've all been there.
Enough for now.
Two vehicles i'd look at (both purchased with the lowest miles possible)...
Suzuki Samuri's (spelling???) & sidekicks.
early 1997 Dodge 4x4 truck with 12 valve Cummins 6B turbo-diesel ( this will seem HUGE to you! but with an inexpencive shell....OH MAN! What a second home!
As for me...This is my second home.
Damn how the hell did you find money for 5 years of wheeling!?
Hltoppr
El Gringo Spectacular!
I got my first 4wd in high school after I got tired of an old chevelle I had getting stuck in the snow...
I paid $3300 for a 1976 FJ40, which seemed like a lot at the time...
As goodtimes said, the $1500 Toyota Pickup I have is reliable as anything, with $600 in new tires and a bit more for a tune up and fluid change, it's good to go.
Really, what you'll do with your first 4wd is learn how to drive. Yes, you'll get stuck...and learn about recovery....yes, an older rig will break down...and you'll get to learn how to fix it in the field....Those skills are just as important!
I finally was able to buy my first winch when I graduated from college...by that time I knew enough to rarely get into situations that'd leave me stuck and stranded...
Don't think you need all of the "stuff" that goes into many of the rigs here...mine included! An older rig and some army surplus camping gear will let you get out and have some great experiences! Don't worry about building the perfect machine, and don't envy those who have new, fancy rigs. Given time you'll figure out what works for you!
Cheers,
-H- :roost:
I paid $3300 for a 1976 FJ40, which seemed like a lot at the time...
As goodtimes said, the $1500 Toyota Pickup I have is reliable as anything, with $600 in new tires and a bit more for a tune up and fluid change, it's good to go.
Really, what you'll do with your first 4wd is learn how to drive. Yes, you'll get stuck...and learn about recovery....yes, an older rig will break down...and you'll get to learn how to fix it in the field....Those skills are just as important!
I finally was able to buy my first winch when I graduated from college...by that time I knew enough to rarely get into situations that'd leave me stuck and stranded...
Don't think you need all of the "stuff" that goes into many of the rigs here...mine included! An older rig and some army surplus camping gear will let you get out and have some great experiences! Don't worry about building the perfect machine, and don't envy those who have new, fancy rigs. Given time you'll figure out what works for you!
Cheers,
-H- :roost: