Better 4x4 project? Vote please.

[Sinfix_15]

Heading out to look at 3 different trucks tomorrow for a offroad project. I want a small sized SUV 4x4 for trail riding.

I've always been a big fan of the old style broncos, k5 blazers and all that, but $ vs $, the desire for them means you get less truck for the money.

Anyways, here's my top 3 options im looking at..... input, suggestions of other trucks welcomed.

In no specific order of interest.

#1 Dodge Raider / Mitsu Montero - 4x4 v6
http://www.sycalik.com/images/dodge_raider.jpg


#2 Suzuki Samurai - 2 door hardtop, 4 cyl 4x4
http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/34035851.jpg
#3 Nissan Pathfinder, 4 door v6, auto 4x4
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/463/2501/1156250204_large.jpg

Thats the 3 im leaning towards right now. any other ideas or suggestions, feel free.

[gsrcivic]

my suggestions on them thrid is the raider u cant go wrong cuz ive seen what they can do on trial rides but if it was me and this is idea u can think about but id buy a jeep thats had the motor messed up and put a cummins motor in it...it can be done and its quiet easy but the jeeps light weight and that deisal motor itll be a beast

[silversol]

Suzuki Samurai! also dont look over a jeep cherokee they can be had for cheap

[-EnVus-]

Bronco is best deal but not for small trails but Samurai, will go any and every where.....Id never consider a Raider, they are such POS that even the Design plans broke.

[Sinfix_15]

Bronco is best deal but not for small trails but Samurai, will go any and every where.....Id never consider a Raider, they are such POS that even the Design plans broke.

Really? i dont know much about them, i really like the way they look, probably the best of any small SUV. Most of the reading i found on them had outstanding reviews on the quality. i also love the Samurai styling, but @ 6'1-2 250 lbs, i dont know how comfy the trail riding will be. The raider has that same boxy style, but is just a little bit bigger.

[-EnVus-]

Really? i dont know much about them, i really like the way they look, probably the best of any small SUV. Most of the reading i found on them had outstanding reviews on the quality. i also love the Samurai styling, but @ 6'1-2 250 lbs, i dont know how comfy the trail riding will be. The raider has that same boxy style, but is just a little bit bigger.

I had a buddy with a samurai he was 265 lbs 6'1 had plenty room. Also the reason the Raider, was junk is all in the engine and transfer case.
Dodge didn't really do to well with Mitsubishi on the designs and reliability just as the new Raider is still Junk but only 10% better lol

[-EnVus-]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr8eEWyKQHM&feature=player_embedded

[msanch24]

holy shit lol

[silversol]

You need to look at a 90s jeep cherokee. cheap to buy cheap to build good reliable power!

[gsrcivic]

You need to look at a 90s jeep cherokee. cheap to buy cheap to build good reliable power!

x2....depending how many people is goin to be w/ u a wrangler or cherokee....swap a cummins in it at itll be a great trail, mudboggin, all around jeep w/ power

[Sinfix_15]

You need to look at a 90s jeep cherokee. cheap to buy cheap to build good reliable power!

I drive a 2001 Jeep Cherokee daily atm, ive had so many problems with this truck it drives me crazy. About 2 weeks after i got it, it blew a head gasket after overheating because the temp gauge wasnt displaying correctly. Took it to the shop and they said one of the multiple temperature relays was bad, the water pump was bad. Said theyre notorious for overheating problems and that the fan and temp relays go out pretty regular. also notorious for unexplainable computer problems like the lights just randomly turning on when the car is parked. Mine sometimes does that, where the interior light or something just comes on for absolutely no reason at all and drains my battery. I had all of these things repaired, upgraded to an aftermarket radiator and new electric fan, even added dual 10" electric fans to the trans cooler and went to a lower thermostat. This truck still runs over temperature unless its on the highway and now it has a lifter tick, which im told is also a pretty standard problem in the jeep world. Can go on youtube and see 50390468239486 jeep owners trying to indentify their lifter tick problem.

Given my terrible experiences with this vehicle, i wouldnt consider another Jeep unless it already had a v8 swap. Even then, im so soured to the idea of a jeep that i dont think i could ever be excited about buying one.

[gsrcivic]

I drive a 2001 Jeep Cherokee daily atm, ive had so many problems with this truck it drives me crazy. About 2 weeks after i got it, it blew a head gasket after overheating because the temp gauge wasnt displaying correctly. Took it to the shop and they said one of the multiple temperature relays was bad, the water pump was bad. Said theyre notorious for overheating problems and that the fan and temp relays go out pretty regular. also notorious for unexplainable computer problems like the lights just randomly turning on when the car is parked. Mine sometimes does that, where the interior light or something just comes on for absolutely no reason at all and drains my battery. I had all of these things repaired, upgraded to an aftermarket radiator and new electric fan, even added dual 10" electric fans to the trans cooler and went to a lower thermostat. This truck still runs over temperature unless its on the highway and now it has a lifter tick, which im told is also a pretty standard problem in the jeep world. Can go on youtube and see 50390468239486 jeep owners trying to indentify their lifter tick problem.

