Sock Puppet
Adventurer
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!
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!
