Best year, model for hardcore wheeler build?

[Frank The Tank]

Well......... I got the fever, we had our turkey bay wheeling trip. and it was insane

Rick and John were kicking butt, and ricks rig is lifted 13in on 37in IROKS!!!!!!! freaking insane. And I think John is running 32's maybe? but either way it is extremely effective (like a sleeper wheeler)

I have some money saved up....... and my 2004 modifications are almost complet.
Now I want to get a year vehicle with the best possible combination for a hardcore wheeler.

generally I hate manuals, but I would bake a clutch on those hills we took, so
I will be wanting an auto (but it will be swapped for a stouter version) I forget which one swaps easily but there is a trans that does.
4x4 is a must.
4.0
and I'm betting single cab would be best for wheeling
and a short bed, or short step side?

I've heard a lot of controversy on the axles..... and hubs. also the auto and manual? 4x4 engagers
so i want to Start looking for a rough bodied truck year with the best wheeling options I can find.

any input, and heads up on lift-kit availability and other parts would be great.... as I barely plan to keep it street legal, and definantly not dent free.
thank you all for your input.

Frank

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Well anywhere from 83-97 would be best because of the TTB suspension up front. 98+ have torsion bar suspension which cost a load more to lift than 97's and older. I would say 89-97, just because they're a tad bit newer, some come stock with a Dana 35 which can be abused (I'm not entirely sure if 83-88 came with Dana 35s). I would avoid auto hubs and stick with manual hubs. Manual hubs are way more reliable. Maybe not as convenient because you lose the "on the fly" four wheel drive, however, reliability takes the front seat over convenience (at least in my book).

I'm sure others will chime in with more info.

 

[CJREX]

If you're set on an auto you want the C5. No O/D but it's great for offroading. It's basically a C4 that bolts up to Ranger V6 engines and BW1350/1354 t-cases. Plenty stout.

You definitely want the D35 front and will likely want the Explorer 31 spline rear.

Best out of the box would be a '91-'94 Explorer with the M5OD. It already has the good stuff.

Put a C5 in an Explorer Sport and you would have a tuff rig.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

If you're set on an auto you want the C5. No O/D but it's great for offroading. It's basically a C4 that bolts up to Ranger V6 engines and BW1350/1354 t-cases. Plenty stout.

You definitely want the D35 front and will likely want the Explorer 31 spline rear.

Best out of the box would be a '91-'94 Explorer with the M5OD. It already has the good stuff.

Put a C5 in an Explorer Sport and you would have a tuff rig.

I'd add Sport behind Explorer... It has all the goodies (4.0L, D35, 31spl 8.8")... And a good wheelbase, and turning radius, I don't have to do much "hardcore" wheeling because I can usually maneuver around the worst stuff (I like to avoid obstacles, getting stuck is not what I get paid to do)...

 

[scotts90ranger]

'90 to '97 would be optimal, that gives you the D35 and the possibility of the 4.0, I don't know about the auto that followed the A4LD but I believe it's a lot better, probaly live longer. You can upgrade to manual hubs for a minimal amount, so don't bypass a truck because of them... that and manual transfer cases aren't impossible to find, there's at least one more in the junk yard down the street from me, got mine for $120.

so that would probably leave you to '95-97

 

[DragRag]

Why not a V-8 Explorer? No replacement for displacement. Tortion bars up fron though in mine. I like them though.

 

[Frank The Tank]

I'm thinking a 4.0 with a 4wheel low will do fine.....

so? any more opinions?
If I get a rig it must be as narrow as a ranger, and I prefer a truck body. otherwise i'd just hack up somebodies "future" bronco making it into a truck, I hate the extra weight and body of more seats!!!
btw.......... the manual hub conversion is exactly what I'm talking about with suggestions!!!

Frank

 

[Blueranger99]

i would definately go with the reg cab shortbed. the longer truck just makes it easier to get hung up. i dont think you need a v8. with the 4.0 in 4low you have more power than you even need. the d35 is a great axle, i have abused mine plenty and have had no problems. unless you plan on installin lockers i would go with a limited slip rear.

 

[triumphrider-1]

i would definately go with the reg cab shortbed.

I'd go with a regular cab, long bed; then cut the end of the bed down to make it short bed length. Good wheel base, with good approach and departure angles. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jason]

Would I be unpopular if I recommended a late 70's cj7?

 

[rickcdewitt]

you did say hardcore so i'de say any year ranger with some leaves and f-350 axles... if you like to mash you'll be dissapointed by ranger spec parts.

 

[wizkid00104]

SAS swap on a 02-03 FX4 Level 2 with manual tranny and t-case

 

[BlackBII]

94 Explorer Sport. 4.0, M5OD, 8.8 31 spline, Dana 35, 1354 AND you can sleep in the back with your girlfriend, what could better?

 

[c_note]

SAS swap on a 02-03 FX4 Level 2 with manual tranny and t-case

i agree 100%

 

[DRanger024]

Guys I think this is gonna be a budget truck with all the money stuck into the running gear. Frank, I think it sounds exactly like you know what you want... Now go out and find it!