Thanks for the welcome guys. 4x4 junkie I mostly go on trails or old logging roads, I haven't had any real problems with traction or getting stuck but i also haven't really done any hardcore wheeling. I dont dare go in much mud because i dont have enough confidence in my truck. Everyone on the forum seams to have older trucks, I haven't seen any builds with newer models why is this? I dont know what to do, i have thought about trying to find an older model and keep my truck also but dont know what to look for, also debating on a jeep. So whats your opinions guys, new old ranger or jeep? what years/models are good
There are quite a few here with newer-model trucks built up for harder core wheeling, but you are correct that older truck builds tend to be more numerous.
Probably the biggest reason for this is because of the more offroad-friendly and modifiable TTB (Twin-Traction-Beam) suspension the '97 & down trucks have. Like was said, it's much easier (and cheaper) to build this setup into a highly capable 4-wheeler (much like with old solid-axle suspensions).
Then the fact hard offroad use is bound to cause some dents and scrapes... Having an older truck that already has a couple dings and/or less-than-stellar paint, it won't be as much of a concern if you should happen to rub up against a rock or tree (or a mountain lol).
As for the Jeep... About the only thing good I can really say about them is the fact you can pretty much literally go down to the store, buy anything you can think of for it, bolt it on & go. Pretty much everything conceivable is made for it. The Ranger (or anything else in the RBV family) will generally require you to build some things for it yourself (good durable winch bumpers and rock sliders, for example), for which you'll need a good welding setup.
I don't consider this a bad thing however, because you can then design the item to exactly fit your own needs, rather than that of a mass consumer base. You'll get to save bucketloads of money building it yourself (the price of a good bumper/tire carrier setup for a Jeep is likely to send you spiraling into sticker shock), and lastly, you get to brag "I made it myself!"
IMO, I think the RBV's driveline hardware is better than that of the Jeep too (specifically '90-'97 RBVs with the 4.0L V6). Both axles are stronger, the transfer case comes factory with a fixed yoke on the rear, the engines tend to get much better mileage yet have similar power, and so on (just look at how many people are snapping up Explorer 8.8" axles to swap into their Jeeps these days lol).
The only real exception to this would probably be the A4LD automatic trans used in RBVs through '94. The M5OD stickshift is dirt-reliable however, at least as long as it has fluid in it (the factory rubber shift rail plugs sometimes tend to leak a bit on them... an easy fix).
Anyway, hope that helps. I'd try a low-buck approach at first and see how you like it. Get yourself a 3" body lift and crank up the torsion bars a bit which will allow you to fit some 33" mud tires, then throw a couple "lunchbox" lockers in each end (lockers such as the Aussie Locker or Lockright locker that drop in place of your differential's spider gears). These are usually less than $400 (sometimes less than $300).
It's true these lockers will change the truck's behavior somewhat in the snow, but the vast majority of people quickly get used to it and have no further problems with it.
If you have 4.10 gears stock, you shouldn't need to change gears for 33s. If you have 3.73s, this is a borderline case... a gear swap will bring an improvement, but it's likely to be tolerable for the most part. Like suggested, get an external cooler if you have the auto transmission.
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and welcom! I'm really new around here to! it's a great site
