Quote Originally Posted by jcbe34
I used to have a Grand Cherokee with 1-tons, 3 link front, 4 link rear, full 1/4" subframe on 39.5" Iroks.. My only advice to you is to stay away from unibody trucks, like Jeep XJ's and ZJ's. Mine ripped a hole in the unibody at the steering box and it was DONE.

A good truck to start with would be a '86 or earlier Toyota pickup or 4runner. '86 was the last year of the solid axle and the aftermarket support is HUGE for these trucks. Don't be a poser by lifting an IFS truck and putting gay ass brush guards all over it with the spare on the roof, that is considered "rice" in that community. If you want something bigger look for an old Jeep wagoneer, they have decent axles, bulletproof motors and a frame. You can run 37's with a spring over, small lift and some fender cutting.

Go to Pirate4x4.org and do research.. Don't post, just read. There are a lot of people on that site who really know their shit so take what you will and make a decision from there. It is not a cheap hobby though to say the least.
Imo the strength of the XJ unibody is pretty underrated, it's a little thin but what happened to you is pretty damn rare. Cherokees have really been starting to show their potential over the past few years. Couldn't agree more with the Tacoma though, if I were to build a trail rig as a truck that would be my first option.