Renegade_Medic
Observer
Howdy,
I am new to the site and overland adventuring in general. I am not to to the 4x4 world and have had a few 4x4s in my life. I am looking for some advice, and hopefully a comparison between the two vehicles.
I most recently had a 77 CJ5 that was a great toy, but it had no top/doors and the V8 was loud (my fault, long tube headers and Flowmasters, fenderwell exit). In the end, as my wife and I's interest changed more to camping and maybe some more long distance travel, we had to let our Jeep go. It wasn't easy. I dumped a lot of money into it and it was an absolute blast.
Now, I am looking to go on an overland trip next summer through the southwest, starting in Texas and I would like to go towards Moab or Arches NP, it's been my dream since I was little. I have been looking and comparing multiple vehicles for this, I have considered a large number and through some total nerd pro/con charts, I have narrowed my search down to either a 3rd generation 4Runner and a Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).
I have had several Jeeps, and I'm not a huge fan of Chrysler's quality in general, but aside from a Blend Door actuator failure on the WJs, the V8 and 5 speed seem to be a pretty good setup. Aftermarket support is so-so (spoiled on CJs and wranglers). Overall they seem reliable and with solid axles, pretty capable. Local pricing is around $2500-4000 for a decent model.
The Other option, a 3rd generation 4Runner, seems to be a better choice for some reason, even though on paper, the WJ seems better. Availability is much better locally (central Texas) and the aftermarket is much better for this, although expensive. A quick search locally reveals models around 200K miles for around $3000-4500. I know the reputation of the 3.4L is that it will survive until there are only cockroaches roaming the Earth.
Obviously, since this is a Toyota section, I expect there to be some more support for the T4R here. I am looking for some input on both models, hoping to be able to make a decision pretty soon, so I can start getting it all ready and head out and do some Shake-downs on it before heading out next summer. I know very little about Toyota trucks, I have helped a coworker with his late 80s Land cruiser (80 series? its the smaller one) and the wiring was a total pain in the *** because of the rotating ground, not a standard 12v DC system.
What my goal is, is to have a vehicle that I can put 32-33 inch tires on and take over the road as well as some moderate trails/offroad. I doubt I will do much rock crawling with it. I learned my lesson from the 35s on my CJ, that starts to get expensive between the lift and axle upgrades. I may put a RTT on at some point, but that is still up in the air (no pun intended). I would like to put a Winch and front bumper on, possibly a rear for a Swing out spare. Other than that, I would like a ride that is pretty decent and is something I wouldn't mind spending a week or 2 driving. My parents are going with us and they have a mostly stock 2012 JKU sport with 2 inch lift and Rubicon tires. My total budget is around $6500. I have 4500 in hand for a vehicle, so about 2000 in upgrades, maybe more if I can find one cheaper.
Thoughts?
Thanks A lot!
-Roger
I am new to the site and overland adventuring in general. I am not to to the 4x4 world and have had a few 4x4s in my life. I am looking for some advice, and hopefully a comparison between the two vehicles.
I most recently had a 77 CJ5 that was a great toy, but it had no top/doors and the V8 was loud (my fault, long tube headers and Flowmasters, fenderwell exit). In the end, as my wife and I's interest changed more to camping and maybe some more long distance travel, we had to let our Jeep go. It wasn't easy. I dumped a lot of money into it and it was an absolute blast.
Now, I am looking to go on an overland trip next summer through the southwest, starting in Texas and I would like to go towards Moab or Arches NP, it's been my dream since I was little. I have been looking and comparing multiple vehicles for this, I have considered a large number and through some total nerd pro/con charts, I have narrowed my search down to either a 3rd generation 4Runner and a Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).
I have had several Jeeps, and I'm not a huge fan of Chrysler's quality in general, but aside from a Blend Door actuator failure on the WJs, the V8 and 5 speed seem to be a pretty good setup. Aftermarket support is so-so (spoiled on CJs and wranglers). Overall they seem reliable and with solid axles, pretty capable. Local pricing is around $2500-4000 for a decent model.
The Other option, a 3rd generation 4Runner, seems to be a better choice for some reason, even though on paper, the WJ seems better. Availability is much better locally (central Texas) and the aftermarket is much better for this, although expensive. A quick search locally reveals models around 200K miles for around $3000-4500. I know the reputation of the 3.4L is that it will survive until there are only cockroaches roaming the Earth.
Obviously, since this is a Toyota section, I expect there to be some more support for the T4R here. I am looking for some input on both models, hoping to be able to make a decision pretty soon, so I can start getting it all ready and head out and do some Shake-downs on it before heading out next summer. I know very little about Toyota trucks, I have helped a coworker with his late 80s Land cruiser (80 series? its the smaller one) and the wiring was a total pain in the *** because of the rotating ground, not a standard 12v DC system.
What my goal is, is to have a vehicle that I can put 32-33 inch tires on and take over the road as well as some moderate trails/offroad. I doubt I will do much rock crawling with it. I learned my lesson from the 35s on my CJ, that starts to get expensive between the lift and axle upgrades. I may put a RTT on at some point, but that is still up in the air (no pun intended). I would like to put a Winch and front bumper on, possibly a rear for a Swing out spare. Other than that, I would like a ride that is pretty decent and is something I wouldn't mind spending a week or 2 driving. My parents are going with us and they have a mostly stock 2012 JKU sport with 2 inch lift and Rubicon tires. My total budget is around $6500. I have 4500 in hand for a vehicle, so about 2000 in upgrades, maybe more if I can find one cheaper.
Thoughts?
Thanks A lot!
-Roger
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