I realize Fords and Chevys are everywhere. I need something a little smaller than a pickup, which is what I believe you are referring to. I plan to tackle some tight trails and moderate rock, so a shorter wheelbase would work better for me, that's why I listed the vehicles I am considering.
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A Tahoe or Yukon (NON-XL) is only a little bigger than a 4runner and they all have V8's. Cost can be as low as half of that of a comparable year 4runner.
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RE: Xterra, one nice thing about them is they were always available with manual transmissions, whereas Toyota dropped the MT in the 4runner after the 2000 model year.
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3rd gen 4runner: Nice capable platform but engine power is marginal especially once you start adding armor and big tires, and fuel range is abysmal ( ~ 200 miles or less for a built-up rig with armor on big tires.) That's one of the reasons you see so many built up 4runner with multiple fuel cans.
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Montero and Trooper are good if you're OK with an "orphan" vehicle (i.e. little or no dealer or aftermarket support.)
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Don't overlook 2nd gen Explorers, they can be acquired dirt cheap and built up nicely. Also available with a manual trans if you want, and V8s were available too (though I'm pretty sure you could not have both.)
. As stated above that Napa is a tiny Napa.
