2 door vs 4 door

[swynx]

looking at buying an rbv suv, so iether an explorer or a navajo. it would just be daily driver, eventually it would get the extended radius arm and eb springs (320 ppi) treatment and likely 33's, lsd front/rear. something that drives good in the snow and on the street, comfortable for trips. kind of leaning towards an auto, it would get a big cooler.

i really like the mazda body style, and there pretty rare, but i also like the 1st gen explorers.

had a 1st gen explorer and want another one, but they are rare in a 2 door in these parts. id have more luck finding a navajo if i went 2 door.

how do the wheel base differ offroad?, i know for ice the longer wheel base is ideal. if i ever have kids the 4 door would be ideal. and what about people climbing in the back seat of a 2 door? i dont want the backside of the seat getting torn up from that.

no hardcore offroading just an occasional snow wheeler

seems that 4 door automatic, explorers, under a grand are a dime a dozen around here. seems that navajos are 500$-1000$ more in these parts.

i also for some reason have a set of doors for a navajo for half doors if i went that route.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Longer wheel base is better for climbing, shorter wheelbase is better for tight turning trails. Longer wheel base will ride better and be more stable on the road too.

I think kid seats in the back of a lifted 2dr SUV would be less than ideal.

Adults climbing in the back of a lifted 2dr SUV could be kind of difficult too.

I have heard the Sport's wheelbase is a nice balance of maneuverability and stability for climbing.

Never been around one at all, mom had a 4dr '94 Explorer for a long time though.

 

[Andy D]

4 doors are way better with kids

 

[BLOODBANE]

I have a 4dr, 94 Explorer and it wheels great. It almost matches my short bed Ranger (my Ranger is built to take on tougher trails). I have had my Explorer in some tough spots and it has always pulled through them. The 4drs. do make it a lot easier for the family/friends to be hauled around. Of course my kids are old enough to ride the front seat these days. pic....

These are older pics, but give you an idea where I have taken mine (it even has the dreaded A4LD, stock)

 

[swynx]

seems that having 4 doors would be much more beneficial to me than the shorter wheel base. the a4ld seems to last longer if not beat on and kept cool. i would be fine with doing a rebuild as well. or maybe one of those frankentrannys

 

[DaddysTruck]

I personally think my Mustang is easier to get my child in and out of than an Explorer Sport.