Given my terrible experiences with this vehicle, i wouldnt consider another Jeep unless it already had a v8 swap. Even then, im so soured to the idea of a jeep that i dont think i could ever be excited about buying one.

so u wouldnt own a jeep from ur past w/ the motors understandable but owning one w/ a swap is like saying u wouldnt own a ford f350 with a powerstroke becuz its a ford?? we use alot of jeeps around here for mudboggin and there great we got a couple w/ big block 454 swaps and a few with the cummins diesel swap....but sry bro aint ur opinion its me cuz i know 2 many people that wouldnt own a car/truck/suv becuz of the name of the body and not motor

[Sinfix_15]

so u wouldnt own a jeep from ur past w/ the motors understandable but owning one w/ a swap is like saying u wouldnt own a ford f350 with a powerstroke becuz its a ford?? we use alot of jeeps around here for mudboggin and there great we got a couple w/ big block 454 swaps and a few with the cummins diesel swap....but sry bro aint ur opinion its me cuz i know 2 many people that wouldnt own a car/truck/suv becuz of the name of the body and not motor

i get what ur saying, but the thing is.... if im going to commit to an engine swap, that really broadens the variety of what im willing to look at. Taking the factory drivetrain out of the debate, i would just pick whatever i thought was the best looking, most comfortable, or the right size i was wanting. If im just shopping for a chassis to swap a motor into, a jeep wouldnt be my first choice for styling. The only one i find that attractive is the old CJs with round headlights.

[auxiliary]

What about a first gen 4runner?

[Sinfix_15]

What about a first gen 4runner?

I like 4runners, thinking about that option also. I was going to buy that wrecked 4runner off IA, but someone beat me to it.

[-EnVus-]

I drive a 2001 Jeep Cherokee daily atm, ive had so many problems with this truck it drives me crazy. About 2 weeks after i got it, it blew a head gasket after overheating because the temp gauge wasnt displaying correctly. Took it to the shop and they said one of the multiple temperature relays was bad, the water pump was bad. Said theyre notorious for overheating problems and that the fan and temp relays go out pretty regular. also notorious for unexplainable computer problems like the lights just randomly turning on when the car is parked. Mine sometimes does that, where the interior light or something just comes on for absolutely no reason at all and drains my battery. I had all of these things repaired, upgraded to an aftermarket radiator and new electric fan, even added dual 10" electric fans to the trans cooler and went to a lower thermostat. This truck still runs over temperature unless its on the highway and now it has a lifter tick, which im told is also a pretty standard problem in the jeep world. Can go on youtube and see 50390468239486 jeep owners trying to indentify their lifter tick problem.

Given my terrible experiences with this vehicle, i wouldnt consider another Jeep unless it already had a v8 swap. Even then, im so soured to the idea of a jeep that i dont think i could ever be excited about buying one.

All jeeps past 1994 are junk....My sister has a 96 Cherokee and its nothing but problems from electrical to engine to transmission.

[gsrcivic]

i had a 4runner with a 22re and it had a 6inch lift with 35 mud kings and my cousin had a 87 pickup with a 22re 8 inch lift with 40 tsl ss.....if u get a yota the 22re are stout as shit and great for trail and muddin

[Sinfix_15]

Went with the Nissan Pathfinder, after looking at all 3, the Nissan was in the best condition and the best value. Got a steal of a deal on the Nissan, pretty unbelievable the quality of vehicle i got for the price. The 88 Pathfinder looks better inside and outside than my 2001 Jeep and even runs better. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

[Sinfix_15]

New trail toy, paid $1700 for it. Pretty clean inside and out, everything works. Heat/AC and everything else. pretty decent rims already on it, toyo offroad tires and some other misc stuff like that. Pretty nice toy for such a low price, time to sling some mud.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/Virtutis/pathfinder.jpg?t=1292033996

[BernardYin]

Really? i dont know much about them, i really like the way they look, probably the best of any small SUV. Most of the reading i found on them had outstanding reviews on the quality. i also love the Samurai styling, but @ 6'1-2 250 lbs, i dont know how comfy the trail riding will be. The raider has that same boxy style, but is just a little bit bigger.

Newbie here and Sammy owner with his two cents ...

I'm a little guy and do think a Sammy might be a tad scrunchy for someone over 6ft.
That aside, although NOT an auto expert I did luck into an 86 Tin Top Sammy about a year ago and then followed up with a gnarly accident. What impressed me is and was:
- I didn't die
- The vehicle was salvageable in a way that truly demonstrated to me why many people like to tinker with these cars.

I used to have a Pathfinder but left it at stock. I miss it dearly. My Sammy is now a bit of a "Frankenstein" but runs and looks fine.

B.

p.s. The full story: http://trouthugger.blogspot.com/2010/10/summer-to-fall-off-mountain.html

[03RCode]

If you are building a 4x4 project to use offroad Sami or an 84-85 4Runner is the way to go. The straight front axle will save you alot of headaches as well as perform better in most offroad situations as it will provide articulation you will not see with an IFS. I'd personally look for an 85 4Runner (then again anyone who has ever done much offroading wants one) for the EFI, and straight front axle. I had an 85 Toyota Pickup trail rig a few years back, 3" suspension lift, 3" body lift, lockers front and rear, bobbed the bed 10", 35" TSL's and some other minor stuff. It was beyond capable for a small rig.