Help me find a 4x4.

I am really picky about my 4x4 vehicles and since I sold my MJ last month I will be looking to pick up another one soon. I only have a few requirements:

1. Must have 2 solid axles

2. Must not be a Chrysler product(no dodges either)(aka for a jeep it needs to be an AMC or earlier or a Full Size Jeep like the wagoneer)

3. Less than $5k

4. Decent aftermarket

I really like the Samurai's but they are starting to get expensive and I prefer the Tin Top over any others. I am almost leaning towards the square body GM trucks because of aftermarket/parts availability. Any more ideas.

Scout 2

Ford. Up until a few years ago (after the IFS trucks of the 80's and 90's), F250 4x4's were solid front axle. Manual hubs were even an option - unlike Dodge and their POS axle-disconnect system...

Brother has a 84 Cherokee with a new 2.5 bought it with a legitimate crate engine in the crate. Engine is in and buttoned, but hasnt fired it off....

He is gonna sell it off. We have been talking and I may end up getting it running and just clean/paint it up real nice first.

There is a creampuff low mileage well cared for Geo Tracker that I have my eye on atm. And a significant amount cheaper than most of the samurais that I see locally. I know samurais and tracker/sidekicks. If I get it I will most likely do a 2in suspension + 2in body lift(even-though I hate body lifts) and 31's or 33's and some trimming. I know with 33's it is only a matter of time till I get tired of breaking front axles. But at 33's with either a sammy or a trackick you need to go to yota's or d44's anyway.

In reply to MrChaos:

Only one solid axle?

...amused that you post a suggestion that doesn't even meet all of your own criteria...

In reply to Ian F:

I know but I know the limits of the sidekicks and when either them or the samurais get above 31's they need to upgrade to yotas anyway. and trackicks are cheap and plentiful unlike the samurais, plus I really want a smaller 4x4. Plus they dont command the price that yota's tend to command and actually have an aftermarket, like a complete bolt in(other than getting the 4 link mounts welded to the axles) sas for $2500 for a dual triangulated 4 link set up. unlike the Kia Sportage's or Isuzu Amigo/honda passport. For $6k I can have a sas'd trackick, including the price of the trackick and axles.

The answer is XJ Cherokee.

Much like i just tried to avoid it, you will find that resistance will become futile.

Swank Force One wrote: The answer is XJ Cherokee. Much like i just tried to avoid it, you will find that resistance will become futile.

Had an MJ. Wasnt the answer.

I'll just leave this here.

Keep in mind, they are tiny. Power windows and locks aren't necessary because you can reach the other door without leaning over.

That said, I love mine and this one is unstoppable so far. It'll be in the family for a long time.

Oh, and those are 33s on factory axles.

In reply to Toyman01:

yes I want a Tin top but for the same price as a sketchy one with issues I can get a mint trackick and since it will be my winter dd I would prefer one without issues.

Well to throw a monkey wrench into my plans I found someone selling 2 GM M1008's for $4200 each. M1008 = Chevy K30 with a Dana 60 front and a 14 bolt rear with a Detroit locker and 4.56's.

What about a full sized blazer from the 73-87 years? Talk about aftermarket. Good ones can often be picked up cheap. Same goes for full-size Bronco. Scout 2 is a great suggestion, but having owned one myself as well as an 800, you tend to pay a very premium price for a pile of rust. You don't really get what you pay for. You have to really want a Scout to justify what you pay for them.

MrChaos wrote: Well to throw a monkey wrench into my plans I found someone selling 2 GM M1008's for $4200 each. M1008 = Chevy K30 with a Dana 60 front and a 14 bolt rear with a Detroit locker and 4.56's.

My only thought to that is... they better be pretty cherry for $4200. But, yes. Awesome trucks.

Not a huge deal, but many of them were 24-volt systems. Plenty of solutions, but it can get pricey. You'll either need to pony up for a 12v conversion, or pull your hair out finding a turn signal bulb when it blows.

In reply to curtis73:

iirc the starter is the only 24v part of the system. the rest is 12v.

I keep going back and forth of what I want. Do I want a small 4x4 or do I want a bullet proof drivetrain.

Obviously you dont care that much about a bullet proof drivetrain if you are trying to talk yourself into trucks that cant take any more than a 31" tire without needing custom drivetrain modifications.

Having said that, you could at least have three of your four criteria if you just bought a Cherokee.

I've had 4 Cherokees and would own another under the right circumstances.