Replacing the ol' MJ... ideas?

[Lawn Cher']

Although it has served me very well in the 2 years that I've owned it, I've grown tired of the uncomfortable ride and tight quarters in my '87 MJ longbed 4.0 4x4 w/ 3" Skyjacker lift on 31" Dunlops... this is mostly due to the vinyl bench seat, manual transmission & lack of A/C.

In addition to having to pull my XJ, the MJ struggles to tow my new boat. So, I've come to the conclusion that I would like a larger tow vehicle as a daily driver. I'm thinking either a 2-door Tahoe/Yukon or Suburban, 4x4 w/ turbo diesel and automatic transmission, '95-'99 model years.

I like the smaller size of the 2-door Tahoe/Yukon, but Suburbans w/ the TD seem easier to find. The diesel Sub has a 3/4 ton drivetrain & suspension that the Tahoe lacks, but either one would be a substantial upgrade from my tired MJ.

Anyone else have suggestions? I'm not really interested in another pickup, I need the passenger space of a wagon and the covered cargo area for my dog.

Also, are there any reliability issues with these vehicles that I'm missing?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Eagle]

As much as I hate the word F-O-R-D, there is a reason Ford sells more trucks than the other two of the Big Three.

 

[Dlip]

As much as I hate the word F-O-R-D, there is a reason Ford sells more trucks than the other two of the Big Three.

Yep. They're CHEAP!

 

[Fore Wheeler]

I love my burb, a friend has a Tahoe and it's amazing how you get used to the extra space of the Burb, you can remove the rear seat and fold down the middle and still haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood. If you get a burb, be sure it has the 3rd seat, not only can you carry more people, but it'll be easier to sell later.

Mine has the 350 gas motor, it pulls like there's no tomarrow, and it rides like a big caddy, the 3/4 ton's do ride rougher and I don't think I'd want to deal with that as a dd.

 

[Lawn Cher']

The problem I have with a Ford is that there won't be any diesel Excursions in my price range for several years yet, seeing as how FoMoCo didn't offer a diesel SUV until said behemoth was introduced only a few short years ago.

I think I'm leaning towards a Suburban unless anyone can come up with a good deterrent.

 

[Lawn Cher']

Here's one I like...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=6155&item=2422005612

 

[Eagle]

In the GM camp, I think you'll find that the longer wheelbase of the 'Burb tows a lot easier than the shorter Tahoe version.

 

[woody]

I lived out of a K5 Blazer for a good while in the service...they ain't got a whole lot more room than an XJ.

I saw in the local swapper a 90-something 2 dr Tahoe (like a K5 but with IFS) with the 6.5 TD, but pretty sure they still had the 6 lug 1/2t axles...it 'may' have had a 4L80 but the ad didn't specify

I think you'd get spoiled by the extra room in a Burb /Yukon XL...plus as mentioned above, they tow really well and can be had with the 3/4t stuff.

 

[Safari Ary]

Mark, my pop's has got a '99 Yukon that he has had since May of '00. Bought it with 14k miles on it, now has 125k on it. He commutes from Virginia Beach to DC on a weekly basis. Anyway that truck is a dream to drive and tow with. You can barely feel my 16' skiboat behind it, and the utility trailer might as well not exist. I don't know what your $$ range is, but his is going to be up for sale soon. He's the kind of guy that replaces all belts and hoses the second one of them looks the slightest bit aged, so it's been properly maintained. It's the SLT model, i.e. leather, heated seats, CD, casette, rear air, etc etc. Hit me back channel if you're interested in hearing more. HTH, Peace

Ary

 

[Lawn Cher']

Well gang, thanks for the information... I think I'm gonna go with a K2500 TD Sub', but I gotta sell my MJ first.

 

[macgyvr]

I have heard a few not so good things about the 6.5 turbo diesel, not many but those years 95-99 have injector pump issues (very expensive) and another issue with something in the automatic tranny.

I have towed with the old 79 Bronco several thousand miles and the short wheel base is no fun, I bought a 99 Dakota v8 for a while that had the power but wasn't big enough, just recently I bought a 2000 F150 with the 5.4 v8...man the Ford is going to be a great tow rig for me.

Before you buy a diesel make sure you're going to use it. I wanted a diesel really really bad, but just couldn't justify it for one weekend trip a month 3-4 hours away and 1-2 big road trips a year. My buddy has an f350 w/ 7.3 diesel and he pulls a trailer for work and now has a gooseneck trailer for the jeep...so he's definately getting the use out of his.

I love those diesel expeditions...but you're right, they are still very pricey.

good luck

mac 'staying with a gas motor tow rig...till i can justify diesel' gyvr

 

[Hunter-LynchburgVa]

just remember that the longer the wheel base, for the most part the better it will tow. you could find a nice pre 91 suburban w/ a 350 and 4wd for a pretty good deal. 4wd or non, depending on your preference. they have plenty of room to sleep 2 people in, and decent creature comforts...or just throw some new shocks and xj bucket seats in the mj and be done with it.

Hunter