Opinions on which RBV to buy

[WTF]

I’ve owned several B2s over the years; one of which I kept for 7 years but I had to deploy again and the wife wouldn’t put up with it sitting in the driveway for 15 months again. My 86 served as my DD and my off-road basher quite well and it honestly kept up with Rubicons that were built. I wished I still had it but it had to go since I deployed and my family moved from Hawaii to the main land. Now I have a clean slate and a green light from my wife to work with. I’ve been researching on TRS since at least 2002 and I know there’s plenty of RBVs of all types that are badass and built for all around usage out there. My new whip has to be my DD and my toy at the same time and I’m just partial to the 1st gen body style. I have found plenty of 5th gen FX4s, 3rd gen 4x4s, and a few decent 1st gen trucks out there at a fair price. My B2 was sufficient for all around but I had untold amounts of time and a good stack of money in it over the years. The skills and tools are no issue but throwing money into a truck effectively is. I’ve got a house to pay for and maintain now, too. So, I’ve boiled my options down to this:
1) 1st gen X cab with a complete 4.0 drive train swap/ lift/gears/tires/lockers
2) 3rd gen X cab with lift/ gears/tires /lockers
3) 5th gen FX4 with a couple things done to properly fit 33s + front locker
Anyone’s opinion would be great and buying anything else is not an option; my kids wouldn’t recognize me in anything else but a Ford. They miss going wheeling in the B2 as much as I do. So, how ‘bout it? Which set up do you guys think would serve best as a DD and weekend warrior?

 

[dgndngrngr]

option 1 for the win! those first gens are solid trucks and its something your kids can help you wrench on too! in my opnion they can be built up more than the 5th gens.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I, personally chose an Explorer Sport because 1.) It was two doors and short wheelbase 2.) It had all the goodies already (4.0, 31 spline 8.8") 3.) It was the eaisest to find a 5-speed in... Plus, I need my gear to stay dry in the back...

Out of your choices I'd say the 1st or 3rd gen would be easiest to make into a better wheeler, the 5th gen would be the best DD... If I were you I'd get the 3rd gen... Still has TTB, and will have lower miles/better condition more than likely than a 1st gen...

 

[97BlackBetty]

I would have to vote for the 3rd gen, I love the looks of a 1st, but you get the 4.0 with the stronger drivetrain. Leaves more funds available to do those mods to make it a great dd plus wheeler. Deeper gears, bigger tires, lighter wheels, lockers, body armor...

 

[BlackBII]

Personally, my next rig will be a gen2 Explorer Sport 2 door.

4.0, M5od, BW1354 8.8, Dana35... and it's all setup already from Ford! Just need to lift and lock it.

They have the all the bests of the rbv's world, and are almost as cool as a BII! I think they would be a little better rig, they are just a titch longer and wider than a BII, and you can usually get them for pretty cheap.

 

[97ranger4x4]

My vote goes to the 3rd Gen. You can already get one with a 4.0 4x4. The TTB will give you reasonable road manners but will provide much better off road then the stupid Gen4+ suspension. Also you will be paying less money for one so thats more money to go into lift, lockers, tires and other goodies.

 

[PickupMan04 FX4 L2]

Had both 2nd and 3rd gens, 1 fourth and currently a 5th.. id say 3rd gen you cant beat the last of the ttb's!

 

[alaskan155]

say a gen 3 (can always add the 4th gen frontend to update it) or a gen 1 with all the goodies, including dash swaped from an exploder

 

[Original_Ranger84]

First Gen cause they are sweet in my opinion. But thats me, And I bet you will have more fun fixing one up, Plus it would probably sell for more then you put in it... possibly?

 

[lil red]

gen 1, just do it

 

[Sunk]

3rd Gen ext cab, or a 1st Gen 4 door Explorer.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Avoid the IFS if you wanna wheel.

 

[WTF]

Thanks for all the replys, fellas!! I'm about to commit to buying a '90 model X-cab with a 2.9, A4LD, auto-hub Dana 35 front, 8.8 rear; pics coming soon!