looking for a good off roading suv

[gribly]

I would get a first gen Explorer Sport or a Navajo LX. I have the Navajo LX, and it's a beast stock. It's got all the right stuff for a good wheeler. All it lacks is manual hubs, suspension lift, 33's, lockers, and gears. It's got the right axles, a 4.0 OHV, short wheelbase, that beautiful 2nd gen ranger dash, a factory removable sunroof, and back seats.

Here is mine. It's completely stock minus the 31" tires.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

A 4" superlift isn't hardcore, its just a shitty way to piss away your money, don't ask me how I know.

How do you know??

 

[Jason]

Cherokee's are unibody, which I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot clown pole.
Also, they run V8 engines, not sure if gas is a concern.

I have no real comment on a fullsize Bronco, other than again, v8 engine, and they are wider than cherokee or a b2.

b2's are nice, but if you can't afford one, and like the cherokees, I would suggest looking at an Explorer. The early ones (1990-1994) have a better engine and axles than a b2, and considering they were the best selling SUV for like 15 years, there are a LOT of them around... Which means you can usually find one for dirt cheap.

And then you dont have to go join some silly jeep forums. lol

Please crawl out of the 80's, and realize what unit body really is. The Cherokee is just as rigid and as you could want and has a long history of being a great off-roader.

 

[88_Eddie]

it depends on what you wanna use it for

if you want a beater, i'd go find a jeep cherokee that runs well with a shit interior/exterior.

they're cheap to lift a few inches, you could cut fenders to get more clearance and they can handle a pretty good amount of abuse. the axles are pretty crappy though. but an 8.8 is a great swap for the D35. once you blow up the d30 you could throw a d44 under it.

the np231 t-case is a pretty good case and it has alot of after market stuff for it

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keep in mind that all rests on the fact that the POS engine and tranny dont decide to blow up on you or just plain old stop working.............my dad new a guy that bought one and had it breakdown on him as he was leaving the dealership parking lot

 

[TRanger03]

I've searched everything, explorers, broncos, bIIs, cherokees, grand cherokees, sport tracs, and the only thing I could find in somewhat good condition for a cheap price were cherokees and grand cherokees. I plan to keep it cheap. Small lift, fender trimming if needed to run 33s and thats about it. Just something to run through a few trails, climb some easy hills and ride through shallow pitts. Its nothing fancy and won't be doing anything too hardcore. Its only purpose is to keep my ranger on street.

 

[Boggin]

fullsize bronco with 300 straight six and 5 spd. or a b2

 

[Blackdog455]

Not all Grand Cherokees have V8s. They came with the 4.0 I6 too...

yep, the one i drive has 323,000 miles on it. Never been rebuilt.

 

[gribly]

yep, the one i drive has 323,000 miles on it. Never been rebuilt.

I was once told that if a 4.0 inline six lives through one year in a cold climate, it will last "forever."

 

[Blackdog455]

Never heard that. But it does get as low as the teens in november/december around here...cold but nowhere near as cold as them there places in the middle US of A.

neighbor across the street (tow truck driver) has the same year grand cherokee that i have (4.0 I6) but with only 400,000 miles on it. Still runs pretty dang well.

 

[gribly]

It's because from the dealer, brand new, sometimes the frost plugs would pop out real easy, and they do it easier when the motor is cold. If they don't blow in the first year, they're good to go.