Toughest and best all round truck or suv

[Every Miles A Memory]

I'm with the lines of what others have said that if you're main purpose is for fireroads and minor rock crawling, any of the Big 3's fullsize trucks will get you what you want.

4 door crew cabs with a short bed can be built in a million different configurations and have hundreds of aftermarket companies that are making bolt-on's or items to aid in making them yours.

Plus, they have amazing pulling power, great driveability and reasonable fule mileage depending on what you've done to the motors and drivetrain.

Each have their pluses and minuses, so no need in getting into that argument, but I see them all day long for around $15k in great shape with plenty of miles left on them as is.

 

[109 Pretender]

I'd agree w/everyone else in that you didn't provide enough info for us to make an "educated guess" of what the BEST 4x4 vehicle really is or should be... IF we already knew the answer to that Q then we could all just post up what IT was... But, we're all still trying to answer that Q for ourselves - with no real solid leads either...

However, as said, you already have a great vehicle in the Rubi. The trailer mentioned would be a truly great compliment and would save you time/money over a new build.

The full size argument satisfies the HD axle request for sure - but introduces new limitations trailwise due to size and turn-ability.

I like the Scout and old Broncho ideas a lot! Just right size, cheap, can be built on a budget to an extreme HD level, etc. BUT, they are old and some parts may be troublesome to get - if not today, then maybe next week or near future.

This is gonna hurt a little... YOU need to let go of the 35" tire idea. That's what's getting you in a corner here w/the need for a beefier drivetrain. Stay w/33" tires and the world is your oyster - stick w/35" and you're looking at a BIG rig - but that may be what you want anyway.

 

[Mr. D]

when will the original person repost their answers to some peoples questions?